50-year-olds with a round face may want a hairstyle that is modern and easy to style. Choosing the right type of hair can create the look of an elongated face. For round faces, we want to add some height at the top and keep the sides soft and narrow to elongate the look of the face.
Most people don’t understand, but a good haircut for a round face is not the length; it’s actually the weight placement in the round face. I had a lovely client who used to get the same chin-length bob every appointment until I offered to do something else, which she used to get in the past because one of the other stylists suggested it 20 years ago. To top it off, that cut was awful because it hit her jawline and was the widest part of her face and made everything look too broad. Long story short, we gave her a longer bob (lob) with some internal layers and height at the crown and she was crying in the chair, not because it was an extreme change, but because she felt like she looked like herself for the first time.
The great thing about round faces is that you don’t need to fight against the shape, it’s more about knowing where to shift the focus so it feels balanced and light, rather than heavy and bulky.
I suggest internal layering rather than thick, blunt cuts, especially around the cheek area. This keeps the ends full without having to remove a ton of hair. Bangs that sit just under the eyebrows and taper a little longer towards the sides can create nice angles to your face. Avoid one-length hair that hits the chin. It cuts across the face at the widest part, making the face look wider.
Looking forward to seeing the hair that will suit you best? Check out all the options to find your new favorite!
#1: Smoky Gray Blended Layered Lob
While this color may seem simple, a lot of artistry went into it. The smoky blend incorporates gray tones, all without any visible stepping. These tones fluidly transition from dark roots to smooth, gray and silver in the mid shafts and ends. The layers hit just right to give tousled movement without being too thin or overly wisped. For round face shapes, this length is perfect as it sits below the chin and draws the eye down. The color and texture also lightens the visual weight around the sides. Styling is made easy as a touch of mousse and a flatiron to smooth or dry waves would do the trick. It would still look good on day two or three.
#2: Textured Feathered Vanilla Blonde Bob
I love this type of feathering because it gives you fullness and movement without all the bulk which is what you want when your hair is on the finer side. The shade of vanilla blonde is so pretty, warm enough to not wash you out, but light enough to feel fresh and a little fun. This is one of those cuts that you can hit with a quick blast of texturizing spray, scrunch it, and walk out the door, which is honestly the best kind of haircut in my opinion.
#3: Silver Smoke Layered Midlength Blowout
If you want that fresh salon feeling everyday, this one’s for you! Those layers are designed to fall flawlessly and look amazing when blown out with a round brush! It will add bouncy, full bodied movement to your hair and make fine to medium hair look so much thicker! The silver smoke color is stunning and is one of the easier colors to grow out with because it blends effortlessly with any gray that comes in at the roots. I would suggest a volumizing spray before blow drying your hair to give you some great lift in the crown area that will really open up your face.
#4: Soft Champagne Layered Pixie Crop
I get excited about this cut because it takes confidence and the reward is so worth it. The champagne color is so light and bright, it gives off a glow and is very pretty. The short layers give enough movement to the hair that it doesn’t look flat or like a helmet. The most you’ll have to do to this cut is wake up and go, maybe use a texturizing spray and finger comb the glue. It looks so good on oval and heart shaped faces, but I have seen it work on round faces as well, as long as the top layers are cut a bit longer.
#5 Bright Copper Waves with Face-Framing Layers
I’ve never found another color that complements my face as well as copper. The waves look so effortless and give it that lived in look that I love. The color definitely framed my round face and gave it some dimension which I appreciate. Copper does add warmth to my face which I love, but I will say it fades a lot quicker than other colors. To help keep the color longer make sure to use a color depositing shampoo.
#6 Soft Curly Shoulder-Length Cut with Subtle Volume
Let’s start with the hair. The highlights are well done and add depth to each individual curl. As for the length, it’s great because the weight of the hair will combat a lot of frizz, while still short enough that the curl pattern won’t get stretched out and look lifeless. The soft curls around the face help to frame it well. The volume towards the ends provides a clean look and guides the eyes around the whole hairstyle. If your hair has any natural wave or curl, this is a great cut because as it grows out, it will become even more wavy and curly.
#7 Chic Textured Pixie Cut with Soft Highlights
Short hair is a big decision and these highlights create a lot of movement and dimension to the style – especially with a cut like this. Many people don’t realize how much highlights affect the style of their hair, especially if it’s fine. Strategically placed highlights can completely transform the style and give the hair more body. This is a fun haircut that looks great in photos and gives a fresh, youthful look without looking too childish. The best part is that the style is super easy to maintain, so if you are willing to come back about every four to five weeks to keep this style looking fresh, there is honestly not much more you need to do!
#8 Chic Textured Pixie Cut with Soft Layers
The crown volume is everything. That little bit of height right at the top is what makes this cut so flattering on a round face because it creates the illusion of length in the face and draws the eye vertically rather than horizontally. The soft bangs help prevent it from feeling too severe, which is always my concern with very short cuts on rounder faces, and the overall texture gives it a modern feel. If your hair is on the finer side, you may need a bit of volumizing powder or a lightweight paste worked through the top to hold that lift throughout the day, but that is a quick thirty-second step and well worth it.
#9 Modern Textured Pixie Cut with Rich Burgundy Highlights
An excellent option is burgundy! I enjoy it with a pixie cut because it gives warmth and richness which can even make a simple pixie cut look purposeful and delightfully dramatic. The texture keeps it from looking too finished and that’s a good thing because overly polished pixies can draw attention to the wrong things on a rounder face. I think this is a style that definitely meets the criteria for looking good while running errands and also while going out to dinner. In my opinion, this is where a haircut has to be really functional for your life, rather than just looking good in the mirror at the salon.
#10 Stylish Short Pixie Cut with Soft Textured Layers
This has a brightness that uplifts everything and brightens the skin (which honestly, is worth more than any thing I could recommend). The texturising layers give fine hair some hold so the cut has shape and direction without too much styling. I think what works so well on round faces is the way the shorter sides keep everything looking narrow, and the soft movement on top gives you that vertical line. This is definitely a more low-maintenance look, though you will probably want some light hold product for the days when it’s not working as hard.
#11 Chic Shoulder-Length Cut with Flattering Face-Framing Layers
This haircut has good front layers cut right at the eye line, which is where we want people to look as the most expression comes from that area. The warm brown tone is nice and rich and doesn’t need any highlights to look dimensional, which is perfect for clients who don’t want to spend too much time in the salon. It also sits really well in fine hair as the layers are light enough to allow for good movement without the ends looking too scraggly. The length is good for versatility as it can be worn up or down, which is nice. You will want to keep up with trims to maintain the face framing pieces because once they grow out past a certain point, they lose the effect.
#12 Textured Shoulder-Length Cut with Soft Bangs
What stands out to me the most are the bangs. They`re really soft and slightly parted. That`s a lot easier to pull off than a heavy straight across fringe, especially on a round face where you`re trying to create some angles instead of adding more curves. The shoulder length is practical for day to day life and the textured finish has a nice weight to it that doesn`t clash with wavy hair. I will say, though, if you`re hair tends to look flat, you might want to add some sea salt spray or something like that with a bit of grit to keep that texture going. The whole look falls apart a bit if the waves drop out completely so you`ll have to keep that in mind.
#13 Classic Textured Bob with Subtle Volume
I appreciate the fact that everybody’s style is different, but there are certain haircuts that every woman should try at least once in their life, and this is one of those haircuts. This style has some subtle layers, which help to avoid that horrible ‘poofy triangle’ look, as well as giving some volume to fine hair to prevent it from falling limp. It has soft angled layers which I think are the most flattering for round face shapes, and hit around the shoulders. This style looks polished with almost no effort, which is the best compliment I can give a haircut. For those reasons, I think this haircut is perfect as it is, but I think a gloss or some lowlights would give this haircut so much more dimension.
#14 Radiant Copper Waves with Soft Layers
Each time I come across that specific shade of copper, I am reminded of the reasons it has been one of my favorite shades for so many years. I appreciate the waves as they have a sort of organic, almost slightly messy quality that contributes to the overall effortless look. With the soft layers surrounding the face, everything is drawn inward and downward, which creates a really nice slimming effect. On fine hair, the layers give just the right amount of volume to give the style some life, which is always the risk with too many layers on thin hair I won’t pretend that the upkeep on this color is easy because it is most definitely not, but if you love it enough to stay on top of it, they’re big rewards for your maintenance.
#15 Elegant Soft Waves with Textured Ends
The ends of your locks styled create a soft chic look while maintaining a clean appearance which is very necessary when styling round faces. Ends at the same length tend to add more bulk to the sides of the face. Instead, the ends create a broken feathered look which feels really light and airy and the gentle waves help even fine hair look way more voluminous. Although the fine hair may not actually be fuller. Although getting that look may take a little extra work because you need to use a curling wand (or a round brush) to get that look) it’s totally worth it since the waves will last you a couple of days.
#16 Warm Auburn Curly Bob with Subtle Layers
A haircut that helps a person’s natural curls instead of fighting against them is always a win, and this does just that! The color is a warm rich auburn which doesn’t read as too red so it is complimentary to most skin tones and doesn’t have that harsh look some reds have. The layers are just the right amount to allow curls to still cluster together, but not so much to make it mushroomy, which is a risk with curly bobs. The length is perfect as it just grazes above the shoulders which is ideal for a round face as it falls below the fullest part of the cheeks. A bit of light mousse to scrunch while it’s still damp, and you’re good to go!
#17 Stylish Textured Pixie Cut with Subtle Volume
The silver tone looks great as it is done with purpose and has an elegant modern look about it as opposed to an unkempt look which is very significant. The tousled layers have great movement in the cut to create a sense of height that works on rounder faces. In fact, fine hair works really well in a pixie like this because there is less length to weigh everything down. The natural lift is noticeable more so than if you had longer hair. The tradeoff is that you end up in the salon more often for shape ups, but your morning routine becomes non-existent so it evens out.
#18 Stylish Textured Short Cut with Soft Waves
I feel those soft waves help the personality of this cut make it feel more relaxed and approachable, which is very important when going short. You don’t want the cut to feel like it is wearing you. The silver tones are stunning and easy to photograph. Although I will say that lighter colors at this length can start to look a little dull if a good purple shampoo isn’t used often to maintain the brightness. The texture and volume create a really flattering option for rounder faces, especially the way the waves break up the outline and create some nice asymmetry.
#19 Warm Chocolate Waves with Subtle Highlights
This color may look basic at first sight, but it’s a “compliment magnet”. This means that color and warmth work together so well, people won’t know what exactly makes it look good. To me, that is a sign of incredible color work. The highlights give a sun-kissed, natural look which is stunning and adds dimension. The chocolate color along with the loose waves really help emphasize the color when it catches the light and gives that sun-kissed look. The layers are designed to soften a round face without looking like you have “mom layers from 2003” that we’ve all moved past. Hair that is shoulder-length and fine to medium in texture will hold the wave pattern really well. It’s at this length that all the control is created so that the waves are kept in check.
#20 Warm Copper Curly Lob with Subtle Volume
These curls are amazing! They create the perfect amount of volume at the crown of the head without making the sides of the face and the ends of the hair too bulky. Curls also give off a fun and lively vibe. Warm copper color is especially beautiful with the curls because of the light and dimensional effect created at all the different angles. There doesn’t need to be any balayage because it looks great as is, but a little balayage would be awesome. At this length, curly hair can get messy. I’ll be honest, it will most likely take some curl cream and a diffuser to achieve those perfect clean curls on wash days, but the extra effort is completely worth it!
#21 Soft Brown Long Bob with Subtle Layers
With this lob, I appreciate that it has an honest shape. It has a clean shape, a good construction, and enough layering to add some body to the finer hair types as well as the nice soft face framing layers that suit rounder face shapes. The brown hair color looks very natural, which I know some women prefer, and I respect that there is a lot of beauty in just embracing your own color. It’s great to see the cut do the work! The bangs have been left quite light and wispy, rather than thick, preventing them from looking overly heavy across the forehead. With finer hair types it’s not unusual to find yourself reaching for dry shampoo about day two to give the roots some lift, but that’s just the nature of the hair texture and not a fault of the haircut.
#22 Soft Layered Cut with Gentle Waves
When I saw the movement of the waves, I thought it looked effortless. She looks so good she must have braided her hair when she went to sleep and just woke up like this. I actually recommend this technique all the time because it looks great and there’s no cost involved! The layers help add some highlights, ensuring the cut doesn’t look too processed, and are placed for an overall sweeps and face framing effect. This is really good for round face shapes because it creates the illusion of an oval face. At shoulder length, it is versatile enough to pull into a low ponytail or half-up when you want the hair out of the way. The upkeep is actually moderate. You will want to come in and get those layers shaped up every 6-8 weeks, but overall, the day-to-day styling is pretty easy.
#23 Soft Grey Blunt Bob with Subtle Layers
I know I said chin length, one length cuts for round faces should be avoided, and for the most part, I still stand by that, but this one works because the subtle layering breaks the solid line, so it isn’t just a solid block of hair around the fullest part of the face. The grey colour looks sleek and especially modern with the design, which is great when you’re in grey. The hair also looks light and airy instead of heavy given the fine to medium density along with the slight layering creating just the right amount of movement to avoid that boxy feel. You will want to get regular trims with this style because a blunt bob really does show their growth cycle, but when it’s brand new, it’s so sharp!
#24 Textured Soft Waves with Face-Framing Layers
The warm color looks fantastic. The deep caramel shade makes almost everyone look healthy and rested, which is what we all want. The waves have a good body and the face-framing layers fall perfectly to slim the cheeks and jaws, which is perfect for a round face. With the length just below the shoulders, this gives you enough hair to work with for different styles, without being so long that it drags everything down. These waves do take some effort, about 10 to 15 minutes with a curling wand, although you could do a few braids to get a similar effect.
#25 Textured Pixie Cut with Soft Layers
I love the asymmetry in the fringe because it creates a nice diagonal across the forehead. It adds some length to a round face without being too drastic. The soft layers give some nice movement which is great for fine to medium hair as it provides a little grip to hold the shape throughout the day. It’s short enough to be low maintenance with drying time and products, but long enough on top to have some style to it. The cut is clean and super flattering. I would love to see how it looks with a few subtle highlights.
#26 Stylish Textured Bob with Subtle Layers
I love her soft grey hair! The bob shape suits her face, especially with the chin layers. This is something that I tend to worry about with round faces and bob styles. The nice and easy texture is perfect for women over 50 compared to older women’s hair that is overly styled or shellacked. The movement in her hair is a sign of a really good quality cut. With this hairstyle, mornings can be a lot more relaxed because of the wash and go capability. Just a few pulled down flyaways should look good.
#27 Soft Curly Lob with Subtle Layers
If you happen to have any natural waves or curls, this cut will suit you greatly! This cut brings out the best of what your hair wants to do. Soft layers create an elongating effect for round faces by distributing volume vertically. For this length, the weight is enough to control the frizz while still keeping the curls bouncy. It will take some product to tame the waves — a light leave-in conditioner will help as well as some scrunching with a microfiber towel. Working on your routine will guarantee you the bouncy, lively texture every time.
#28 Textured Shoulder-Length Cut with Subtle Highlights
I use lots of highlights around the face to brighten things up and create a really nice effect with a lot less commitment and maintenance than all over color. The shoulder length layered cut will sit right where it flatters a round face and will fall just past the widest point. The layers will allow the hair to sit and wave and most of it will move shoulder length, so it will fall just past the widest point. Lots of haircuts can take a day or two to really settle in, and this is one of them. When the hair texture and waves relax, this is one of those haircuts that will look great. Hair that doesn’t need to be washed every day will work great with this cut.
#29 Chic Layered Cut with Soft Waves
I love how the layers have been arranged to form a curtain look around the cheeks. They merge into the hair so seamlessly that it doesn’t appear layered in a blatant way. The softness and slight messiness of the waves helps prevent the overall look from being too polished. When you have a round face, that relaxed sort of movement is wonderful as it draws the eye in so many different directions instead of just sitting flat and emphasizing the width. Your wavy texture and medium density really help out with all the work because that means way less time spent styling.
#30 Charming Curly Bob with Soft Bangs
The curly bob and bangs combo is the perfect match, the bangs create a top frame while the curls add height and texture from the cheeks down. This style is also ideal for round faces, as the bangs grab attention and create a top horizontal line, making everything below appear longer. The shoulder length style is easy to manage and complimenting, as the curls add fullness regardless of the actual amount of hair. The look is achievable if your hair is fine to medium, without the need of thick, or naturally big hair. The shape requires regular trims to maintain, and if you love your natural curls then this is a great way to shift your style.
#31 Textured Curly Bob with Soft Bangs
The defined curls are amazing. Each one is a different size and going in a different direction, so it really creates a lot of individuality for the bob, as opposed to a mass produced look from some uniform curls. Those lovely bangs are cut with the curls, rather than against the curls, and that makes a world of difference. Not every stylist is clever enough to do that, and it helps so much with the morning routine. I usually advise against chin length styles on round faces, but these cut and lots of volume and texture are so much better. With such interesting visual texture from the curls, the eyes won’t get drawn to the jawline. Just keep the the curls moisturized because dry curls lose definition really quickly.
#32 Modern Curly Bob with Defined Layers
This bob haircut was crafted with your curl pattern in mind. You can see that each layer has been cut to bounce up and form its own distinct area of volume. The chin-length cut with natural texture gives a modern touch that I find especially flattering for women 50+, as it really shows that you know yourself and aren’t afraid to make a statement. The curls are gorgeous and well-defined, testament to a good nourishing treatment, which is the true secret to any curly cut. The cut can be spot on, but without healthy curls, it misses the mark. This style works well for medium density hair, as you have enough mass to create fullness without the curls getting too puffy.
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