Short hairstyles for fat faces and double chins can actually be your secret weapon for creating a more sculpted appearance. I’ve seen firsthand how the right cut transforms not just how others see you, but how you see yourself.
Finding chubby face short haircuts that flatter isn’t always straightforward. Many of us have stood in front of the mirror, pinching our cheeks and wondering which style would work best. Fortunately, professional stylists have some proven techniques. According to expert stylist Molly G, “My advice is to add some face-framing layers to your haircut”. These layers do more than just look pretty—they break up the roundness and fullness of the face. Additionally, the right cut provides volume and texture while removing extra weight, creating that visual slimming effect we’re after.
What makes these hairstyles work so well? For one, styles with tousled volume on top naturally draw the eye upward, creating a more elongated, balanced shape. And while some might think short hair would emphasize facial fullness, properly executed low maintenance short hairstyles for fat faces and double chins do exactly the opposite. Through well-thought color placement, side-swept bangs, and strategic layers, we can highlight your best features while minimizing areas you’re less confident about.
In this article, I’ll walk you through 12 game-changing styles that aren’t just trendy—they’re specifically designed to complement and flatter fuller face shapes. Whether you’re over 50 or simply looking for a fresh change, these cuts will help you put your best face forward.
Textured Pixie Cut
The pixie cut has long been misunderstood as a no-go zone for fuller faces—yet I’ve found quite the opposite to be true! A textured pixie creates the perfect optical illusion for rounder faces by strategically drawing the eye upward instead of outward. Throughout my career as a stylist, I’ve seen textured pixies transform clients’ appearances and confidence alike.
Why the textured pixie cut works for fat faces
The magic of a textured pixie for fuller faces lies in its architecture. The layered, choppy texture on top creates height that naturally elongates your face, essentially countering roundness. The contrast between volume on top and tighter sides creates a slimming effect that makes your face appear narrower.
Moreover, the textured elements break up the density around your cheeks and jawline, creating angular definition where roundness once dominated. During my early days in Charleston, my mentor taught me that removing bulk from the sides while adding height on top effectively creates a more oval-looking silhouette—something that countless clients with round faces have confirmed.
What truly makes this style shine is how it opens up your features. With shorter sides and back, your eyes become the focal point, and those gorgeous cheekbones finally get their moment!
Styling tips for textured pixie cut
Styling a textured pixie is surprisingly straightforward. For daily wear, I recommend working a small amount of texturizing paste or matte wax through your crown while your hair is dry. Use your fingertips to lift and twist the layers for that perfectly “lived-in” tousled look.
For clients concerned about maintenance, I share this simple routine:
- Apply a lightweight mousse to damp hair for volume
- Blow dry using your fingers to direct hair upward at the crown
- Finish with a sea salt spray for added texture without weighing hair down
One client with a particularly full face found that lifting at the roots created the vertical volume she needed—making her face appear instantly slimmer. Remember that products are your friends; they’re essential for creating definition in shorter styles.
Best face shapes for textured pixie cut
Contrary to popular belief, round and square faces truly shine with the right textured pixie. For round faces, focus on creating height at the crown with layered volume and keeping sides closer to your head. This vertical emphasis counteracts facial width.
Square faces benefit from wispy, textured layers that soften angular jawlines. Furthermore, a side-swept fringe adds asymmetry that breaks up fuller cheeks beautifully.
Heart-shaped faces work well with textured pixies featuring longer, side-swept bangs that balance a wider forehead with a narrower chin. Oval faces have the versatility to rock almost any pixie variation, particularly those with ultra-short lengths.
I’ve noticed that many clients hesitate about short cuts due to outdated myths. Yet time and again, even my most apprehensive clients with fuller faces leave the salon wondering why they waited so long to embrace the transformative power of a well-executed textured pixie.
Layered Bob with Side Bangs
Among all the hairstyles I’ve created for clients with fuller faces, the layered bob with side bangs remains my go-to recommendation. When my mentor in Charleston first taught me this cut, I was amazed by how effectively it transformed clients’ appearances—instantly creating the illusion of a slimmer face shape.
Why the layered bob flatters double chins
The magic of this style lies in its strategic design. The soft, airy layers lighten up the jawline and cheeks, creating a more balanced, elongated shape without adding bulk. This is especially important for clients with double chins, as the layers prevent hair from “clinging” to the face—a common problem with blunt cuts that can emphasize fullness.
I’ve noticed that side-swept bangs work remarkably well because they draw attention away from a fuller neck area while balancing facial proportions. As one client told me after her transformation, “I feel like my cheekbones are finally visible again!”
The diagonal lines of this cut create visual interest that naturally directs the eye upward and inward rather than outward, which visually narrows wider face shapes. Unlike sharper cuts that can emphasize roundness, these softer layers create movement that’s incredibly flattering.
Styling tips for layered bob with side bangs
Styling this versatile cut doesn’t require professional skills. For my clients with busy schedules, I recommend this simple routine:
- Apply volumizing spray to damp roots before blow-drying with a large round brush
- Focus on lifting the crown for height while directing front layers diagonally across the face
- Finish with a light texturizing cream, finger-tousling for that modern, lived-in look
For added slimming effects, try adding subtle waves using a flat iron—just 2-3 quick bends can create dimension that further enhances the face-slimming properties.
“When styling at home,” I tell my clients, “remember that volume at the crown is your friend, but volume at the sides is not!”
Best face shapes for layered bob with side bangs
Contrary to outdated beauty rules, this style works wonderfully for several face shapes. Round faces benefit most as the cut visually lengthens facial proportions. For heart-shaped faces, the side bangs balance a wider forehead with weight at the jaw.
Square faces gain tremendous benefits as the soft layers and side-swept fringe soften strong angles. I’ve seen remarkable transformations on clients with square jawlines—the difference truly highlights how the right cut can enhance natural beauty.
For oval faces, virtually any bob variation works beautifully, yet the layered version adds textural interest that prevents the style from looking flat or ordinary.
Remember, the ideal length should hit just below the chin to elongate rounder faces—this small detail makes an enormous difference in the overall slimming effect.
Shaggy Cut with Curtain Bangs
I fell in love with the shaggy cut during my time in New York, where I watched it transform countless clients with fuller faces. The retro-inspired shag with curtain bangs remains one of my signature styles since those early days.
Why shaggy cuts slim round faces
The secret behind why shaggy cuts work so effectively lies in their architectural design. The strategically placed choppy layers create upward focus that visually elongates the face, giving the illusion of a slimmer silhouette. Unlike one-length cuts that can emphasize facial roundness, shags use textured fringe and wispy layers to soften round features.
When I was training in New York, my mentor demonstrated how the shaggy flow, reminiscent of the 70s, infuses both retro style and modern slimming effects into a single cut. The textured fringe softens a rounded forehead without creating harsh horizontal lines that would emphasize width.
The beauty of this cut is how it places strategic shorter pieces around the face that highlight your features while drawing attention to the eyes and cheekbones—creating a flattering effect that distracts from fuller areas. I’ve seen firsthand how this simple shift in focus completely transforms a client’s appearance.
Styling tips for shaggy cut with curtain bangs
Despite its effortless appearance, the shag requires some styling know-how. For clients transitioning to this cut, I recommend:
- Start with volumizing mousse on damp hair to build lightweight body
- Use a round brush to direct curtain bangs away from the face—this creates that perfect face-framing effect
- Finish with texturizing spray for that piece-y, lived-in look
One client struggled initially with her curtain bangs until I showed her how a light hold hairspray could help maintain that perfect swept-back position. For particularly stubborn bangs, I often suggest a straightener to create subtle bends that keep them pointing outward.
Best face shapes for shaggy cut with curtain bangs
Although this style is remarkably versatile, certain face shapes reap maximum benefits. Round faces absolutely shine with shaggy cuts since the angular layers elongate the face. Square faces benefit tremendously as the soft, feathered ends and curtain bangs gently soften strong jawlines.
Even heart-shaped faces can balance wider foreheads with chin-length layers and side-swept bangs. Oval faces? They’re lucky—this style enhances their already balanced proportions.
I noticed similar results when working with clients in Los Angeles. Since most experts agree that curtain bangs are most flattering for round faces, creating a wispy frame that gives the impression of sharper cheekbones. They’re essentially contouring with hair—no makeup needed!
Asymmetrical A-Line Bob
The asymmetrical A-line bob became my signature style after a client with particularly round features burst into tears of joy seeing her transformed reflection. This edgy yet flattering cut creates visual magic for fuller faces, offering both style and structure in one sophisticated package.
Why asymmetry helps balance facial features
The beauty of asymmetry in haircuts lies in how it naturally draws attention away from facial fullness. The graduated shape creates increased volume and height in the back, consequently narrowing the appearance of wider faces. This optical illusion works by redirecting focus from horizontal width to vertical lines.
What makes this style truly remarkable is how the longer, face-framing layers in front slim the face by breaking up the roundness. I’ve witnessed countless clients amazed at how this simple structural change completely rebalances their features.
For those struggling with symmetry issues (which we all have naturally to some degree), an asymmetrical cut cleverly distracts from any unevenness. As one of my clients noted after her transformation, “I never realized how my slightly uneven jaw could become my best feature with the right cut!”
Styling tips for asymmetrical A-line bob
Styling an asymmetrical A-line doesn’t require professional skills. Indeed, one of its greatest advantages is versatility:
- Add soft curls or waves for dimension instead of keeping it sleek and one-dimensional
- Play up natural movement—if your hair kicks to one side naturally, embrace it rather than fighting it
- Aim for “messy on purpose” rather than perfectly precise lines
For clients transitioning to this style, I recommend keeping styling tools minimal. A light texturizing spray and your fingertips can create that perfectly undone look that’s both modern and flattering.
Best face shapes for asymmetrical A-line bob
This versatile cut flatters various face shapes in different ways:
Round faces benefit tremendously as the longer front sections elongate the face, creating a slimming effect. The angled shape visually counters roundness, making it appear narrower.
Square faces find the perfect complement in asymmetry, as the angles of the bob beautifully soften strong jawlines. The contrast between your facial structure and the cut’s flowing lines creates gorgeous balance.
Heart-shaped faces look particularly striking with this style since the chin-length front pieces help balance wider foreheads. Oval faces, naturally versatile, can pull off virtually any version of this cut.
Remember—the right cut isn’t just about flattery; it’s about finding confidence in your unique features.
Razored Pixie with Volume
The razored pixie with volume completely changed my approach to styling clients with fuller faces after I witnessed its transformative effects in my Los Angeles salon. This cut offers a perfect balance of edginess and elegance that works wonderfully for those struggling with facial fullness.
Why razored pixie adds height and slims the face
The magic of a razored pixie lies in its architectural precision. By removing bulk from the sides and adding height on top, this style effectively creates a more elongated silhouette. The haircut is achieved through a special technique that involves cutting your hair shorter at the temples and nape while leaving longer locks on the crown.
What makes this cut particularly flattering is how it removes weight from around your jawline, instantly creating the illusion of more defined bone structure. I noticed this firsthand when a client with prominent cheeks came in feeling self-conscious about her face shape. Afterward, she couldn’t believe how much sharper her features appeared!
The key winning element is those tight sides that visually elongate the head, paired with strategic volume that draws the eye upward rather than outward. Comparatively, one-length styles tend to emphasize width—yet the razored technique does precisely the opposite.
Styling tips for razored pixie with volume
Styling this cut effectively requires understanding a few fundamentals:
- Work a medium-hold mousse into damp hair and blow dry with a small brush, holding each section away from the head to create lift
- For tousled texture that adds volume and density, embrace a slightly “messy on purpose” look
- Keep volume concentrated at the crown while maintaining sleeker sides for that face-slimming effect
One client initially struggled with styling her razored pixie until I showed her how to sculpt her hair up and out in the back. Straightaway, the difference was remarkable—her face appeared noticeably slimmer.
Best face shapes for razored pixie with volume
The best pixie cut for a round face adds volume on top while keeping the sides slim. Heart-shaped faces should avoid excessive volume in the crown area, yet still maintain some height to prevent making a short face look even shorter.
Square faces achieve excellent results with wispy, textured elements that create soft edges, preventing harsh angular jawlines. Oval faces have tremendous versatility with pixie cuts, primarily working well with ultra-short variations.
I’ve seen countless clients with fuller faces hesitate before taking the pixie plunge, yet almost all leave feeling more confident than ever. The volume on top combined with slimmer sides creates an optical illusion that’s both flattering and remarkably low-maintenance.
French Bob with Curtain Fringe
As a dedicated stylist working with diverse clients, I’ve discovered the French bob with curtain fringe to be a game-changer for fuller faces. This timeless, Parisian-inspired cut consistently delivers that coveted face-slimming effect my clients seek.
Why the French bob is flattering for chubby faces
The magic of this style lies in its perfect balance—bold yet soft. The chin-length structure creates a straight line that visually elongates rounder faces. Meanwhile, the curtain fringe opens up the face beautifully, diffusing bulk exactly where fuller faces need it most.
What truly makes this style work is how it introduces vertical flow through the split fringe, drawing the eye up and down rather than across a wider face. The choppy layers prevent that heavy, weighed-down look that can emphasize fullness.
One client with particularly round features came to me feeling frustrated after several unsuccessful haircuts. After trying the French bob, she couldn’t believe how much more defined her face appeared—the subtle graduation at the perimeter created that elongating effect she’d been seeking.
Styling tips for French bob with curtain fringe
Styling this versatile cut offers plenty of options:
- For sleek definition: Use a round brush while blow-drying, then add a bit of texturizing paste on the ends
- For casual waves: Spritz sea salt spray for that undone, tousled finish
- For soft movement: Apply a lightweight mousse before air-drying
Henceforth, the key with curtain fringe is to never cut it where you initially think—always start two inches longer than your desired length. This prevents that dreaded “too-short” disaster many of my clients have experienced before finding me.
Best face shapes for French bob with curtain fringe
This flattering style works magnificently across various face shapes. For round faces, it creates structure and elongation. Square faces benefit tremendously as the softness of the curtain fringe gently balances angular features.
Heart-shaped faces likewise gain from added volume around the jawline, which perfectly balances their proportions. Naturally, oval faces excel with this versatile style thanks to their balanced features.
Remember—the right cut isn’t just about following trends; it’s about finding what makes you feel confident!
Undercut Pixie with Piece-y Texture
My artistic breakthrough with the undercut pixie came when a client with significant concerns about her double chin walked into my Los Angeles studio. This bold yet sophisticated style has subsequently become one of my signature recommendations for clients seeking to minimize fuller facial features.
Why undercut pixie works for double chins
The undercut pixie creates a brilliant optical illusion through its structural design. The dramatic contrast between longer, textured pieces on top and closely clipped sides instantly shifts focus upward, drawing attention away from the chin area. This architectural approach removes bulk from the sides while creating height on top, effectively elongating the face.
What truly makes this style exceptional for fuller faces is how the undercut gives the hair structure—even fine hair gains apparent substance through this technique. For clients with thicker hair, the undercut significantly reduces unwanted volume around the sides where it would otherwise emphasize facial width.
First time I styled this cut on a client with a double chin, she couldn’t believe how much sharper her jawline appeared—the rich, dark color enhanced the sleekness further, adding depth and dimension.
Styling tips for undercut pixie with texture
Creating that perfect piece-y texture requires minimal effort yet delivers maximum impact:
- Apply volumizing mousse to damp hair, focusing on the roots to maximize lift
- Blow-dry with fingers pointing upward to create height where it matters most
- Finish with texturizing spray, pomade, or wax for definition—simply mess it up with your fingers for that effortless look
One technique I’ve found particularly effective involves deep channel cutting during styling—this aggressive approach creates spectacular separation without relying heavily on products.
Best face shapes for undercut pixie
Through years of experience, I’ve discovered this style works across various face shapes when properly tailored:
Round faces benefit tremendously as the added crown height visually elongates the face. Oval faces have natural versatility, suiting nearly all variations of this cut. Square faces appear softer with longer layers or side-swept bangs that complement their strong jawlines.
Heart-shaped faces shine with textured fringe that balances wider foreheads with narrower chins.
For clients concerned about appearing too masculine, I recommend keeping wispy layers on top to maintain that feminine softness while still enjoying the edge and attitude this bold style brings.
Chin-Length Bob with Soft Waves
The chin-length bob with soft waves stands as perhaps the most versatile solution for fuller faces. Throughout my career, I’ve watched countless clients transform as this classic cut frames their features perfectly while creating the illusion of a more sculpted appearance.
Why chin-length bobs help elongate the face
Hitting just below the chin, this strategic length draws the eye downward, creating an elongated silhouette that naturally slims rounder face shapes. For those with double chins, this precise length provides ideal camouflage by creating a visual boundary that defines where the face ends. The chin-length cut lightens up the jawline and cheeks, establishing a more balanced shape without adding unwanted bulk.
Styling tips for chin-length bob with waves
Creating those soft, face-slimming waves requires minimal effort:
- Use a thicker barreled curling iron for those loose, beachy waves that never go out of fashion
- Apply texturizing spray for movement that prevents the hair from lying flat against fuller cheeks
- Try half-up styling on clean hair for added height at the crown – this visually lengthens rounder faces
One client with particularly prominent cheeks found that adding gentle waves instantly created the illusion of more defined cheekbones – essentially contouring with hair!
Best face shapes for chin-length bob
This adaptable style flatters multiple face shapes beautifully. Round faces benefit most as the length creates vertical lines that slim wider features. Heart-shaped faces gain balance from the added volume around the jawline, whereas square faces appear softer with tousled waves that break up angular lines. Even oval faces, with their naturally balanced proportions, look enhanced with this timeless cut.
Short Shag with Wispy Layers
The gentle feathery edges of a short shag with wispy layers create magic for fuller faces. Throughout my salon career, I’ve watched this versatile style instantly soften round features while adding playful sophistication.
Why wispy layers soften round features
Wispy layers work wonders by creating strategic texture that breaks up facial roundness. These choppy, feathered ends add dimension that effectively slims wider face shapes. Simultaneously, the differing hair lengths soften and elongate the face, creating a naturally slimming effect.
What makes this cut truly special is how those face-framing pieces highlight your best features. The layers around your face act almost like contouring—they create shadows and angles where fullness once dominated.
Styling tips for short shag with layers
For effortless styling:
- Apply lightweight mousse to damp hair for definition without heaviness
- Air-dry whenever possible for that perfectly tousled finish
- Finish with texturizing spray for piece-y separation
One client with particularly prominent cheeks noticed remarkable definition after switching to this style. The secret was embracing her hair’s natural texture rather than fighting it.
Best face shapes for short shag
Generally, round faces benefit most as the layers create vertical lines that slim wider features. Square faces look gorgeously softened as wispy ends gently balance strong jawlines. Notably, heart-shaped faces gain balance through face-framing layers that complement wider foreheads. Even oval faces—already naturally proportioned—gain beautiful dimension through textured layers.
Bixie Cut for Chubby Faces
The bixie cut first captured my attention when a client with naturally round features walked out of my salon looking remarkably more sculpted. This hybrid style—blending bob length with pixie texture—offers a fantastic solution for fuller faces.
Why the bixie cut is ideal for round face shapes
The bixie’s layered structure works wonderfully for round faces, primarily because it adds volume and height at the crown to elongate the face. These strategic layers create the illusion of a slimmer silhouette. Interestingly, contrary to popular belief, round-faced individuals truly shine with this style, as the textured layers frame your face while drawing attention upward rather than outward.
Styling tips for bixie cut
For clients with chubby faces, I recommend:
- Style the sides down and under rather than flipped out to reduce facial width
- Add texture with choppy layers for a piece-y, tousled look
- Opt for a side part with side-swept bangs instead of straight-across fringe
Best face shapes for bixie cut
Certainly, round faces benefit most as the bixie defines and slims. Nevertheless, this versatile cut flatters other shapes equally well—heart-shaped faces gain balance through cheekbone-framing layers, while square faces enjoy softened angles. Oval faces, naturally versatile, can pull off virtually any bixie variation.
Curly Bob with Face-Framing Layers
Curly hair offers natural advantages for fuller faces, and a curly bob with face-framing layers maximizes these benefits beautifully. In my years of styling experience, I’ve seen firsthand how this dynamic combination transforms clients who struggle with facial fullness.
Why curly bobs add volume in the right places
Curly bobs naturally add volume because shorter lengths allow curls to spring up, creating height that visually elongates the face. The strategic placement of face-framing layers works like visual contouring—highlighting cheekbones while minimizing wider areas. These layers remove bulk and enhance movement, creating a balanced silhouette that’s especially flattering for tight or dense curls.
Styling tips for curly bob with layers
For perfect curly bobs:
- Start with wet hair and use a cocktail of curl-enhancing products
- Diffuse with your head upside down on medium heat and low speed for maximum volume
- Avoid cutting curls too short—remember they shrink significantly when dry
Best face shapes for curly bob
Obviously, round faces benefit most from curly bobs with layers that build height at the crown. Those with square faces find that curls naturally soften angular jawlines. Heart-shaped faces look balanced with chin-length layers that complement wider foreheads. Primarily, the curly bob works because it redistributes volume upward rather than outward—exactly what fuller faces need.
Feathered Crop with Side Part
Throughout my years cutting hair, I’ve fallen head over heels for what a feathered crop with a side part can do for clients with fuller faces. The transformation is often remarkable!
Why feathered crops create a slimming effect
Feathered layers work like magic by tapering toward the ends, creating that light, airy finish that “feathers” away from the face. The side-swept fringe does serious face-framing work—it breaks up the width of the cheeks while drawing the eye diagonally, helping everything appear lifted. This diagonal visual flow counteracts facial roundness beautifully, creating the illusion of more defined cheekbones.
Styling tips for feathered crop
To maximize this style’s slimming powers:
- Work with a round brush while blow-drying for that perfect airy bounce
- Apply lightweight texturizing spray for movement without weight
- Keep volume concentrated at the crown while maintaining sleeker sides
One of my clients with particularly prominent cheeks couldn’t believe the difference when I showed her how to direct her feathered pieces away from her face rather than toward it.
Best face shapes for feathered crop
For round faces, those wispy strands around the cheeks soften fullness while longer feathers at the temples visually elongate the face. Square faces benefit from softened angles through feathery ends. Heart-shaped faces look balanced with feathering that adds subtle volume around the jawline.
Conclusion
Finding the perfect hairstyle for fuller faces and double chins doesn’t need to feel overwhelming. Throughout my years as a stylist, first in Charleston and later in New York and Los Angeles, I’ve witnessed countless transformations when clients discover the right cut for their face shape. These 12 styles represent the best options I’ve seen work time and again.
Remember that volume on top rather than at the sides creates visual length for rounder faces. Side parts and asymmetry break up facial fullness beautifully, while strategic layers remove bulk precisely where you need it most. Face-framing pieces essentially contour with hair—no makeup required!
Many clients initially hesitate about going shorter, fearing it might emphasize facial roundness. Surprisingly, the opposite often proves true. Short cuts with texture, like the pixie variations we discussed, actually slim the face when properly executed. One of my favorite client moments happens when someone looks in the mirror post-cut and can’t believe how much more defined their features appear.
Additionally, styling plays a crucial role in maximizing your cut’s slimming potential. Texturizing products create separation and movement that prevent hair from lying flat against fuller cheeks. Most styles featured here require minimal maintenance—another reason they’ve become staples in my repertoire.
Undoubtedly, confidence remains the most important element of any hairstyle. The right cut should make you feel like your best self, highlighting your favorite features while minimizing areas you’re less comfortable with. My personal philosophy has always been that hair tells a story—my job is helping you tell yours with style and confidence.
Whether you choose a textured pixie, layered bob, or something in between, these styles prove that short hair can absolutely flatter fuller faces. Trust me, after seeing thousands of clients transform in my chair, the right haircut changes more than just your appearance—it changes how you see yourself.
Key Takeaways
These expert-recommended short hairstyles prove that the right cut can dramatically slim fuller faces and minimize double chins through strategic styling techniques.
• Volume placement is crucial: Create height at the crown while keeping sides sleek to visually elongate round faces and draw attention upward • Layers are your best friend: Face-framing layers break up facial roundness, remove bulk from problem areas, and create natural contouring effects • Asymmetry works wonders: Side parts, diagonal lines, and uneven lengths distract from facial fullness while adding visual interest • Texture creates definition: Choppy, piece-y layers and wispy ends soften round features better than blunt cuts that emphasize width • Strategic length matters: Chin-length cuts and pixie styles with proper proportions slim faces more effectively than one-length styles
The key to success lies in working with your natural features rather than against them—these cuts prove that shorter hair can absolutely flatter fuller faces when executed with the right techniques.
