20+ Short Curly Haircuts That Flatter Round Faces in 2025

When you’ve got a round face and naturally curly hair, the wrong cut can leave you feeling like your cheeks are doing too much. Most women searching for short curly cuts want something that flatters their shape and works with their curl pattern—not against it. The key is avoiding too much width at the cheeks and jawline, which can make the face appear even rounder. Instead, go for strategic volume at the crown and light layering that gives shape without the triangle effect.

A good cut should account for shrinkage, weight distribution, and how your curls coil when dry—not just wet. That’s why I always say: dry shaping makes all the difference when cutting curls on round faces.

Let me show you the most flattering short curly haircuts that will bring out your best features and still keep your curl pattern looking its finest. Keep scrolling—you don’t wanna miss these.

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#1 Short Curly Bob with Soft Layers

Chin-length with softly layered curls, this short curly bob works beautifully for round faces wanting balance and volume without puff. The layering keeps the weight from sitting at the widest part of the face, which helps elongate the look. It’s especially great for medium-density curls that need movement. Downside? If your curls are tighter or looser, you’ll want custom layering to avoid triangle shape.

#2 Short 3A Curly Hair with Feathered Finish

Soft, feathered ends and gentle curl pattern make this short 3A style look effortless and flattering. The layers don’t sit heavily, so it avoids ballooning at the cheeks. It’s especially nice for finer curls that still need structure without weighing things down. Light styling cream or mousse helps separate the curls for this airy finish.

#3 Short Curly Red Hair with Face Framing Layers

This vibrant red cut makes a statement with perfectly placed layers that follow the face line. Curls are shaped to taper inward slightly at the jaw, which helps counteract roundness and gives lift to the overall profile. It’s ideal for medium-to-thick density curls. Bold color adds energy but will require upkeep—especially on color-treated curls prone to dryness.

#4 Soft Ringlets on Short 3B Curly Hair

Defined 3B curls form soft ringlets in a neat rounded shape, hugging the jawline gently while maintaining curl definition. This cut keeps most of the volume below the eyes, helping avoid unnecessary width at the cheekbones. Best for low-maintenance wearers who prefer air drying. It’s flattering, classic, and works wonders on naturally springy curls.

#5 Curtain Bangs on Short Curly Hair for Balance

Curtain bangs part naturally over the brows to create symmetry and structure on round faces. Paired with softly layered short curls, this style feels romantic yet sculpted. It works best on medium curl types with enough bounce to fall softly around the eyes. The key is to keep fringe lightweight and not overly thick—perfect for balancing fullness in the cheek area.

#6 Short Curly Hair Ideas for Round Face Shapes

This 4-style collage shows just how diverse short curly cuts can be for round faces—from silvery bobs with blunt bangs to tousled pixies with lift. Each look plays with volume placement and layer structure to contour and enhance facial features. Ideal for showcasing versatility across curl types, hair colors, and densities. A visual guide worth saving for curl inspiration!

#7 Short Brown Curly Hair with Subtle Highlights

Dimensional brunette curls with barely-there golden highlights bring softness to this rounded cut. The layers are blended to avoid puffiness, especially around the cheek area, making it very round-face friendly. Subtle color adds brightness without overwhelming the shape. Great for medium-density curls and anyone looking to warm up their overall tone.

#8 Wolf Cut on Short Curly Hair with Choppy Layers

A curly wolf cut brings edgy flair with a purpose—its choppy top layers and elongated back create lift and length. The layers break up density at the cheeks while adding movement throughout. This one’s best on loose to medium curls with a bit of volume. Great for round faces craving shape and boldness. Just know: styling cream is your best friend to keep those layers defined.

#9 Defined Short 4A Curly Hair for Bounce

Tightly coiled and ultra-defined, this short 4A curly haircut maximizes bounce while controlling bulk around the cheeks. It’s sculpted into a round shape but lifted at the top, which flatters fuller face shapes beautifully. This style works best on dense curls with natural shrinkage. It does take effort with product application and diffusing, but it pays off in structured definition.

#10 Short Curly Gray Hair with Volume and Lift

Full of body and lifted roots, this short silver curly cut is a go-to for mature women with round faces. The volume stays mostly at the crown, drawing the eye upward and away from the jawline. Best for naturally coily textures and medium to thick density. Gray hair tends to be drier, so hydration is key. It’s easy to maintain and enhances natural beauty without looking overly styled.

#11 Short Mullet Curly Hair with Edgy Layers

Bold and edgy, this curly mullet plays with proportions to flatter a round face. Short layers on top add lift, while longer pieces in the back stretch the silhouette. Great for high-density curls and those with a creative style. It’s not a low-effort cut—styling is a must to define sections and maintain shape. But it’s a confident choice for breaking the mold while balancing a fuller face.

#12 Shaggy Short Curly Hair with Natural Texture

With tousled layers and raw natural texture, this curly shag gives round faces a bit of edge and shape. The crown has lift while ends are jagged and airy—not heavy—so the whole look feels light. Ideal for medium-density curls with looser curl patterns. One note: it may require a bit more styling to separate the curls and keep the shag intentional rather than messy.

#13 Short Blonde Curly Hair for a Bright Look

Bouncy, warm blonde curls paired with a rounded bob shape soften and brighten a round face instantly. The lighter hue lifts the overall look while soft layering prevents pyramid shape. Ideal for medium-thick curls and those who want a youthful glow. Highlight maintenance can be tricky for dry or porous curls, so deep conditioning is key here.

#14 Very Short Curly Hair for a Tapered Finish

Tapered close on the sides with natural curls kept fuller on top, this look flatters round faces by narrowing the silhouette. The contrast draws attention upward and elongates facial proportions. Excellent for 3B-3C curls with medium density. Keep in mind, this shape requires frequent trims to stay fresh and defined. Great for summer or anyone wanting bold minimalism.

#15 Short Curly Hair with Bangs for Full Cheeks

Adding short curly bangs to a voluminous bob gives a youthful twist and suits round faces with prominent cheeks. The micro fringe adds personality and opens up the face, while the curls around the jaw stay rounded but defined. Best on medium to coarse curls. For fine hair, this style may lack structure unless layered with care. Watch out for humidity—it needs frizz control.

#16 Layered Short Curly Hair for Volume and Shape

Full-bodied with intentional layering, this short curly cut is perfect for those with round faces and thick hair. The volume is placed higher up rather than around the jaw, helping create a lengthened silhouette. Those inner layers give the curls bounce and shape without over-expanding the sides. One caution: too many short layers on fine curls may make it look sparse.

#17 Curtain Bangs on Curly Hair for Face Framing

The chin-length curly bob gets an upgrade with gently parted curtain bangs. It’s great for round faces because the bangs break up forehead width and draw the eyes inward. The soft face-framing edges blend seamlessly into the sides, which is flattering for wide cheek areas. Works best on medium curls and balanced density. Avoid if your curls are ultra-coarse—it can puff too much around the fringe.

#18 Butterfly Haircut for Short Curly Hair

This short curly butterfly cut gives the illusion of layered wings with airy volume on top and tapered softness underneath—ideal for thick, curly hair that tends to expand horizontally. The lift at the crown helps stretch a round face vertically, while the descending layers add shape without bulk. Not great for fine hair, but absolutely stunning on thick curls.

#19 Pixie Cut Curly Hair for Round Faces

Tightly coiled curls cropped into a short pixie make this cut perfect for round-faced gals who want definition and low bulk on the sides. The shape lifts at the crown to elongate the face. Ideal for tight curl patterns with medium to high density. It’s super low maintenance but requires frequent trims to keep the silhouette neat. Bonus: the minimal volume around the cheeks helps soften roundness.

#20 Curlhalo Haircut

A curlhalo is all about creating balanced volume that hugs the head shape while lifting at the crown. This cut wraps curls in a halo-like silhouette but tapers just enough to avoid adding bulk near the ears. Great for high-density curls with plenty of spring. It’s a fun shape that doesn’t require perfection—embracing frizz and natural movement is part of the charm.

#21 Pixibounce Cut

This Pixibounce cut combines the structure of a pixie with the bounce of natural curls—perfect for softening a round face. The defined curls sit high at the crown, creating vertical lift that visually elongates the face, while the tapered sides keep bulk away from the cheeks. Great for dense 3A-3B curls and round face shapes that need height without width. It’s wash-and-go friendly but benefits from curl creams to keep that bounce controlled. Just watch the neckline—trimming it regularly keeps the shape intentional and flattering.