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Hairstyle for Oblong Face – Add Width, Not Height
Oblong faces need volume at the sides, not the crown. That's the golden rule. But Alex from Boston spent years with a volumizing mousse at the roots, wondering why her face looked even longer in photos. Then she tried a side-parted bob with waves on her photo and saw the difference immediately – horizontal fullness made her face look balanced. No more teasing at the crown.
"I was doing the exact opposite of what my face needed. Adding height at the crown just made my face look longer. Once I saw side-by-side comparisons on the app, it clicked. Volume at the sides, not the top."
Understanding Your Oblong Face Shape
Oblong faces are longer than they are wide, with the forehead, cheekbones, and jawline at similar widths. Unlike oval faces, oblong faces have more length and less width across the cheekbones. The styling goal is creating the illusion of width while avoiding anything that elongates further.
Oblong Face Characteristics
- Face length is noticeably greater than width
- Forehead, cheeks, and jaw are similar in width
- Long, narrow appearance overall
- Rounded jawline (distinguishing from oblong-square)
Celebrities with oblong faces – Sarah Jessica Parker, Liv Tyler, Gisele Bündchen – all use styling tricks to add horizontal dimension. You can master the same techniques.
See Styles That Add Width to Your Face
Upload your photo and try layered cuts, waves, and bangs that create horizontal balance for your oblong face.
Download Free – Preview NowBest Hairstyles for Oblong Faces
The secret to styling an oblong face is creating width at the sides while avoiding height at the crown. Think horizontal, not vertical.
Best Cuts
- Layered bob – adds volume at the sides, breaks up length
- Side-parted styles – create asymmetry that adds width
- Waves and curls – horizontal volume is your friend
- Medium-length cuts – don't elongate further with very long hair
- Curtain bangs or blunt bangs – visually cut the face length
Styles to Avoid
- Volume at the crown – elongates what's already long
- Super long, straight hair – creates a vertical curtain effect
- Center parts with sleek styles – emphasize the long line
- Very short cuts without width – can make the face appear longer
The Bangs Game-Changer
Bangs are genuinely transformative for oblong faces because they literally cut the vertical line of your face. They make your face appear shorter instantly.
Bangs That Work
- Blunt bangs – create a horizontal line across the forehead
- Curtain bangs – add width at the sides while shortening
- Side-swept bangs – break up the vertical with diagonal movement
- Wispy fringe – softer approach to the same effect
Try different bangs on your photo. The right bangs can completely change how long your face appears.
Explore Face Shape Guides
Hair Length: What Works Best?
Medium length is ideal – chin to shoulder length breaks up the long vertical line without adding more length. A layered lob or bob with waves hits the sweet spot.
Short hair can work well if you add width at the sides. A textured bob with volume at the jawline is better than a sleek pixie that emphasizes length.
Long hair is tricky – it can visually extend the face. If you want long hair, add layers starting high and incorporate waves or curls for horizontal volume.
How to Preview Styles on Your Oblong Face
- Download HairApp – free on Google Play
- Upload a clear selfie – straight-on photo with good lighting
- Try styles with side volume – waves, layers, textured bobs
- Test different bangs – blunt vs curtain vs side-swept
- Compare with and without crown volume – see the difference
- Save your favorites – bring them to your stylist
Frequently Asked Questions
What hairstyles suit oblong faces best?
Styles that add width at the sides work best. Layered cuts, waves, curls, and bangs help create the illusion of a shorter, wider face. Avoid adding height at the crown.
Should oblong faces have bangs?
Yes – bangs are excellent for oblong faces because they visually shorten the face length. Blunt bangs, curtain bangs, and side-swept bangs all work. They literally cut the vertical line of your face.
What length hair is best for oblong face?
Medium length works beautifully – it breaks up the long vertical line. Very long hair can elongate further, while very short cuts might make the face appear longer. Add waves or layers to create width.
How do I make my oblong face look shorter?
Add bangs to cut the vertical line, create volume at the sides (not the crown), and choose mid-length cuts. Waves and curls also help add horizontal dimension. Try different styles on your photo to see the effect.
Can I preview hairstyles for my oblong face?
Yes. Download HairApp and upload your photo to see how any hairstyle looks on your oblong face. Takes about 30 seconds, completely free, no account needed. See what adds width before committing to a cut.
Width at the Sides, Not the Top
See the difference horizontal volume makes on your oblong face. Try layered bobs, waves, and bangs on your photo – then walk into your salon knowing exactly what works.
Download Free – Preview Now