We live in a world based on image, and frankly, it needs to change.
Rather than worrying about the size of your body, you should be asking yourself these questions:
- Am I healthy?
- Am I happy?
- Am I proud of my body?
The idea of plus size is a societal construct that makes women feel inadequate in the bodies they have. Rather than focus on health and mindfulness, the world would have us buying into the idea that we constantly need to be striving for a contrived notion of perfection.
There has been a shift of late, and the media is slowly starting to be more representative. It is time that we saw real bodies in commercials and on television.
Women are entitled to wear what they want regardless of their size, and choosing a hairstyle should be the same. These 20 hairstyles are flattering on larger women with more rounded features, but they are not prescriptive by any means.
Choosing a hairstyle is a highly personal decision, and you should always choose what makes you comfortable and brings you joy. I have found 20 hairstyles that would look amazing on any woman regardless of their dress size.
Every woman has a unique shape and skin tone, so choosing the right cut for your face is more than just picking a hairstyle off a list. What I hope to achieve with this article is to help you see a selection of diverse women who are confident and comfortable in their skin and who have amazing hair to boot!
Hairstyles for plus size women:
Most popular hairstyles for plus size women are short hairstyles, like short pixie cut or longer pixie cut, curly or straight bob, and asymmetrical pixie cut.
1. Choppy Side-Part Bob
This style is flattering because it creates texture and volume around your face. It is an easy cut to style, and you can wear it straight or curly.
The choppy layers frame your face and accentuate your eyes and cheekbones. The bob length draws attention to your jawline, elongating your face. By parting this hairstyle to the side, you create a dramatic silhouette that will make you feel sassy and confident.
Celebrity Style Inspiration: Bebe Rexha
Bebe Rexha not only has an incredible voice, but she boldly owns her style and curvy body. She can often be found sporting a choppy side-parted bob that frames her beautiful face.
2. Longer Pixie Cut
A pixie cut is a hairstyle that suits almost everyone. Keeping it slightly longer means you have some room to play with how you style it. Wispy layers, bold spikes, or bangs are all options for a longer pixie cut.
This hairstyle leaves most of your face bare, really accentuating your features. It is a look you can dress up or down, making the longer pixie cut a versatile style for any occasion.
Celebrity Style Inspiration: Lena Dunham
Lena Dunham has experimented with many versions of the pixie cut, including longer layers. From soft and wispy layers to razored, structured edges, Lena Dunham wears her hair as well as she wears her confidence.
3. Curly Lob
The curly lob is excellent for a rounder face and a versatile style that any woman could try. The medium-length makes it forgiving to style, and you could easily plait it or clip it up if you wanted it out of the way.
Curly hair can be tricky to work with, and you will need to experiment with a routine that works for your unique curls. This style will allow you the freedom to play with different styling options, and the weight will help you tame your curls.
Celebrity Style Inspiration: Oprah Winfrey
Oprah is an excellent example of how versatile the curly lob can be. She has had big and bold curls that match her larger-than-life personality while also having a more sleek look with looser curls.
4. Shaggy Lob With Curtain Bangs
Another excellent option for almost shape face, the shaggy lob with curtain bangs, is a must-try. If you have curly hair, the curtain bangs could need some styling, but this style can be fun and easy if you have straight or wavy hair.
The shaggy layers create texture and volume that you can style in several ways. Curtain bangs can be worn parted down the middle or pulled across your face in a deep side part.
Celebrity Style Inspiration: Rebel Wilson
Rebel Wilson is a woman who unapologetically embraces who she is. The hilarious actress always looks glamorous with her shaggy lob, and she has been known to wear her bangs parted down the middle, straight across, or pulled to the side.
5. A-Line Bob With Short Bangs
This style looks particularly glamorous with straight hair as the angled cut is more prominent. The A-line style elongates your face and draws attention to your jawline. It is an extremely flattering style that can be worn in the middle part or pulled to the side.
If you have wavy hair, this style can still work, but you might need a more severe A-line cut so it doesn’t get lost.
Celebrity Style Inspiration: Bryce Dallas-Howard
Bryce Dallas-Howard wears her hair in an A-line bob with heavy bangs, and the sleek look is enviable.
6. Shaggy Bob With Bangs
If you feel like a change, then this statement style could be just what you are looking for. The shaggy layers create a cap that frames your face, particularly if you pair this cut with bangs.
It is a forgiving cut as the shaggy layers have a naturally messy look to them. This style accentuates your cheekbones and jawline by leaving the lower half of your face bare.
Celebrity Style Inspiration: Nene Leakes
Nene Leakes is known for her hair almost as much as her controversial TV personality. She is never scared to try a bold cut or color, and her shaggy bob with straight bangs was no exception.
7. Short Pixie Cut
A short pixie cut will do the trick if you want a dramatic change. This dramatic hairstyle accentuates your facial features while making a bold statement.
For a very short pixie cut, minimal styling will be needed, but the longer it gets, the more you will need to experiment with it.
Celebrity Style Inspiration: Demi Lovato
Demi Lovato has undergone a transformation in the last few years, boldly coming into her own. She talks openly about her struggles with addiction and her journey of self-discovery.
So, when she debuts a short pixie cut that she dyes pink and then platinum blonde, all we can do is cheer her on as she discovers more about herself.
8. Layered Lob
Another versatile hairstyle that works well on a number of body types is the layered lob. This medium-length hairstyle is easy to maintain, and the layers can create an elegant silhouette that elongates the face.
This style is often paired with an ombre effect which draws attention to the lower portion of the face.
Celebrity Style Inspiration: Melissa McCarthy
Melissa McCarthy is an actress who is not scared to make us laugh and is a powerhouse businesswoman in the film industry.
With her layered lob, she has dominated Hollywood, embracing her curves and smashing through any barriers to her success.
9. Curly Bob
Having curly hair means you have the luxury of creating many different hairstyles. A curly bob can be a sweet and sassy style that requires little styling. The shorter your hair, the tighter and higher your curls will be.
This creates a beautiful cap of curls around your face. Curly hair can also be straightened, meaning you can completely transform your style with a hair straightener.
Celebrity Style Inspiration: Amber Riley
Amber Riley likes to play with her hairstyle, and her curly bob is very diva-esque. The Glee actress has rocked a bold and curly bob and a sleek and straight bob.
10. Boho Straight Lob
This versatile style allows you to have the best of both worlds. The straight cut creates definition, and the long style makes your face appear slimmer.
You can part this down the middle for a dramatic look or to the side for a more playful one. For example, you can create a chic silhouette by keeping your lob straight, but adding some texture and volume will give you boho waves.
Celebrity Style Inspiration: Ashley Graham
Ashley Graham has taken the modeling industry by storm with her curvy figure. She is passionate about spreading a message of body positivity and empowering women to embrace their curves.
Her luscious locks can often be seen sleek and straight or ruffled in boho waves.
11. Straight Bob
This style is flattering on a diamond-shaped face that has rounded contours. By cutting the hair straight at the chin, you create a frame for your face that elongates your neck and highlights your cheekbones.
You can choose to wear this style sleek and straight, or you can create a softer silhouette by curling the ends in towards your chin. This softer version works well with deep side parting.
Celebrity Style Inspiration: Mindy Kaling
Mindy Kaling is a Hollywood powerhouse, and this Emmy-nominated actress, director, and producer embraces her curves wholeheartedly.
12. Long With Curtain Bangs
Long hair can elongate your face and add volume for a soft, round face. Curtain bangs are a great way to draw attention down your face towards your chin and create definition.
Leaving your hair long also means you can experiment with a number of hairstyles, from soft up-dos to boho braids.
Celebrity Style Inspiration: Iskra Lawrence
Iskra Lawrence is a model changing how we talk about women’s bodies.
She is a brand ambassador for the National Eating Disorder Association and passionately advocates for body positivity. She is curvy but doesn’t want to be labeled as a plus-size model as it sets unrealistic expectations for girls.
13. Sleek And Straight
This style is achievable with products and a hair straightener, ideal for any busy woman. Smoothed down, straight hair elongates your face and makes your head appear smaller.
Paired with side parting, this style can make your face appear slimmer. Longer hair can also make your neck torso appear longer, creating an attractive silhouette.
Celebrity Style Inspiration: Christina Hendricks
Christina Hendricks plays up her angular chin and prominent cheekbones with sleek and straight hairstyles. Paired with a deep side part and bangs, she highlights her best features.
14. Straight Bangs
Straight bangs are a great way to draw attention to your eyes and cheekbones and can be paired with a number of hairstyles. Whether you have long, short, straight, or curly hair, you can add straight bangs for some extra va va voom.
If you have a round face but are desperate for straight bangs, be sure to pair them with long layers, as this will draw the eye down.
Celebrity Style Inspiration: Christina Aguilera
Christina Aguilera changes her style, hair, and otherwise, often. She has often been seen sporting straight bangs and has paired them with long layers and an edgy bob.
15. Asymmetrical Pixie Cut
Consider adding an asymmetrical element if a pixie cut wasn’t bold enough for you. This statement style will leave your face free and highlight your features.
Celebrity Style Inspiration: Jill Scott
Jill Scott has tried a few variations of this style, and they all looked incredible. From asymmetrical short bangs to edgy curtain bangs, Jill Scott is an excellent example of how to rock this look.
16. Long, Big Curls
Long, big curls never seem to go out of style. They make your face appear longer and draw attention to your neck and collar bone area. This hairstyle is perfect for those of you who have naturally curly hair but don’t stress if you don’t.
A curling iron or curlers can create impressive curls in straight or wavy hair and will only make curly hair more defined.
Celebrity Style Inspiration: Kelly Clarkson
Kelly Clarkson has a big voice and personality, and her hair definitely suits her. Long, layered curls compliment her rounded face and are a glamorous accompaniment to any red carpet look.
17. Loose Waves
Loose waves can create a carefree and boho look that suits any body type. Boho waves can be styled to suit any occasion and are an easy way to add a bit of glam to any day.
Celebrity Style Inspiration: Drew Barrymore
Drew Barrymore epitomizes this look, and she has played with many variations over the years. Sometimes they have been sleek waves for an awards show, while other times, she has had boho waves that wouldn’t be out of place at Coachella.
Take a page out of Drew’s stylebook and opt for a balayage color for your waves.
18. Retro Styling
A curvy woman was considered desirable in years, and normal bodies were everywhere. Why not try your hand at a more retro style, a nod to the days of real women.
Big curls, structured waves, headscarves, and hair flips are fun ways to change up your everyday hair.
Celebrity Style Inspiration: Adele
Adele not only has a voice reminiscent of songbirds of the past, but she chooses retro makeup and hairstyles regularly. Big hair, bold eyeliner, and classic dresses make up Adele’s signature style, and they are definitely worth a try.
19. Deep Side Part Lob
A lob is a great length for those of you wanting an easy-to-maintain style without the hassle of long hair. It is also a very flattering length on most women, highlighting the neck and collarbone area.
By parting your hair to the side, you create a dramatic silhouette that elongates your face and adds some volume to your hair.
Celebrity Style Inspiration: Crissy Metz
Crissy Metz has left us all in tears with her performance in This Is Us, and she is breaking stereotypes with her curvy figure. Her rounded face is complimented by her lob that she often parts to the side.
20. Curly Lob
Whether you have big curls or tight curls, a curly lob is a hairstyle your curls will love. With just enough weight to hold them in place, a lob offers you a variety of styling options.
Curly hair often has a mind of its own, so on the days you don’t feel like styling your curls, you could easily throw on a headscarf or tie your hair up.
Celebrity Style Inspiration: Lizzo
Lizzo is no stranger to creative hairstyling, but she has often worn her tight curls in a glamorous lob.
Conclusion
And there they are, 20 hairstyles for your curvy figure. The size of your clothes does not determine your worth, your value, or your ability to thrive.
Your hair is an extension of your personal style, and you have the freedom to change it up as often as you like. These 20 hairstyles are just a few that might look amazing on you but be bold and find a style that feels true to who you are.
