Hairstyles for a Fat Face

Overweight woman wearing her hair in a long bob
Photo: Halfpoint/Shutterstock
Q: I'm overweight and have a fat face. What should I look for in a hairstyle to make my face look less fat?
 
A: In the case of finding hairstyles for a "fat face", you're right to mention that you are overweight as well. This isn't always the case, but it is a key consideration in how to handle the situation. The most important thing to consider is keeping your hairstyle in proportion to your body.
 

Balancing Length and Body Proportion

Going too short with the hair can often help to make the face appear thinner, but it can look awkward if the body is overweight. Going too far in the other direction is problematic as well, as you can make the whole body appear heavier if you create a hairstyle with too much volume in an attempt to balance a fat face.
 
A good starting point for overweight women with fuller faces is a clavicle- to shoulder-length cut with steep, vertical layers. Length that sits just below the chin or at the shoulders draws the eye vertically down, and this elongates both the neck and the face. Steep, soft layering gives your hair natural movement and gently frames your features without adding unwanted width or bulk around your cheeks.
 

Key Styling Elements

To refine this basic layered cut, keep a few key stylistic elements in mind:
 
• Height at the Crown: Building gentle height or lift at the roots on top of your head visually stretches your face upward, shifting focus away from facial width.
 
• Asymmetry and Side Parts: Off-center or deep side parts disrupt the symmetry of a round face, cutting diagonally across full cheeks to create a slimmer silhouette.
 
• Side-Swept or Curtain Bangs: Avoid blunt, straight-across bangs, which shorten the face. Instead, choose soft side bangs or curtain bangs that frame your forehead and highlight your cheekbones.
 
• Avoid Chin-Length Cuts: Avoid cuts that end directly at the widest part of your jaw or chin. Straight lines at this length create a sharp horizontal boundary that draws extra attention to a double chin or heavy jawline.
 
Of course, there may be specific needs for your unique face shape, but this basic long-layered foundation gives your stylist the flexibility to add lift where needed and create a soft, flattering silhouette.
 
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See also:
 
Hairstyles for the heavyset woman
 
How to match your hairstyle and body type
 
What is a slimming haircut?