18 Hairstyles for Big Noses That Add Soft Side Volume

Finding the perfect haircut is about creating visual harmony.

When features are prominent, hair acts as the ultimate frame.

Strategic volume can shift the focus and soften your profile.

Adding width to the sides of the face is a game-changer.

It balances the central features by creating a wider silhouette.

Soft textures prevent the face from looking sharp or angular.

These styles prioritize movement and airy side volume.

Discover how the right cut can boost your confidence instantly.

Here are 18 hairstyles designed to complement your unique look.

1. The Shaggy Wolf Cut

The wolf cut is a masterpiece of texture and movement. Its heavy layering around the face draws the eye outward rather than toward the center of the profile.

This style excels at adding width through the mid-lengths. By keeping the volume on the sides, the proportions of the face feel more balanced and beautifully softened.

Use a sea salt spray to enhance the shaggy finish. Focus on fluffing the layers around the ears to ensure the silhouette stays wide and intentionally airy.

2. Voluminous Side-Swept Bangs

Side-swept bangs are incredible for breaking up the symmetry of the face. By creating an asymmetrical line, they distract from the bridge of the nose and add softness.

The key to this look is the “sweep.” By directing hair to one side with significant lift, you create a lateral focus that widens the appearance of the cheekbones.

Apply a volumizing mousse to damp hair before blow-drying. Use a large round brush to pull the bangs away from the face for maximum “swoop” and side-side volume.

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3. Textured Beach Waves

Beach waves provide a consistent, horizontal movement that counters a strong vertical profile. The undulating texture softens the entire face and adds a romantic, effortless vibe.

By focusing the waves from the eye level downward, you create essential side volume. This width draws attention toward the ears and hair, creating a more balanced facial structure.

Avoid using a flat iron for this look. Opt for a large-barrel curling wand and leave the ends straight to ensure the volume stays concentrated on the sides.

4. Layered Midi Cut

A medium-length cut with internal layers provides the perfect canvas for volume. It is long enough to frame the face but short enough to maintain significant bounce.

These layers are designed to kick out slightly at the sides. This “kick” adds the necessary width to compete with a prominent nose, softening the overall facial aesthetic.

Ask your stylist for “invisible layers.” These provide lift from within the haircut, ensuring the hair doesn’t fall flat or cling too closely to the cheeks.

5. Soft Bardot Fringe

The Bardot fringe, or curtain bangs, is famous for its face-framing abilities. These bangs part in the center and slope downward, highlighting the eyes and cheekbones.

The outward curve of the fringe creates immediate side volume. This helps to widen the top half of the face, which naturally makes the nose appear more proportional.

Keep the center of the bangs wispy rather than heavy. This ensures the focus remains on the “wing” of the hair that moves toward the sides of the face.

6. The Butterfly Cut

The butterfly cut features short, bouncy layers on top combined with longer layers below. This creates a winged effect that mimics the shape of a butterfly’s wings.

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This dramatic layering is specifically designed to add volume around the temples and jawline. It creates a lush, wide frame that softens any sharp facial features effectively.

To style, use a blow-dry cream and a round brush. Flip the shorter layers away from your face to maximize the “winged” side volume this cut is known for.

7. Romantic Messy Bun with Tendrils

An updo doesn’t have to be sleek. A messy bun relies on height and loose strands to create a soft, ethereal halo around the face and profile.

The magic lies in the face-framing tendrils. By curling these pieces and letting them sit wide on the sides, you add volume that balances the nose in profile view.

Tug at the hair around the crown and the sides of the head after securing the bun. This prevents the hair from looking “slicked back,” which can overemphasize facial features.

8. Side-Parted Hollywood Glam

Hollywood waves are the epitome of structured volume. By parting the hair deeply on one side, you create a massive wave that acts as a visual counterweight.

The sheer volume on the “heavy” side of the part creates a stunning silhouette. It draws the eye across the face rather than straight down the center line.

Use setting clips to define the waves while they cool. This ensures the side volume is long-lasting and maintains its bouncy, face-softening shape throughout the day.

9. Choppy Face-Framing Layers

Choppy layers introduce an element of “organized chaos” that is very forgiving. The varied lengths break up the planes of the face, softening the nose’s prominence.

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These layers should start near the cheekbones to build width where it matters most. The “choppiness” ensures the hair moves freely, creating a dynamic and wide frame.

A lightweight texturizing paste is your best friend here. Rub a small amount between your fingers and pinch the ends of the layers to direct them outward.

10. Deep Side Part with Curls

A deep side part is one of the easiest ways to change your facial proportions. It shifts the center of gravity of your hairstyle, creating an asymmetrical balance.

When combined with curls, the side volume becomes even more pronounced. The mass of hair on one side provides a beautiful contrast that softens the profile significantly.

Avoid flat roots by drying your hair in the opposite direction of how you intend to wear it. This “over-direction” creates incredible lift once you flip the hair over.

11. Feathered 70s Layers

The feathered look is all about directing the hair away from the face. This classic technique creates a sense of openness and width that is very flattering.

By brushing the hair back and out, you create a “fan” effect. This adds soft side volume that draws the gaze toward the hair’s movement and away from the nose.

Use a large round brush and a blow dryer on a medium setting. Roll the hair back toward your ears to achieve that signature feathered, voluminous side-flick.

12. Tucked-Behind-One-Ear Waves

This style is surprisingly effective for adding side volume. By tucking one side behind the ear, you emphasize the volume of the loose hair on the other side.

The contrast between the sleek tucked side and the voluminous wavy side creates a modern, asymmetrical look. This asymmetry is excellent for balancing prominent facial features.

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Ensure the side that is not tucked has plenty of lift at the root. Use a teasing brush or volume powder to keep that “loose” side looking full and wide.

13. Loose Braided Crown

A braided crown adds literal width to the head. By wrapping braids around the sides, you create a decorative frame that adds soft, textured volume.

The key is to keep the braids loose and “pancaked.” Pulling the loops of the braid outward makes them wider, which helps to soften the features of the face.

Leave a few wispy strands out around the ears and temples. These “soft bits” add an extra layer of side volume that further balances the nose and profile.

14. The Wispy Shag

The wispy shag focuses on movement and lightness. Unlike heavy cuts, it uses many thin layers to create a cloud-like effect of volume around the face.

This style is particularly good at adding volume at the temples and mid-face. The wispy ends move constantly, creating a soft blur that complements the facial structure.

Use a dry shampoo or a volume spray on the mid-lengths. This keeps the layers from clumping together, ensuring the side volume stays airy and wide.

15. Voluminous Bob with Outward Flips

A bob that hits right at the jawline can be very flattering if it has volume. By flipping the ends outward, you create a horizontal line that widens the face.

This outward flip adds significant side volume exactly where it is needed. It creates a “base” for the face that balances the nose and adds a playful touch.

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Use a flat iron or a round brush to flick the ends of the bob away from the neck. This small styling tweak makes a huge difference in facial harmony.

16. Soft Pixie with Height

Short hair can work wonders if it has the right shape. A pixie with volume on top and softness around the ears creates a balanced, chic silhouette.

By keeping the sides soft and slightly wispy rather than buzzed, you maintain a frame for the face. The height on top draws the eye upward, lengthening the profile.

Work a volumizing pomade through the top and sides. Focus on creating “piecey” texture that moves outward to ensure the style doesn’t look too flat or narrow.

17. Bottleneck Bangs

Bottleneck bangs are a hybrid between a full fringe and curtain bangs. They are narrow at the top and get wider as they reach the cheekbones.

This shape creates a “bottleneck” effect that adds strategic side volume. The way they flare out at the eyes draws the focus horizontally, balancing the central features.

Style these with a small round brush. The goal is to create a soft “C” curve that starts at the brow and kicks out toward the tops of the ears.

18. Half-Up Top Knot with Face-Framing Strands

The half-up top knot offers the best of both worlds. You get the height of an updo with the face-softening benefits of long, loose hair on the sides.

The loose hair provides the side volume necessary for balance, while the knot adds vertical interest. This combination elongates and widens the overall head shape.

Make sure the “down” portion of the hair is wavy or textured. Flat, straight hair in this style can be too harsh; waves add the softness needed for a prominent nose.

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Does side volume really help balance a big nose?

Yes, creating width on the sides of the face provides a visual counterweight to the center. By expanding the silhouette horizontally, the nose appears more proportional to the rest of the head.

Should I avoid straight hair if I have a prominent nose?

Very sleek, straight hair can sometimes emphasize the sharpness of facial features. If you prefer straight hair, try adding face-framing layers or a side part to create some movement and break up the symmetry.

Can short hairstyles work for this facial feature?

Absolutely. The key is to avoid “flat” short cuts. Opt for pixies with height or bobs with plenty of texture and side volume. Avoid styles that are very tight or slicked down on the sides.

Why are layers so important for this look?

Layers create internal space and movement in the hair. This prevents the hair from hanging flat against the face, which can make the nose stand out more. Layers naturally encourage side volume and softness.

Do bangs make a big nose look larger or smaller?

The right bangs, like curtain or side-swept styles, can make a nose look smaller by softening the profile and highlighting the eyes. However, very heavy, blunt bangs can sometimes create a “shelf” effect that draws more attention to the nose.

What is the best way to maintain side volume throughout the day?

Using the right products is essential. Start with a volumizing mousse on damp hair and finish with a texturizing spray or a light-hold hairspray. Avoid heavy oils that can weigh the hair down and flatten the sides.