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10 Flattering Hairstyles for Long Faces

Your face shape can help you decide the type of hairdo you should try. If you’re looking to change your look, check out these hairstyles for long faces.

April 22, 2024
Read Time: 3 Minutes

If your face is longer than it is wide and has a well-defined bone structure, then you’re officially a member of the oblong-face club. What’s so great about this face shape is it can get away with any hairstyle. But with limitless options, deciding which one to wear can be tricky. Ahead is a curated list of the most flattering hairstyles for long faces to save you from post-salon regret.

Soft Waves Hair

A portrait of Liza Soberano with long black hair.
Soft wavy hair can make any outfit look 10x more elegant. (Instagram.com/lizasoberano)

Bombshell curls or supermodel waves are some of the best hairstyles for long faces. The volume helps round out the visage and brings softness to your features. The wavy texture also adds fullness if you have finer strands. To create the look at home, use a round brush and a hair dryer over a curling iron for that sexy, undone finish.

Stretched Lob with Bangs

A portrait of Daisy Edgar-Jones with stretched lob and bangs.
Daisy Edgar-Jones shows that lob and bangs make the perfect couple. (Instagram.com/daisyedgarjones)

Maybe you’ve been toying with the idea of getting a bob but are still looking for signs. In this case, test drive the shorter ‘do with a stretched lob that falls a few centimeters below your shoulders. Pair it with some bangs – blunt, curtain, wispy, side-swept – to slightly cover your forehead.

The Hydro Bob

A portrait of Laura Harrier with the hydro bob and diamond earrings.
Don’t know how to style your short hair for a big event? Try the hydro bob! (Instagram.com/harold_james)

When you’re finally ready for a bob, dip your toes in the wet-hair trend. The hydro bob is one of the coolest hairdos for short hair dominating the red carpets. The semi-glossy effect gives it a modern yet refined feel. Styling it doesn’t take too much time, too. Just saturate your hair in leave-in styling products like TRESemmé Keratin Smooth Shine Serum to achieve the wet look. It boosts shine, tames frizz, detangles, and gives your hair extra moisture without it looking oily.

Layers Everywhere

A portrait of woman with red butterfly haircut.
Butterfly cut might not be for everyone, but it’s one of the best options if you have an oblong face. (Instagram.com/golddust_intuition)

Some of the best hairstyles for long faces have lots of layers, and it’s not just because the current trends favor the multilayered look. Cutting the hair at varying lengths helps make the face appear wider than it is by creating depth and movement. So, ask for a butterfly cut the next time you’re on a salon chair. If you’re feeling bold, try the wolf cut or jellyfish hair.

Undone Waves with Fringe

A portrait of Dakota Johnson with wavy hair and choppy bangs.
Waves and fringe are quintessential parts of a boho look. (Instagram.com/clubaltajoyeria)

The longer your hair is, the longer it can make your face look. But if you love having waist-grazing tresses, you can offset this effect with a choppy fringe. It can give the illusion of a shorter face and put the focus on your striking gaze. Spruce things up by styling your hair in indie sleaze waves (they’re back!).

The Pamela Anderson Updo

A portrait of Pamela Anderson with messy blonde bun.
You need a curling iron and Velcro rollers to successfully recreate Pam’s messy bun. (Instagram.com/paris2000s)

Another throwback trend that makes the list of top hairstyles for long faces is the ‘90s messy bun, specifically the one sported by Pamela Anderson. The piled-up curls and face-framing tendrils make this updo as a timeless favorite. It’s a little glam, a little sexy, and a little grunge – a complete package.

The Pam-inspired bun requires a lot of teasing, pulling, and hairspray, so be sure to prep your hair with Sunsilk Smooth & Manageable Shampoo with five flower essences. It leaves your hair five times smoother and more fragrant after one wash, so hairstyling will be much easier for you.

Fluffy Curls

A portrait of Tracee Ellis Ross with full curls.
Every curly hair needs a different regimen, so it’s important to know what yours is craving for. (Instagram.com/traceeellisross)

Here’s one reason to flaunt your natural curls: they add width to your oblong face. And, let’s be real, they look majestic AF.

Of course, maintenance can be challenging, but it's nothing a solid haircare routine can’t solve. First, find out your hair type by taking the BeautyHub PRO quiz. The AI-based analysis will help you understand your hair’s unique needs and recommend products best suited for your curls.

Swoopy Side Bangs

A portrait of Isabelle Daza with side-parted long black hair.
Changing your hair part gives you a new look and helps prevent hair thinning. (Instagram.com/isabelledaza)

Are you team middle part? If yes, then perhaps it’s time to consider changing your hair parting. Doing so is not only good for your locks but also flatters your oblong-shaped face. Pull all your hair off to one side and, voilà, you’re now a whole new person.

Shaggy Pixie

A portrait of Charlize Theron with blonde pixie hair.
If you want a head-turning hairdo with minimal upkeep, pixie cut is the winner. (Pinterest.com/ByAnonWoLf)

The pixie cut is the underdog of hairstyles for long faces. It puts the spotlight on your most attractive features: eyes, cheekbones, and jawline. More than that, the super short ‘do requires almost zero styling and attracts all the attention. ‘Nuff said.

Halo Highlights

A portrait of Janella Salvador with long wavy hair and highlighted money piece.
Who knew highlights can change how your face looks? (Instagram.com/effieinigo)

It’s okay if you don’t want to sacrifice any length or get new bangs. You can still upgrade your everyday look with halo highlights, a.k.a. the Scandi hairline. It’s basically a technique that lightens the front pieces of your hair, instantly brightening your complexion. It also gives the illusion of a fuller face. So, hit up your colorist ASAP before summer rolls around.

Go ahead and experiment with one (or more) of these hairstyles for long faces. Bookmark this article so you’ll come prepared on your next salon visit!

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