Round faces, characterized by equal width and length with soft, feminine features, benefit from hairstyles that elongate and balance proportions. “The right cut can add height, soften angles, and highlight your best features,” says celebrity hairstylist Laura Polko, a Los Angeles-based expert with over 20 years of experience [1].
This curated list of 21 hairstyles for women over 50 with round faces, tailored for various hair types, incorporates layers, asymmetry, and volume to create a youthful, flattering look. Backed by insights from trichologist Dr. Sophia Carter and 2025 trends, this guide provides detailed styling tutorials, maintenance tips, and face-shape-specific advice to enhance confidence and elegance.
Why These Hairstyles Shine for Round Faces
Hairstyles for round faces aim to elongate the silhouette, add height at the crown, and minimize width at the cheeks. “Asymmetry, side parts, and vertical volume are key to balancing round faces,” Polko explains [1].
These styles align with 2025’s focus on natural textures, eco-friendly products, and low-maintenance looks, suiting active lifestyles and complementing glasses, as seen in client stories like Susan’s voluminous lob transformation.
General Styling and Maintenance Techniques
-
Cutting: Use precision shears (e.g., Joewell) for layering or razoring to add texture and movement. “Side parts and face-framing layers elongate round faces,” says Polko [1].
-
Styling: Apply lightweight products like Pureology Volume Mist for straight hair, SheaMoisture Curl Cream for curls, or Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray for texture. Use a round brush for volume, a flat iron for sleekness, or a diffuser for curls.
-
Scalp Care: Nourish with sulfate-free shampoos like Briogeo Don’t Despair, Repair! and weekly rosemary oil massages to promote growth, per Dr. Carter [2].
-
Maintenance: Trim every 6-8 weeks to maintain shape; bangs every 2-3 weeks if included. Use silk pillowcases to reduce frizz and breakage.
Top 21 Hairstyles for Round Faces for Women Over 50 in 2025
Case Study: Susan’s Voluminous Lob Transformation
Susan, 52, a marketing consultant with fine, wavy hair, chose a voluminous lob. “The side part and layers made my face look longer and slimmer,” she said. Her stylist used Pureology Volume Mist, creating a low-maintenance, elegant look perfect for her round face and busy lifestyle.
1. Wavy Layered Hair
-
Description: Medium-length waves with layers, adding height and softening cheek width for round faces.
-
Styling Guide: (1) Apply SheaMoisture Curl Cream. (2) Diffuse for wave definition. (3) Scrunch for texture. (4) Add light sea salt spray.
-
Maintenance: Trim every 6-8 weeks. Deep condition weekly [2].
-
Best For: Youthful, low-maintenance wave lovers.
2. Full Curls
-
Description: Voluminous curls adding width to sides, balancing round faces with bounce.
-
Styling Guide: (1) Apply SheaMoisture Curl Cream. (2) Diffuse for curl definition. (3) Fluff for volume. (4) Add anti-frizz serum.
-
Maintenance: Trim dry every 6-8 weeks. Deep condition weekly [2].
-
Best For: Sophisticated, vibrant curl enthusiasts.
3. Asymmetric Lob
-
Description: Longer lob with uneven ends and bangs, elongating round faces.
-
Styling Guide: (1) Apply Pureology Volume Mist. (2) Blow-dry with a round brush. (3) Style bangs to frame face. (4) Add shine spray.
-
Maintenance: Trim every 6 weeks; bangs biweekly. Use rosemary oil [2].
-
Best For: Modern, dynamic style seekers.
4. French Bob
-
Description: Chin-length bob with wispy bangs, narrowing cheek width for round faces.
-
Styling Guide: (1) Apply Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray. (2) Blow-dry with a round brush. (3) Style bangs lightly across forehead. (4) Add light hairspray.
-
Maintenance: Trim every 5-6 weeks; bangs biweekly. Condition with Briogeo [2].
-
Best For: Classic, chic style lovers.
5. Short Layered Cut
-
Description: Short, textured layers for a carefree look, adding height for round faces.
-
Styling Guide: (1) Apply Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray. (2) Blow-dry with fingers. (3) Style layers for volume. (4) Add light mousse.
-
Maintenance: Trim every 4-5 weeks. Use rosemary oil [2].
-
Best For: Playful, low-maintenance style enthusiasts.
6. Bob with Deep Side Parting
-
Description: Long bob with a deep side part, softening cheek width for round faces.
-
Styling Guide: (1) Apply Pureology Volume Mist. (2) Blow-dry with a round brush. (3) Part deeply to one side. (4) Add shine serum.
-
Maintenance: Trim every 5-6 weeks. Condition with Briogeo [2].
-
Best For: Elegant, asymmetrical style seekers.
7. High Ponytail
-
Description: Sleek high ponytail, lifting hair to elongate round faces.
-
Styling Guide: (1) Apply Living Proof Heat Protectant. (2) Flat-iron for sleekness. (3) Pull into a high ponytail. (4) Add shine serum.
-
Maintenance: Trim every 6-8 weeks. Condition with Briogeo [2].
-
Best For: Lively, youthful style lovers.
8. Chin-length Bob
-
Description: Classic bob at chin level, balancing forehead width for round faces.
-
Styling Guide: (1) Apply Pureology Volume Mist. (2) Blow-dry with a round brush. (3) Style straight or with slight waves. (4) Add shine spray.
-
Maintenance: Trim every 5-6 weeks. Use rosemary oil [2].
-
Best For: Timeless, low-maintenance style enthusiasts.
9. Voluminous Curls
-
Description: Bouncy curls with upward volume, elongating round faces.
-
Styling Guide: (1) Apply SheaMoisture Curl Cream. (2) Diffuse for curl definition. (3) Rub roots with dry shampoo for lift. (4) Add anti-frizz serum.
-
Maintenance: Trim dry every 6-8 weeks. Deep condition weekly [2].
-
Best For: Elegant, vibrant curl lovers.
10. Slob Haircut
-
Description: Slightly angled bob with crisp lines, narrowing round faces.
-
Styling Guide: (1) Apply Living Proof Heat Protectant. (2) Flat-iron for sleekness. (3) Style with slight angle. (4) Add shine serum.
-
Maintenance: Trim every 5-6 weeks. Condition with Briogeo [2].
-
Best For: Modern, structured style seekers.
11. Textured Lob
-
Description: Shoulder-length lob with textured layers, adding height for round faces.
-
Styling Guide: (1) Apply Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray. (2) Blow-dry with a round brush. (3) Style layers for movement. (4) Add light hairspray.
-
Maintenance: Trim every 6 weeks. Use rosemary oil [2].
-
Best For: Sophisticated, low-maintenance style enthusiasts.
12. Short Pixie Cuts
-
Description: Short pixie with longer top, highlighting bone structure for round faces.
-
Styling Guide: (1) Apply texture paste. (2) Blow-dry with fingers. (3) Style top for volume. (4) Add light hairspray.
-
Maintenance: Trim every 4-5 weeks. Condition with Briogeo [2].
-
Best For: Bold, youthful style lovers.
13. Shoulder-Length Tousled Waves
-
Description: Disheveled waves at shoulder length, adding volume for round faces.
-
Styling Guide: (1) Apply SheaMoisture Curl Cream. (2) Diffuse or air-dry for texture. (3) Tousle with fingers. (4) Add sea salt spray.
-
Maintenance: Trim every 6-8 weeks. Deep condition weekly [2].
-
Best For: Carefree, sophisticated style seekers.
14. Center-parted Loose Waves
-
Description: Loose waves with a middle part, softening angles for round faces.
-
Styling Guide: (1) Apply SheaMoisture Curl Cream. (2) Diffuse for wave definition. (3) Part in center. (4) Add light mousse.
-
Maintenance: Trim every 6-8 weeks. Deep condition weekly [2].
-
Best For: Classic, relaxed style enthusiasts.
15. Messy Long Curls
-
Description: Long, disheveled curls softening cheek width for round faces.
-
Styling Guide: (1) Apply SheaMoisture Curl Cream. (2) Diffuse for curl definition. (3) Tousle for texture. (4) Add anti-frizz serum.
-
Maintenance: Trim dry every 6-8 weeks. Deep condition weekly [2].
-
Best For: Feminine, carefree curl lovers.
16. Curly Shag
-
Description: Medium-length shag with light layers, balancing round faces with curls.
-
Styling Guide: (1) Apply SheaMoisture Curl Cream. (2) Diffuse for curl definition. (3) Scrunch for bounce. (4) Add curl cream for definition.
-
Maintenance: Trim dry every 6-8 weeks. Deep condition weekly [2].
-
Best For: Playful, natural curl enthusiasts.
17. Lob with Layered Bangs
-
Description: Shoulder-length lob with layered bangs, softening angles for round faces.
-
Styling Guide: (1) Apply Pureology Volume Mist. (2) Blow-dry with a round brush. (3) Style bangs to frame face. (4) Add light hairspray.
-
Maintenance: Trim every 6 weeks; bangs biweekly. Use rosemary oil [2].
-
Best For: Versatile, face-framing style seekers.
18. Modern Shag
-
Description: Textured shag with soft layers, framing round faces with movement.
-
Styling Guide: (1) Apply Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray. (2) Blow-dry with fingers for messiness. (3) Style layers with razor texture. (4) Add sea salt spray.
-
Maintenance: Trim every 6 weeks. Condition with Briogeo [2].
-
Best For: Fun, low-maintenance style lovers.
19. Voluminous Long Bob
-
Description: Long bob with crown volume, elongating round faces.
-
Styling Guide: (1) Apply Pureology Volume Mist. (2) Blow-dry with a round brush for crown lift. (3) Keep sides sleek. (4) Add light hairspray.
-
Maintenance: Trim every 5-6 weeks. Condition with Briogeo [2].
-
Best For: Balanced, elegant style enthusiasts.
20. Bob With Side-swept Bangs
-
Description: Chin-length bob with side-swept bangs, slimming round faces.
-
Styling Guide: (1) Apply Pureology Volume Mist. (2) Blow-dry with a round brush. (3) Sweep bangs to one side. (4) Add shine spray.
-
Maintenance: Trim every 5-6 weeks; bangs biweekly. Use rosemary oil [2].
-
Best For: Playful, adaptable style seekers.
21. Razor Cut with Side-Swept Bangs
-
Description: Shoulder-length razor cut with side-swept bangs, lengthening round faces.
-
Styling Guide: (1) Apply Aveda Defining Whip. (2) Blow-dry with a round brush. (3) Style bangs to frame face. (4) Add light hairspray.
-
Maintenance: Trim every 6 weeks; bangs biweekly. Condition with Briogeo [2].
-
Best For: Textured, low-maintenance style lovers.
Case Study: Diane’s Curly Shag
Diane, 55, a yoga instructor with curly, gray hair, chose a curly shag. “The layers gave my curls bounce and made my face look longer,” she said. Her stylist used SheaMoisture Curl Cream, creating a vibrant, low-maintenance look for her round face.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
-
Flat Hair: Blow-dry with Pureology Volume Mist and a round brush; avoid heavy products [2].
-
Frizz in Curls/Waves: Apply SheaMoisture Curl Cream sparingly and diffuse on low heat; use anti-frizz serum [2].
-
Dry Scalp: Weekly rosemary oil massages; use sulfate-free shampoos, per Dr. Carter [2].
-
Shape Loss: Trim every 6-8 weeks; bangs biweekly if included.
2025 Trends and Expert Insights
In 2025, hairstyles for round faces trend toward asymmetrical cuts, voluminous crowns, and eco-friendly products like Briogeo, Oribe, and SheaMoisture, popular on Instagram [2]. “Side parts, textured layers, and curls elongate round faces effortlessly,” Polko says [1]. Shags, lobs, and side-swept bangs are trending for their ability to slim and balance, per creativebooster.net [3].
Why These Hairstyles Shine
These 21 hairstyles empower women over 50 with round faces to embrace flattering, youthful looks that elongate the silhouette and enhance features. From voluminous lobs to curly shags, each style is low-maintenance and suits active lifestyles. Explore guides on Best Products for Round Faces or How to Style Curls at Home for more tips.
References:
-
[1] Hair Adviser. (2025). 50 Best Hairstyles for Round Faces for Women Over 50 in 2025.
-
[2] Southern Living. (2024). The 20 Best Hairstyles for Women Over 50 with Round Faces.
-
[3] creativebooster.net. (2025). 27 Stunning Hairstyles for Round Faces for Women Over 50 in 2025.