Best Hairstyles for a Oblong Face
An oblong (or rectangle) face is noticeably longer than it is wide, with a straight cheek line and often a longer forehead and chin. Styling aims to add width and visually shorten the face. The right haircut works with that shape — here are the best hairstyles for a oblong face for men and women, which to avoid, and how to try them on your own face, free.
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What makes a face "oblong"?
- Face length is clearly greater than the width
- Forehead, cheeks, and jaw are similar in width
- Cheek line runs fairly straight down
- Chin and forehead can both appear long
Not sure this is your shape? A free AI face scan confirms it in seconds, or read the full oblong face shape guide.
Best hairstyles for a oblong face — men
1. Textured crop with a fringe (shortens the forehead).
2. Side part with width, not height.
3. Caesar cut / forward fringe.
4. Medium length with volume on the sides.
5. Avoid tall pompadours and quiffs.
Best hairstyles for a oblong face — women
1. Blunt bob or lob (adds horizontal width).
2. Side-swept or full bangs to shorten the face.
3. Waves and curls for width.
4. Chin-length layers.
5. Avoid long, straight centre-part styles.
Hairstyles & styling to avoid
- Tall, voluminous hair that adds even more length
- Slim, short frames that get lost on a long face
- Hard, blunt shapes when soft texture would flatter the face more
Styling & grooming tips
- A fuller beard on the sides adds width; keep the chin shorter
- Avoid long goatees that lengthen the face further
- Pair the cut with the right facial hair for your shape — see the oblong face guide
- Try any cut on your own photo first with the AI hairstyle try-on before you book
Your hairstyle is one piece of the picture
The right cut frames your face, but your overall look depends on more — skin, grooming, and your other features all factor in. A full AI facial analysis gives you a breakdown and a plan for what to improve first.
Confirm your face shape and score with a free face scan, explore the other face shapes, or see where you land on the looksmaxxing scale.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best hairstyle for a oblong face?
For a oblong face, shorter styles with width on the sides, not height on top Good men's options include textured crop with a fringe (shortens the forehead), side part with width, not height, caesar cut / forward fringe. Yes, oblong and rectangle refer to the same long face shape. A rectangle face simply has a more angular jaw, while both share the key trait of length being greater than width.
What haircuts should a oblong face avoid?
Avoid tall, voluminous hair that adds even more length and styles that slim, short frames that get lost on a long face. The aim is to balance the proportions, not exaggerate it.
What is the best haircut for a oblong face man?
Textured crop with a fringe (shortens the forehead), Side part with width, not height, Caesar cut / forward fringe, Medium length with volume on the sides all suit a oblong-faced man. Fringes and forward-textured fringes shorten a long forehead.
How do I know if I have a oblong face?
Face length is clearly greater than the width; Forehead, cheeks, and jaw are similar in width; Cheek line runs fairly straight down. You can confirm your exact face shape in seconds with a free AI face scan.
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