Braided hairstyles are timeless, stylish, and versatile. For people with round faces, selecting the right braided hairstyle can help elongate the face shape, adding balance and definition. Whether you want something playful, chic, or elegant, braids are a perfect choice. In this article, we’ll explore the 12 best braided hairstyles for round faces, with detailed descriptions of each style, tips on how to achieve them, and the reasons they complement round face shapes.
1. Side Swept Fishtail Braid
A fishtail braid is a stunning and intricate braid that looks fabulous on round faces. The side-swept version adds extra dimension and asymmetry, which helps to elongate the face and make it appear slimmer. The messy and loose texture gives it a relaxed, boho vibe while still being chic.
How to Achieve It:
- Start by parting your hair to one side.
- Divide your hair into two sections.
- Take a small piece from the outside of one section and cross it over to the other section.
- Continue alternating the sections, incorporating small pieces as you go.
- Once you reach the end, secure the braid with a hair tie.
- Gently pull at the braid to loosen it for a more relaxed look.
Why It Works:
The side part and asymmetry of this braid help draw attention to the face’s vertical lines, which creates the illusion of a more oval face shape, making it ideal for round faces.
2. Dutch Braided Crown
The Dutch braided crown is an elegant and regal hairstyle that creates a halo effect around the head. This style is perfect for round faces because it adds height and volume at the crown, helping to elongate the face and draw attention upwards.
How to Achieve It:
- Part your hair down the middle.
- Start by Dutch braiding each side, pulling the braids under rather than over the hair.
- Continue braiding until you reach the back of your head.
- Pin the ends of the braids to the opposite side to create a crown effect.
- Tug at the braids gently to loosen them for a more voluminous and fuller look.
Why It Works:
The raised braids and the circular shape of the crown help balance the roundness of your face and add visual height. The fullness at the crown elongates your features, creating a more oval appearance.
3. Messy Side Braid
For a more relaxed and playful look, the messy side braid is a perfect option. This braid works well for round faces because the volume and texture around the face can help make it appear narrower, creating the illusion of more angular features.
How to Achieve It:
- Start by creating a deep side part.
- French braid or fishtail braid from the top of your head to the side.
- Once you reach the bottom, secure the braid with a hair tie.
- Gently tug at the braid to loosen it and give it that messy, lived-in look.
Why It Works:
The side part and the messy texture around the face draw attention away from the roundness and create a more structured, elongated silhouette. This gives the face a more defined appearance.
4. High Ponytail with Braided Accent
A high ponytail with a braided accent is a sleek and trendy look that works wonders for round faces. The height of the ponytail lifts the face, while the braid adds a touch of elegance and detail. This combination helps to elongate the face shape and make it appear more oval.
How to Achieve It:
- Pull your hair into a high ponytail.
- Create a small section of hair from the ponytail to braid.
- Braid this section of hair into a simple three-strand or fishtail braid.
- Wrap the braid around the base of the ponytail and secure it with bobby pins.
Why It Works:
The high ponytail lifts the face, while the braid adds structure. This hairstyle also helps to focus attention upwards, avoiding emphasizing the roundness of the face.
5. Double French Braids
Double French braids are a fun and edgy style that flatters round faces. The braids pull the hair away from the face, creating a more elongated look. This style works best when the braids are tight at the roots and loosened towards the ends.
How to Achieve It:
- Part your hair down the middle.
- Begin a French braid on each side, starting from the front and working towards the back.
- Once both braids are finished, secure them with hair ties.
- Gently loosen the braids to add volume.
Why It Works:
The dual braids create a symmetrical and structured look, which contrasts nicely with the softness of a round face. The height and tension from the braids also help slim down the face’s appearance.
6. Loose Waterfall Braid
A waterfall braid is a beautiful and delicate style that lets the hair flow freely, while still incorporating a braided detail. The loose nature of this braid draws attention to the length and texture of the hair, which adds dimension to a round face.
How to Achieve It:
- Start by parting your hair to one side.
- Begin a regular braid, but drop the outer strands as you go, letting them fall into the loose flow.
- Continue braiding until you reach the back of your head, and secure with a small hair tie.
Why It Works:
The fluidity of the waterfall braid creates a nice frame for the face without drawing too much attention to the roundness. The gradual layering effect gives the illusion of longer, more angular features.
7. Braided Updo with Loose Tendrils
A braided updo with loose tendrils is perfect for a more sophisticated event, and it works wonders for round faces. The updo gives height and lifts the face, while the loose tendrils soften the overall look.
How to Achieve It:
- Start by braiding sections of hair on each side of your head.
- Pin the braids into a loose bun or chignon at the back.
- Leave a few strands of hair loose around the face to soften the look.
- Secure everything with bobby pins.
Why It Works:
The volume at the crown and the loose tendrils create a flattering balance, helping to elongate the face while still adding softness and texture.
8. Bohemian Braided Hairstyle
Bohemian braids combine several braiding techniques to create a carefree, whimsical look. This style works for round faces because it incorporates texture and volume around the face, adding a natural elongation to the overall appearance.
How to Achieve It:
- Create loose waves with a curling iron or straightener.
- Section off small parts of the hair to braid into tiny braids.
- Leave some of the braids loose for a more relaxed, textured look.
- Secure the braids with elastic bands and tuck them around the back for a bohemian style.
Why It Works:
The loose braids add texture and movement to the hairstyle, preventing the face from looking too round. The overall relaxed and voluminous style enhances the face’s natural shape.
9. Half Up, Half Down Braids
The half-up, half-down braided hairstyle is a versatile option that works for any occasion. It lifts the top portion of the hair, leaving the bottom part to flow freely. This helps balance the roundness of the face by creating a more structured, elongated look.
How to Achieve It:
- Divide your hair into two sections.
- Braid the top section of hair into a simple three-strand or Dutch braid.
- Let the bottom half of your hair remain loose or add waves for extra volume.
- Secure the braid with an elastic band and pin it in place.
Why It Works:
The combination of the structured braid and the free-flowing hair elongates the face and creates a balanced look. The volume at the crown adds height, making the face appear more oval-shaped.
10. Crown Braid with Loose Waves
A crown braid paired with loose waves is a soft and romantic look that complements round faces beautifully. The crown braid creates a circular shape around the head, which adds height and volume. The waves add texture and balance to the look.
How to Achieve It:
- Start by creating a loose crown braid around your head.
- Leave some hair loose to add texture and waves.
- Secure the braid with bobby pins and let the waves flow freely.
Why It Works:
The combination of the crown braid and waves adds softness around the face while lifting the hair at the crown. This lifts the face and creates the illusion of more angular features.
11. Pull-Through Braid
The pull-through braid is a trendy and modern take on the traditional braid. It gives the appearance of a thick, voluminous braid, making it ideal for round faces. The pull-through technique creates a flat, wide braid, which adds dimension to the face shape.
How to Achieve It:
- Divide your hair into sections and secure them with elastics.
- Create loops by pulling hair through the elastics and securing them in place.
- Continue working down the length of the hair, making sure to pull each section tight for volume.
Why It Works:
The pull-through braid offers a wide, voluminous braid that adds dimension, which balances out the roundness of the face. It’s a sleek, structured style that enhances facial features.
12. Boho Side Braid
A boho side braid is a relaxed, romantic style that works perfectly for round faces. The loose, disheveled nature of the braid draws attention to the hair’s texture, helping to balance out the round face by adding volume and movement.
How to Achieve It:
- Start with a deep side part.
- Create a loose side braid, either French or simple three-strand.
- Leave some hair loose around the face to frame it naturally.
- Tug at the braid to loosen it and give it a more relaxed feel.
Why It Works:
The loose, textured braid adds volume and movement that distracts from the roundness of the face. The side part and asymmetry help elongate the face, making it look slimmer and more defined.
Conclusion
Braided hairstyles are an excellent choice for round faces because they help create angles and elongate the face. Whether you prefer an elegant crown braid, a bohemian style, or a chic fishtail braid, there’s a braided look for every personality. By experimenting with these 12 best braided hairstyles, you can easily find a style that flatters your round face and adds a touch of beauty to your everyday look.
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