Curly hair is a gift—but pairing it with a round face shape can make choosing the right haircut feel like a puzzle. The goal is simple: balance. For men with round faces and natural curls, the best hairstyles create definition, add height, and avoid excessive width on the sides.
Whether your curls are tight coils or loose waves, there’s a style that works for you. The key is structure especially if you want to look sharp without spending hours on daily styling.
Here are 10 flattering, realistic hairstyles for men with curly hair and round faces, with options for every hair length and personal style.
1. High Taper Fade with Defined Curls
This haircut creates a clean fade on the sides and back, allowing your curls on top to take centre stage. By adding volume at the crown and reducing width on the sides, you create a more angular silhouette a perfect match for round faces.
Picture Credit: https://therighthairstyles.com/taper-fade-curly-hair/
Ask a barber who knows this type of haircut to help maintain the fade line and shape the curls for symmetry.
2. Curly Fringe with Drop Fade
A fringe can be tricky with a round face, but when cut right, it adds a cool, modern look. The drop fade carves out definition on the sides while the curls naturally fall forward, making your face appear longer.
Picture Credit: https://mendeserve.com/blogs/hair/mid-taper-fade-curly-hair-for-men
This is a great choice for younger men or anyone who likes texture and movement in their style.
3. Textured Quiff with Low Fade
A quiff works wonders for round faces, especially when paired with curly hair. Use your curl’s natural volume to lift the front up and back, creating vertical height that lengthens your face.
Picture Credit: https://www.thelist.com/773642/low-fade-vs-high-fade-haircuts-whats-the-best-style-for-your-face-shape/
Use a curl-defining mousse or lightweight cream to keep the shape in place without weighing it down especially important during humid Canadian summers.
4. Short Sides with Medium Curls on Top
By keeping the curls on top full and defined while tapering or fading the sides, this style draws the eye upward and slims the sides of the face. It’s clean, professional, and ideal for both office days and weekend outings.
Picture Credit: https://www.beardbeasts.com/blogs/news/stylish-curly-haircuts-for-men
This one requires regular upkeep, so visit a barber who is experienced in cutting hair with this issue to maintain clean lines.
5. Loose Afro with Shape
If you prefer longer curls, a rounded afro with structure is a bold and balanced look. The trick is shaping the afro with more height than width creating visual lift and preventing the face from appearing wider.
Picture Credit: https://manforhimself.com/mens-hairstyles/bruno-mars-long-afro-hairstyle/
Moisturizing products are essential in the winter months when Canadian cold and hard water can dry out natural curls.
6. Curly Mohawk Fade
For men looking for something bold, the curly mohawk delivers. With shaved or faded sides and a strip of curls through the middle, this cut draws all attention vertically creating the illusion of a longer, more defined face.
Picture Credit: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/140806229418378/
Use a sculpting gel with flexible hold to shape the curls and keep them defined throughout the day.
7. Side Part with Natural Curls
A deep side part helps to create asymmetry, which is key for breaking up the roundness of the face. Combine it with natural curls for a stylish look that’s casual but controlled.
Picture Credit: https://www.styleoholic.com/naturally-curly-hair-men-haircuts/
During drier months, use a leave-in conditioner or curl cream to prevent frizz and keep the part crisp.
8. Mid-Length Curls with Fade
Letting your curls grow out to mid-length (just over the ears) can work beautifully if you fade or taper the lower half. The longer curls on top and sides create softness while the fade adds structure perfect for balancing round features.
This is a great transitional style if you’re growing your hair out and want to avoid that awkward in-between phase.
9. Twist Out with Undercut
Twist-outs provide definition and texture, which helps elongate the face. Combine this look with an undercut for contrast that adds an edge without overwhelming your features.
Picture Credit: https://byaaronwallace.com/blogs/grooming-guide/5-hairstyle-ideas-for-black-men-using-twists
This cut requires some at-home styling but is easy to maintain with the right products and regular trims.
10. Short Curly Crop with Hard Part
This cropped style adds sharpness and angles to a naturally soft face shape. A hard part gives the cut extra structure while keeping the overall look minimal and tidy.
Picture Credit: https://www.styleoholic.com/mid-fade-haircuts-for-men/
It’s a great option for men in professional settings who still want to show off their curls in a subtle way.
Tips for Styling Curls with a Round Face
- Go vertical: Height on top is your friend. Avoid wide side volume that rounds out your silhouette.
- Keep sides clean: Fades, undercuts, and tapered sides visually slim the face.
- Choose the right product: Look for lightweight curl creams, moisturizers, or leave-in conditioners. In Canada, where hard water and winter dryness are real concerns, hydration is key.
- Regular maintenance: Visit a barber who knows this type of haircut so your curls stay shaped and manageable not fluffy or overgrown.
Use a high-resolution image showing defined curls with a taper or fade. This helps readers visualize how curls can be styled for structure and face balance.
Curly hair and round faces don’t limit your options they expand them. The secret lies in structure, volume control, and using your curls to create the right silhouette. With a bit of product, the right cut, and a knowledgeable barber, you can rock a hairstyle that sharpens your features while embracing your natural texture.
Ready for a haircut that works with your curls and face shape? Book your appointment with Stylish Barbershop today and get a cut that suits you all year round.