To make your face look thinner, opt for longer styles with long, face-framing layers, a jawline-grazing lob (long bob), or an asymmetrical cut, as these create length and draw the eye downward, while short styles like chin-length bobs or blunt bangs can add width; strategic volume (higher up) and side-swept fringes also help slim the face.
Face-Framing Layers
Like long hair and asymmetrical bobs, having face framing layers will elongate your face for a slimming look. Keep the layers long so that they fall below your chin. It will make your jawline look lower and your face longer and thinner.
Long layers are, arguably, flattering on just about everybody, but they're especially well-suited for those with round faces. The length helps visually elongate your face, while the layers add body, volume, and texture for an effortlessly chic look.
The height of your hair allows you to look thinner and slim down by drawing the eye upward. Giving your hair a wavy or curly affect is another great way to make your face appear thinner. Long, loose, voluminous waves that frame your face can narrow your look.
Go for the LOB (long bob). This chic and sophisticated hairstyle is cut just below the chin and draws the eye down the face, giving the illusion of length. Just check out Selena Gomez for proof that this is one of the best slimming haircuts for round faces.
Short strands can totally complement your round face. If you have a round face, you've probably heard people say to stay away from short hair and we're squashing that notion.
HIGH UPDOS
Focusing more volume on top makes the face appear slimmer and more proportionate. High updos, especially chignons, lift hair from the nape area. This lifting of the nape line can make the face appear more elongated, especially if the hairstyle is concentrated closer to the top of the head.
The "3-inch hair rule" (or sometimes the 2.25-inch rule) is a hairstylist's guideline to help you decide if short hair suits your face shape: place a pencil horizontally under your chin and a ruler vertically under your ear; if the measurement from the pencil to your earlobe (where the ruler sits) is less than 3 inches (or 2.25 inches), short hair will likely flatter you, while more suggests longer styles are better, though it's just a guide, not a strict rule.
Oblong Faces
What to avoid: Don't grow those locks out too long. Very long, flat hair can be too much for a long face shape to handle. In fact, most one-length styles will drag the oblong face down—and that's the last thing you want.
How to Choose the Right Hair Length for You
The 5.5 cm (or 2.25-inch) hair rule is a guideline to determine if short or long hair suits your face shape by measuring the angle of your jawline: place a ruler vertically under your ear and a pencil horizontally under your chin, intersecting at the jaw; if the measurement from the ear to the pencil is less than 5.5 cm, short hair is flattering, while more suggests longer hair is better, though face shape and hair texture are also key.
Skip the Blunt Cuts
Straight-across haircuts with sharp horizontal lines are only going to make your face appear wider. Hairstyles to avoid for round faces include bowl haircuts, blunt fringes, and geometric haircuts in most instances, as they bounce up and highlight rounded faces.
Round: Opt for long layers or side-swept bangs to elongate your face. Square: Choose soft waves or layered cuts to soften strong jawlines. Heart: Go for chin-length bobs or side parts to balance the forehead. Diamond: Medium-length cuts with volume at the crown work well.
The "7-day haircut rule" suggests that while a fresh haircut looks sharp, it often hits its peak and looks most natural, effortless, and "lived-in" around one week (7 days) after getting it, as the hair softens, settles, and blends better. It's a guideline for timing major events or understanding when your hair finds its sweet spot, allowing the initial starkness to fade into a more comfortable style, similar to breaking in new shoes.
Do facial exercises. These movements are designed to work the muscles in your cheeks, jaw, and neck can tone and tighten these areas over time for a slimmer look. Examples are jaw clenches, fish faces, and cheek lifters. Try facial massage.
The 2.25-inch hair rule is a popular guideline, developed by hairstylist John Frieda, to help determine if short hair suits you: place a pencil horizontally under your chin and a ruler vertically under your ear; if the measurement from your earlobe to the pencil intersection is less than 2.25 inches, short hair may be flattering, while over 2.25 inches suggests longer styles might be better, focusing on jawline angles.
The rarest face shape is generally considered the diamond, characterized by high, sharp cheekbones that are the widest part of the face, with a narrow forehead and a pointed chin, giving it an angular, sculpted look seen on celebrities like Megan Fox and Jennifer Lopez. Other rare shapes include the pear (triangle), with a wider jaw than forehead, and the less common heart shape compared to oval or round.
Your face shape plays a big role in how long hair will look on you. Best face shapes for long hair: Oval – Almost any hairstyle looks good, including long cuts. Square – A longer style can soften sharp jawlines for a more balanced look.
Excess Width near Cheekbones
This creates an imbalance in the face and draws attention away from your other features, so it's best to avoid bulky or excessively voluminous styles. Alternatively, you should go for hairstyles that create more width at the jawline to create a harmonious look.
What is the 'awkward stage' in hair growth? It's the period when hair is too long to be short and too short to be long, often looking unruly and hard to style. How long does the awkward stage last? Typically, it lasts for a few months to a year, depending on hair growth rate and personal hair goals.
A trim is typically just 1/2 to 1 inch off to keep your style fresh and healthy, while a haircut involves cutting more than 2 inches and changing your style completely.
Choosing between a short and long haircut is a personal decision that should be based on factors such as face shape, lifestyle, and maintenance preferences. Short and long hairstyles offer unique advantages and considerations, making it essential to weigh the pros and cons carefully before deciding.
Keep it simple with a ponytail
If you want to keep your hair up, you can't go wrong with the classic high or low ponytail. Instead of wearing your hair down, wearing a classy bun or ponytail can give a professional look to your style while keeping you comfortable.
Many men love straight hair for its sleek look and glamorous, flowy vibe. Straight hair is smooth, silky, and super shiny, which definitely catches a lot of guys' eyes. Whether it's short or long, straight hair always seems to fall beautifully, which can give women a soft look that plenty of guys go crazy for.