Let’s be real — finding the perfect haircut for a chubby face can be a little tricky. You want something stylish, something that complements your features, and definitely something that doesn’t make your face look rounder. The good news? Medium-length haircuts are pretty much a goldmine for this. They’re versatile, flattering, and easy to manage — basically the sweet spot between short and long hair.
In this article, we’re diving deep into medium-length haircuts for chubby faces — the best styles, how to choose the right one, and pro tips to make your hair work with your face shape, not against it.
Why Medium-Length Haircuts Are Ideal for Chubby Faces
Before we jump into styles, let’s talk about why medium-length is the winner here.
- Balance: Medium-length hair helps balance out a rounder or fuller face. It doesn’t drag the face down like longer hair can, and it doesn’t exaggerate the width like super-short cuts might.
- Styling flexibility: Waves, layers, bangs — medium-length gives you room to play.
- Framing: The right cut can frame your face in a way that slims your features without needing dramatic changes.
So, whether you’ve got naturally thick hair or fine strands, medium cuts can totally change your hair game.
Best Medium-Length Haircuts for Chubby Faces
Here are the top medium-length hairstyles that look amazing on fuller face shapes.
1. Layered Lob (Long Bob)
The lob is everybody’s beloved for grounds — it flatters virtually every face form. For chubby faces, go for a lob with soft layers that hit right below your chin or around the collarbone. These layers put action and aspect, that may creatively slender the face.
Why it works:
The long bob elongates your face and draws the eyes downward, giving a more oval appearance.
2. Face-Framing Layers
Adding layers that gently hug the cheekbones or jawline can slim down a fuller face. These layers should start just below your chin to avoid drawing attention to the widest part of your face.
Styling tip: Add soft waves with a curling wand to create volume at the bottom and not the sides.
3. Side-Swept Bangs
Bangs can totally change your look — and side-swept bangs are especially flattering for chubby faces. They break up the width of the forehead and add angles to a soft, round face.
Prevent: Blunt, straight-across hits — they make the face area look shorter and wider.
4. Shag Cut
Yep, the 70s shag is back, and it’s better than ever. A medium shag haircut with curtain bangs and choppy layers works wonders. It gives your face angles and attitude.
Bonus: It’s a low-maintenance style that looks great even when slightly messy.
5. Textured Shoulder-Length Cut
Want something simple that still looks trendy? Choose a shoulder-length reduce with a lot of consistency. Add layers throughout to prevent your hair from lying flat against your cheeks.
Hot tip: Ask your stylist for internal layering — it gives volume without puffing up the sides too much.
6. Wavy Mid-Length Hair
If you’ve got natural waves or are happy to style them, this look is gold. Waves soften the overall roundness and draw attention downward.
Pro styling move: Use a sea salt spray for a beachy, effortless look.
7. Angled Medium Bob
This is where the back is slightly shorter and the front angles down. This shape naturally slims the face and gives it structure.
Styling idea: Tuck one side behind your ear for an asymmetrical twist — it adds edge and shows off your cheekbones.
8. Medium Cut with Curtain Bangs
Curtain bangs part in the middle and sweep down the sides, blending into the rest of your hair. They’re super flattering for rounder faces because they elongate and narrow the face.
Style tip: Blow-dry with a round brush for the perfect curve.
Hair Color Tricks That Slim the Face
Haircut isn’t the only thing doing the heavy lifting. Hair color can play a huge role in how your face shape is perceived. Here’s how to use color to your advantage:
- Highlights and lowlights: Adding dimension with color can create shadows and depth — a secret slimming weapon.
- Balayage: This soft, hand-painted color technique elongates the face when placed properly.
- Darker roots: A darker crown transitioning to lighter ends gives an illusion of vertical length.
What to Avoid If You Have a Chubby Face
It’s not just about what to do — sometimes knowing what not to do is just as important.
❌ Blunt cuts at the chin — They highlight the widest part of your face.
❌ Excessive volume at the sides — It makes your face appear rounder.
❌ Pin-straight styles with no movement — This can make your face look wider.
❌ Complete, straight-across bangs — They shorten that person and put width.
Styling Tips to Complement Your Haircut
Actually the most effective cut needs the best styling to shine. Here’s how to make your medium-length haircut work for you:
- Use size logically: Add quantity at the top, not the sides.
- Curl away from the face: It opens up your features and gives a more elongated look.
- Try a serious area portion: It successfully cuts the size of one’s face.
- Don’t skip texture sprays or mousse: These help build shape and hold without making hair stiff.
Hairstyles to Try for Everyday Looks
Here are a few easy go-to styles that complement chubby faces and medium hair:
- Half-up twist or top knot: Elevates the face and shows off cheekbones.
- Loose low ponytail with face-framing strands: Chic and slimming.
- Soft curls with side part: Adds angles and elegance.
- Messy bun with volume at the crown: Makes the face look longer.
FAQs: Chubby Face Medium Length Haircuts
Q1. What face shape is considered a “chubby face”?
A chubby face typically has fuller cheeks, a rounded jawline, and less definition in the chin. Round and sometimes square face shapes fall into this category, especially when the width and length of the face are close in proportion.
Q2. Is medium-length hair better than short or long for puffy encounters?
Yes, in many cases. Medium-length hair strikes the perfect balance — it doesn’t add width like some short cuts and doesn’t weigh the face down like long hair might. It’s also more flexible in terms of styling.
Q3. Do bangs suit chubby faces?
They absolutely can! Just go for the right type. Side-swept bangs, curtain bangs, or soft wispy bangs are great. Avoid blunt bangs, as they can produce the face area look smaller and wider.
Opt for layers, longer pieces in the front, and volume at the crown. Avoid heavy volume at the sides and chin-length cuts with blunt edges. Straight reductions and dunes also help build the dream of a leaner face.
Q5. Is it better to wear hair up or down with a chubby face?
Both could work — it depends on what you fashion it. Updos with volume on top or loose tendrils around the face are flattering. If worn down, keep the hair layered or wavy to avoid puffiness around the cheeks.