You know that feeling when you stare in the mirror wondering why certain hairstyles just don't sit right? Been there. That's exactly what happened after my disastrous encounter with a super straight, waist-length cut last year. My face looked like it went on forever. Turns out, when you've got a long face shape, some hairstyles can accidentally exaggerate it. Oops.
But here's the good news: once you understand the rules of the game, finding flattering hairstyles for long faces becomes way easier. I've spent hours talking to stylists (and making a few more mistakes along the way) to figure out what truly works. Whether you're growing out a bad cut or planning your next salon visit, this guide covers everything from quick fixes to signature looks.
What Exactly is a Long Face Shape?
Let's clear something up first. A long face (sometimes called oblong) has these key features:
- Your face is noticeably longer than it is wide (usually 1.5 times longer or more)
- Forehead, cheekbones, and jawline are similar widths
- Chin tends to be more pronounced
- Hairline might sit higher
Celebrities like Sarah Jessica Parker or Liv Tyler are classic examples. Ever notice how Sarah's voluminous curls balance her features? That's no accident.
| Face Shape Feature | Long Face Characteristics |
|---|---|
| Overall Proportion | Height > Width |
| Forehead | Medium to high hairline |
| Cheekbones | Not particularly wide |
| Jawline | Narrow, often pointed |
| Key Styling Goal | Create width + shorten appearance |
Quick Test: Is Your Face Actually Long?
Grab a measuring tape. Measure from hairline to chin (length), then across cheekbones (width). If length is 1.5x greater than width, you're in the club. No tape? Pull hair back and trace face shape backwards.
Top Female Hairstyles for Long Faces That Actually Work
After trying countless styles (some good, some hilariously bad), these cuts consistently deliver:
Blunt Bobs with Side-Swept Bangs
My personal savior. The chin-length bob creates a horizontal line that cuts facial length visually. Add side-swept bangs? Magic. They cover part of your forehead, tricking the eye into seeing a shorter face. Important: ask your stylist for "textured ends, not razor-cut" to avoid stringiness.
| Style Variation | Best For | Maintenance Level | Stylist Tip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Classic Blunt Bob | Straight to wavy hair | Low (trims every 8 weeks) | Keep ends above collarbone |
| Lob (Long Bob) | Thick or curly hair | Medium | Add face-framing layers |
| A-Line Bob | All hair types | Medium | Shortest point at chin |
Why this works: The horizontal line at jaw/chin level creates optical width. Side bangs shorten forehead space. Win-win.
Voluminous Shoulder-Length Waves
Remember how I mentioned my straight hair disaster? Curls saved me. Shoulder-length hair with loose waves adds serious width at cheekbone level. It's like contouring with hair. Pro tip: use 1.25" barrel iron, curl away from face, then break apart with fingers.
- Key technique: Focus volume between ears and chin
- Product must-have: Sea salt spray for texture
- Avoid: Pin-straight styles that hang limply
Shag Cuts with Curtain Bangs
This retro trend is perfect for long faces. The layered shag creates movement and volume at the sides, while curtain bangs split the forehead horizontally. I was skeptical until my stylist convinced me - now it's my lazy-day staple.
Stylist Secret: Ask for "collarbone-length shag with disconnected layers." Translation: layers start at jawline, not higher, to avoid adding height on top.
Face-Framing Layers with Textured Ends
If long hair is non-negotiable for you, this is how to wear it safely. Layers should start no higher than your cheekbones and angle toward your face. Ends need choppy texture - blunt ends drag the face down. Think Alexa Chung's signature style.
| Hair Length | Layer Placement | Texture Technique |
|---|---|---|
| Shoulder-Length | Start at cheekbone | Point-cutting ends |
| Armpit-Length | Start at jawline | Razor texturizing |
| Waist-Length | Multiple levels starting from chin | Deep point-cutting |
Styles to Avoid If You Have a Long Face
I learned these the hard way so you don't have to:
Severe High Ponytails or Top Knots
Pulling hair tightly upward emphasizes facial length dramatically. If you must updo, try a low chignon or side braid instead.
Personal Mistake Story: Wore a high ponytail to a wedding. In every photo, my face looks stretched like taffy. Never again.
Center-Part Straight Hair
The dreaded "curtain effect" - hair hangs parallel to face, creating vertical lines that elongate. If you part centrally, add waves or face-framing pieces.
Super Short Pixies with No Bangs
Short crops expose the full face length without compensating width. If going short, opt for side-swept styles with volume at the temples.
Game-Changing Styling Techniques for Long Faces
Sometimes it's not the cut, but how you style it:
- The Volume Trick: Blow-dry hair upside down focusing roots at crown and sides. Use round brush horizontally.
- Part Manipulation: Deep side parts (at arch of eyebrow) create diagonal lines that break length.
- Strategic Accessories: Wide headbands worn low on forehead or statement earrings that sit horizontally.
Quick Fix: Mist damp hair, twist two front sections back, secure with claw clip at crown. Instant width + shorter face illusion.
Hair Care Considerations Matter Too
Thin or damaged hair struggles to hold volume - crucial for creating width. My routine overhaul:
Products That Build Body
Swap heavy serums for thickening sprays. I alternated between Living Proof Full Dry Volume Blast ($29) and Bumble and Bumble Thickening Spray ($31) - both give lightweight lift without crunch.
Cut Frequency Overhaul
Split ends reduce volume dramatically. I now get micro-trims every 10 weeks instead of waiting 6 months. Healthier hair holds styles better.
Your Female Hairstyles for Long Faces Questions Answered
Can I wear bangs with a long face?
Absolutely! But avoid straight-across blunt bangs (they box you in). Side-swept or curtain bangs work best. Wispy texture is key.
Does hair color affect face shape perception?
Surprisingly yes. Lighter tones around the face create expansion, while dark shades recede. Consider face-framing highlights or balayage.
Are there quick fixes for bad hair days?
Two options: 1) Half-up twist with face-framing pieces left out 2) Low messy bun with tendrils pulled loose near ears.
How short is too short?
Generally, avoid anything above chin length unless it's an asymmetric cut. The shortest point should hit jawline or lower.
Can curly hair work with long faces?
Curly hair is fantastic! Just ensure layers start at cheekbone/jaw to encourage outward volume. Avoid triangle shapes.
Bringing It All Together
Finding ideal female hairstyles for long faces boils down to one principle: horizontal over vertical. Every choice - from bang style to part placement - should create width and interrupt length. Personally, I rotate between a textured lob and shoulder-length waves depending on season. The difference in how people perceive my face shape? Night and day.
Remember that guy who used to say "you look tired"? After switching to side-swept bangs and waves, he complimented how "rested" I looked. Proof that the right hairstyles for long faces aren't just about looks - they change perceptions. Whatever style you choose, own it confidently. Your face shape is unique - now you've got the tools to frame it beautifully.
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