20 Short Hairstyles for Round Faces Men Inspired by Celebrities

A round face has soft angles and similar width and length, so the best haircuts add height on top and keep the sides tight. Get that balance wrong and a cut can make the face look wider instead of more defined. These short hairstyles for round faces for men are inspired by celebrity cuts, from textured crops and pompadours to buzz cuts with stubble and curly fades.

Hairstyle Inspirations has updated each one for 2027 with top length, trim timing, and tips that use height and angles to flatter a round face.

Quick Overview: Key Points

• Best for adding height: short pompadour, brushed-up quiff, and short spiky hair.
• Best for slimming the sides: high fade with hard part, modern fade, and slicked-back undercut.
• Lowest maintenance: buzz cut with stubble, classic taper, and short side part.
• Best for curls and coils: low fade with curls, defined taper fade, and curly short cut.
• Beard tip: a short, defined beard adds jawline structure to round faces.
• Trim timing: fades every 2–3 weeks; textured tops every 3–5 weeks.

What Are the Best Short Hairstyles for Round Faces for Men?

The best short hairstyles for round faces for men add height or volume on top while keeping the sides short or faded. Cuts like pompadours, quiffs, textured crops, and high fades create vertical lines and angles that make a round face look longer and more defined.

Round-face cuts differ from cuts for oval or long faces in where the volume sits. A long face benefits from fringes and side width, while a round face needs height on top and tight sides. Side parts, asymmetry, and beards also help add structure.

1. Zac Efron’s Textured Crop

This textured crop keeps a short, choppy top with faded sides and a slightly lifted front. The texture adds height and angles, which helps a round face look longer, making it one of the most flattering short hairstyles for a round face.

Ask for point-cut texture on top and a mid fade. Work a matte clay through towel-dried hair and lift the front slightly rather than pushing it flat. Keep the sides tight so the face doesn’t look wider. Refresh the fade every three weeks.

Best for: Straight or wavy hair, medium to thick

• Length: 1.5–3 inches on top
• Maintenance: Low
• Styling time: 5 min
• Trim every: 3 weeks
• Color touch-up: Not needed; gray blending every 4–6 weeks if used

2. Chris Evans’ Side-Swept Crew Cut

A side-swept crew cut keeps the classic crew cut length but sweeps the slightly longer front to one side. The diagonal line breaks up the roundness of the face and adds a clean, all-American polish. Blow-dry the front to the side with a little lift, then set with a light matte paste.

Keep the sides short. It suits straight and wavy hair. Trim every three to four weeks. It works for the office, the gym, and events without extra styling.

Best for: Straight or wavy hair

• Length: 1–2 inches on top
• Maintenance: Low
• Styling time: 3–5 min
• Trim every: 3–4 weeks
• Color touch-up: Not needed; gray blending every 4–6 weeks if used

3. Michael B. Jordan’s Low Fade with Curls

A low fade with curls keeps natural curls on top with a fade that starts low near the ears. The curls add height and volume on top, while the fade keeps the sides clean so a round face looks more balanced.

Define curls with a curl cream and air-dry, or use a curl sponge for tighter textures. Keep the top a little fuller than the sides. Refresh the fade every two to three weeks. Sleep on a satin pillowcase to keep curls defined.

Best for: Curly to coily hair (types 3A–4C)

• Length: 1.5–3 inches on top
• Maintenance: Low
• Styling time: 5 min
• Trim every: 2–3 weeks
• Color touch-up: Not needed; gray blending every 4–6 weeks if used

4. Ryan Reynolds’ Classic Taper Cut

A classic taper cut gradually shortens the sides and back while leaving a bit more length on top. It’s understated and versatile and one of the most dependable short hairstyles for men. For round faces, ask the barber to keep the sides tighter than the top and style the top up or to the side rather than flat.

A light cream gives natural hold. It suits most hair types. Trim every three to four weeks. It grows out neatly between visits.

Best for: Any hair type

• Length: 1.5–3 inches on top
• Maintenance: Low
• Styling time: 3–5 min
• Trim every: 3–4 weeks
• Color touch-up: Not needed; gray blending every 4–6 weeks if used

5. Justin Timberlake’s Slicked Back Undercut

A slicked-back undercut combs a longer top straight back over very short sides. Pulling hair back with height adds length to a round face. Pair it with a beard for extra definition; see short hairstyles for men with beards.

Apply pomade to damp hair and comb back, adding a little lift at the front. Keep the undercut sharp with trims every two to three weeks. Wash out pomade every few days to avoid buildup. It looks sharp with tailored clothing and suits formal events.

Best for: Straight or wavy hair, medium to thick

• Length: 3–5 inches on top
• Maintenance: Medium
• Styling time: 5–10 min
• Trim every: 2–3 weeks
• Color touch-up: Not needed; gray blending every 4–6 weeks if used

6. Nick Jonas’ Short Pompadour

A short pompadour sweeps the top up and back into a rounded crest. The height is the key: it draws the eye upward and makes a round face look longer and more defined. Blow-dry the front upward with a round brush and set with a medium-hold pomade or clay.

Keep the sides short or faded. You need about 2–4 inches on top. Refresh every three to four weeks. Wash out product every few days. It suits round faces especially well.

Best for: Straight or wavy hair, medium to thick

• Length: 2–4 inches on top
• Maintenance: Medium
• Styling time: 5–10 min
• Trim every: 3–4 weeks
• Color touch-up: Not needed; gray blending every 4–6 weeks if used

7. Channing Tatum’s Buzz Cut

A buzz cut clips the hair evenly short all over. On a round face, it works best paired with a short beard or stubble to add definition along the jawline. Choose a #2–#4 guard on top and a slightly shorter fade on the sides.

There’s almost no styling. Refresh every two to three weeks. Wear sunscreen on the scalp outdoors. A neat beard line along the cheeks and neck sharpens the overall look. It suits round faces with strong brows.

Best for: Any hair type

• Length: 0.125–0.5 inch
• Maintenance: Low
• Styling time: 1 min
• Trim every: 2–3 weeks
• Color touch-up: Not needed; gray blending every 4–6 weeks if used

8. Harry Styles’ Tousled Short Waves

Tousled short waves keep a few inches of loose waves on top with shorter sides. The waves add height and movement; see more short hairstyles for men with curly hair. Scrunch in a sea-salt spray or light cream and air-dry.

Push the waves up and back slightly rather than forward. Trim every four to five weeks. Avoid heavy waxes. A light leave-in keeps waves soft. Keep the sides tapered so the waves add height rather than width. It looks great with stubble and casual wear.

Best for: Wavy or loosely curly hair

• Length: 2–4 inches on top
• Maintenance: Low
• Styling time: 3–5 min
• Trim every: 4–5 weeks
• Color touch-up: Not needed; gray blending every 4–6 weeks if used

9. Zayn Malik’s High Fade with Hard Part

A high fade with hard part fades the sides high up the head and adds a shaved part line. The high fade slims the sides of the face, while the part adds a sharp vertical line. Comb the top to one side with a light pomade, adding lift at the front.

Touch up the fade and hard part every two weeks. It suits straight and wavy hair. It looks sharp for formal events. Wash out pomade every few days to keep the scalp healthy.

Best for: Straight or wavy hair

• Length: 2–3 inches on top
• Maintenance: Medium
• Styling time: 5 min
• Trim every: 2 weeks
• Color touch-up: Not needed; gray blending every 4–6 weeks if used

10. Leonardo DiCaprio’s Slick Side Part

A slick side part combs the top neatly to one side with a defined part. Adding a little volume at the front keeps it from looking flat on a round face. Blow-dry the front up slightly, then comb to the side with a medium-shine pomade.

Keep the sides short. Trim every three to four weeks. It’s classic and polished for office and formal wear. Use a heat protectant before blow-drying. A matte pomade gives a modern finish if you prefer less shine.

Best for: Straight or wavy hair

• Length: 2–4 inches on top
• Maintenance: Low
• Styling time: 5 min
• Trim every: 3–4 weeks
• Color touch-up: Not needed; gray blending every 4–6 weeks if used

11. Tom Hardy’s Short Spiky Hair

Short spiky hair pushes a short top up into textured spikes. The vertical spikes add height and angles that offset the softness of a round face. Blow-dry upward, then twist small sections with a matte clay.

Keep the sides short so the face doesn’t look wider. Avoid stiff gels for a modern finish. Trim every three to four weeks so the spikes stand properly. Wash out product nightly to keep the scalp healthy. It also hides cowlicks at the crown.

Best for: Straight, thick hair

• Length: 1.5–3 inches on top
• Maintenance: Low
• Styling time: 5 min
• Trim every: 3–4 weeks
• Color touch-up: Not needed; gray blending every 4–6 weeks if used

12. Brad Pitt’s Ivy League Cut

The Ivy League cut is a longer crew cut with enough length for a side part. On a round face, a slight lift at the front adds length and polish. Comb the top to one side with a light cream, lifting the front slightly.

Keep the sides short. It suits straight and wavy hair. Trim every three to four weeks. It looks sharp with suits and casual knitwear alike. A matte finish keeps it modern, and a short beard adds jawline definition.

Best for: Straight or wavy hair

• Length: 1–2 inches on top
• Maintenance: Low
• Styling time: 3 min
• Trim every: 3–4 weeks
• Color touch-up: Not needed; gray blending every 4–6 weeks if used

13. Henry Golding’s Brushed-Up Quiff

A brushed-up quiff lifts the front up and slightly back with shorter sides. The vertical lift lengthens a round face. It also works well on thick, straight hair, as seen among short hairstyles for Asian men. Blow-dry the front upward with a vent brush and set with matte clay.

You need about 2–3 inches at the front. Refresh every three to four weeks. Use a heat protectant before blow-drying, and wash out clay nightly. It looks sharp for work and evenings out.

Best for: Straight or wavy hair

• Length: 2–3 inches on top
• Maintenance: Medium
• Styling time: 5–10 min
• Trim every: 3–4 weeks
• Color touch-up: Not needed; gray blending every 4–6 weeks if used

14. John Boyega’s Defined Taper Fade

A defined taper fade keeps natural texture on top with a crisp taper and line-up at the edges. The sharp lines add structure to a round face. Moisturize the top with a leave-in and shape with a pick or curl sponge.

Ask for a crisp line-up at the forehead and temples. Refresh every two weeks. Keep a little more height on top than at the sides for balance. Sleep with a durag or satin pillowcase. It suits casual and formal wear and pairs well with a short beard.

Best for: Coily or curly hair (types 3C–4C)

• Length: 1–2 inches on top
• Maintenance: Low
• Styling time: 3–5 min
• Trim every: 2 weeks
• Color touch-up: Not needed; gray blending every 4–6 weeks if used

15. Daniel Radcliffe’s Short Side Part

A short side part keeps the top short and combed to one side. It’s neat and boyish, and the diagonal part line helps break up a round shape. Comb with a light cream on damp hair, adding a little lift. Keep the sides short.

Trim every three to four weeks. It’s easy to maintain. It suits straight and fine hair especially well. A matte cream gives a modern finish, while a little pomade adds classic shine. It works for school, the office, and weekends, and it grows out neatly.

Best for: Straight hair

• Length: 1–2.5 inches on top
• Maintenance: Low
• Styling time: 3 min
• Trim every: 3–4 weeks
• Color touch-up: Not needed; gray blending every 4–6 weeks if used

16. Kit Harington’s Curly Short Cut

A curly short cut keeps natural curls on top and trims the sides shorter. Keeping curls fuller on top than at the sides avoids a round silhouette. Define curls with a curl cream and air-dry. Ask for a dry cut so shrinkage is accounted for.

Trim every four to six weeks. Refresh second-day curls with water and a little cream. Sleep on a satin pillowcase to keep definition. A short beard or stubble adds structure along the jaw. Avoid brushing dry curls.

Best for: Curly hair (types 3A–3C)

• Length: 2–4 inches on top
• Maintenance: Low
• Styling time: 5 min
• Trim every: 4–6 weeks
• Color touch-up: Not needed; gray blending every 4–6 weeks if used

17. Jake Gyllenhaal’s Neat Taper with Texture

A neat taper with texture keeps a tidy taper with a textured top styled up. It’s clean and versatile; longer versions appear among medium length hairstyles for men. Work a matte paste through the top and lift it slightly.

Trim every three to four weeks. Keep the sides tight and the top slightly fuller for balance on a round face. It works for office and weekends alike and grows out gracefully. A short beard or stubble adds definition. Wash out paste every few days.

Best for: Straight or wavy hair

• Length: 1.5–3 inches on top
• Maintenance: Low
• Styling time: 3–5 min
• Trim every: 3–4 weeks
• Color touch-up: Not needed; gray blending every 4–6 weeks if used

18. Chris Pine’s Modern Fade

A modern fade pairs a sharp fade with a short, styled top. The fade slims the sides, and the top adds height. Style the top up or to the side with matte clay. Refresh the fade every two to three weeks.

For round faces, ask for a mid or high fade to slim the sides. Keep the top at least 1.5 inches so it can be lifted. Wash out clay every few days. It looks sharp with stubble or a clean shave and suits most hair types.

Best for: Any hair type

• Length: 1.5–3 inches on top
• Maintenance: Low
• Styling time: 3–5 min
• Trim every: 2–3 weeks
• Color touch-up: Not needed; gray blending every 4–6 weeks if used

19. Dev Patel’s Layered Crop for Wavy Hair

A layered crop for wavy hair adds layers to a short wavy top so the waves lift and move. It adds volume on top rather than at the sides. Scrunch with a sea-salt spray and air-dry.

Ask for texturizing on top. Trim every four to five weeks. Avoid heavy waxes, which flatten waves. A light leave-in keeps them soft. Keep the sides tapered for balance. It looks great with stubble and casual wear, and it grows out easily between cuts.

Best for: Wavy hair

• Length: 2–3.5 inches on top
• Maintenance: Low
• Styling time: 3 min
• Trim every: 4–5 weeks
• Color touch-up: Not needed; gray blending every 4–6 weeks if used

20. Shawn Mendes’ Short Shaggy Style

A short shaggy style adds choppy, layered texture throughout a short cut. It’s relaxed and youthful. Rough-dry with texture spray and push the top up and back slightly. Keep the sides shorter than the top. Avoid heavy products, which flatten the layers.

A light matte paste adds definition. Trim every four to five weeks so the shape stays intentional. It looks great with stubble and casual outfits. Dry shampoo at the roots adds lift on second-day hair, and the choppy texture hides cowlicks.

Best for: Wavy or straight hair

• Length: 2–4 inches on top
• Maintenance: Low
• Styling time: 3–5 min
• Trim every: 4–5 weeks
• Color touch-up: Not needed; gray blending every 4–6 weeks if used

How Do I Choose a Haircut for a Round Face?

Look for cuts with height on top, short sides, and some angles. Avoid flat, forward fringes and full sides, which emphasize width. A side part or short beard can add extra definition.

• Add height: pompadours, quiffs, faux hawks, and spiky tops.
• Keep sides tight: mid or high fades and undercuts.
• Add angles: side parts, hard parts, and asymmetric sweeps.
• Consider a beard: a short, shaped beard lengthens the face.
• Avoid: blunt forward fringes and round, uniform shapes.

Which Round-Face Haircuts Work Best for Fine, Thick, Wavy, Curly, or Coily Hair?

Fine hair suits textured crops and side parts; thick hair suits pompadours and quiffs; wavy hair suits tousled waves and layered crops; curly hair suits low fades with curls; coily hair suits defined taper fades. Texture decides how easily the top holds height.

• Fine hair: textured crops add lift without flatness.
• Thick hair: holds pompadours and quiffs easily.
• Wavy hair: natural movement adds height when pushed up.
• Curly hair: keep curls fuller on top than at the sides.
• Coily hair: sharp tapers and line-ups add structure.

How Do I Style a Short Cut to Flatter a Round Face?

Blow-dry the top upward, use a matte clay or pomade for hold, and keep the sides short between cuts. Lifting the front, even slightly, makes a noticeable difference.

1. Blow-dry upward: set height before adding product.
2. Pick the right product: matte clay for texture; pomade for sleek height.
3. Lift the front: avoid pushing hair flat onto the forehead.
4. Keep sides tight: book fades every 2–3 weeks.
5. Groom facial hair: shape beards to extend the chin line.

Frequently Asked Questions

What haircut is best for a round face for men?

Cuts with height on top and short sides, like a short pompadour, brushed-up quiff, or textured crop with a fade, flatter round faces most.

Should men with round faces avoid buzz cuts?

Not necessarily. A buzz cut works well when paired with a short, defined beard that adds length to the face.

Does a beard help a round face?

Yes. A beard that’s a little longer at the chin and shorter at the sides makes a round face look longer.

Are fringes good for round faces?

Flat, forward fringes can emphasize roundness. Side-swept or lifted fringes work better.

How often should I trim a round-face haircut?

Fades look best refreshed every two to three weeks; textured tops every three to five weeks.

Can curly hair work for a round face?

Yes. Keep curls fuller on top and pair them with a low or mid fade so the sides stay slim.

Conclusion

When choosing among these short hairstyles for round faces for men, focus on height and tight sides. For the most lift, try a short pompadour or brushed-up quiff. For easy upkeep, go for a textured crop.

For a bold look, pair a buzz cut with a beard. Browse our men’s hairstyle collection and short hairstyle inspirations for more. Hairstyle Inspirations keeps updating ideas like these. Save your favorites to Pinterest and show them to your barber.