Embracing your natural curls is a beautiful journey, but for those with a round face, finding a style that truly flatters can sometimes feel like a puzzle. The good news? Your gorgeous curls are an asset, and with the right cut and styling techniques, they can beautifully complement and enhance your features. Forget the myth that round faces can’t rock curly hair; it’s all about strategic volume, length, and shape. This guide is your ultimate resource for discovering trendy curly hairstyles that celebrate your unique face shape, providing you with the confidence and inspiration to show off your stunning spirals.

Understanding Your Round Face and Curls

A round face is characterized by soft curves, a similar width and length, and a lack of strong angles. The widest part is typically at the cheekbones, with a rounded chin and hairline. When it comes to curly hair, understanding your curl pattern (wavy, loose, tight, coily) and hair texture (fine, medium, thick) is crucial. These elements dictate how a style will fall and how much volume it will naturally create. The goal for a round face is often to add length and definition, creating the illusion of a more oval shape, or to strategically add width where it flatters most, rather than accentuating the widest points of the face.

Key Principles for Flattering Curly Hair on Round Faces

When selecting a curly hairstyle for a round face, consider these foundational principles:

  • Vertical Volume is Your Friend Adding height at the crown elongates the face, creating a more balanced look. Avoid too much volume at the sides, especially around the cheekbones.
  • Length Matters Longer styles tend to slim a round face, as the length draws the eye downward. However, short styles can also work wonders if they incorporate strategic layers and volume.
  • Layers are Essential Layers can remove bulk, create shape, and prevent a ‘helmet’ effect. Face-framing layers that start below the chin can soften the face without adding width.
  • Strategic Parting A deep side part can break up the symmetry of a round face, adding an angular element that flatters. A middle part can work with certain styles, particularly if there’s significant volume or length.
  • Texture and Definition Well-defined curls create shape and movement, which are vital for a flattering look. Frizz can add unwanted width, so focus on curl definition.

Trendy Curly Hairstyles for Round Faces

The Voluminous Top with Tapered Sides – Curly Pixie or Short Bob

This style embraces short hair with a playful, chic vibe. It involves keeping the top section of your curls longer and more voluminous, while the sides are tapered or cut shorter. This creates a vertical lift that elongates a round face.

  • Suitable Hair Length and Texture Short to medium length. Works best with naturally curly or coily hair that holds volume well.
  • Face Shape Suitability Excellent for round faces, as it draws attention upwards and away from the widest part of the face.
  • Styling Method or Technique Apply a curl-enhancing cream or mousse to damp hair. Diffuse on low heat, focusing on lifting the roots at the crown. Finger-comb to arrange curls.
  • Recommended Hair Tools and Products Diffuser, wide-tooth comb, curl-defining cream, volumizing mousse, strong-hold hairspray.
  • Tips to Make the Hairstyle Last Longer Sleep on a silk pillowcase. Refresh curls in the morning with a light mist of water and a touch of curl refresher spray. Avoid over-touching.

Long Layers with Face-Framing Curls

Long, flowing curls with strategically placed layers can beautifully slim and soften a round face. The layers should start below the chin, creating a cascade that adds movement and avoids bulk around the cheeks.

  • Suitable Hair Length and Texture Long hair. Ideal for all curl patterns, from wavy to coily, as layers enhance natural movement.
  • Face Shape Suitability Highly flattering for round faces, as the length and vertical flow create an elongated effect.
  • Styling Method or Technique Apply a leave-in conditioner and curl gel to wet hair. Scrunch curls gently and air dry or diffuse. Avoid brushing dry curls.
  • Recommended Hair Tools and Products Wide-tooth comb, curl gel, leave-in conditioner, diffuser, anti-frizz serum.
  • Tips to Make the Hairstyle Last Longer Use a satin bonnet or pineapple method at night. Refresh with a diluted curl spray.

Side-Swept Curls with Deep Part

A deep side part introduces an asymmetrical element that breaks up the roundness of the face. Sweeping the curls to one side adds dramatic flair and volume where it’s most flattering.

  • Suitable Hair Length and Texture Medium to long hair. Works well with wavy to tight curls, as the volume adds impact.
  • Face Shape Suitability Excellent for round faces, providing an angular contrast and drawing attention away from the face’s width.
  • Styling Method or Technique Create a deep side part on damp hair. Apply a volumizing mousse at the roots and a curl cream through the lengths. Diffuse, encouraging curls to fall to one side.
  • Recommended Hair Tools and Products Fine-tooth comb (for parting), volumizing mousse, curl cream, diffuser, light-hold hairspray.
  • Tips to Make the Hairstyle Last Longer Secure the swept-back side with bobby pins overnight. Use dry shampoo at the roots for extra lift.

Curly Shag with Bangs

The curly shag is making a strong comeback, and it’s fantastic for round faces when done right. It features choppy layers and often includes soft, curly bangs that graze the forehead, adding an edgy yet soft frame.

  • Suitable Hair Length and Texture Medium length. Best for wavy to loose curls that can form soft, face-framing layers and bangs.
  • Face Shape Suitability The layers and bangs can soften the jawline and forehead, making it a great choice for round faces.
  • Styling Method or Technique Apply a texturizing spray or mousse to damp hair. Scrunch and air dry or diffuse. Gently finger-comb bangs into place.
  • Recommended Hair Tools and Products Texturizing spray, mousse, diffuser, light curl cream for bangs.
  • Tips to Make the Hairstyle Last Longer Use a dry shampoo for refreshing bangs. Avoid over-brushing to maintain the choppy texture.

Asymmetrical Curly Bob

An asymmetrical bob, where one side is noticeably longer than the other, creates an intriguing diagonal line that can visually slim a round face. When paired with curls, it adds texture and playful movement.

  • Suitable Hair Length and Texture Short to medium length. Works well with all curl types, allowing the asymmetry to stand out.
  • Face Shape Suitability The diagonal lines and varied lengths are excellent for breaking up the roundness and adding an edgy touch.
  • Styling Method or Technique Apply a curl-defining product to damp hair. Diffuse or air dry, ensuring curls are well-formed. Enhance the longer side with extra product for definition.
  • Recommended Hair Tools and Products Curl-defining gel or cream, diffuser, light hairspray.
  • Tips to Make the Hairstyle Last Longer Sleep on a silk pillowcase. Refresh with a light curl spray and gentle scrunching.

Half-Up, Half-Down Curly Styles

This versatile style pulls the top section of hair away from the face, often creating volume at the crown, while letting the rest of the curls flow freely. It’s perfect for highlighting features and adding vertical height.

  • Suitable Hair Length and Texture Medium to long hair. Ideal for all curl types, offering a balance of updo and loose curls.
  • Face Shape Suitability The lifted crown helps to elongate a round face, while the cascading curls soften the jawline.
  • Styling Method or Technique Gather the top section of hair from temples to crown. Secure with a hair tie or decorative clip, ensuring some volume at the roots. Let the remaining curls fall naturally.
  • Recommended Hair Tools and Products Hair ties, decorative clips, volumizing spray, curl cream for the loose sections.
  • Tips to Make the Hairstyle Last Longer Use a strong-hold hairspray on the secured top section. Use bobby pins to tame any flyaways.

Pineapple Updo for Volume

The pineapple method isn’t just for sleeping; it’s a chic updo that creates maximum volume at the crown, which is incredibly flattering for a round face. It involves loosely gathering all your curls at the very top of your head.

  • Suitable Hair Length and Texture Medium to long hair. Best for all curl patterns, especially those with good natural volume.
  • Face Shape Suitability Excellent for round faces, as the height at the crown provides significant elongation.
  • Styling Method or Technique Flip your head upside down. Gather all your hair into a loose ponytail on top of your head, near your forehead. Secure with a soft scrunchie. Let curls spill out like a pineapple.
  • Recommended Hair Tools and Products Soft scrunchie, curl refresher spray, bobby pins for stray curls.
  • Tips to Make the Hairstyle Last Longer Use a strong-hold hairspray for extra security. Avoid pulling the scrunchie too tight to prevent dents.

Hair Care and Maintenance Tips for Curly Hair

Proper care is paramount for beautiful, defined curls. Here are essential tips:

  • Moisture is Key Curly hair tends to be drier. Use sulfate-free shampoos and hydrating conditioners. Incorporate deep conditioning treatments weekly.
  • Gentle Detangling Always detangle wet hair with a wide-tooth comb or your fingers, starting from the ends and working your way up.
  • Plopping or Diffusing These methods help to enhance curl pattern and reduce frizz. Plopping involves wrapping wet hair in a cotton t-shirt. Diffusing uses a special attachment on your hairdryer.
  • Product Selection Choose products specifically formulated for curly hair – curl creams, gels, and mousses that offer hold and hydration without crunch.
  • Protect at Night Sleep on a silk or satin pillowcase or use a silk bonnet to reduce friction and prevent frizz and tangles.
  • Regular Trims Get regular trims (every 3-4 months) to remove split ends and maintain your haircut’s shape.

Styling Dos and Don’ts for Round Faces with Curls

Do’s

  • Do aim for vertical volume at the crown.
  • Do embrace layers to create shape and remove bulk.
  • Do try a deep side part to break up symmetry.
  • Do use curl-defining products for polished, structured curls.
  • Do consider face-framing layers that start below the chin.

Don’ts

  • Don’t add excessive volume at the sides, especially around the cheeks.
  • Don’t opt for blunt, heavy bangs that widen the face.
  • Don’t choose styles that are uniform in length all around the head.
  • Don’t over-brush dry curls, which can lead to frizz and loss of definition.
  • Don’t use heat tools without heat protectant.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Over-Washing Washing curly hair too frequently can strip it of natural oils, leading to dryness and frizz. Aim for 2-3 times a week, or co-wash between shampoos.
  • Skipping Leave-In Conditioner This product is a curly hair essential for hydration and detangling.
  • Using the Wrong Products Products with sulfates, silicones, and heavy alcohols can dry out or weigh down curls.
  • Not Protecting Hair at Night Neglecting nighttime protection leads to frizz, tangles, and distorted curl patterns by morning.
  • Cutting Curls When Wet Curls shrink when dry, so cutting them wet can lead to an uneven or too-short result once dry. Always cut curls dry, curl by curl, for precision.

Key Takeaways

  • Vertical volume and strategic layering are crucial for flattering round faces with curly hair.
  • Longer styles and asymmetrical cuts can visually elongate the face.
  • Proper curl care and product selection are essential for defined, frizz-free curls.
  • Embrace deep side parts and face-framing layers to soften and balance your features.
  • Avoid excessive volume at the sides and blunt, heavy bangs.

Conclusion

Your round face and beautiful curls are a stunning combination, and with these trendy hairstyles and expert tips, you have everything you need to find your perfect look. Experiment with different lengths, layers, and styling techniques to discover what makes you feel most confident and radiant. Remember, the goal is to celebrate your unique features and let your natural curls shine. Embrace the versatility of your hair, care for it with love, and step out with a style that truly reflects your inner beauty. Your perfect curly hairstyle for a round face is not just a trend; it’s a statement of self-love and confidence.