Photo: Frazer Harrison/Getty Images Entertainment/Getty Images
If you keep your hair natural and want a short haircut, skip the single-length cuts, such as classic bobs and wedges. These tailored, manicured haircuts work better for women with fine, straight hair and oval-shaped faces. You want a short haircut that has volume on top, fullness throughout or asymmetry, all of which slim down your full face and showcase your hair's natural texture and bounce. Since you don't need to process or overly style natural hair, your hair can take highlighting or dyeing a shade or two lighter or darker without getting too damaged.
Chunky Layers on Top
Multiple short layers don't work well with naturally curly or coarse hair, as they grow out and fuzz out quickly. Instead, cut your hair into chunky layers on top, keeping it long enough so you can use gel or hair putty to mold it into spikes or waves that point outward and upward. This technique pulls people's focus upward, visually lengthening and slimming your round face. Add some wispy bangs that lightly frame your forehead without making your face look shorter.
Modified Bob
That classic bob just turns into a wide pyramid that makes your face look fuller. Go for a modified bob that features shorter layers at the sides of your face, at the crown of your head and at the back. Keep a slightly longer layer below the top that showcases your hair's natural texture and waves or curls. Jagged or uneven sections give your hairstyle movement without making it look too bulky.
Side-Swept Bangs
An asymmetrical cut and uneven bangs add angles to your round face. A quick way to mix up the lengths of your hair is to wear side-swept bangs. This look adds volume and panache to a basic short haircut of thin or buzzed sides and a short back. Leave the top fuller and part it far to one side while your hair is damp. Rub in mousse for volume or gel to define your natural curls and manipulate your hair to the other side of your head.
Maintaining Your Cut
Short cuts make your natural hair look healthy and bouncy, but they also grow out quickly. If you have a jagged or asymmetrical look, you can accommodate changes in length, direction and curl shape. When your style gets bulky but you still like its basic shape, trim it with thinning shears. This technique subtly tapers your hair but keeps the overall length and style. Treat your natural hair to regular moisturizing and gentle detangling so it grows out gracefully.
