When it comes to selecting a hairstyle that flatters your face shape, it’s essential to focus on the balance between the features of your face and the hairstyle itself. People with rounder or fuller faces, often referred to as “fat faces,” can feel that certain styles emphasize their face shape more than others. However, there are many hairstyles that can enhance your natural beauty while creating a balanced look. Braided hairstyles, in particular, are perfect for round faces because they can add verticality, length, and structure to your overall appearance.
In this article, we’ll explore 12 braided hairstyles that are ideal for individuals with fat or round faces. Whether you’re attending a casual event or preparing for a formal occasion, there is a braid for every style, mood, and personality.
Why Braids Are Great for Fat Faces
Before we dive into the 12 braided styles, it’s important to understand why braids are so effective for round or fuller faces. The key is in their ability to frame the face in a way that elongates its appearance, rather than emphasizing its roundness. Braids, especially those that pull hair upwards and away from the face, create a more structured look. Additionally, they can add volume and texture, making them an excellent choice for individuals who want to soften the fullness of their face.
A well-executed braid can:
- Elongate the face and add vertical lines.
- Draw attention away from the width of the face.
- Add texture and volume for a more balanced look.
- Provide a stylish, polished appearance without being too harsh.
Now, let’s explore the 12 braided hairstyles that are perfect for fat faces.
1. Fishtail Braid
Why It Works:
The fishtail braid is a great option for those looking to add a bit of sophistication while still keeping things casual. The braid itself is made by weaving two sections of hair in a way that creates a herringbone-like effect. The texture of the braid adds volume and movement, which can be very flattering on a round face.
Styling Tips:
- Pull the fishtail braid to one side for a chic, asymmetrical look that softens the lines of the face.
- If you want to add even more length to your face, consider wearing the fishtail braid loosely and with a slight bit of volume on top.
2. Dutch Braid (Inverted Braid)
Why It Works:
A Dutch braid is similar to a regular braid, but instead of weaving the sections over each other, you weave them under. This creates a raised, more textured effect, which is perfect for individuals with fuller faces. The raised braid adds height to the crown of your head, which elongates the face.
Styling Tips:
- You can create a Dutch braid that runs down the back of your head for a neat, polished look, or opt for a messy, relaxed version that adds volume and structure.
- A Dutch braid with side-swept bangs can work particularly well for a round face, as the bangs help balance out the face’s width.
3. Crown Braid
Why It Works:
The crown braid, a style that wraps around the entire head, is an excellent way to elongate the face and create a more oval appearance. This braided look creates height at the crown, drawing the eyes upwards and away from the sides of your face.
Styling Tips:
- A tight crown braid adds a polished, elegant touch perfect for formal occasions.
- For a more relaxed look, try a loose crown braid with some wispy tendrils of hair framing your face.
4. Side Braid with Volume
Why It Works:
Side braids add asymmetry to your look, which is key for balancing a round face. The volume at the top of the head adds height and helps elongate the face. The side placement distracts from the width of the face, creating a more oval-like structure.
Styling Tips:
- Start by creating loose waves or curls before braiding to add extra texture and volume.
- For a casual, effortless look, keep the braid loose and messy.
5. Box Braids
Why It Works:
Box braids are a versatile and voluminous style that can be tailored to fit various face shapes. On a round face, they provide a significant amount of texture and height, which works to elongate the face. The individual braids can create the illusion of a longer face, especially if they are styled with some added height at the crown.
Styling Tips:
- To elongate your face further, pull your box braids up into a high ponytail or bun.
- If you want to keep the look more natural, let the braids hang loosely down the sides, with some volume at the roots.
6. Waterfall Braid
Why It Works:
A waterfall braid is a beautifully intricate style that incorporates sections of hair that “fall” loosely out of the braid. This creates a soft, flowing look that can complement a round face by adding vertical lines and movement. The cascading nature of the waterfall braid softens the face and avoids making it look too harsh.
Styling Tips:
- Opt for a waterfall braid on one side of the head, allowing the rest of the hair to cascade down for an elegant yet casual look.
- Pair with soft waves for a romantic, effortless vibe.
7. Braided Top Knot
Why It Works:
A braided top knot combines the chicness of a top knot with the texture of a braid. The key to making this look work for a round face is to pull the braid upwards and create volume on top of the head. This adds height, which is crucial for elongating the face.
Styling Tips:
- Begin by braiding your hair into a simple three-strand braid, then twist it into a high bun.
- Leave a few face-framing strands loose to soften the look and create a more balanced appearance.
8. French Braid
Why It Works:
The classic French braid, where hair is woven into a braid that gradually incorporates sections of hair as it moves down the head, is an incredibly versatile style that works well for all face shapes, including round faces. The style keeps the hair close to the scalp, creating a streamlined look that doesn’t add width to the sides of the face.
Styling Tips:
- For a sleek and polished look, keep the French braid tight to the scalp.
- For a more relaxed version, pull out a few strands around your face to create a softer, more tousled effect.
9. Double Dutch Braids
Why It Works:
Double Dutch braids, or pigtail braids, are a fun, playful style that adds symmetry to the face. The raised texture of the braids draws attention away from the fullness of the cheeks and creates a more oval shape. This look is particularly flattering for those with fat faces because it balances the face by adding height and structure.
Styling Tips:
- Keep the braids tight for a more defined, bold look, or loosen them up for a more laid-back, beachy vibe.
- Pair the braids with a bit of volume at the crown to add extra height.
10. Halo Braid
Why It Works:
The halo braid is a romantic, elegant style that wraps around the head in a crown-like fashion. This style not only adds height at the top of the head but also creates a beautiful, symmetrical shape that flatters a round face. The halo braid draws attention upward and away from the cheeks.
Styling Tips:
- For a neat, formal look, braid the hair tightly and keep the halo smooth.
- For a more casual vibe, loosen the braid slightly to create a more relaxed, boho-chic look.
11. Twisted Braid Updo
Why It Works:
A twisted braid updo is a fantastic choice for a formal event. The twist in the braid provides a delicate, intricate look while also adding height to the crown of the head. The vertical structure of this style helps to elongate the face, creating a more oval shape.
Styling Tips:
- Add volume at the top before braiding to ensure the updo has a fuller, more balanced appearance.
- Finish with soft curls or waves around the face for a softened look.
12. Braided Half-Up, Half-Down
Why It Works:
The half-up, half-down braided style is a popular choice because it’s versatile and easy to style. The combination of a braid on the top section of the hair and loose waves or curls on the bottom gives a perfect balance of structure and softness. For a round face, this style works wonderfully because the braid provides height while the loose hair adds balance and movement.
Styling Tips:
- Add some volume at the crown to elongate the face further.
- Loose, soft curls or waves in the bottom half can help soften the fullness of the cheeks.
Conclusion
When styling your hair, it’s important to choose looks that complement your face shape. For individuals with round or fat faces, braided hairstyles are a fantastic way to add length, volume, and texture, all while softening the appearance of a fuller face. From the sleek sophistication of the Dutch braid to the romantic appeal of the waterfall braid, there’s a braided style for everyone.
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