These Hairstyles Lift at the Crown and Soften Around the Face

Finding the perfect hairstyle can transform your entire look, especially when you want to add height and create a flattering frame for your face. Styles that lift at the crown and soften around the face work beautifully for almost everyone, giving you that perfect balance of volume and elegance.

These looks help elongate your face shape while keeping things soft and feminine around your features. Whether you have long hair, short hair, or something in between, these seven hairstyles will give you the lift and softness you are looking for.

1. Voluminous Blowout with Face-Framing Layers

A classic blowout remains one of the most reliable ways to achieve lift at the crown while keeping everything soft and touchable.

Your stylist uses a round brush to create volume at the roots, pulling hair up and away from your scalp as they dry.

The face-framing layers get special attention, curled gently inward or outward depending on your preference.

This style works for almost any hair length, though shoulder-length or longer gives you the most dramatic results.

The key is using the right products before drying—a volumizing mousse at the roots and a smoothing cream on the ends.

You can recreate this at home with practice, though professional blowouts always seem to last longer and look more polished.

2. Teased Crown with Soft Curls

Teasing might sound old-fashioned, but when done correctly, it creates incredible lift that lasts all day.

Start by sectioning off the crown area and gently backcombing small portions at the roots.

Smooth the top layer over the teased sections so everything looks polished rather than messy.

The rest of your hair gets styled into loose, soft curls that frame your face beautifully.

This combination gives you that perfect red-carpet glamour without looking too stiff or formal.

A light-hold hairspray keeps the volume in place while allowing your curls to move naturally throughout the day.

3. Half-Up Top Knot with Loose Waves

Half-up styles automatically create lift at the crown, making them perfect for this look.

Pull the top section of your hair into a loose, slightly messy bun positioned high on your head.

Leave some wispy pieces around your face and temples to soften the overall effect.

The bottom half gets styled into relaxed waves that add movement and texture.

This style works wonderfully for both casual days and dressier occasions, depending on how polished you make it.

The beauty here is how effortless it looks while still giving you serious height and dimension.

You can adjust the size of your top knot based on how much volume you want.

4. Textured Pixie with Lifted Crown

Short hair can absolutely achieve this lifted, softened look with the right cut and styling.

A textured pixie features longer pieces on top that you can style upward for maximum height.

The sides and back stay shorter and softer, creating that gentle frame around your face.

Use a small amount of texturizing paste or pomade to piece out the top sections and lift them away from your scalp.

This style looks incredibly modern and chic while being surprisingly easy to maintain daily.

The contrast between the lifted crown and soft sides creates wonderful dimension.

Many women find this cut liberating and confidence-boosting.

5. Bouffant Ponytail with Wispy Bangs

Combine retro glamour with modern ease by creating a bouffant-style ponytail.

Tease the crown section generously before smoothing it back into a high ponytail.

The teasing creates that signature lift while the ponytail keeps everything secure and practical.

Wispy bangs or face-framing pieces soften the look and prevent it from appearing too severe.

This style works beautifully for everything from workout sessions to evening events.

The height at the crown elongates your face shape while the soft pieces around your face keep things balanced and feminine.

Secure with a hair tie that matches your hair color for a seamless finish.

6. Layered Lob with Root Lift

The long bob, or lob, remains incredibly popular because it flatters virtually everyone.

Adding layers throughout creates natural movement and makes styling for volume much easier.

Your stylist can cut longer layers around your face that angle slightly forward, creating that soft, face-framing effect.

When styling, focus on lifting at the roots using a blow dryer and round brush.

The length hits right at your collarbone, which naturally draws attention upward toward your face.

This cut requires minimal styling once you learn the basic technique, making it perfect for busy mornings.

The layers prevent the style from looking boxy or heavy.

7. Messy Bun with Pulled-Out Crown

Sometimes the most effortless-looking styles take a bit of planning.

This messy bun sits higher than usual on your head, creating natural lift without looking too formal or stiff.

After securing your hair into a bun, gently tug at sections near your crown to loosen them.

This creates pockets of volume that make your hair appear fuller and taller at the top.

Pull out a few thin strands around your face and ears to soften the overall effect.

These wispy pieces frame your features beautifully while the lifted crown draws eyes upward, creating that flattering balance everyone loves.