Haircuts That Flatter Round Faces

“What kind of cut would slim my face down a bit?” I hear that all the time at Hyde - Vista. I’m Lexie Rodgers, and after years behind the chair, I’ve seen how the right cut can totally change how someone feels about their face shape. It is not about hiding who you are. It is about balancing what you already have and helping your features stand out.

We see every face shape here on Gervais Street, and round faces are one of the most common. They are beautiful and youthful, but they can be tricky to shape if the cut is off. If you want a little more definition, here are the haircut tips I give my own clients right here in Columbia.

1. Light Layers Add Shape and Movement

Blunt, heavy cuts can make a round face appear wider. Soft layers, on the other hand, create movement and help the eye travel down instead of side to side. That little shift makes a big difference.

• Try face-framing layers that start just below the cheekbones.
• Keep the ends soft and light instead of thick and blunt.
• Flip the ends slightly away from your face when styling to open things up.

If you are not sure how short or long to go, book a haircut with us at Hyde - Vista. We can shape it right in the chair so it fits your features perfectly.

2. Longer Lengths Create Balance

Chin-length bobs can be adorable, but they often stop right where your face is widest. That draws the eye straight across. If you want to slim the look of your face, I usually suggest going shoulder length or longer.

Longer lengths give you more ways to style too. You can wear waves, layers, or curtain bangs that all break up the roundness. One of my regulars, a teacher who works near The Dragon Room, grew her bob out to her collarbone. She said her face instantly looked slimmer and she has loved it ever since.

3. Shift Your Part or Try Soft Curtain Bangs

Where you part your hair can change your whole face shape. A side part adds height at the top, which makes your face appear longer. Curtain bangs can do the same thing while also framing your cheekbones beautifully.

Here is how I usually style curtain bangs for round faces:

• Blow-dry the center forward first to smooth it out.
• Then sweep each side back and away from your face.
• Loosen the ends with your fingers so they fall naturally.

If you are nervous about bangs, we can start them longer and slowly trim them over a few visits. That way you can ease into them without a shock.

4. Add Height on Top and Keep the Sides Sleek

Volume is your friend as long as it is in the right spot. Height at the crown draws the eye up and down, while width at the sides makes your face look rounder. A little root lift up top while keeping the sides smooth can totally shift the shape of your face.

When I do blowouts for my Columbia clients, I focus the lift right at the top and keep the sides sleek. It instantly creates a more oval look and adds just the right amount of polish. If you want to learn how to do it yourself, our styling services at Hyde - Vista are perfect for showing you easy techniques you can actually use at home.

5. Use Shape and Placement to Your Advantage

Cutting is not just about length. It is about where the weight sits. With round faces, I avoid adding bulk at the cheeks and instead build shape just below them. That lifts the whole face visually. The goal is balance, not changing who you are.

Ali Shealy and Nichole Ricard here at Hyde are both amazing at this too. We often team up during transformations to get every angle just right. A few small adjustments can make your face feel more defined without losing your softness.

Final Thoughts

The right haircut can make a round face look more sculpted, but what really matters is how you feel. Confident. Fresh. Like yourself, just brighter. That is always the goal when you sit in my chair at Hyde - Vista.

If you are ready to find a shape that fits your features, come see us at Hyde - Vista, 801 Gervais St, Suite C, Columbia, SC 29201. You can call us at 803.667.9606 or book your appointment online. I would love to help you find a cut that makes you feel incredible walking out the door.