5 Hairstyles That Add Fullness and 5 That Slim the Face, According to Top Hairstylists
The Layered Bob for Maximum Volume
A layered bob is perfect for adding dimension and volume. The layers help to build texture and depth which makes the hair appear fuller. For styling, use a volumizing mousse and blow-dry with a round brush to enhance the body. This classic cut works brilliantly for anyone dealing with fine or thin hair because the graduated lengths create natural movement and visual fullness.
The magic happens in how each layer catches light differently, creating depth that makes your hair look thicker than it actually is. It’s the perfect choice for a timeless cut you’ll never get sick of, and it’s also among 2025’s trending haircuts.
Strategic Layers for Natural Fullness
Layers are great for giving the illusion of thicker and fuller hair, and they suit every face shape and hair length. Layered haircuts are amazing for round faces because they add dimension and movement. By incorporating varying lengths, layers create angles that slim the face. Additionally, volume at the crown and longer face-framing layers draw the eye downward, enhancing the overall balance.
When done correctly, layers remove weight from your hair while creating movement that bounces naturally. To start, a good layered haircut will make all the difference with fine hair. When you get a haircut with lots of layers, this helps to create dimension in the hair which gives the illusion of volume, especially when styled right. This added texture makes styling so easy because it gives your hair way more life and movement. The key is asking for face-framing layers that start below your chin to create the perfect balance.
The Volume-Boosting Pixie Cut
The pixie cut is not only chic but also ideal for fine hair. Shorter cuts remove weight from the hair, allowing it to lift more easily at the roots. Apply a light texturizing spray to keep the style voluminous and airy. The pixie cut with added volume is the ultimate slimming hairstyle for round faces. This edgy, short haircut features layers at the crown, creating height that elongates the face and adds structure. The volume on top draws the eye upwards, making the face appear longer and less round.
The beauty of a well-executed pixie lies in its ability to create maximum impact with minimal hair. Professional stylists often add texture through the top sections while keeping the sides and back tapered, which naturally lifts the crown area for impressive fullness.
Curtain Bangs That Frame and Add Depth
Whether your hair is pin-straight or super curly, we love the sexiness of curtain bangs, which gently frame the face and add structure to its round shape. Curtain bangs look great on lots of hair types, even curly. Curtain bangs work exceptionally well with long layers and give you versatile styling options for long hair. Use a texture spray to give your hairstyle grit and volume or simply arrange your hair in an elegant updo pinning your face-framing layers.
These sweeping bangs create an instant volume boost at the crown while providing face-framing structure that adds visual interest. They’re particularly effective for those with finer hair textures because they create the illusion of density around the face without requiring much actual hair.
The Textured Shag for Effortless Volume
The modern shag enjoyed its slice of popularity because of its choppy layers and tousled texture. This cut breaks up roundness with its edgy look, and face-framing layers draw attention downward, providing a trendy, effortless style. It adds dimension and movement, making your hair appear fuller. Opt for choppy layers and tousled waves to enhance volume.
The modern shag has evolved from its seventies counterpart to become one of the most requested cuts for adding natural fullness. The varying layer lengths create natural texture that doesn’t require extensive styling, making it perfect for busy lifestyles while still delivering impressive volume.
Long Side-Swept Bangs for Face Slimming
If you’re already satisfied with the length and shape of your hair but are looking for a styling solution to create the illusion of a slimmer face, consider side-swept bangs. While blunt bangs can make round faces look a little squat, side-swept bangs move the eyes diagonally across your face. We’re especially partial to side-swept bangs, as they work well with different hair types and textures and can be pinned back on days you don’t want your hair in your face. When getting your cut, ask your stylist to keep your bangs on the longer side – the lengthier fringe will frame your round face perfectly.
The diagonal line created by side-swept bangs naturally draws the eye across the face rather than emphasizing width. This simple styling trick can instantly change your face’s perceived proportions without requiring a dramatic cut.
The Angled Bob for Facial Definition
The angled bob is a sophisticated choice that works wonders for slimming round faces. The haircut features shorter layers at the back and longer pieces in the front, creating a striking angle that adds dimension and visually elongates the face. If you like the face-slimming effect of long locks but aren’t interested in having long hair, the slanted angles of an A-line bob are perfect for you. Have your salon pro cut the hair framing your face to hit just at your jawline and go as short as you’d like in the back.
This geometric cut creates sharp lines that counteract soft, rounded face shapes while maintaining a sophisticated appearance. The asymmetrical nature draws attention to your jawline and creates the illusion of sharper facial contours.
Wispy Bangs for Subtle Face Narrowing
Wispy bangs are a subtle but effective way to slim down a round face. These soft, light bangs fall gently around the face without creating a heavy, horizontal line, which can accentuate roundness. Wispy bangs create the illusion of length and draw attention to the eyes and forehead. When you want to start rocking bangs, it’s important to find the bangs that suit your face shape. If you have a round face, we suggest steering clear of thick, blunt bangs and opting for a lighter, wispier fringe instead. The airiness is super flattering when paired with your softer features.
The delicate nature of wispy bangs provides face-framing benefits without overwhelming softer facial features. They create visual interest at the forehead level while maintaining an airy, lightweight appearance that won’t add unwanted horizontal lines.
High Volume Updo for Instant Slimming
The vertical height of a high bun draws the eye upward so that a round face appears slimmer by default. Gather your hair at your crown and secure it with an elastic. Place a foam or fabric hair donut and the base of your ponytail and begin to wrap your hair around the donut, making sure the donut isn’t visible through your hair. Once all of your hair is tucked, use a few bobby pins to hold the bun in place.
Height is your best friend when it comes to creating a slimming effect. Consider hairstyles that add height at the crown. This can be achieved with updos or voluminous styles like a high ponytail or a bun. The upward direction naturally elongates your silhouette and draws attention away from face width.
Face-Framing Long Layers for Elongation
Long locks are flattering on everyone, which is why they’re the go-to haircut for ladies hoping to create the illusion of a slimmer face. The downside? When your long strands lay lifeless against your face, it brings attention to the roundness of your face instead of your gorgeous strands. Ask your stylist to cut a few face-framing layers to give your hair some much-needed volume. Your newly weightless roots will make your hair the center of attention and instantly help your face appear leaner.
Hairstyles for long hair that suit a round face include layered cuts that frame the face, adding angles. Long, side-swept bangs or layers starting below the chin help elongate the face. Avoid excessive volume at the sides and opt for soft waves or curls to create length and minimize roundness. The strategic placement of these layers creates vertical lines that naturally slim your facial appearance.
Understanding which techniques add fullness versus which create a slimming effect gives you the power to work with your natural features rather than against them. Regardless of the shape of your face, the right hairstyles can be used to accentuate your best features, while hiding the ones you don’t like. Whether you’re looking to boost volume or create a more streamlined silhouette, the right cut paired with professional styling techniques can completely transform how you look and feel about your hair.
