Choosing a Fringe for a Round Face
A round face is defined by a width and length that are roughly equal, often accompanied by soft, curved jawlines and cheeks. The objective when introducing a fringe to this shape is to disrupt the circular symmetry by adding verticality or sharp angles. Avoid blunt, thick fringes that create a horizontal line across the forehead, as this visually emphasizes the width of the face.
Instead, prioritize styles that encourage movement and transparency. By exposing a portion of the forehead, you create a sense of length that balances the curvature of the cheeks. These instructions focus on the execution of styling a versatile, face-framing fringe that works with your natural hair texture.
- Difficulty
- Beginner
- Total time
- 20 minutes styling
- Cost
- Low to medium
- Cadence
- Daily maintenance
Ingredients
- Lightweight mousse: Adds structural integrity without weight.
- Styling pomade: Provides definition to ends.
Tools List
- Small-barrel round brush
- Fine-tooth comb
- Blow dryer with a concentrator nozzle
Step by step
Start with damp hair
Begin by dampening the hair around the forehead area only. Excess moisture in the lengths of your hair can weigh down the root, making it difficult to achieve the necessary volume at the crown. Use a fine-tooth comb to section off a triangular portion of hair, ensuring the base of the triangle is at the center of your forehead.
Tip: Use a light-hold mousse to provide structure to the roots.Direct the airflow downward
Use a round brush to lift the roots upward while blowing air directly at the base of the fringe. Once the root is set, roll the brush downward to create a soft, sweeping curve. Avoid pulling the hair tightly across the forehead, as this creates a flat effect that hides the eyebrows.
Tip: Keep the blow dryer nozzle moving to prevent singeing individual strands.Shape the perimeter
Allow the hair to cool on the brush for thirty seconds before releasing it. Use your fingers to gently sweep the hair toward the outer corners of your eyes rather than straight down. This directional movement creates a curtain effect that draws the eye outward rather than inward.
Tip: Ensure the shortest pieces land at the arch of your brow.Secure with minimal product
Apply a pea-sized amount of lightweight pomade to the tips of your hair to add separation. Heavy waxes or oils will cause the fringe to clump together, which creates solid lines and emphasizes roundness. Brush through one last time with a wide-tooth comb to ensure the pieces remain airy and separated.
Tip: Only apply product to the ends, never the roots.
Trouble
My fringe looks too wide.
Reduce the size of the triangular section you are pulling forward. You have likely pulled too much hair from behind the temples, which creates a boxy, wide shape.
The fringe is separating into clumps.
You are using too much product. Wash the fringe with a clarifying shampoo and restart with a smaller amount of light-hold styling cream.
It looks flat by midday.
The hair is likely weighed down by natural scalp oils. Carry a small container of translucent dry powder to absorb moisture at the root during the day.
The hair flips in the wrong direction.
Dry your fringe immediately after washing while the cuticle is still malleable. If the hair dries in the wrong direction, you must dampen it completely to reset the grain.
The goal is to create vertical lines that break the circular plane of the face.
Precision in sectioning is the most important factor in this process.