A person’s face shape serves as a critical factor when selecting a suitable haircut style. Anyone with an oblong face is fortunate because various stylish cuts exist to create balanced sophistication for their appearance.

In this blog, I will explain what an oblong face shape is and what haircut styles should belong to the oblong face shape.

What is an Oblong Face Shape?

The oblong shape of the face shows itself through its length, which exceeds its width, creating a rectangular appearance.

This face shape contains the following main characteristics:

• A long, straight cheek line
• The shape of an oblong face makes its forehead dimension equivalent to both its cheekbones and its jawline.
• The chin tends to be more rounded or square, not pointy
• The face extends much longer than it does wide.

A round and balanced appearance defines oval faces, yet oblong faces tend to display a narrow and angular shape. Hair styles for this face type need to enhance breadth and fullness because they aim to minimize its extended dimensions.

Shoulder-Length Waves

People with oblong faces should choose shoulder-length hair that features waves or soft curls as a timeless and secure option. Haircuts designed this way produce an appearance of facial width despite lengthening the face.

• Adds width to the sides – balances the face proportions
• Breaks up the length of the face – creates visual interest
• Softens sharp angles – gives a more youthful appearance
• Versatile styling options – from casual to formal
• Low maintenance – works with natural texture

Styling Recommendations

For best results, ask your stylist for:

• Layers starting at chin length
• Soft, beachy waves rather than tight curls
• Face-framing pieces that hit at the cheekbones
• Subtle highlights to add dimension

Pro Tip

Add some side-swept bangs or layers for more dimension. Use a texturizing spray to enhance the waves and create more volume at the sides.

✂️ Side-Swept Bangs

Bangs provide a perfect opportunity to reduce the visual impression of face length. People with oblong faces must consider side-swept bangs as a solution for their facial shape.

• They create diagonal movement
• They draw attention away from the length
• They flatter the cheekbones

Note

Thick blunt bangs are inappropriate for people with fine hair as they weigh down the appearance. The exact right bangs are ideal for people with thin hair.

✂️ The Long Bob (Lob)

Long bobs with softly sloping or layered edges function as the best option for people with oblong face shapes.

• It offers balance between width and length
• It frames the face beautifully
• You can style it straight, wavy, or curly

Bonus

This cut is also highly versatile and low-maintenance.

✂️ Layered Shag Cut

A modern shag cut is edgy, playful, and surprisingly flattering for oblong faces.

• Choppy layers around the cheek and jaw
• Texture that softens the face
• A cool, relaxed vibe

Styling Tip

If you pair this with curtain bangs, the result is even more harmonious.

✂️ Chin-Length Bob

A bob that ends at the chin adds fullness around the jawline, which is exactly where oblong faces need visual balance.

• Emphasizes the lower half of your face
• Makes your face appear shorter
• Is timeless and elegant

Styling Advice

Curl the ends slightly inward to soften the jaw.

✂️ Curtain Bangs with Medium-Length Hair

Curtain bangs part down the center or slightly off to the side, framing your face on both sides.

• Breaks up the long vertical line of the face
• Adds a chic, boho vibe
• Is easy to grow out or style differently

Trend Alert

This style is very “in” right now and suits both casual and professional settings.

What to Avoid with an Oblong Face Shape

Sometimes knowing what not to do is just as important. People with an oblong face should avoid the following haircut elements:

• Avoid extreme height at your hair crown as it only extends your facial shape.
• Straight hairstyles with no layers extend facial appearance downward, making the face look longer.
• Do not place the part in the center when having long, plain hair since it will draw attention to the length.
• High pompadours and mohawks with their long tops and short sides should be totally avoided by those with an oblong face shape.
• Long facial hair should be avoided by men since it lengthens the face’s appearance.

Styling Tips to Complement Your Haircut

A properly chosen haircut becomes even more attractive when you add simple styles to your look. Different ways exist to optimize your new haircut.

Use Texture and Volume Wisely

• Straight-haired individuals should consider curling or waving their hair to achieve this effect.
• Apply dry shampoo combined with volumizing spray to your hair sides to create more width.

Avoid Flat, Heavy Products

• Hair products that make the hair smooth and slick will strengthen the illusion of face elongation.

Frame the Face with Accessories

• Round and statement accessories, including earrings and hair clips, together with glasses,s function to widen your facial appearance

Final Thoughts

By selecting the correct haircut cut you can maximize your oblong face shape because this shape naturally presents great hairstyling potential to enhance both your facial features and minimize vertical lengths. Your choice of appearance depends on achieving equilibrium in styling options.

Remember—your haircut should reflect not just your face shape, but also your personality, lifestyle, and confidence.