20 Stylish Haircuts for Round Faces Men
When you have a round face shape, it often follows that you’d also have a wide hairline, full cheekbones, and soft jawline angles, making you look young, vibrant, and friendly-looking.
Yet, there are times you’d want a haircut to make you look mature and appear sharper in formal and casual events, just like what Leonardo DiCaprio is sporting in the image below.
You can achieve this fresh-looking and I-mean-business round-face-shape-friendly look by adding volume, texture, and dimension to elongate and create more angles on round-face shapes through different hairstyles.
To know what these easy and helpful haircuts for round faces are, we prepared this article to help you and your barber achieve your desired look.
20 Haircuts for Round Faces for Men in 2023
First of all, a round face shape is one of the acknowledged facial shapes, along with diamond, rectangular, heart, square, and oval shapes.
Among these shapes, the round one is attributed to youthfulness, making it tricky to style as there needs to be a balance between youth and maturity, as seen in more edgy styles.
Before we dive deep into the different haircuts for round faces, we want to set things straight and answer the question: how can you tell if you have a round face shape?
It’s simple! You know you have a round-shaped face when you can observe the following facial features:
- Wide hairline
- Full and wide cheekbones
- Soft jaw angles
Now that you know your face shape’s visual characteristics, here are the 20 best haircuts for round faces that you’ll surely enjoy!
1) Drop Fade Haircut
First in line for these haircuts for men is the drop fade haircut, known for its gradual scoop at the back.
The gradual scoop of a drop fade starts by having a high and tight fade in the front side area, and it steadily scoops down in a mid fade to low fade at the back, forming a U-shape.
Having a drop fade is a good styling move and the best haircut that flatters your face shape and creates visual dimensions and angles to help balance out the roundness of your appearance.
Here are a few well-known personalities who have sported the drop fade haircut:
- Neymar da Silva Santos, Jr.
- Jamie Foxx
- Drake
2) Classic Pompadour Hairstyle
Another best haircut that fits the roundness of your face shape and elevates the stylishness of your overall look is the pompadour. It works for both casual and formal settings.
The pompadour hairstyle started with Madame de Pompadour in the 18th century, when it was used in the court of King Louis XV of France.
After that, it became the hairstyle of choice for most people, particularly in the 20th century. [1]
Aside from the symbolism of royalty that comes with a pompadour style, it was greatly associated with Elvis Presley in the 195os.
Being the King of Rock and Roll, Presley made rounds with his dashing hairstyle, skyrocketing the pompadour’s popularity, making it a style almost everybody wanted. [2]
This hairstyle is characterized by long hair in the front and styled with a comb-over technique to make it look like you have big wavy hair, which visually pulls your face upward.
REMEMBER: A long-enough beard and mustache (facial hair) help you peripherally re-shape your face.
3) Curtain Hairstyle
Moving forward on this list of medium-length hair for men with round-shaped faces means presenting the curtain hairstyle.
Although nowadays, this hairstyle has significantly been associated with Gen Z; it has its roots in the pre-1900s as it was explicitly established in the late Victorian Manchester and Sal-ford among men from the working class.
Specifically, gangs of Scuttlers and Peaky Blinders from those neighborhoods made the curtain hairstyle for round faces a popular style for men. [3]
A curtain haircut for round faces contains the following hair characteristics:
- Short hair, preferably ear-length
- Middle-parted
- Eyebrow-length bangs
This is one of the modern hairstyles that makes a round face shape look slimmer because it limits the visibility of a wide hairline and adds volume through the fringes.
As it narrows the hairline, it becomes the third or fourth thing that people can notice from you, compared to when you don’t have the curtain haircut, where people instantly see the wideness and the roundness of your face.
PRO TIP: You can use a heavy-duty hair wax or pomade to keep the hair in a curtain style throughout the day.
4) Buzz Cut
Men with round faces can also sport a buzz cut provided the area near the hairline is shaved, giving you a masculine round face and more angular features.
Moreover, a buzz cut is achieved by cutting short hair evenly from the front to the back parts. It also has shaved sides which can be tapered or faded for a cleaner, more mature look.
This flattering haircut made it to the top after the 19th century, when the Serbian inventor Nikola Bizumić first produced the manual hair clippers. [4]
Years after that, the hairstyle is still relevant and has been making rounds across the world because the following prominent celebrities have used it throughout the years:
- Brad Pitt
- Jaden Smith
- John Legend
Not just that, women with round faces can use this too, as seen in the previous hairstyle of Britney Spears and Cara Delevingne, among others.
5) Faux Hawk Style
You can bank on the faux hawk style paired with a cool gentleman beard if you want your round face hidden through a sharp-looking edgy haircut.
The faux hawk, included in the haircuts for round faces, is created by having longer midline hair with tapered sides which helps give texture and dimension to round face shapes.
Meanwhile, the trimmed beard elongates your rounded jawline. Aside from that, well-trimmed beards make the jaw seem sharp and chiseled. With this, you get to look mature and ready for business.
Moreover, some famous personalities have graced the faux hawk hairstyle, like David Beckham, Zayn Malik, and even Miley Cyrus, which made this one a sought-after styling option for both men and women.
PRO TIP: You can get a well-shaped thick beard that matches your best hairstyle for round faces by using the Philips Norelco Multigroomer All-in-One hair trimmer.
6) Long French Crop
Aside from looking mature and fashionable, a long French crop can get the job done if you want low-maintenance haircuts for men with round faces to elevate your layering game.
The French crop hairstyle can be traced back to 50 BC with Julius Caesar, a politician known for being the last dictator of the Roman Republic, sporting this look minus the shaved sides. [5] [6]
Moreover, the cropped bangs make this French crop a slimming haircut for men with round faces as it visually cuts off half of the forehead to create an illusion of a narrow hairline.
7) Short Classic Fade
A list of haircuts for round faces is incomplete without the classic fade and quiff combination.
The classic fade for this one is low, starting near the end of the hairline and not going all the way through the back. Yet, it is enough to add dimensions to your round face shape even without facial hair (e.g., beard, mustache).
Another striking characteristic of classic hairstyles like this is the addition of a quiff or a mini pompadour, where the hair draws backward in a wave-like form.
PRO TIP: When doing the quiff, always have a round brush ready as it helps smoothen the strands by detangling them and perfectly creates a swooping backward quiff.
8) Man Bun
If you think all you can do to sharpen your round face is let your hair down in volumes, then you might be wrong because men with round faces can also pull off a man bun.
A man bun is one of the haircuts for round faces (men) that can make a round face slimmer because of the tight knot-like bun at the top of the hair.
Putting the man bun on top rather than at the mid-back will pull your round face upwards, creating elongated and defined cheekbones and jawline.
A man bun is also advantageous for round-faced men who need to get work done without hair strands disturbing their vision.
9) Mullet Hairstyle
If you are included in the group of men with round faces who like to recreate trendy K-Pop hairstyles, then a mullet can surely suit your face shape.
As one of the styling options, the mullet hairstyle has been used since 762 BCE by spearmen, as claimed by Homer in his epic poem The Iliad. [7]
Later on, the mullet saw popularity as it was worn by fashion guru Henri Mollet in the 70s and was even the subject of the Beastie Boys in their song Mullet Head. [8]
Moreover, a mullet is one of the messy medium-length haircuts with short hair in the front and crown, long hair at the back, and shaved sides, which can sometimes be styled into an undercut.
What a mullet does to your round face is it creates varying layers (you can also incorporate longer messy bangs) that complement the roundness of your face, giving it structure.
10) Modern Pompadour
Earlier, we had the classic pompadour, which we learned could help slim a round face. Yet, we also have a modern take on the pompadour, which necessitates the inclusion of shaved sides.
With long hair backward-flowing on top and faded or tapered sides, your round face will have natural hair contours that can create more angles and edges.
You can also add a shape-up style on the edges of your pompadour to give your look more dimensions and a slimming effect.
11) Skin Fade
Another thing you can integrate into your haircuts for men with round faces list is the skin fade.
A skin fade is a type of style that is defined by having a high fade that blends downwards to the skin.
However, to make it beneficial for men with round faces, combining it with curly or wavy hair pulled backward in the crown part, a faux hawk or a modern French crop is best.
12) Marine Mohawk Haircut
Suppose you are serving in the Armed Forces. In that case, you’ll surely have haircut regulations, and the best thing about it is that all the different styles of military haircuts are suitable for men with round faces, including the mohawk.
A mohawk differs from a faux hawk because the former has wholly shaved sides compared to the latter’s short hair shavings.
You may also like the Mohawk Haircut Styles & Ideas Anyone Can Rock!
As seen in the image above, the emphasis on the midline hair elongates the features of men with round faces rather than ultimately being on the soft-angled side of the face shape spectrum.
FACT: The standard marine cut is limited to a maximum of two inches for both length and width.
Check the best 10 Professional Marine Haircut Styles!
13) Two Block Haircut
Men with round faces can also benefit from the famous Korean two-block haircut by making sure these hair characteristics are observed:
- Short bowl cut
- Middle parting
- Shaved lower side hairline
- More layers
When your barber appropriately adds the above-mentioned features, you can surely have a perfect style that gives your round face an instant non-surgical facelift.
PRO TIP: The Equinox Professional Hair Scissors can spell the difference by creating beautifully trimmed layers that help make the best haircuts.
14) Short Shag Haircut
As they say, the messier the hairstyle becomes, the better it gets for men with round faces. So, the best way to put this into reality is by having the shag haircut.
The shag haircut was invented by Paul McGregor between the late 60s and the early 70s, and the haircut with varying layers of strands was made famous when Jane Fonda used it in the 1971 film Klute. [9]
Moreover, the shag haircut is a hairstyle characterized by different layers to create volume and texture, particularly on the crown when men with round faces have short hair.
Yet, those with long hair and round faces can still ace a shag haircut, as it will show off their natural curls, narrow their hairline, and create a new length (instead of width) for the cheekbones and jawline area.
15) Layered Shag with Cropped Bangs
As mentioned above, shag haircuts for round faces are a big deal that changes the overall styling look of an individual. So, what more can a shag and a cropped bangs duo do, right?
To elevate your benefits from a shag, put on cropped bangs to hide your wide hairline to produce another dimension for your round face.
The cropped bangs are not the usual bangs that reach the eyebrows. This type of fringe is cut straight at the mid-forehead, about 1 inch to 1.5 inches above the brows.
Moreover, to make your bangs and layers match up well, you can use a medium hold styling gel to make the messy look shiny and shimmery all day.
16) Curly Hair with Undercut
Curly hair with an undercut is also one of the hot haircuts that can divert the emphasis from your round face shape to your curls and cool look.
The better way to make this duo a good-looking one is to incorporate the following features and styles:
- Skin fade
- Shade-cut or shape-up designs
- Quiff on the front
The shape-up design paired with the undercut has been used since the 80s, primarily by hip-hop artists. Since then, men have used it to complement the fade styles and, women, to elevate their undercuts.
You must remember that if you do not have natural curls, you can perform the following steps to achieve the curls:
- First, wash the hair with your usual shampoo and conditioner duo.
- Second, blow dry with the SIYOO Hair Dryer with Diffuser while combing the hair inwards in a wave manner.
- Third, use a Conair Double Ceramic curling wand to perfect the curls,
- Lastly, secure the curls with some hair wax or essential oils.
17) Layers with Dark Highlights
A dark highlight flatters round faces as it makes the appearance of the face a little bit slimmer, especially when paired with shoulder-length hair.
On the contrary, choosing lighter colors with very distant tones from your skin and eyes can widen your round face as it accentuates your cheekbones and forehead.
In choosing the right hairstyle undertones for you, make sure you consider these factors:
- The color of your eyes
- Your skin tone
- Your styling preference
Most importantly, choose hair color products that are safe for the strands and have eco-friendly practices, like the Keracolor Clenditioner hair dye.
18) Surfer Hair
Fresh and edgy indeed works well when your round face is styled with surfer hair: mid-length, wavy, and parted in the middle!
Amateur and professional surfers have used the surfer hairstyle since the early 50s. This hairstyle can make the hairline and cheekbones of round-faced men look as if it has natural angles because of how the curls move through.
However, to ensure the curls stay perfectly styled, you can always sprinkle some sea salt spray or natural oils all over your strands.
19) Marine Horseshoe Haircut
Previous marine regulatory haircuts include the horseshoe cut that can also elongate and change the shape of your round face.
The horseshoe haircut is characterized by a U-shaped top with strands only occupying the shape without hair in the center and wholly shaved sides. As its name suggests, it takes the form of a circular arc horseshoe.
When you have this haircut, all eyes will surely be on your remaining hair and not on the shape of your face.
Also, the front end of the horseshoe cut provides a semi-pointed hairline that can change the general direction of your round face.
Not just that, it is a fitting haircut that emphasizes your facial features, including your eyes, nose, lips, and chin.
FACT: Based on 2007 marine grooming regulations, horseshoe haircuts are now prohibited as a styling option and as part of the overall marine uniform. [10]
20) Shaved Head
Do you know what the shaved head classic haircut for a round-face male screams? Go bald or go home!
But before going into its benefits, it is essential to note that a shaved head haircut has its fair share of history and symbolism, as it had been used in ancient times as a symbol of slavery and in religious sectors as a form of devotion. [11]
Moreover, the shaved head hairstyle is undoubtedly one of the haircuts for round faces that perfectly flatters the round face shape.
With this best haircut, you will divert people’s focus to your eyes, nose, and lips. Also, you will not have to worry about keeping your hair long or getting a noticeable fauxhawk style; it will even prevent wrong-angle fades.
Nevertheless, if you pair haircuts for round faces like this with a trimmed beard, you are assured of an elongated face shape, despite the baldness.
How much does a Round Face haircut for men cost?
The different haircuts for men with round faces cost at least $20 and can go up to $100, depending on these factors:
- The styling needs
- The equipment and products used
- The barber’s professional fee
- The salon’s location
It can go even higher if you opt for hair treatments and if you want to apply hair colors to your strands. For these considerations, the cost of haircuts can rise to an average of $200.
Nevertheless, men’s haircuts are generally cheaper than women’s, significantly when you only grow medium-length hair.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Reading all this round-face haircut information undoubtedly sparked some questions in your mind because we also felt the same when we wrote it!
To further help you know what hairstyle suits you best, we answered some of your round-face haircut-related FAQs in this section.
What are the best hairstyles for round faces?
The best hairstyles for men with round faces have the following features:
For short hair:
- Loaded with layers on top
- Tapered sides
- Middle part
- Cropped bangs
For long hair:
- Wavy hair (the messier, the better)
- Incorporate face-framing layers that hug the rounded jaw
Can men with round faces have long hair?
Yes, men with round faces can have long hair, provided they don’t keep a smooth straight mane (straight, longer hairstyles), as the hair strands can further emphasize the round face.
Is a buzz cut suitable for a round face?
Yes, men with round faces can sport a buzz cut as long as shaving styles are incorporated into the hairline to create more angles.
How can I add a definition to my round face?
You can add a definition to your round face by having these essential hair features:
- Tall spikes
- Thick beard
- Classic fade beginning midway
- Hair wax to keep the layers messy
- Blow dryer and round brush duo to make quiff or pompadour
Should I avoid specific haircuts for a round face?
Yes, round-faced men should avoid a blunt hairstyle. This hairstyle does not have layers and is cut straight, just like a blunt lob.
Also, avoid straightening your hair with a flat hair iron if it is a medium length, as it can emphasize the roundness.
How often should I cut my hair to fit my round face?
It will depend on the haircut for the round face of your choice. But, on average, men should trim their hair or cut it every two to three weeks if the hairstyle is short to medium-length.
Should I have a beard if I have a round face?
You do not need to have a beard if you have a round face. However, a beard can greatly help sculpt your jawline to create dimensions for your round face.
Final Thoughts
With all these hairstyles in the article, you can definitely find one that will suit your round face. Just make sure to combine layers and messy styling, as these do wonders to complement your round face shape.
Also, remember to add some dark highlights or cover your hair in dark undertones. It can further the advantages of your chosen round-faced hairstyle and even make your facial appearance slimmer.
So now, pick a hair inspiration (short or medium length haircut) from this list, show it to your trusted barber, and ace the round face look wherever you go!
Aida
Founder & Hair Beauty Specialist
I’m Aida and this is my blog where I write mostly about beauty and make up related stuff, but I like to spice it up a bit with lifestyle and photography posts. Or with whatever that comes to my mind. Hope you will enjoy the reading enough that we will ‘see’ each other more often!