by Kimberley Heit

Created on: June 12, 2009

Your face shape is one of the most important things to consider when choosing a hairstyle. A round face is almost as wide as it is long and features a rounded chin. It typically has a soft, full look and generous cheeks. The goal when selecting a hairstyle is to choose one that will make up your face look longer and slimmer.

There are lots of different ways to flatter a round face, some of the best hairstyles for round faces include:

1. Long styles

Round faces benefit from longer hairstyles because this helps to visually lengthen the appearance of the face. Shorter cuts create horizontal lines which have a tendency to visually widen the appearance of the face. If possible wear your hair no shorter then shoulder length. If your lifestyle and hair type are really unsuited to long hair then at least wear the hair to chin length at the front.

2. Side swept fringes

A light side swept fringe is particularly suited to a round face because it helps make the eyes travel down your face, rather then across it. Just make sure the fringe is short ending above your eyes, or blends into the hair line till below the chin to avoid bulk through the cheek area.

3. Volume at the crown of the head

To elongate the appearance of your face it is beneficial to create volume at the crown of your head. Layers can help achieve more height at the top of the head, or consider wearing your hair in up do's or half up half down styles. If your hair has a tendency to lie limp in this region make sure you flip it upside down when you blow dry it. Alternatively try putting a large hot roller under the top layer of the hair close to the roots. Simply pin this into place without curling the remainder of the hair around it. Remove when it has completely cooled and you should have much more volume in this area.

4. Sleekness through the cheek region

You want to aim to keep your hairstyle sleek through your fullest area. So if your hair is full, or thick consider having it thinned at the sides of the face. Alternatively tie a section of hair back at either side through this area. From around chin level soft layers can work well.

If you have a round face it is best to avoid heavy straight fringes, bobs, tightly pulled back hair, and heavy, curly styles around the cheek region. If you are looking for further inspiration try looking at hairstyles worn by Kate Winslet, Mandy Moore, America Ferrara and Cameron Diaz. These women all possess round faces.

When it comes to selecting a hairstyle make sure you also consider your hair's texture, your body shape, time constraints and lifestyle. A hairstyle needs to suit all of these criteria to be both flattering and achievable.

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