I Tried 6 Hairstyles for My Round Face. Here’s Which Ones Actually Worked
- HairLook Editorial
- Aug 13
- 4 min read
Updated: 3 days ago
I’ve spent plenty of time wondering whether a certain haircut would actually suit my face shape. You know the drill: save a hairstyle on Pinterest, stare at it for a while, and then wonder, Would this look completely different on me?
With a round face, that question can feel even trickier. If you’re looking for more ideas, check out our guide to haircuts for round faces that can help create a more flattering, elongated look.
I started with my usual long, softly wavy hair and used HairLook to try six completely different hairstyles. Some were subtle. Others were a serious change. And a couple surprised me.
Here’s what I actually thought of each one.
The Before: Long and Flat
My starting point was long, flat hair with a relaxed center part. It felt a little lifeless, and after wearing the same look for a while, I wanted to see what else might work.
That’s when the experimenting started.
1. The Side-Parted Bob
The first change was a shorter bob with a side part and soft, sweeping bangs.
I immediately noticed how much the side part changed the overall shape. It gave the haircut more movement and made the look feel polished without being too formal.
What I liked: The side part and face-framing pieces felt flattering and modern.
What I didn't: Because the length sits around the jaw, too much volume on the sides could make a round face look wider.
Verdict: A great choice if I want a noticeable change without going extremely short.
2. French Bob With Curtain Bangs
This was definitely the boldest transformation.
The shorter French bob felt chic and completely different from my original hairstyle. The curtain bangs softened the shorter length and gave it that effortless French-girl feeling.
What I liked: It instantly made the whole look feel more fashionable.
What I didn't: The shorter, rounded shape needs to be styled carefully so it doesn't add too much width around the cheeks.
Verdict: The one to try if I am ready to step outside your comfort zone.
3. The Shoulder-Length Wavy Bob
This shoulder-length wavy bob strikes a nice balance between short and long. Soft waves add movement and volume, while the length falls just past the shoulders for a more elongated silhouette.
What I liked: The extra length feels flattering on a round face, while the waves give the style softness and dimension. It also feels much less drastic than a chin-length bob.
What I didn't: The waves look beautiful, but creating them would take more time and styling effort, especially if your hair is naturally straight.
Verdict: A great option if you want volume and movement without going too short, as long as you're willing to spend a little extra time curling and styling it.
4. The Sleek Side-Parted Bob
Next came a straight, sleek bob with a side part. This version felt much more polished than the wavy styles. The clean lines looked sophisticated, but the smooth finish also made the hair appear flatter.
What I liked: Simple, elegant and polished, with a beautiful clean shape.
What I didn't: It didn't give me the volume I was looking for. The straight finish made the hair look flatter, especially around the crown and sides.
Verdict: Gorgeous if you love a sleek, minimalist look, but if volume is your goal, a layered or softly wavy style may be a better choice.
5. The Soft Updo with Curtain bangs
Then I decided not to cut my hair at all. Instead, I tried a soft updo with a little height at the crown, loose pieces around the face, and curtain bangs.
The difference was surprisingly dramatic.
What I liked: The added height instantly lifted the look and created a more elongated effect, while the loose pieces kept the updo soft and feminine.
What I didn't: The curtain bangs felt like a lot of work. They need styling to sit just right, and maintaining that shape every day could get tedious.
Verdict: A beautiful way to change your look without cutting your hair, but the bangs might be more commitment than I'm looking for.
6. Long Layers With Layered Bangs
Finally, I went back to long hair, but with a twist. Adding face-framing layers and layered bangs gave the original length more movement and shape while keeping the overall look long and feminine.
What I liked: It felt like the easiest transformation to actually wear. I could keep my length while still getting a fresher, more voluminous look.
What I didn't: The layered bangs would need regular trims and styling to keep them looking polished. The layers also look their best with some blow-drying or styling.
Verdict: A great choice if you love long hair but want more movement, volume, and shape around your face without a dramatic chop.
So, Which One Actually Worked?
After seeing all six, I realized something: there isn't one perfect hairstyle for a round face.
The side-parted bob felt polished. The French bob was the boldest. The sleek bob was sophisticated. The updo created instant lift. The wavy bob felt effortlessly pretty. And the long layers gave my original hairstyle a much-needed update.
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The biggest surprise wasn’t choosing a winner. After trying all six, I actually found myself going back to long layers with layered bangs. It gave me the volume and movement I was looking for without giving up my length, and it felt the most natural to wear.
That’s what made trying them with HairLook so useful. Instead of wondering whether I’d regret changing my hair, I could see the possibilities first.
Sometimes finding your next hairstyle isn’t about knowing what will suit you. It’s about seeing yourself in it first.
