Sculpting a fresh, new look can often start at the edges – and we're not just talking about your hairline. If you're rocking a round face, you're in good company with celebrities like Miley Cyrus and Kelly Clarkson, and with the right hairstyle, you can create stunning angles and flatter your features. Enter: the side shave for round faces.
Also known as the fade or undercut, this style emphasizes a crisp taper on the sides and back, contrasted with a longer or textured top. But how does a side shave work for round faces, and what are the best ways to rock this look? Let's dive in and explore.
Understanding Round Faces and Hairstyles
Before we dive into the side shave, let's briefly talk about round faces. Characterized by full cheeks, a rounded chin, and approximately the same face width and length, round faces can appear less proportionate. The goal of hairstyles for round faces is to create the illusion of height or add angles to counterbalance the soft, rounded features.
That's where the side shave comes in. By keeping the top longer and tapering the sides, this style adds vertical height and draws the eye upwards, making your face appear slightly more oval or oblong.
Choosing the Right Top for Your Side Shave
The way you style the top of your hair can significantly impact the overall look of your side shave. For round faces, consider these top styles:
- Textured Crop: A textured, choppy cut with longer lengths on top adds fullness and volume, drawing the eye upward.
- Quiff or Fringe: A quiff or fringe – particularly with a shorter fade – can create the illusion of a more pronounced jawline, balancing the roundness of your face.
- Pompadour or High Top: These styles, popularized by icons like Elvis Presley and modern interpretations by the likes of Bruno Mars, create maximum height and can dramatically change your face's overall look.
The Perfect Fade for Round Faces
Fades come in various lengths and styles, but for round faces, opt for longer, less severe fades. Here's why:
- Longer Fades: Shorter fades can accentuate the width of your face. Longer fades – like skin, mid, or high fades – blend more subtly into your beard (if you have one) and make your face appear slimmer.
- Avoid Severe Fades: A very high or skin fade can emphasize the roundness of your face. Opt for gradual, softer tapers instead.
Combining a longer fade with a top-heavy style like a textured crop or quiff can create the ideal side shave for round faces – a style that adds height, subtracts width, and complements your unique features.
Styling and Maintaining Your Side Shave
Once you've got the perfect side shave, keeping it looking sharp is crucial. Here are some tips for styling and maintaining your fade:
Styling: Use a small amount of pomade, mousse, or texturizing spray on damp hair, then blow dry the top section to your desired style. For a classic side part or comb-over, use a fine-tooth comb to create a sharp, defined part. For textured crops, work your fingers through your hair to create separation and lift.
Maintenance: To maintain the clean, crisp lines of your fade, schedule regular trims every 2-4 weeks, depending on your hair growth rate and desired style. Between cuts, touch up the fade at home using a trimmer with guard sizes to match your preferred fade length, and a fine-tooth XII, or disposable razor for the skin or hair line.
Embracing Your Round Face with Confidence
No matter what hairstyle you choose, remember that the best style is the one that makes you feel confident and comfortable. Embrace your unique features and rock your side shave with pride. With the right cut and style, a side shave can be the perfect complement to your round face.
Ready to try the side shave for yourself? Find the perfect barber or stylist, communicate your vision clearly, and don't be afraid to ask for adjustments until you've got the perfect look for you. Happy styling!