Finding the right hairstyle for a round face can be tricky. The options feel limited, so most guys stick with the same cut for years. And honestly, it makes sense. There’s a lot to consider: your hairline, hair type, and even your lifestyle.
Luckily, we’ve thought it all through. In this guide to the best hairstyles for men with round faces, you’ll get fresh ideas and pro tips to help you pick a look that actually works for you.
Do You Have a Round Face Shape?
Round face shape is characterized by soft angles, equal width and height, and fuller cheeks.
In other words, your face has more curves than edges. The jawline is usually rounded, not sharp, and there’s not a lot of definition between the forehead, cheekbones, and jaw.
- If you’re still unsure, here are a few quick signs you might have a round face:
- Your face is roughly as wide as it is long
- Your cheekbones are the widest part of your face
- You don’t have a prominent jaw or chin
- Your forehead and jawline are curved, not angular
How to Style Your Hair to Flatter a Round Face
A good haircut for a round face will add shape and structure. The goal is to make your face look longer and more defined.
Here’s what a good hairstyle should help you do:
- Add Height on Top: More volume or length up top draws the eye upward and makes your face look longer.
- Create Angles: Sharp edges, fades, and structured parts help balance out the softness of your face.
- Keep the Sides Tight: Tapered or faded sides help slim the face and give it a cleaner silhouette.
How to Choose the Right Hairstyle for You
Face shape is only one factor that you should consider. Your hair type and how much time you can put every morning into making it also play a crucial role. So let’s see how it actually works:
Hair Types
Straight hair is easy to manage and works great with sharp cuts, fades, or slick styles. But it can fall flat without volume.
Wavy hair brings plenty of styling flexibility. You can wear it messy, defined, or brushed back. However, make sure to use a light product to keep the texture in check.
Curly hair has a high volume. But the trick here is to keep the sides clean and let the curls do their thing up top. Also, if you have this hair type, you’ll have to put a lot of effort into good hydration.
In addition, thick or coarse hair will need a strong structure and regular maintenance. Fades and tight sides help control the bulk.
On the other hand, thin or fine hair needs some shape and layering to avoid looking flat. And make sure to avoid anything that exposes too much scalp.
Lifestyle and Maintenance
Ask yourself one thing: How much time do you actually want to spend on your hair?
If you’re not the kind of guy who wants to use a blow dryer, styling cream, and five minutes of mirror time every day, that’s totally fine. Just don’t pick a high-maintenance style.
Best Hairstyles for Men with Round Faces
Below, you’ll find the best hairstyles for round-faced guys, broken down by length, effort, and occasion.
Best Low-Maintenance Hairstyles for Men with Round Faces
Buzz Cut + Tapered Sides
Super short on top, low taper on the sides. The taper stops your head from looking like a perfect circle, while the length up top stays minimal. No product needed.
Ideal for: Gym rats, busy schedules, or guys who don’t own a hairbrush.
Crew Cut
A finger-length top with a tight fade that grows out evenly. Still gives some shape and height without needing constant upkeep.
Bonus: It works for almost every hair type.
Textured French Crop
Forward-styled fringe with messy texture and tight sides. Great for hiding cowlicks or recession lines. Air-dries well and takes little to no styling.
Best Long Hairstyles for Men with Round Faces
Man Bun + Undercut
Shaved or tightly faded sides with long hair tied up top. The undercut slims the face while the bun draws the eye upward.
Shoulder-Length Layered Cut
Loose, natural layers that fall just below the shoulders. It creates movement and flow without adding extra width.
Bro Flow (Collar-Skimming Layers)
Pushed back with a little wave or bend. This one opens the face and adds casual, surfer-style movement.
Plus, it grows out well and doesn’t feel overly “done.”
Best Medium-Length Hairstyles for Men with Round Faces
Modern Pompadour
3-4 inches on top, brushed up and back with a mid-fade on the sides. It adds instant height and sharpness.
Side-Swept Brush-Up
Hair is brushed diagonally across the forehead and styled upward. The sweep breaks symmetry and creates angles.
Textured “Messy” Quiff
Tons of finger-styled texture, loose volume, and shorter back and sides. Adds height without looking stiff or overly styled.
Best Short Hairstyles for Men with Round Faces
High & Tight Fade
Clipped close on the crown with a high skin fade on the sides. Makes the head appear longer and sharper.
Short Pompadour Fade
1-2 inches of lift at the front with faded temples. The fade slims the cheeks while the pomp draws the eye up.
Classic Ivy League
Longer than a crew cut with a soft side part. Balanced, tidy, and subtly elongating.
This haircut looks great with or without product, and is always office-appropriate.
Best Hairstyles for Straight Hair
Slick-Back Undercut
Straight hair slicks back easily for a clean, polished look. The undercut prevents the sides from puffing out and keeps the overall silhouette sharp.
Hard Side Part (Comb-Over Fade)
A razor-defined part and clean fade give structure to naturally flat hair. It adds strong lines to your face and keeps it looking lean.
Textured Spiky Quiff
Short spikes add height and break up the “helmet” look that straight hair can create. Use a matte product to avoid shine and keep things casual.
Best Hairstyles for Wavy Hair
Loose Wavy Quiff
The natural wave gives the quiff more lift and texture without much effort. Pair it with a clean fade and you’ve got a style that’s both laid-back and structured.
Textured Fringe with Low Fade
Let your waves fall forward. This adds visual length to the face and draws attention away from the cheeks.
Side-Swept Medium Crop
Pushed to the side, the waves create diagonal lines that slim the face. It’s casual but calculated, and it grows out nicely too.
Best Hairstyles for Curly Hair
Curly Top + High Fade
Tight curls stacked high on top with a clean skin fade on the sides. It instantly elongates the face and adds edge.
Short Afro Taper
A rounded afro trimmed slightly taller than it is wide, with a tapered finish around the edges. Adds height and structure without sacrificing natural texture.
Curly Fringe Undercut
Let the curls fall forward in a fringe while the undercut keeps the sides clean. It draws the eye downward, which gives length to the face.
Best Hairstyles for Thin/Fine Hair
Buzz-to-Crew Fade
Going super short makes it look intentional, not patchy. A tight fade blends out any thin spots and keeps the style clean.
Textured Crop with Point-Cut Ends
Choppy ends and uneven texture help create the illusion of thickness. A fringe can also help disguise a thinning hairline.
Short Brush-Up with Matte Powder
A short, spiked brush-up with volume-building powder gives instant lift without weighing things down.
Best Hairstyles for Thick Hair
Disconnected Undercut
Shaved or clipped sides with heavy volume on top. The contrast removes bulk from the cheeks and gives your hair structure.
High-Volume Pompadour
Blow-dried tall with the sides scissor-thinned for control. All that lift adds verticality, which helps stretch out the roundness.
Layered Medium Mop
A layered mid-length style that removes weight and adds movement. Keeps thick hair from looking blocky while still showing off the texture.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re dealing with thick curls, fine straight hair, or just want something low-maintenance, the right cut can completely change the way your face looks and feels.
If you’re looking for a hair salon in Ridgewood, come see us at Artists and Architects Salon. Book your appointment today and let’s find your next go-to look.
