Flattering Bun Hairstyles for Round Faces

Hi there! I’m Anna, and I’m so excited to welcome you to this guide all about Bun Hairstyles for Round Faces. If you’ve ever felt unsure about which bun style suits your face shape best, you’re in the right place. Buns aren’t just an easy go-to hairstyle—they can actually enhance your features beautifully when chosen thoughtfully. The right bun can help frame your face, add a touch of elegance, and even create the illusion of length and balance.

Bun Hairstyles for Round Faces

Bun hairstyles for round faces can beautifully enhance your features by adding height and balance. The right bun style helps elongate the face and creates a more defined look effortlessly.

High Top Knot Bun

 

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Okay, I’m just going to say it—the high top knot is my go-to when I want to give my models that extra boost of height. There’s something about lifting all that hair up that instantly elongates the face. I remember styling this look for one of my shoots on a model with soft round cheeks, and when she saw herself in the mirror, she literally gasped and went, “Woah, is that me?” It adds such a bold, sculpted vibe.

I usually tease the crown just a bit (not too wild!) before pulling the hair up so the bun sits nice and high. Honestly, I don’t make it super perfect—some texture works better, trust me. And those little baby hairs or wispy bits at the nape? I let them be. That’s what makes it effortless and chic. Add big hoops, and boom—you’ve got a model moment.

Sleek Low Bun with Middle Part

This is the bun that screams elegance—super polished, sleek, and always in style. I usually save this one for more editorial or formal looks. One time, I did this on a model wearing a minimalistic satin gown, and oh my god… it was giving total red carpet energy. The middle part really helps in balancing out a rounder face. It frames the forehead just right without exaggerating the width.

I’ll be honest, getting it that sleek takes a bit of product play. I use a tiny dab of smoothing serum and run a fine-tooth comb through the parting a few times. Then I pull everything into a low bun at the nape and secure it tightly—but not too tight. I don’t want to give anyone a headache! A strong middle part plus this low placement = magic. Clean, elegant, and face-slimming without trying too hard.

Messy Textured Bun

This one’s for those days when we don’t want to try too hard, but still want to look like we know what we’re doing—the messy textured bun is that perfect blend of cool and casual. I remember doing this look for an outdoor lifestyle shoot and the wind actually helped more than hurt! It tousled the bun in the best way.

The trick I’ve found is to curl the hair loosely first, then pull it into a soft bun without brushing it out too much. It’s more like guiding the hair, not forcing it. I pull out a few face-framing strands, fluff up the top a little, and let the texture do its thing. Honestly, round faces love this shape—it gives just enough volume on top and softens the cheeks. The messier, the better. Perfection is overrated anyway.

Side Bun with Face-Framing Layers

 

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You know what’s underrated? A romantic side bun. There’s something so effortlessly pretty about it, especially with some soft face-framing layers. I remember styling this on one of my brunette models for a spring bridal shoot—it was giving vintage, garden-goddess vibes. The side bun draws attention downward and sideways, which works wonders for rounder faces.

I always keep the bun low and over one shoulder, with gentle pieces left out in the front. Those layers? They’re key. They create those little shadows that break up the roundness of the cheeks. I usually curl the front bits a touch to add softness, and the bun itself can be neat or loose depending on the vibe. Personally, I prefer a little texture—it feels more lived-in. Add a delicate clip or a few baby’s breath flowers if you’re feeling whimsical. Works every time.

Braided Crown Bun

Okay, real talk—this style looks way more complicated than it actually is, and I love that for us. The braided crown bun is one of those looks that makes people think you spent hours, when it really only takes fifteen minutes (if you know what you’re doing). I’ve done this look on so many models for magazine features, and each time it feels like a fairytale.

I usually start with two simple braids on either side and wrap them over the head like a crown, pinning as I go. Then the rest gets tucked into a low bun. The crown effect lengthens the face while also adding that halo illusion, which is so flattering on a round shape. In my opinion, this style looks best with a few soft flyaways. Perfect is boring, and this style shines with a little softness. Add some pearls or gold pins if you want to dress it up.

Voluminous Low Chignon

Now this one’s all about balance and volume, and oh wow—it works like magic on round faces. I love using this style when I want my model to look sophisticated but still soft. The volume at the back draws the eye downward and elongates the silhouette of the face. It’s giving “old money chic,” if you ask me.

I start by backcombing the crown ever so slightly, then gather the hair at the nape and pin it into a full, loose chignon. I’m not going for structure here—fluff and air are my best friends. Sometimes I even tease the chignon a bit once it’s pinned just to plump it up more. The shape should feel pillowy, not stiff. And the face-framing? Always. Round faces love a little balance in the front. Honestly, this bun never fails to turn heads.

Half-Up Space Buns

 

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Okay, hear me out before you think this one’s too playful—space buns can totally work for round faces if done right. I styled this look on a Gen Z model for a music video and it was the perfect mix of edgy and cute. She had a fuller face and we still pulled it off effortlessly.

Instead of going full twin buns, I do them half-up so the bottom half of the hair stays loose. That way, we still get that lift from the buns without widening the head too much. Plus, having hair down adds that length we’re always after with rounder faces. I don’t go too tight with the buns either—fluffy, slightly undone ones are way more flattering. Add glitter, a little braid leading into the bun, or leave it simple—it all works depending on the vibe. Honestly? It’s just fun. And we need more of that.

Twisted Low Bun with Side Bangs

There’s something about a soft twist and side bangs that just works—and I don’t question it anymore. I once did this style on a model with the sweetest round face and the way the side bangs fell just perfectly… chef’s kiss. It gave her profile so much shape and movement.

I twist sections of the hair loosely toward the nape and gather them into a relaxed low bun. The beauty is in the imperfection here—it shouldn’t look too controlled. The side bangs? They’re key. They add that diagonal line which visually narrows the width of the face. I’ve found this style to be perfect for events where you want something elegant, but not too “done.” Add a soft barrette or just let it be. It’s understated, romantic, and super flattering.

Sock Bun for Added Height

Ah yes, the sock bun! This one takes me back to my early hairstyling days—it was one of the first bun tricks I learned. And guess what? It’s still a total winner. Especially when I need to give a model that illusion of extra height. For round faces, that upward visual really changes the game.

I roll the hair over the sock form and smooth it out as I go, then pin like crazy (hidden pins, of course). The result is a perfectly rounded, polished bun that lifts the entire face. I usually pair it with a strong brow or bold earrings to add more vertical lines. To be fair, it can feel a bit ballerina-ish if too tight, so I sometimes loosen a few bits or leave out some fringe. Either way, it’s a classic for a reason—it just works.

Undone Bun with Curtain Bangs

 

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Now this… this is my favorite combo. The undone bun + curtain bangs is the ultimate low-effort, high-impact style. It’s cool, modern, and ridiculously flattering for round faces. I had one model with soft, full cheeks and once I styled this on her, she looked like she belonged in a fashion editorial.

I keep the bun soft and low—nothing tight. I’ll usually twist and pin the hair loosely, letting pieces fall where they want. The curtain bangs do all the face-framing magic. I love how they part in the middle and curve out slightly—it draws attention inward and creates beautiful shadows along the face. In my opinion, this look is chef’s kiss when paired with dewy skin and some gloss. It’s effortless beauty at its best. And if some strands fall out during the day? Even better.

Styling Tips for Buns on Round Faces

When styling bun hairstyles for round faces, the goal is to create balance and the illusion of length. The right techniques can help slim down the appearance of the face while still keeping the overall look soft and stylish. Here are some simple yet effective tips to keep in mind:

• Use volume at the crown to elongate the face shape
  Adding height on top can visually stretch your face and make it appear longer and slimmer.

• Keep sides sleek to avoid widening the face
  Tucking in the sides neatly or using gel can help prevent the face from looking wider than it is.

• Incorporate soft layers or bangs to break up the roundness
  Wispy bangs or long face-framing pieces can add angles and softness to your bun style.

• Try asymmetry to create a slimming effect
  A slightly off-center bun or side part can make your face appear more oval and less round.

• Use accessories (clips, pins) wisely to draw attention upward
  Placing decorative pins or combs above the bun directs focus toward the top of your head, enhancing a lengthening effect.

FAQ

Can Bun Hairstyles for Round Faces look slimmer?

Yes, the right bun style can make a round face appear slimmer. High buns, buns with volume at the crown, or styles with face-framing layers help elongate the face and create a more balanced look.

Are high buns better than low buns for round faces?

High buns are generally more flattering for round faces because they add height and draw the eye upward, which helps lengthen the appearance of the face.

Should I avoid tight or sleek buns if I have a round face?

Not necessarily. Sleek buns can look great when balanced with soft layers or bangs. Just avoid too much volume on the sides, as it can make the face look wider.

Can I wear a messy bun with a round face?

Absolutely! A messy bun with some loose strands or soft waves can soften the roundness and add dimension to your look.