Want to cut your hair short but afraid it will make your face look bigger? Check these features first to avoid volume traps on the sides
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Summary
- Women with high cheekbones should avoid ending their hair right at the cheekbones or having too much volume on the sides; side parts or naturally falling bangs can help frame the face.
- Round faces suit hair that falls below the chin, exposing the forehead and adding volume at the crown to visually lengthen facial proportions.
- For those with shorter necks, an airy medium-short cut reaching the collarbone looks longer and sleeker on the upper body than a chin-length bob.
Thinking about cutting your hair short, but always worrying it might make your face look bigger? If that sounds familiar, don’t write off the idea just yet. As Korean celebrities demonstrate, matching a short haircut to your facial features can actually create a highly flattering effect. Keep these key details in mind before your next salon visit.
High cheekbones: avoid excess volume on the sides, use side parts and bangs
If you have prominent cheekbones, pay close attention to your hair’s length and volume. When the ends fall right around your cheekbones or the sides are styled with too much volume, it visually expands the width of your face.
To soften high cheekbones, you can look to Kim Yoo-jung: part your hair deep to one side and let the ends fall naturally below your chin. This draws the eye downward instead of leaving focus on your cheekbones. Alternatively, take inspiration from Esom by adding relaxed front bangs and soft side layers that gently frame your facial contours for a much softer look.
Round face shape: skip the volume on the sides
Many people lately like blowing out the sides for volume, thinking it makes their face look smaller. But if you have a round face, overemphasizing volume on the sides actually stretches your face horizontally, leaving the cut looking top-heavy.
Instead of the sides, round face shapes need to focus on length and crown layering. Choose a cut that falls just past the chin so the ends flow naturally down your cheeks. A better approach is to skip front bangs altogether, expose your forehead, and add just a bit of light layering at the crown. This visually elongates your face for a fresh, balanced look.
Shorter neck: collarbone-length cuts are more suitable
If you feel your neck is on the shorter side, it’s best to skip blunt bobs that cut off right at the chin and try a collarbone-length cut instead. When hair forms a rounded shape right around the neck, it narrows the space between your face and shoulders, which can make your upper body look a bit cramped.
A collarbone-length cut naturally draws the eye downward, visually elongating your neck. To keep the ends from feeling too heavy, ask your stylist to cut in some light layers at the bottom. If you have broader shoulders, make sure the ends don’t flick outward right on your shoulder line; keeping them slightly curved inward or falling naturally makes the overall style look much sleeker.
Beyond this guide, here are a few recent stories worth checking out:
- Short Hair in Front, Long Hair from Behind? Jang Wonyoung’s "Fake Layered Cut" Gives Fresh Inspiration for Those Reluctant to Go Short
- Dying Your Hair Black Doesn't Flatter Everyone? Check This Feature Diagnosis Before Matching Korean Celebrities
- Follow K-Stars and Try This Tipsy Glow: Skin-Brightening, No-Bleach "Burgundy Red" Is Set to Dominate Fall/Winter 2026!
