Okay, look. Having a fuller face is totally normal, but that doesn’t stop haircuts from being a minefield. One wrong snip and suddenly your cheeks are all anyone notices. Been there more than once. I’ve learned the hard way that some medium cuts make a chubby face look rounder—like, painfully rounder—and some actually do you favors.
I’m not a hairstylist or anything, but I’ve had my fair share of trial and error. So, if your face is on the rounder side and you’re looking for a cut that sits somewhere between short and long, here’s what’s worked (and what I avoid now).
Looking for something low-maintenance that still frames your face well? The French crop haircut is great for adding texture while keeping the sides neat.
Layers Actually Help A Lot
Flat hair that’s one length? Not it. Especially when it ends at the jaw. That kind of cut just hugs your face in the worst way and makes everything feel boxy. Layers break things up. They give movement without doing too much.
You don’t have to get wild with it. Even just soft face-framing layers that hit near your cheekbones can make a huge difference. It gives your face some breathing room, if that makes sense.
Be Careful with Blunt Ends
Blunt bobs look amazing on people with more angular faces. On me? I looked like my head was stuck inside a Lego helmet. It’s not even about looking bad—it’s just not balanced.
That said, if you like the look of a blunt end, you don’t have to give it up. Just don’t let it stop right at the widest part of your cheeks. Shoulder-length with a little softness at the ends works better.
Side Parts: Still Underrated
I don’t care what Gen said about side parts. If you’ve got a round face, they’re your best friend. They create angles and draw attention away from the center of your face. The deeper the part, the more it helps.
Even a little off-center part is better than straight down the middle, unless your hair naturally sits well that way. It’s weird how something so simple can shift the whole vibe of your face.
Bangs Can Works: If You’re Careful
I’ve had bangs I regret and bangs I loved. Blunt, heavy bangs? Not again. But curtain bangs that blend into the rest of my hair? Kind of life-changing, actually.
They bring attention to your eyes and break up the forehead-to-chin stretch. And if they grow out a bit? Still cute. Less maintenance stress too.
Combine medium length with shape around the ears using the mid taper fade—it balances out fuller cheeks and elongates your face.
Lobs Are a Safe Bet
The long bob is still doing its thing, and honestly, I get why. It hits at that perfect spot below the chin but above the shoulders. It gives length without being long.
Add in some soft waves or a little curl and boom cheekbones. Even if you don’t have them. It’s one of the few styles I’ve stuck with for more than a couple of months.
Lift at the Crown > Volume at the Sides
Here’s a fun trick I picked up from scrolling through way too many Reddit threads: volume at the crown makes your face look longer. Volume on the sides? Not so much.
Alt: Medium haircut with volume at crown to slim round face
Flip your head upside down when blow-drying or tease the roots just a little. Doesn’t have to be 80s big. Just enough to give your face a little more shape up top.
Embrace Texture
Flat, stick-straight hair can kind of drag a round face down. I’m not saying ditch the straightener, but adding texture—even a few loose bends—can seriously change how everything frames your face.
I usually curl the front pieces and leave the back alone. Lazy styling, but it works. Texture gives the illusion of layers even if you didn’t get any.
Don’t Over-Tuck the Hair
I used to tuck my hair behind both ears constantly. Looked neat, sure, but it made my face look… fuller. Leaving some strands loose around your face softens the whole look.
It’s not a huge change, but enough to keep everything feeling balanced instead of baring your whole cheek zone to the world.
Feeling bold? The modern mullet fade keeps length in the back while tapering the sides, making it a surprisingly flattering pick for rounder faces.
Chill Cuts Are the Way to Go
If you’re not about to style your hair daily (same), ask for a cut that does the work on its own. A lived-in medium length with some texture means you can wash it, air dry, and still look like you kind of tried.
I’m not gonna pretend I wake up looking polished. But when the cut’s right, it sort of falls into place with minimal effort.
FAQs
- Is medium length good for chubby faces or nah?
Yeah, but it depends how it’s cut. Layers = yes. Flat + blunt = usually nope. - Are bangs gonna make my face look rounder?
Some will. Curtain bangs? Usually not. Full blunt bangs? Risky if your face is already soft. - Middle part or side part for round faces?
Side part usually wins. Middle can work, but it’s trickier unless the cut’s perfect. - How do I make my face look slimmer with hair?
Crown volume, layers near the cheeks, and no puffiness at the sides. That combo helps. - Can a blunt cut ever work?
Only if it’s not at cheek level. Go a little longer and soften the ends.
