The 30 Best and Most Flattering Hairstyles for Round Faces

"Voluminous waves, like Drew Barrymore's, balance the attention between the cheeks and jawline on rounder face shapes,” says celebrity hairstylist Kendall Dorsey. “Getting a cut that stops right at or below the shoulders helps to elongate the face, too.”

Whether your hair is curly or straight, this messy top-knot from Zendaya is simple to duplicate. “Adding soft tendrils at the hairline creates face-framing layers and offers dimension," says Dorsey.

Think round faces should always steer clear of bobs? We have a feeling this chic, cropped look will make you think again. "The key is to aim for a length that hits above the shoulder, which will help elongate your face and neck," says James Ruiz, Bumble and Bumble's Bb. live educator. "The deep side part draws attention away from the symmetry of a round face." Plus, thanks to the versatility of this style, you can easily accentuate your favorite features: Soft, face-framing layers will play up your eyes, while long bangs will highlight your cheekbones.

According to Dorsey, center parts are a major yes for round face shapes. Pair the sleek style with full curls like Viola Davis's and you’ve got yourself a look ready for work or play.

Talk about short and sweet: "Adding a longer V-bang will frame the bridge of the nose and cheekbones, which flatters round faces," says Ruiz. "You can also ask your stylist to cut the bangs shorter on one side, which will allow you to create an entirely new look just by switching your part." To style, Ruiz recommends Bb. Curl Defining Cream (for, yes, curly hair), which will add soft, piecey texture, or Bb. Sumoclay (for finer hair), which will create definition and volume—without any greasiness.

The youthful style Queen Latifah is rocking showcases her face shape in the best way. “The half-up, half-down look brings her cheeks front and center and is balanced by the long length and high pony,” Dorsey says.

If you’ve ever pondered one of life’s biggest questions (no, not “What should I do with my life?” but “Should I get bangs?”), consider curtain bangs your answer. First made famous in the ‘60s and ‘70s by actresses like Brigette Bardot and Goldie Hawn, curtain bangs—as the name suggests—are typically parted down the middle and swept to each side, so they perfectly frame your face and eyes, much like a curtain does with a window. “I absolutely love a curtain bang on rounder faces,” says Kevin Murphy session stylist Sarah Lund. “The longest bit of the bang usually grazes the cheekbone, highlighting what is often considered one of the face shape’s best features.”

Even better? "Curtain bangs look amazing with all types of updos—including buns, braids, chignons, and ponytails—and you can even play around with tucking one or both bangs behind the ears," says Lana Kurayeva, celebrity expert colorist and founder of Shear Bliss Salon. "Just make sure to choose an updo that adds height to the crown of the head, which will help draw attention up, and in turn, elongate the face."

Kate Bosworth looks runway-ready with this glamorous style. Here, her loose waves and center part create the illusion of lengthening.

Willing to go to great lengths for an incredibly flattering haircut? Enter the extra long bob (a.k.a. the ELOB). Unlike a traditional bob, which is cut above the shoulders, the front of the ELOB hits just below the collarbone and is slightly shorter in back. "This, combined with a center part and longer layers in the back—which add height—give the face a narrower appearance," says Fae Norris, a hairstylist at Rock Paper Salon in Los Angeles. "Just keep in mind that it looks best with wavy or curly hair."

When there's no time to attempt an updo for a more formal occasion, do like Kelly Clarkson and dramatically part all of your hair to one side. “The deep side part brings the focus to Clarkson's eyes,” says Dorsey.

For a look that's très chic, consider the super stylish French bob. Inspired by the cropped bobs of the roaring 1920s, the French bob is a super-short style with breezy bangs and—most importantly—lots of chunky, piece-y ends that require very little styling. “Opt for a length that hits right at the jawline, which is ideal for rounder faces,” says Lund.

This voluminous look, as demonstrated on Hayden Panettiere, helps to draw attention to the center of the face, keeping the focus on the eyes, lips and nose, says Dorsey.

To get (your hair) in good shape, you want to avoid anything that looks too triangular. "If you have medium-length hair, it'll make your face look even rounder—so make sure to ask your stylist to remove any extra weight or bulk, especially if you have thick hair, if rounder isn't what you're after," says Ruiz, who recommends curling your hair with a straightener, so your waves look long and soft, rather than big and springy.

For a fresh (and more flattering) spin on the classic pixie cut, consider taking your hair to new heights—with a look that's similar to this textured, three-dimensional one from Lupita Nyong'o. "No matter how you style it, the key is to keep your hair shorter on the sides and longer on top, which will help balance out a round face shape," says Lund. Adds Norris: "If you can keep the bangs at an angle or off the face entirely with a side part, that helps draw the eye up, creating an elongating effect."

If your strands are long enough, Dorsey suggests wearing your braid to the side, a la Sarah Hyland, for a little edge and elongation.

While it might seem illogical, rounder hair shapes can flatter rounder faces—as demonstrated by Tracee Ellis Ross. "When it's done right, it can actually hug and frame the face, particularly if you have medium-length, 3a to 4c strands," says Ruiz, who recommends adding curly bangs, which you can try pinning back to one side. "Unlike straight, horizontal bangs, which close off the face, curly bangs open it up, especially if they're cut in a way that allows the forehead to show through the curls," adds Norris.

The slight bump on top of Cameron Diaz's ponytail creates an appealing vertical line, says Gina Rivera, celebrity hairstylist and founder of Phenix Salon Suites.

Did you idolize I Love Rock ‘N Roll-era Joan Jett? Or perhaps you once asked your stylist for a feathery shag inspired by Jane Fonda? If that’s the case, you’ll be wild about the wolf cut—an audacious hybrid of a tousled shag and a modified mullet that’s currently taking TikTok by storm. “It’s a great choice if you have medium-length hair,” says Lund. “The choppy layers create movement around the chin and jawline, which helps soften a round face.”

Jennifer Lawrence proves that pixie cuts and short styles don’t have to lack creativity. Rivera says that lifting the hair along the center line is what keeps this style modern.