Introduction
Struggling to find the perfect hairstyle that flatters your beautiful round face? You’re not alone. Many women with round faces feel limited in their styling options, often defaulting to the same safe look day after day. But here’s the exciting news: medium-length hair offers incredible versatility for round face shapes, creating the illusion of length while highlighting your best features.
This comprehensive guide promises to transform your hair game with 15 stunning medium hairstyles specifically curated for round faces. Each style strategically adds angles, creates vertical lines, and frames your face in the most flattering way possible. As a professional hairstylist with over a decade of experience specializing in face-shape analysis, I’ve helped hundreds of clients discover their perfect medium-length look.
In this article, you’ll discover expert tips on choosing the right cut for your face shape, learn which styles create the most flattering angles, explore various textures and parting techniques, and get answers to your most pressing questions about styling medium hair for round faces. Get ready to fall in love with your new look!
Table of Contents
Why These Medium Hairstyles Work for Round Faces
Medium hairstyles for round faces offer the perfect balance between manageability and styling versatility. Unlike short cuts that can emphasize roundness or long hair that may overwhelm your features, medium-length styles hit the sweet spot, creating dimension and structure.
Key benefits include:
- Creates vertical lines that elongate the appearance of your face, making it appear slimmer and more oval-shaped
- Offers endless styling versatility from sleek and straight to bouncy waves, allowing you to change your look for any occasion
- Requires minimal maintenance compared to longer styles while still providing enough length for updos and half-up styles
- Works with all hair textures whether you have straight, wavy, curly, or coily hair, medium lengths adapt beautifully
- Frames your face strategically using layers, angles, and bangs to draw attention to your eyes and cheekbones
- Perfect for all ages from teens to mature women, these styles remain timeless and sophisticated
Choosing the Right Medium Hairstyle for Your Round Face
Selecting the perfect medium hairstyle requires understanding which elements flatter round faces and which ones to avoid. The goal is to create the illusion of length and add angles to soften the circular appearance.
Best Features for Round Faces
The most flattering medium hairstyles for round faces incorporate specific design elements. Side-swept or curtain bangs work exceptionally well, as they break up the roundness and create diagonal lines across the forehead. Asymmetrical cuts add visual interest and angles, while layers starting below the chin add movement without adding width. Off-center or deep side parts create the illusion of height and asymmetry, making your face appear longer. Textured ends prevent the blunt, horizontal lines that can emphasize roundness, and face-framing pieces strategically placed around the jawline draw the eye vertically rather than horizontally.
15 Best Medium Hairstyles for Round Faces You’ll Love
#1 Curtain Bangs and a Wavy Hairstyle
Curtain bangs paired with soft, tousled waves create the ultimate face-slimming combination for round faces. The center-parted bangs sweep gracefully to each side, creating diagonal lines that draw the eye inward and elongate your face shape. The shoulder-length waves add movement and texture, preventing the harsh horizontal lines that can emphasize roundness. This effortlessly chic style works beautifully for all hair types, from fine to thick. Style with a curling wand using alternating directions for natural-looking waves, and blow-dry your bangs with a round brush, directing them away from your face for that perfect curtain effect.
#2 Trendsetting Long Wavy Bob with Side Bangs
The long wavy bob, or “lob,” with side-swept bangs is a celebrity favorite for round faces. Hitting just below the collarbone, this length creates a vertical line that naturally elongates. The side-swept bangs break up the roundness of the face asymmetrically, while the gentle waves add dimension without adding width. This versatile cut can be styled sleek for professional settings or tousled for weekend casual vibes. The key is keeping the longest layers past the chin, ensuring the style doesn’t emphasize the widest part of your face. Use a large-barrel curling iron for loose, beachy waves.
#3 Sweet Medium-Length Angled Bob Cut
An angled bob that’s longer in front and shorter in back creates dramatic diagonal lines that beautifully flatter round faces. This structured yet feminine cut adds instant sophistication while visually slimming your face shape. The angle directs attention downward, creating the illusion of length, while the strategic layering adds movement and prevents a heavy, blunt appearance. This style works exceptionally well for straight to slightly wavy hair textures. The beauty of this cut lies in its low-maintenance nature—it often looks polished with just a quick blow-dry and minimal styling products for everyday wear.
#4 Stunning Curly Hair
Medium-length curly hair is absolutely breathtaking on round faces when cut and styled correctly. The key is having layers that start below the chin to create vertical movement rather than horizontal volume. Natural curls add dimension and texture that draw the eye in multiple directions, minimizing the appearance of roundness. Avoid overly short layers on top that create a pyramid shape; instead, ask for long layers that allow curls to cascade gracefully. Use curl-specific products like leave-in conditioner and curl cream, and consider the DevaCut technique, which cuts curls dry to honor their natural pattern.
#5 Beautiful Center Parted Cut
While center parts can be tricky for round faces, they work beautifully when balanced with the right elements. This style features a center part with long, face-framing layers that create an elongating effect. The key is having subtle layers that start at cheekbone level and angle downward, creating a “V” shape that slims the face. Keep the length past the shoulders, and add soft waves or straighten for a sleek look. This sophisticated style exudes confidence and works particularly well for those with symmetrical features. Add a few lighter pieces around the face for extra dimension.
#6 Center Part and Razored Ends
Razored ends add incredible texture and movement to medium hairstyles for round faces. This technique creates feathery, piece-y ends that prevent the blunt, horizontal line of traditional scissors cuts. Combined with a center part and face-framing layers, this style creates vertical lines that flatter round face shapes. The razored texture makes hair appear thicker while removing bulk, and it moves beautifully with every turn of your head. This edgy yet feminine style is perfect for those wanting a modern, low-maintenance cut. Simply apply texturizing spray to damp hair and air-dry for an effortless, lived-in look.
#7 Curled with an Off Center Part
An off-center part creates asymmetry that instantly flatters round faces, and when paired with voluminous curls, the result is stunning. Position your part about two inches from center, then curl hair in alternating directions for a romantic, voluminous look. The asymmetrical parting adds height on one side, elongating your face, while the curls add dimension and movement. This glamorous style is perfect for special occasions but can be adapted for everyday wear with looser waves. Use a medium-barrel curling iron and finish with a light-hold hairspray to maintain the curls throughout the day.
#8 Thin Tresses with Curtain Bangs
Fine-haired beauties with round faces will adore this combination of curtain bangs and strategically placed layers. The curtain bangs create that coveted face-framing effect without overwhelming delicate features, while subtle layers throughout add the illusion of thickness and movement. Keep layers minimal to avoid making fine hair appear thinner, and use a volumizing mousse at the roots before blow-drying. The curtain bangs should be long enough to tuck behind your ears when desired, offering versatility. This cut proves that fine hair can look incredibly full and dimensional when cut correctly for your face shape.
#9 Medium Blonde Balayage with a Center Parting
Strategic color placement can enhance the face-slimming effect of your medium hairstyle. This blonde balayage features lighter pieces concentrated around the face, drawing attention to your features while the darker roots create depth and dimension. The gradual color transition adds vertical lines that elongate, while the center part creates symmetry balanced by face-framing highlights. The medium length hits at the perfect spot—long enough to create vertical lines but manageable for daily styling. Use purple shampoo weekly to maintain the blonde tones and add a hair oil to keep highlighted hair healthy and shiny.
#10 Sassy Mid-Length Hair
This playful, textured cut embodies effortless cool with its choppy layers and piece-y ends. The sassy vibe comes from strategic layering that creates movement throughout, preventing the style from lying flat and emphasizing roundness. The mid-length placement, hitting just at or slightly below the shoulders, creates the perfect canvas for this edgy look. Style with a sea salt spray and scrunch for a beachy texture, or use a flat iron to create piece-y, textured waves. This low-maintenance style is perfect for those who want to look put-together without spending hours on their hair each morning.
#11 Shag with Dark Money Piece
The modern shag gets a fresh update with face-framing money pieces that create striking contrast and dimension. This layered cut features shorter pieces around the crown for volume and longer layers throughout for movement, creating that signature shaggy texture. The dark money pieces—bold chunks of darker color framing the face—add definition and draw attention to your eyes and cheekbones. This trend-forward style works beautifully for round faces because the heavy layering creates angles and the contrasting colors create vertical lines. Style with texturizing products and allow to air-dry for that coveted undone look.
#12 Face-Framing Waves
Soft, romantic waves that concentrate around the face create one of the most universally flattering looks for round faces. These waves are strategically placed to start at cheekbone level, creating curved lines that draw attention to the center of your face while creating the illusion of length. The key is keeping waves loose and natural rather than tight or uniform, which can add unwanted volume at the sides. Use a large-barrel curling iron or wand, curling away from your face for the most flattering effect. This feminine, timeless style works for any occasion from casual to formal.
#13 Deva-Cut Thick Curls
The revolutionary Deva-Cut technique transforms thick, curly hair into a face-flattering masterpiece for round faces. This specialized cutting method shapes curls individually while dry, respecting each curl’s natural pattern and removing bulk without sacrificing curl definition. For round faces, the stylist creates longer layers in front that frame the face while removing weight from the sides, preventing the dreaded “triangle” shape. The result is bouncy, defined curls that elongate rather than widen your face. Maintain with curl-specific products and the “plopping” method to enhance natural curl pattern while reducing frizz for gorgeous, healthy curls.
#14 Dark Rooted Blonde Loose Curls
This stunning color combination of dark roots melting into blonde lengths creates incredible dimension that flatters round faces. The dark roots add depth at the crown, creating height that elongates, while the blonde lengths catch light and create movement. Style with loose, voluminous curls for a glamorous look that’s perfect for those wanting maximum impact. The gradual color transition creates vertical lines that naturally slim the face, while the loose curls add femininity without adding width at the sides. This high-impact style requires regular toning and deep conditioning treatments to keep both color and curls looking their best.
#15 Modern Middle-Parted Shaggy Cut
The contemporary shag has evolved into a universally flattering style that works beautifully for round faces when executed correctly. This version features a middle part balanced with heavy layering throughout, creating texture, movement, and those coveted face-slimming angles. The shag’s signature choppy layers prevent the style from lying flat, adding dimension that draws the eye vertically rather than horizontally. Layers are concentrated from the cheekbones down, creating a “V” shape that naturally elongates. Style with texturizing spray and minimal heat for an effortlessly cool, lived-in look that requires virtually no daily maintenance beyond basic styling.
FAQs About Medium Hairstyles for Round Faces
Will layers make my fine hair look thinner?
When done correctly, layers can actually make fine hair appear thicker by creating movement and dimension. The key for fine hair and round faces is requesting subtle, long layers rather than aggressive, choppy layers. Ask your stylist for “internal layers” that remove bulk without sacrificing the appearance of density at the perimeter. Point-cutting or razor-cutting techniques at the ends create texture without removing too much weight. Avoid layers shorter than chin-length if you have fine hair, as they can create a stringy appearance. Use volumizing products and proper styling techniques to maximize the body your layered cut provides.
Are bangs recommended for round faces?
Certain types of bangs are highly recommended for round faces, while others should be avoided. Side-swept bangs and curtain bangs are excellent choices as they create diagonal lines that break up roundness and draw attention to your eyes. Wispy, piece-y bangs that aren’t too heavy work well, creating softness without adding weight across the forehead. Avoid heavy, blunt, straight-across bangs that end at the eyebrows, as these create a horizontal line that shortens and widens the face. If you want bangs, opt for longer styles that can be swept to the side or parted in the middle and styled away from your face.
How can I add volume without adding width?
The secret to adding volume that flatters round faces is strategic placement. Focus all volumizing efforts at the crown and top of your head, creating height that elongates your face shape. Use a volumizing mousse or root-lifting spray at the roots before blow-drying, then lift hair straight up while drying rather than directing it to the sides. Avoid adding volume at the sides of your head or around your ears, as this creates width. Tease gently at the crown if needed for extra lift, and finish with hairspray to hold the volume in place. Keep the sides relatively smooth and sleek for the most flattering effect.
Conclusion
Your journey to finding the perfect medium hairstyle for your round face starts today! These 15 stunning options prove that round faces have endless flattering possibilities in the medium-length category. From textured shags to elegant waves, structured bobs to natural curls, there’s a style that will make you feel confident and beautiful. Remember, the key elements are creating height at the crown, incorporating face-framing layers, and adding angles that draw the eye vertically rather than horizontally.
Don’t be afraid to book that consultation with a skilled hairstylist who understands face shapes and can customize these looks for your unique features, hair texture, and lifestyle. Bring photos of the styles you love from this guide, and discuss which elements will work best for you. The right medium hairstyle can be absolutely transformative, highlighting your best features and giving you a fresh, confident new look.
Ready to transform your look? Join thousands of women who’ve discovered their most flattering medium hairstyle for round faces! Screenshot your favorite styles from this guide, book your appointment, and prepare to fall in love with your reflection. Share your before-and-after transformation on social media and inspire others to embrace styles that celebrate their unique beauty. Your perfect medium hairstyle is waiting!
