Finding the perfect hairstyle is often about geometry. For those with long or “oblong” face shapes, the goal is rarely about adding height—which can further elongate the silhouette—but rather about creating width and “breaking up” the vertical line. The most flattering looks for this face shape focus on volume at the sides, bangs that camouflage a high forehead, and textures that soften the jawline.
Whether you are looking for a dramatic chop or a simple styling trick, these 15 hairstyles are designed to bring harmony to your features while keeping your daily routine quick and effortless.
1. Curtain Bangs
Curtain bangs are the ultimate “cheat code” for long face shapes. By parting in the middle and sweeping out toward the cheekbones, they create a horizontal line that visually widens the face. Unlike blunt bangs, curtain bangs are low-maintenance and grow out seamlessly into layers. They soften the forehead and draw immediate attention to the eyes and cheekbones, providing that much-needed balance without hiding your face entirely.
2. Side Part
A center part can sometimes act like a ruler, emphasizing the vertical length of an oblong face. Switching to a deep side part is an instant fix. It disrupts the symmetry and adds a boost of volume at the crown and sides. By shifting the weight of your hair to one side, you create an asymmetrical look that makes the face appear rounder and fuller. It’s an easy, zero-cost way to refresh your look in seconds.
3. Layered Waves
Flat, pin-straight hair can drag a long face down. The solution? Layers. Adding layers—specifically those that start around the chin or cheekbones—creates movement and body. When styled into loose waves, these layers bounce outward, adding width to the middle of the face. This texture breaks up the long vertical line and gives the illusion of a more oval-shaped face.
4. Blunt Bangs
If you have a high forehead, blunt bangs are your best friend. By covering the forehead entirely, they effectively “shorten” the face, making it appear more proportional. To keep this look from being too heavy, ask your stylist for a slightly rounded edge that blends into the rest of your hair. This style works exceptionally well with medium to long hair, providing a bold, chic frame.
5. Textured Lob
The “Lob” (long bob) is the perfect length for oblong faces because it usually hits right at the shoulders or collarbone. This length avoids the “dragging” effect of very long hair. When you add texture—think choppy ends and messy waves—the hair expands outward rather than hanging flat. This creates a fuller look around the neck and jawline, balancing the length of the face beautifully.
6. Shag Cut
The shag is back, and it’s a dream for long faces. This cut is all about layers and texture. Because the shag involves heavy layering throughout the top and sides, it naturally creates a “halo” of volume around the head. This horizontal volume is exactly what a long face needs to look more balanced. Pair it with a messy fringe for a look that is both edgy and incredibly flattering.
7. Chin-Length Bob
A bob that ends right at the chin creates a strong horizontal line that cuts across the face’s verticality. This “stops” the eye and creates the illusion of width. For long faces, it’s best to avoid a sleek, flat bob. Instead, opt for a bob with a bit of internal layering or some soft waves to ensure the sides don’t sit too close to the cheeks.
8. Voluminous Curls
If you are blessed with natural curls, embrace them! Big, bouncy curls are perfect for long faces because they naturally provide width. If your hair is straight, using a medium-barrel curling iron to create ringlets can transform your silhouette. The key is to ensure the curls start high up, near the temples, to ensure the volume is distributed where the face is narrowest.
9. Side-Swept Bangs
Not a fan of the full commitment of blunt bangs? Side-swept bangs offer a similar shortening effect but with a softer, more romantic feel. By cutting across the forehead diagonally, they break up the vertical length of the face and draw the eye toward the outer corners, creating a wider appearance. They are also incredibly easy to style with a round brush and a blow dryer.
10. Face-Framing Layers
Face-framing layers act like a contour for your hair. For an oblong face, you want these layers to start no lower than the chin. These shorter pieces “hug” the face, adding soft curves that contrast with long, straight lines. They help to round out the jawline and add a sense of fullness to the sides of the head, making the face look more compact and balanced.
11. Half-Up Top Knot
The trick to making a half-up style work for a long face is to ensure the “down” part of the hair has plenty of volume. While the top knot adds a bit of height (which you usually want to avoid), the loose hair on the sides compensates by adding width. Ensure you pull out a few tendrils or “face-framers” around the ears and temples to soften the look and keep the face from looking too exposed.
12. Messy Low Bun
High buns can make a long face look even longer, but a low bun is a different story. By gathering the hair at the nape of the neck and keeping the sides loose and slightly “puffed” out, you create a wider profile. Pulling out small sections of hair around the ears adds horizontal interest, making this a perfect, easy hairstyle for both casual days and formal events.
13. Pixie with Side Volume
Can a long face pull off a pixie? Absolutely. The key is to avoid a “tall” pixie. Instead, ask for a cut that has more length and volume on the sides. A side-swept fringe that covers part of the forehead is essential. By keeping the top relatively flat and the sides textured, you create a balanced look that highlights your eyes and cheekbones without adding unnecessary vertical height.
14. Braided Crown
A braided crown is like a natural headband that adds volume exactly where you need it: around the sides of the head. This style creates a “halo” effect that visually widens the top half of the face. It’s a fantastic way to keep hair off your neck while still maintaining a flattering silhouette for an oblong face shape. Pull a few wispy hairs out around the temples for a softer finish.
15. Beachy Waves
Beachy waves are the gold standard for adding volume without effort. Unlike tight curls, beachy waves are more about “expanding” the hair’s texture. By using a flat iron or a large wand to create “S” shapes, you add a horizontal dimension to your hair. This effortless look is perfect for long faces because it creates a soft, wide frame that balances out the facial features beautifully.
