Hairstyles That Add Volume: What to Avoid for a Slimmer Look

Layered cuts add volume and make your hair look fuller, but they can also make your face appear rounder. If your hair is naturally thin and you add layers, it won’t necessarily add bulk. However, if your hair is already thick and dense, this style might not be the most flattering.

Adding waves or curls on top of layers can increase volume, which might not be ideal if your hair length reaches your jawline or just below. This look tends to emphasize round shapes, making your head and face appear larger.

If waves add volume, curls do too—and sometimes even more. Short curly hairstyles, especially if the curls are messy or dry, can make your face look fuller than it really is.

Known as the "lob," this trendy cut softens your features but also rounds out your face. The effect is stronger if you style your ends inward, adding volume near your jawline and drawing attention to it—even if there’s not much to highlight.

While straight, long strands slim the face, short or styles that flare away from the face naturally make it look wider. Any hairstyle that emphasizes this effect will make you appear fuller than you want.

Highlights and balayage can add dimension and fullness to your hair. But even natural-looking shades can make your face appear fuller if the cut isn’t right. To avoid this, stick to colors close to your natural hair shade and skip contrasting highlights.