Chic & Stylish Short Hairstyles for Round Faces

Hi, I’m Anna! If you’re like me and have a round face, you know that finding the right haircut can make a big difference. In this post, I’m diving into Short Hairstyles for Round Faces—because not every short cut works the same for everyone. Our face shape plays a huge role in how a hairstyle looks on us. For those of us with round faces, it’s all about choosing smart, shape-enhancing cuts that balance our soft features.

Short Hairstyles for Round Faces

Short hairstyles for round faces are all about adding angles, height, and shape to flatter soft features. The right cut can make your face appear slimmer and more defined.

Pixie Cut with Side Bangs

Pixie cuts are a personal fave of mine, especially when my model has a softer, rounder face. There’s something so bold yet flattering about a cut that hugs the head but then lets those side bangs sweep across the cheek. Honestly, side bangs are magic—they break up the roundness like a dream without being harsh. I remember cutting this style on a model right before a summer shoot, and she looked so chic and edgy. The side bangs added a flirty mystery, and the whole team couldn’t stop complimenting her look.
The best part? Styling it is super low effort. A bit of texture spray, a little finger tousle, and done. I’ve found that this cut really opens up the eyes and defines the cheekbones—two big wins. Just don’t overthink it. Keep the bangs piece-y, not stiff. The slightly undone vibe makes it way cooler, trust me.

 

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Asymmetrical Bob

Now this one—ugh, I love it so much. Asymmetrical bobs are that cool-girl haircut that always feels a bit rebellious without going full punk. When I do this style on someone with a round face, I usually keep one side just below the chin and the other tucked shorter. It tricks the eye and adds that diagonal flow that breaks up the circular face shape beautifully. I had this one model who was super hesitant about going short, but when she saw the final result, she literally gasped. And then smiled. And then refused to take it off for weeks.
This cut lives in motion. It’s not supposed to be perfect or stiff. In my opinion, letting it fall naturally with a slight wave or adding a little sea salt spray gives it such character. You want that off-balance charm—it’s what makes this look so dang cool.

Textured Crop Cut

I always say this cut is where edgy meets effortless. The textured crop is perfect for round faces because it adds so much shape up top and around the crown, which lifts the overall silhouette. I once worked this look for a high-fashion shoot, and the model had such a sweet, soft face. By the end, she looked like she belonged on a runway in Paris. No joke. The texture gave her a whole new energy.
The key here is layering—short, choppy ones that give movement and dimension. I love using a bit of matte pomade to rough it up a little. You don’t want it looking too ‘done’. This cut says, “I woke up like this…and yes, I look this good.” It’s short, but not boring. It’s bold, but not too much. And if you ask me, it’s wildly underrated for round-faced beauties.

Layered Lob

Ahh, the lob—classic, right? But add layers and suddenly it’s magic for round faces. I’ve cut so many versions of this, and I still get excited each time. Especially when I rake my fingers through the layers after the blowout and everything falls just right. It’s like sculpting with hair. One of my regular models wears this style year-round and says it’s the only cut that ever made her feel “put together but not overdone.”
I usually keep the length around the collarbone and start layering just under the cheekbone line. It gives that lightness and movement that’s flattering without adding bulk. To be fair, it does take a little effort styling-wise—maybe a quick flat iron wave or blow-dry with a round brush—but the payoff is huge. The shape it gives to a round face? Immaculate.

 

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Side-Parted Sleek Bob

There’s something so sharp and confident about a sleek bob with a deep side part. It’s like instant structure. I’ve used this look for editorial shoots when I need that strong face-framing effect without going too avant-garde. The trick is keeping it super sleek but soft at the ends. No blunt, boxy stuff here—just smooth curves that hug the jawline and glide down one side.
The side part is non-negotiable in my opinion. It adds asymmetry, which is gold for round faces. And with the right shine serum? Whew. Gorgeous. I remember doing this cut on a model who always wore her hair center-parted and long. When we flipped it to the side and did the bob, she didn’t recognize herself—in the best way. It gave her instant cheekbone definition. Just a flat iron, some serum, and you’re runway-ready.

Undercut Pixie

Okay, this one’s bold—but when it works, it really works. I’ve had models come in wanting something dramatic and edgy, and this is the cut I reach for when I want jaws to drop. It’s fierce, fearless, and super flattering if you know how to balance it. I keep the top a little longer and textured while buzzing the sides just enough to create contrast.
What I love is how it changes the vibe entirely. Suddenly, a round face looks more sculpted, more defined. And let me tell you, the confidence boost? Instant. One of my models rocked this at a fashion show and she told me afterward it was the first time she’d ever felt “cool.” Honestly, you just need a bit of styling wax and some attitude to carry it.

Choppy Shag

This style has personality for days. It’s messy in all the right ways. The choppy shag brings in movement, texture, and that carefree energy that somehow slims and lifts a round face without trying too hard. I love doing this cut for shoots where the model needs to look “effortlessly stylish.”
I usually throw in face-framing layers and let the ends do their own thing. It’s not about polish—it’s about vibe. I remember one girl had zero expectations for this look and ended up falling in love with how wild and light her hair felt. I tell people all the time, this cut is better when you let go of perfection. Use a little dry shampoo or texturizing spray and you’re good. It’s meant to move. Let it.

 

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Curly Bob with Volume

This one gets me excited every time. A curly bob full of bounce and volume on a round face? YES. It’s all about embracing the texture and letting it frame the face like a soft cloud of awesome. I once did this on a model with tight curls, and when we shaped them just above the jawline with lifted roots, she looked like a total goddess.
The secret? Don’t shrink the curls down—lift them. I like to diffuse the roots with a volumizing mousse and fluff out the curls a bit after drying. It adds width in the right places and height up top. And curly girls, please don’t fight your curl pattern. Work with it, shape it, and show it off. A good curly bob speaks louder than words.

Short Hair with Curtain Bangs

I have a soft spot for curtain bangs—they just do something special. Paired with a short cut, especially something soft and jaw-length, they work wonders for round faces. They open up the face in the center while giving a little mystery on the sides. One of my go-to models always requests this look for spring shoots, and every single time, it feels fresh.
The flowy center part helps guide the eye downward, which visually lengthens the face. I love styling these with just a little bend using a flat iron. Not too curled, not too flat—just that perfect swoop. And honestly, if you’re new to bangs, this is the safest place to start. They’re forgiving, easy to grow out, and ridiculously flattering.

Tapered Afro

This is one of those styles that’s just powerful. A tapered afro celebrates natural texture while shaping the hair into this gorgeous, sculpted form. I’ve worked this look on editorial shoots and everyday clients, and every time, it’s a statement. For round faces, that upward lift and tighter sides work like a charm.
The best part is how customizable it is. Whether it’s a sharp fade on the sides or something softer, I shape it based on bone structure. Add a little curl cream or butter and let it breathe. One of my models told me wearing this style made her feel “seen.” That stuck with me. It’s more than a haircut—it’s identity, pride, and art all in one.

 

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Styling Tips for Short Hair on Round Faces

When it comes to short hairstyles for round faces, how you style your hair can make all the difference. The goal is to add height, structure, and definition while avoiding anything that makes the face look wider. With the right styling techniques and products, you can enhance your natural features and make your haircut look its best.

Here are some helpful tips:

• Use volumizing sprays or mousse at the roots
  This helps lift your hair at the crown, adding height and elongating the appearance of your face.

• Go for side parts instead of center parts
  A deep side part breaks up the roundness and creates a slimming effect.

• Use lightweight products to avoid weighing hair down
  Heavy products can flatten your style and make your face appear fuller—opt for airy, non-greasy formulas.

• Incorporate texture with waves or curls
  Textured styles like soft waves or tousled curls create movement and balance out round features.

• Trim regularly to keep the shape defined
  Short hairstyles can lose their shape quickly, so regular trims help maintain clean angles and structure.

FAQ

Can round faces pull off very short hair like a pixie cut?

Yes, absolutely! A pixie cut with volume at the crown or side-swept bangs can elongate the face and add definition, making it a great option for round faces.

Should I avoid bangs if I have a round face?

Not necessarily. Side-swept bangs or curtain bangs work well for round faces as they create angles and reduce the appearance of width. Avoid blunt, straight-across bangs as they can make the face look shorter.

Do layers help flatter a round face?

Yes! Layers add texture and movement, which helps break up the fullness of a round face. They can also add height, making your face appear longer.

Which parting is better for round faces—side or center?

Side parts are usually more flattering for round faces. They add asymmetry and draw attention away from the widest parts of the face.