3 Ways to Elongate a Round Face — With Your Hair

One way to get the appearance of an elongated face is with a darker hair color. Just like your little black dress, this can be extra flattering, especially if you have short hair. If you're fairer skinned, it provides a stark contrast between your hair color and your skin color, so you don't have to worry about creating an illusion of a wider face. "The darker hair covers up the width, while the lighter version expands it," said Toth.

If any part of your hair or layers fall at the widest parts of your face (usually your jaw or cheekbones), that will increase the appearance of width. Toth suggests getting a chin-length bob or lob.

"When the length of the haircut falls at least two inches below the chin, the style will automatically make the face shape look slimmer," he said. "The eye is drawn to the vertical lines of the hair and the hair is literally covering up the width of the face on each side."

Want to keep your hair long? Ask for a cut with gradual layers. "Layers that fall anywhere on the face are great for elongating the face, as long as they are a part of longer, cascading layers beneath the chin," Toth said. This haircut creates a diagonal line that naturally brings the eye downward, increasing the visual length of your face.

Updos can add volume to your face, unless you smooth it out with a flat iron and take out long, face-framing pieces. "Leave some wispy pieces out around the face that are longer than your chin," Toth said. "You can also have a wisp or two coming from the back hairline as well."