Long Face Hairstyles

A long (oblong) face has a length-to-width ratio noticeably greater than 1.5:1 — the face is significantly longer than it is wide, with a high forehead and/or an elongated chin. The goal with hairstyles is to add width and create the illusion of a shorter, more balanced face shape.

Cuts That Add Width

Horizontal elements are your best friend. Thick, blunt bangs visually cut the face length by hiding the forehead — this is the most impactful single change for a long face. Chin-length bobs add width at the perfect level and make the face appear shorter. Layers that hit at the chin or cheekbone add fullness at the sides, which counters the elongation. Waves and curls at any length add the horizontal volume that long faces need.

Avoid one-length long hair hanging straight down — it acts like vertical lines that make the face look even longer. Side parts are better than center parts for long faces because they break the vertical symmetry. Volume at the crown should be moderate — too much height on top extends the elongation further.

Styling for Balance

When styling, prioritize width at the sides rather than height on top. Curling away from the face adds width at the cheekbones. Pinning one side back with a clip creates asymmetry that breaks the vertical line. If you wear updos, keep them low (at the nape) rather than high on the crown. The key principle: anything that adds horizontal dimension flatters a long face, while anything that adds vertical dimension works against it.