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Learn which styles will help flatter and elongate a round face
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If you have a round face—meaning the height and width are roughly the same and your cheeks and jawline are rounded—it can sometimes seem hard to find a haircut that will bring out your masculine side. Luckily, we’ve got you covered. We’ve rounded up the very best haircuts for men with round and chubby faces, plus we have tips from professional hair stylists on getting the most out of your new look.

Best Haircuts for Men with Round Faces

The best haircuts for men with round faces include short styles like a crew cut, high and tight, Caesar cut, and messy crop. Longer styles with volume on top can also be flattering, including tousled waves and the quiff, pompadour, and faux hawk.

Section 1 of 5:

Best Hairstyles for Men with Round Faces

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  1. 1
    Crew cut with textured top A crew cut is short on the sides and back, and only slightly longer on top. It’s low-maintenance, appropriate for any occasion, and versatile. Best of all, the longer length on top is perfect for balancing out a round face. [1]
    • Best for: Any hair type
    • Styling tips: This style is fairly wash-and-go, but you can work a little texturizing powder into your hair while it’s dry if you want to add more definition, or use a tiny amount of matte hair cream on your hair while it’s damp to avoid frizz.
  2. 2
    Ivy League The Ivy League cut is short and tapered on the back and sides and a little longer on top. The top is usually worn pushed to one side or brushed up in the front, and it may be slightly textured. This is a great look if you want a low-maintenance option that will flatter a round face.
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  3. 3
    Buzz cut with design Buzz cuts aren’t usually recommended for round faces—they typically emphasize the rounder shape of your head. But if that’s your preferred style, you can help add contrast by having your barber cut an angular design into the sides or back.
    • Best for: Any hair type
    • Styling tips: Ask your barber to leave the hair on top slightly longer than the sides to help balance your face, and get regular touch-ups to keep the design looking fresh.
  4. 4
    High and tight fade A high-and-tight fade is slightly longer on the top and either completely shaved or cut extremely short from about the temples down. This shape can help lengthen a round face, and even though it’s low-maintenance, it looks clean and put-together. [2]
    • Best for: Any hair type, especially thick, coarse, or curly hair
    • Styling tips: Get regular touch-ups (every 2–4 weeks or so) from your barber or stylist to keep your fade looking fresh. If it starts to get overgrown, the added volume on the sides will make your face look rounder.
  5. 5
    Sleek taper fade A taper fade is left slightly longer on the sides—cut short instead of shaved completely—although it may be skin faded near the ears and temple. Pair this with a neat side part, casual middle part, or messy textured on top.
    • Best for: Any hair type
    • Styling tips: Focus your styling on the longer top portion of your hair. For instance, if you’re wearing it messy, spritz on some sea salt spray or sprinkle in a little texturizing powder , or use a matte pomade for hold if you’re wearing it brushed up or to the side.
  6. 6
    Caesar A Caesar cut is a classic low-maintenance option for men with round faces. Salon owner Marius Morf describes this cut as “a shorter bang area with a barber-style lineup.” The hair in front is worn brushed forward, but since it’s cropped short, it doesn’t emphasize the fullness of a round face.
    • Best for: Straight or wavy hair
    • Styling tips: Brush or comb your hair forward and down while you dry it. Add texturizing powder if you want your hair to have a slightly piecey, messy look.
  7. 7
    Thin hard part Part your hair in the center or on one side, then ask your stylist or barber for a “hard part.” They’ll use clippers to cut a line into your part, making it look more defined. The sharp line of your part will create an angular contrast to a rounder face.
    • Best for: Anyone who wears their hair parted.
    • Styling tips: Work a little matte pomade into your hair to emphasize a dapper side part.
  8. 8
    Classic side part with fade Side parts (sometimes called a comb over ) add both height on top and contrasting angles that flatter a round face. When you pair that with a sleek high, mid, or low fade, the result is effortlessly cool and put-together.
    • Best for: Thin to medium hair
    • Styling tips: Part your hair while it’s wet, then use a tiny dab of matte pomade or mousse or a spritz of light-hold hairspray to keep your hair in place without weighing it down.
  9. 9
    Messy, textured crop A textured crop is longer on top and faded or tapered on the sides with messy, choppy layers on top to add volume and texture. The front is usually cut straight across, like a Caesar cut. This look is super trendy right now, and it’s especially well-suited for round faces. [3]
  10. 10
    Textured French crop A French crop is similar to a textured crop, but the front is usually left a little longer. French crops are usually pushed forward in the front, but you can push yours to one side if you find it’s more flattering for your round face. [4]
    • Best for: Straight or wavy hair
    • Styling tips: Try a little styling cream or mousse to help tame frizz.
  11. 11
    Flat top with fade A flat top is the perfect balance for a round face because it adds both height and sharp angles. Keep the sides neatly trimmed in a fade to avoid volume on the sides that will make your face look wider.
    • Best for: Coarse or coily hair
    • Styling tips: Be sure to get your fade touched up regularly to keep it looking neat.
  12. 12
    Textured spikes with fade Spiking your hair is a great way to get added volume on top, especially if your style is a little edgy. Pair it with a fade that gradually transitions from longer to shorter for a look that’s both modern and perfectly flattering for a round or chubby faces. [5]
    • Best for: Thin to medium density hair
    • Styling tips: Work a little gel or hair wax into your hair while it’s damp, then use your fingers to style your hair into spikes.
  13. 13
    Spiky undercut An undercut means that the hair on top of your head is cut to a different length than the hair on the back and sides, with a sharp transition between the two sections. If you wear your hair spiked straight up, this will give you volume only on the top of your head—great for balancing out a round face. [6]
    • Best for: Thin to medium hair
    • Styling tips: Apply gel or hair wax for hold, then pinch or twist your hair into spikes while you blow dry it.
  14. 14
    Front brush up A front brush up is short on the back and sides (you can opt for a high, mid, or low fade if you’d like). The top is slightly longer than the sides, but the very front is left a little longer so it can be styled up and back. This is a great way for getting extra volume on top if you prefer to keep your hair shorter overall.
    • Best for: Any hair type
    • Styling tips: Work a tiny bit of hair wax or clay into the front of your hair if you have trouble getting it to stay brushed up.
  15. 15
    Textured fringe with high fade This trendy, edgy look is a great way to balance out a fuller face. Pair a choppy, textured fringe with a sleek high fade to get a look that’s effortless and put-together at the same time.
    • Best for: Any hair type
    • Styling tips: Use texturizing spray or powder to define the messy texture in your fringe.
  16. 16
    Angular fringe An angled fringe is longer at the top center section of your bangs, then angled in on the sides. This can help add contrast and sharp lines that will help balance out a round face. Try sweeping your fringe over to one side for an asymmetrical look, which will slim chubby cheeks even more. [7]
    • Best for: Hair that’s thick and full on top
    • Styling tips: Use texturizing paste , powder , or spray to create definition for even more visual interest.
  17. 17
    Asymmetrical fringe with undercut An asymmetrical fringe is cut at a diagonal for an edgy, trendy look. The sharp angles of this cut are the perfect complement to a round face, especially when paired with an undercut for more contrast between the longer section and the sides.
    • Best for: Thin to medium hair
    • Styling tips: Use a lightweight mousse or styling cream for hold that won’t weigh down your bangs.
  18. 18
    Side-swept bangs Straight-across fringe can make a round face even fuller, but sweeping your bangs to one side can create angles that will help balance that roundness. Have your stylist add a little texture for a look that’s modern and cool. [8]
    • Best for: Thin to medium hair
    • Styling tips: Use mousse or light hairspray for hold, but avoid heavy products like gel or pomade that will weigh down your fringe or make it look greasy.
  19. 19
    Short waves with taper If your hair is wavy even when it’s short, try a short, wavy crop to add easy-to-manage on top. Paired with a taper, this is a neat, clean look that looks great on a round face.
    • Best for: Naturally wavy hair
    • Styling tips: Work in a little volumizing mousse for definition and lift on top.
  20. 20
    Curly fade If you have naturally curly hair, you’re in luck—all you need to do to balance your round face is to embrace your hair texture. Let your curls grow out on top, but keep the sides and back cut short in a high fade so the volume stays on top. [9]
    • Best for: Anyone with naturally curly hair
    • Styling tips: Use gel , mousse , or cream specifically designed to define curls.
  21. 21
    Curly with undercut Just like a curly fade, pairing your curls with an undercut can be a great way to get volume on top while keeping the sides of your hair cropped close. Have your stylist shape the longer top section to avoid bulk on the sides.
  22. 22
    Asymmetrical cut An asymmetrical cut is noticeably longer on one side than the other—think long sweeping bangs on one side and a close crop on the other. In the hands of a skilled stylist or barber, this look can create the type of angles and balance that perfectly suit a round face.
    • Best for: Thin to medium hair
    • Styling tips: Get regular touch-ups to keep the proportions of this cut balanced.
  23. 23
    Vertical cut To do a vertical cut, your barber or stylist will hold your hair up and make vertical cuts. This creates layers and definition that will add volume on top, which can help draw the eye upward and lengthen round faces.
  24. 24
    Layered mid-length cut If you like to keep your hair a little longer, ask your barber or stylist for mid-length layers. This will help keep most of the volume at your roots and crown, adding height and volume without being bulky on the sides.
    • Best for: Medium to thick hair
    • Styling tips: Work a little mousse or styling cream into your damp hair to help enhance the texture while preventing frizz.
  25. 25
    Curtain bangs with long layers Curtain bangs are center-parted so they frame your face. Master hair stylist Jamie Bushman says that layering your hair so it’s a little shorter around your face “can have a slimming effect that will help minimize any roundness.”
  26. 26
    Textured shag with side-swept bangs A textured shag is a messy mid-length cut with lots of layers. When paired with a side-swept bang, this look can help add angles and definition to a round or chubby face.
  27. 27
    Side-swept waves If your hair has a natural wave, try cutting it shorter on the sides. Leave the top longer, then part it on one side. Your waves will create volume on top, elongating your face, and parting it on the side will help add angles for more contrast.
    • Best for: Naturally wavy hair
    • Styling tips: Apply a small amount of mousse or curl cream while your hair is damp to help define your waves without weighing them down.
  28. 28
    Tousled waves Messy waves can be the perfect way to show off your hair’s natural texture while getting the volume you need to balance a round face. Textured layers will help create definition for your waves, allowing for plenty of lift at your roots. [10]
    • Best for: Naturally wavy hair
    • Styling tips: Scrunch in texturizing spray or mousse for added definition, then let your hair air dry or blow-dry it with a diffuser .
  29. 29
    Wavy undercut A wavy undercut allows you to show off your natural waves by keeping your hair wavy on top. But at the same time, the shorter back and sides characteristic of an undercut are the perfect way to complement a rounder face. [11]
    • Best for: Naturally wavy hair
    • Styling tips: Apply lightweight mousse or curl cream to your hair while it’s damp to add definition and tame frizz. Twist your hair with your fingers to define your waves even more.
  30. 30
    Curled up top If your hair is naturally curly, try a cut that leaves just enough length on top to bring out your curl pattern. Keep the sides and back clipped short so the volume will all be on the top, which will elongate your face.
    • Best for: Naturally curly hair
    • Styling tips: Use a curl-defining cream to enhance your natural texture.
  31. 31
    Brush up with tapered sides The mid-length brush-up is a great way to get added volume on top. Have the sides and back of your hair cut into a neat taper, then leave the top a little longer, preferably with a bit of messy texture so you can wear it brushed straight up.
    • Best for: Medium to thick hair
    • Styling tips: Work in a little styling clay or wax , then use your fingers or a comb to style your hair upward as you blow dry.
  32. 32
    Quiff with taper or fade A quiff is a modern, laid-back look that’s longer on top and faded or tapered on the sides. The hair on top is styled up and back, usually in a sort of windswept, casually messy way. The added height is a great way to balance a round face.
    • Best for: Straight or wavy hair
    • Styling tips: Work in a tiny amount of matte pomade or mousse for hold, then blow-dry your hair up and back.
  33. 33
    Short quiff If a classic quiff seems a little extreme, consider a shorter version. You’ll style your hair the same way, but the end result will be a little more subtle since the hair on top will be shorter. [12]
    • Best for: Straight or wavy hair
    • Styling tips: Just like you would with a regular quiff, apply a small amount of product (like styling clay , pomade , or volumizing mousse ), then blow dry your hair up and back.
  34. 34
    Messy quiff For an even more laid-back version of the quiff, have your barber or stylist scissor-cut the top to create messy texture. This style is effortlessly cool and still has all the volume needed to balance a round face. [13]
    • Best for: Straight or wavy hair
    • Styling tips: Apply a dab of clay or pomade to your hair while it’s damp. Blow-dry it upwards until it’s nearly dry, then use your fingers to create piecey sections. Sea salt spray or texturizing powder can help create more texture.
  35. 35
    Modern pompadour A pompadour is worn short on the sides, while the top is longer and worn brushed up and back. This shape helps naturally elongate a rounder face. Modern pompadours are worn a little looser and more casually than classic pompadours, which were combed neatly into place. [14]
    • Best for: Thick, straight hair
    • Styling tips: Brush your hair up and back while you blow dry it. For a modern look, use matte pomade or hair wax for styling—traditional pomades can create an old-fashioned shiny look.
  36. 36
    Short pompadour If you love the classic, clean look of a pompadour but you’re not sure the length is right for you, try a shorter version. You’ll still wear your hair combed up and back, creating volume that will help balance a round face. [15]
    • Best for: Thick, straight hair
    • Styling tips: Apply matte pomade or styling cream at the roots, then use a round brush to style your hair up and back while you blow dry it.
  37. 37
    Slicked back If you like to wear your hair a little longer, a slicked-back style can be a great option for balancing a round face. The volume on top will elongate your face, while the longer lengths around your face can help rounded cheeks look slimmer.
    • Best for: Thin to medium density, medium to long length
    • Styling tips: Use light-hold products like mousse to keep your hair in place without weighing it down. Style your hair back loosely rather than slicking it back tightly against your head—you might even style your hair up, then back, rather than straight back.
  38. 38
    Slicked-back undercut The slicked-back undercut is edgy but still professional—think Brad Pitt in Fury . The hair on top is left long enough to slick back, but the back and sides are cut shorter (sometimes completely shaved), with a sharp transition between the two sections. [16]
    • Best for: Thin to medium hair
    • Styling tips: Style the top with a little volume to help elongate a rounder face.
  39. 39
    Wolf cut A wolf cut is a type of shaggy cut with lots of layers and movements. Because the hair is a little shorter around the face and longer toward the back, this style can be very flattering on a round face—it’s all about the placement of the layers, so choose a stylist who’s experienced with this type of cut.
    • Best for: Medium to thick density wavy hair
    • Styling tips: Use lightweight mousse or styling cream if you need to tame frizz, but this style looks best worn as natural as possible.
  40. 40
    Shoulder-length waves You don’t have to cut your wavy hair short just to complement a round face. Ask for wavy layers that are a little shorter near your face to avoid adding too much volume that will make your face look wider.
    • Best for: Naturally wavy hair
    • Styling tips: Try applying a small amount of curl cream while your hair is wet to help define your waves.
  41. 41
    Faux hawk with fade Faux hawks mimic the look of a mohawk, but they’re a little more natural-looking and modern. Have your barber or stylist cut your hair into a fade—high and mid fades work best with a faux hawk. Then, wear the top of your hair styled upward, mohawk-style. [17]
    • Best for: Thin to thick straight hair
    • Styling tips: Work a tiny bit of gel , matte pomade , clay , or wax into your hair while it’s damp for hold and texture, then blow dry your hair upward. Use your fingers to separate out sections for a piecey look.
  42. 42
    Modern mohawk fade The mohawk is back—but with a slight twist. Most modern mohawks have a subtle taper or fade, so they transition more gradually from the longer mohawk section to the shorter sides. And because mohawks are worn styled upward, they add height that will elongate and slim a round face. [18]
    • Best for: Straight or wavy hair
    • Styling tips: Use gel , clay , or wax to hold your mohawk in place. For an even edgier look, consider adding bright colors!
  43. 43
    Messy mohawk Adding texture to a mohawk brings this edgy style up to date. The effect is similar to a faux hawk, but with shorter sides and a sharper disconnect between the longer and shorter sections.
    • Best for: Thin to medium density
    • Styling tips: Style this similar to a faux hawk—use gel , clay , matte pomade , or wax to hold your damp hair in place, then blow dry upwards.
  44. 44
    Modern mullet This fun, irreverent style is having a major moment. Modern mullets are a little longer on top and a little shorter in the back, creating a more balanced look that’s almost similar to an overgrown mohawk. The height on top is great for balancing a longer face, while the length in back can help keep the cut from feeling as severe as a fade. [19]
    • Best for: Any hair type
    • Styling tips: Work a tiny bit of wax or pomade into damp hair for a more defined texture, then let it air dry.
  45. 45
    Fade mullet A faded mullet is longer on the top and back and short around the ears. The most popular faded mullet right now is the burst fade, which is faded in a C-shape around the ears. This style is especially great at elongating a round face.
  46. 46
    Locs with undercut If you prefer to wear your natural hair twisted into locs, consider adding an undercut to help balance out a rounder face. This will concentrate the volume on top of your head, while removing bulk from the sides that could make your face look wider.
    • Best for: Coarse or coily hair
    • Styling tips: Try pulling your locs into a ponytail or twisting them into a topknot if you want to change up your look.
  47. 47
    Man bun with undercut Long, straight hair can sometimes make a round face look even fuller. But if you add an undercut and pull the top half of your hair into a topknot, you have an effortlessly cool style that’s about as low-maintenance as it gets. [20]
    • Best for: Any hair type
    • Styling tips: Have your undercut trimmed regularly to avoid too much bulk around the sides of your head.
  48. 48
    Low fade A fade isn’t exactly a haircut—it refers more to where the transition occurs between the longer top and shorter sides and back. With a low fade, that transition happens lower down by your ears. As long as the sides are kept relatively short, a low fade can help direct volume upward to balance a round face. [21]
    • Best for: Cuts like a textured crop, faux hawk, or messy curls
  49. 49
    Mid fade In a mid fade, the transition between the top and sides starts about halfway between your temples and your ears. This is a versatile look, but it may create volume at the sides of your head near your temples, which could make a round face look wider. That said, a good stylist will know how to work the placement to suit your face.
    • Best for: Styles with a lot of volume on top, like a quiff or pompadour
  50. 50
    High fade High fades start transitioning near your temples. This is one of the best fades for round faces because it keeps almost all of the volume on top of your head, creating height that elongates your face. [22]
    • Best for: Side parts, slick backs, crops, high and tight
  51. 51
    Drop fade A drop fade is another good option for round faces because it leaves the hair longer on the top and shorter on the sides. And instead of creating a straight line all the way around your head, a drop fade comes down a little lower in the back, which can elongate your face while also adding visual interest.
    • Best for: Any hair type, especially thick or coarse hair
    • Styling tips: Like any fade, you’ll need to see your barber or stylist every few weeks for touch-ups.
  52. 52
    Beard Beards are a great complement for a round face shape. Facial hair specialist Marlon Rivas recommends “wearing your beard a little tighter in the area where it grows by your ears. Trim the area around your cheekbones down with more of a blend. If your beard is full around your cheeks, it’s going to make your face look even rounder.”
    • Try styling your beard so it comes to a subtle point under your chin—the angles will help make your jawline look more defined.
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Section 2 of 5:

What does a round face look like?

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  1. A round face is roughly equal in width and height. That means that if you measure your face, the width across your cheekbones is about the same as the height from your forehead to your chin. The width of your forehead and jawline will be roughly similar, as well.
    • Round faces typically have soft, rounded jaw lines—not squared or angular. You may have full cheeks, as well.
Section 3 of 5:

Styling Tips for Men with a Round Face

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  1. 1
    Look for styles that add height but not width. Ideally, you want a style that’s longer on top and that you can style upwards. This added volume on top will make your face look longer, balancing your fuller cheeks and rounded jawline. [23]
    • Tapers and fades are great options for round faces because they keep the sides clipped close, emphasizing the added volume on top.
    • Consider angled or textured styles. These will help contrast the softer features of your face, creating a more balanced look overall.
  2. 2
    Consider cuts that will work with your hair type. Some cuts are better suited to one texture or another. For instance, a quiff may work better for someone with straight hair, while a wolf cut might look best on someone with waves. Talk to your stylist if you’re not sure what cut is best for your hair texture, density, and curl pattern.
  3. 3
    Choose a cut that fits your style (and styling preferences). If you don’t like to spend a lot of time in front of the mirror each day, avoid styles like pompadours or quiffs that need to be styled. Instead, opt for low-maintenance options like a crew cut or textured crop.
    • Think about your own personal style, too. If you prefer an edgy look, you might not feel like yourself with a crew cut or Ivy League, for instance.
    • Try a virtual styling app like FaceApp ( Google Play , AppStore ), YouCam Makeup ( Google Play , AppStore ), or BeautyPlus ( Google Play , AppStore ) to try on hairstyles before you commit to one.
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Section 4 of 5:

What hairstyles should I avoid if I have a round face?

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  1. Avoid very short cuts or flat styles. Styles without much volume on top, like buzz cuts or tight slick-backs, can emphasize the roundness of your face, making it look fuller. Also, try to avoid cuts that create a lot of volume on the sides, which will make your face look fuller.
    • Styles that are an equal length all the way around may also make your face look more round.
    • Professional hair stylist Gina Almona recommends avoiding heavy bangs, which can make your face look rounder.
Section 5 of 5:

FAQs

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  1. 1
    Is long or short hair better for a round face? Typically short hair works best on round faces. This allows the volume to be directed upward, making the face look longer. If you have a chubby face, try an angled haircut with a lot of height like a quiff, faux hawk, or textured crop to help slim your face.
  2. 2
    How can I make my round face look more angular with a hairstyle? Try a style with texture or sharp angles. And don’t underestimate the power of a good beard.
  3. 3
    Can I wear bangs if I have a round face? Yes, but go for a very short fringe (like a Caesar cut) or a side-swept, angled, or asymmetrical fringe. Heavy, straight-across bangs will emphasize fuller cheeks and rounded jawlines.
  4. 4
    Is a round face attractive for males? What’s attractive is subjective—but with that being said, there are plenty of men with round faces who are considered conventionally attractive, including Leonardo diCaprio, The Weeknd, Ed Sheeran, Usher, and Jeremy Renner.
  5. 5
    What fade is best for a round face? High fades are a great option for round faces because they help concentrate all of your hair’s volume on top of your head. This makes your face longer and slimmer.
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