Finding the perfect hairstyle is all about balance and proportions. For those with a long (or oblong) face shape, the goal is often to create the illusion of width or to shorten the vertical appearance of the face. A long face is typically characterized by a forehead, cheekbones, and jawline that are similar in width, often accompanied by a prominent chin or a high forehead.
The secret to flattering a long face lies in adding volume to the sides, incorporating face-framing layers, or using bangs to break up the length. Whether you prefer short, edgy cuts or long, flowing locks, there is a style that will highlight your best features. Here are the 27 best hairstyles designed specifically to complement long faces.
1. Layered Lob
The “lob” or long bob is a classic for a reason. For long faces, hitting right at the shoulder or slightly above helps to “cut” the length of the face. By adding internal layers, you create movement and width at the midpoint of your face, which draws the eye outward rather than downward. It’s a sophisticated look that works for both professional and casual settings.
2. Curtain Bangs
Curtain bangs are perhaps the most transformative element for a long face. By covering the corners of the forehead and hitting right at the cheekbones, they create a horizontal line that makes the face appear wider and more oval. They are low-maintenance compared to blunt bangs and grow out beautifully into face-framing layers.
3. Shoulder-Length Waves
Length that stops at the shoulders is the “sweet spot” for long faces. When you add waves, you’re introducing horizontal volume. This volume acts as a counterweight to the vertical length of the face. Use a large-barrel curling iron to create waves that start at the eye level to maximize the widening effect.
4. Side-Swept Bangs
Side-swept bangs are excellent for breaking up the symmetry of a long face. By covering a portion of the forehead diagonally, they visually shorten the face and soften a prominent jawline. This style is particularly flattering for those with thick hair, as it allows for a heavy, dramatic sweep.
5. Voluminous Curls
If you have natural curls, embrace the volume! For long faces, the bigger the hair, the better. Curls that expand outward create a halo effect that balances a narrow face shape. Avoid letting curls grow too long without layers, as the weight can pull the hair down and elongate the face further.
6. Shaggy Layers
The shag is a rock-and-roll classic that is incredibly flattering for oblong shapes. The heavy layering at the top and sides creates a “messy” volume that fills in the space around the face. The choppy ends and texture distract from the length of the chin, creating a balanced, edgy aesthetic.
7. Blunt Cut with Fringe
A heavy, blunt fringe is the most direct way to shorten a long face. By literally hiding the forehead, you’re reducing the visible “real estate” of the face by a third. Pairing this with a blunt-cut bottom creates a strong horizontal frame that is high-fashion and very striking.
8. Face-Framing Layers
If you love long hair and don’t want to sacrifice length, face-framing layers are essential. Start the first layer at the chin to add width to the lower half of the face. These layers break up the long vertical lines of the hair, which can otherwise make a long face look even longer.
9. Deep Side Part
A center part can sometimes act as a “ruler,” drawing a straight line down the face and emphasizing length. Switching to a deep side part creates an asymmetrical look that throws off the vertical perception. It adds instant volume to the roots and makes the face appear more heart-shaped or oval.
10. Textured Bob
A bob that ends right at the chin is perfect for long faces because it frames the jawline. Adding texture through sea salt sprays or texturizing shears prevents the hair from looking too flat. The “fuzziness” of a textured bob adds the necessary width to balance out a high forehead.
11. Bardot Bangs
Inspired by Brigitte Bardot, these bangs are soft, wispy, and slightly parted in the middle. They are less harsh than blunt bangs but still effective at covering the forehead. They blend seamlessly into the rest of the hair, making them a great choice for those who want a romantic, vintage feel.
12. Messy Top Knot (with fringe)
Typically, high buns are avoided for long faces because they add height. However, if you leave out a thick fringe or wide face-framing tendrils, you can wear this style successfully. The bangs cancel out the added height of the bun, while the “messiness” adds width at the temples.
13. Bottleneck Bangs
Bottleneck bangs are the “little sister” of curtain bangs. They start thin at the center and curve out around the eyes. This specific shape is perfect for long faces because it emphasizes the eyes and cheekbones, the widest part of the face, drawing attention away from the chin and forehead.
14. Wispy Bangs
If you find thick bangs too heavy, wispy bangs are a great alternative. They provide just enough coverage to break up the forehead without overwhelming your features. They add a soft, feminine touch and work exceptionally well with fine hair textures.
15. Long Layers
For those who insist on keeping their hair long, layers are non-negotiable. Without them, long hair acts like a frame for a mirror, making the “mirror” (your face) look longer. Layers add “steps” to the hair, creating a sense of movement and volume that prevents the eye from traveling straight down.
16. Asymmetrical Bob
Asymmetry is a great tool for long faces. An asymmetrical bob creates diagonal lines that confuse the eye’s perception of length. By having different lengths on either side, you create a dynamic look that adds a modern edge while softening the overall verticality of the face.
17. Choppy Pixie
Think a pixie cut is off-limits? Think again! A choppy pixie with plenty of texture and a side-swept fringe can be incredibly flattering. The key is to keep the sides somewhat full and avoid too much height on the very top. The fringe helps to cover the forehead, making the face appear more balanced.
18. Hollywood Waves
Hollywood waves are the ultimate formal choice. The deep side part and the wide “S” waves provide massive horizontal volume. This style “stretches” the face horizontally, making it look fuller and more balanced. It’s an elegant way to handle a long face for weddings or red-carpet events.
19. Braided Crown
A braided crown is a unique way to add width. Because the braid sits around the head, it adds physical bulk to the sides and top-sides of the face. This creates a more rounded silhouette. Keeping it slightly loose with “flyaways” makes it look more natural and soft.
20. Slicked Back (with volume)
While slicking hair flat can be risky for long faces, doing it with “pomp” or volume at the temples works wonders. By brushing the hair back and slightly out, you create a wide, polished look. This is a powerful, high-fashion style that highlights your facial structure without elongating it, provided the volume is focused on the sides.
21. Low Bun with Tendrils
A low bun is better than a high bun for long faces because it doesn’t add vertical height. By leaving thick, curled tendrils out, you frame the face and add width exactly where it’s needed—around the cheeks. This is a soft, romantic look that is easy to achieve.
22. Feathered Ends
Flipping the ends of your hair outward (feathering) is a great way to add width at the bottom of the face. This is especially helpful if you have a narrow chin. The outward motion of the hair draws the eye horizontally, creating a beautiful balance with the length of the face.
23. Half-Up Half-Down
The half-up, half-down style is versatile. For long faces, avoid pulling the top half too tight. Instead, leave it loose and voluminous, or pair it with bangs. The hair that stays down provides the width at the sides, while the pulled-back portion keeps the hair out of your eyes.
24. Thick Blunt Bangs
If you have a particularly high forehead, thick blunt bangs are your best friend. They act as a “cap” for the face, immediately making it look shorter. This look is bold and requires some maintenance to keep the length perfect, but the payoff for a long face is incredible.
25. Beachy Waves
Beachy waves are all about texture and volume. By using a texturizing spray, you can make the hair look fuller and “messier.” This expansion of the hair creates a horizontal frame that is very flattering for long faces. It’s the ultimate “cool girl” look that balances features perfectly.
26. Chin-Length Bob
The chin-length bob is a “stop sign” for the eyes. As people look at your face, the hair ending at the chin creates a horizontal line that effectively “stops” the vertical gaze. This makes the face look wider and more oval. It is a sharp, sophisticated cut that never goes out of style.
27. French Girl Fringe
The “French Girl” fringe is all about looking effortless. These bangs are usually a bit longer, hitting the eyes, and are slightly piecey. They add a “cool” factor while doing the heavy lifting of covering the forehead and adding width to the temple area. Pair it with air-dried texture for the full effect.
