Having a round face often means your cheeks are fuller, and your jawline is softer. While this shape is absolutely charming, some men prefer to add structure and definition to balance out the fullness of their face. One of the best ways to achieve this is by choosing the right facial hair style. Certain beard shapes and styles can help elongate your face, highlight your features, and give you a more angular, chiseled look.
In this guide, we’ll cover the best facial hair styles for men with round faces, along with tips on how to achieve and maintain them for a more defined and balanced look.
Choosing the right facial hair for a round face can make a huge difference in balancing your features and adding definition. Here’s everything you need to know to rock the perfect beard style for your face shape.
Why the Right Facial Hair Matters for a Round Face
A round face has soft curves with few sharp angles, which is why facial hair styles that add definition and angles can be particularly flattering. The right beard style can help elongate the face, create more structure, and highlight your cheekbones and jawline. A well-groomed beard can also balance out the fullness of the cheeks, making your face appear more symmetrical and proportionate.
Best Facial Hair Styles for a Round Face
The goal when choosing a facial hair style for a round face is to add length and sharpness while minimizing the roundness. Here are some of the best styles for men with round faces:
Goatee
- Why it works: The goatee is one of the best beard styles for a round face. The goatee focuses attention on the chin, adding elongation and drawing the eye downwards, which can make the face appear longer and slimmer.
- How to style: A classic goatee involves a small patch of hair on the chin, paired with a well-trimmed mustache. You can keep the mustache short or allow it to grow a bit longer, but be sure to keep the sides of your face clean-shaven for definition.
Full Beard with a Defined Jawline
- Why it works: A full beard that is neatly trimmed and shaped along the jawline can help create the illusion of a more angular face. The fullness of the beard can add volume at the bottom of your face, while the clean edges give it definition.
- How to style: Grow a full beard, but keep the sides well-trimmed to maintain a clear line. Focus on shaping the beard along the jawline to create an elongated effect. This works best if you keep the beard slightly longer on the chin and shorter on the sides.
Van Dyke Beard
- Why it works: The Van Dyke is a combination of a goatee and a mustache, but it is often styled to be more angular. This style works wonders for men with round faces because it adds a sharp, defined look to the chin and mouth area, creating the illusion of a more structured face.
- How to style: The Van Dyke involves a pointy goatee with a mustache. The mustache is typically full and paired with a trimmed, pointed goatee. Shaping the goatee to a point elongates the chin, while the mustache adds volume to the upper lip.
Anchor Beard
- Why it works: The anchor beard is similar to the Van Dyke, but it includes a connected mustache that flows into a pointed chin beard, forming a shape similar to an anchor. This style is fantastic for round faces as it adds sharp angles and elongates the face.
- How to style: Start by growing a full mustache that connects to a small, pointed goatee on your chin. The hair along the jawline should be neatly trimmed to create a clean, sharp anchor shape. The focus on the chin gives the illusion of a longer face.
Balbo Beard
- Why it works: The Balbo beard is a versatile style for round faces because it focuses on the jawline and chin. The Balbo consists of a disconnected mustache paired with a floating goatee, which adds structure and elongates the face.
- How to style: Grow a full mustache and pair it with a small, defined goatee that doesn’t connect to the mustache. Shave the sides of your face to keep the focus on the jaw and chin area, which will help elongate your face.
Short Boxed Beard
- Why it works: The short boxed beard is a low-maintenance style that creates the illusion of a more angular face. By keeping the beard short on the sides and more concentrated around the jawline, this style adds definition to your facial features.
- How to style: A short boxed beard is essentially a well-groomed, defined beard that is kept neat and short on the sides. The key is to keep the sides trimmed close to the skin while letting the beard grow fuller on the chin and jawline.
Soul Patch
- Why it works: A soul patch, or small patch of facial hair directly below the bottom lip, can be a great way to add some subtle elongation to the chin area. While this style works well on its own, it is often paired with a mustache for more balance.
- How to style: The soul patch is simple to maintain. Just allow a small patch of hair to grow under your bottom lip. It’s especially useful for men who prefer a minimalistic look while still adding a bit of texture and structure to their chin.
How to Choose the Best Facial Hair Style for Your Round Face
When choosing the best facial hair for a round face, keep these tips in mind:
- Focus on Elongation: Choose styles that add length and sharpness to your chin and jawline. This can be achieved with styles like the goatee, anchor beard, or Van Dyke.
- Avoid Full Cheeks: Stay away from beards that add fullness to your cheeks. Keeping the sides short will help balance the roundness of your face and draw attention to your jawline.
- Consider Your Hair Texture: If you have thick hair, you may want to try fuller styles like the full beard with defined jawline or Balbo. For finer hair, a short boxed beard or goatee might be more flattering.
- Balance with Your Hairstyle: Consider pairing your facial hair with a hairstyle that complements the shape of your face. For example, shorter hairstyles or a taper fade can enhance the effect of your facial hair.
FAQs
What beard style suits a round face best?
The best beard styles for a round face are those that add length and definition to the chin and jawline, such as the goatee, anchor beard, or Van Dyke.
Should I grow a full beard if I have a round face?
A full beard can work if shaped correctly. Keep the sides trimmed short and the chin area slightly longer to avoid making the face appear fuller.
How do I know if a beard style will suit my round face?
Try styles that create sharp angles and elongate your face, such as the Balbo or short boxed beard. Avoid styles that add volume to the cheeks.
Can I add a mustache with my beard for a round face?
Yes! A well-defined mustache can enhance your beard style and add dimension. Styles like the Van Dyke or Balbo are great options for round faces.
How often should I trim my beard for a round face?
Trim your beard regularly every 1-2 weeks to maintain the shape and length. The sides should stay short, and the chin area should remain well-defined.
When it comes to facial hair for round faces, the key is to focus on styles that elongate and define the face. From goatees to short boxed beards, these styles will help balance the proportions of your face and give you a more structured, masculine look. By choosing the right beard and maintaining it with regular trims, you can enhance your natural features and create a flattering, sharp appearance.