16 Hairstyles for Long Faces That Create Width

The Golden Rules for Long Face Shapes

Before we dive into the specific styles, understanding a few core principles will make every recommendation click. The overarching goal is to counteract length and promote horizontal lines.

Avoid: Extremely long, straight hair with no layers, very high ponytails, and severe center parts. These styles can visually pull the face down, emphasizing its length.

Embrace: Width-building elements like waves, curls, volume at the sides, and fringe (bangs). Shorter to medium lengths that hit at the collarbone or above are often most effective. Side parts are your best friend, as they break up the vertical symmetry of the face.

The Width-Creating Cuts: Best Hairstyles for Long Faces

1. The Blunt Collarbone Bob

This is a superstar cut for oblong faces. A blunt cut that ends right at the collarbone creates a strong horizontal line that literally “cuts” the length of your face. The lack of layers at the bottom adds weight and width exactly where you need it.

2. The Shag with Curtain Bangs

The ultimate width-creator. The shag is all about layered, piece-y texture that builds volume throughout, especially around the crown and cheeks. Paired with face-framing curtain bangs, it softens the forehead and draws the eye outward, perfectly balancing your proportions.

3. Voluminous Waves

Never underestimate the power of a loose, voluminous wave. Whether your hair is short or long, using a large-barrel curling iron or rollers to create waves that move away from your face instantly adds the illusion of fullness and width at the sides.

4. The Chin-Length Bob

Going even shorter can be incredibly chic and flattering. A bob that hits at the chin or just below creates a powerful horizontal line that widens the appearance of the lower half of your face. Ask for slight graduation or undercutting to encourage the ends to flip out slightly.

5. Textured Lob (Long Bob)

The lob is a perennial favorite for good reason. For long faces, opt for a textured version with ends that are choppy or lightly layered. This breaks up the straight line and adds movement that expands visually. Style it with a deep side part for extra impact.

6. Side-Swept Bangs with Layers

If you’re not ready for a full fringe, side-swept bangs are a perfect compromise. They cover a portion of the forehead, shortening the face, while the diagonal line draws the eye across. Combine them with long, face-framing layers to complete the effect.

7. The Pixie Cut with Volume on Top

Yes, pixies can work for long faces! The key is to avoid flat, sleek styles. Choose a pixie with lots of texture and volume on the crown (height shortens the appearance of length) and keep the sides fuller, not overly shaved. A wispy fringe is highly recommended.

8. Soft, Face-Framing Layers

For those who love their long hair, this is your go-to technique. Ask your stylist for long, soft layers that start at the jawline and cheeks. These layers will add bounce and body precisely in the zones where you want to create width, without sacrificing your length.

Styling Techniques to Master Width

9. The “Outward” Flip

A retro trick that’s back with a vengeance. Using a flat iron or round brush, curl the ends of your hair, whether it’s a bob or lob, away from your face. This simple outward direction creates an instant widening effect.

10. Root Volume at the Crown

While side volume is crucial, don’t neglect the crown. Height at the top of your head shortens the overall appearance of your face. Use a volumizing spray at the roots and blow-dry your hair upside down or with a round brush for lift.

11. The Power of the Side Part

This is the easiest change you can make today. Switching from a center part to a deep side part instantly creates asymmetry and breaks the long vertical line of your face. It also allows hair to fall in a way that covers more of the forehead and adds volume at one side.

12. Half-Up, Half-Down with Volume

This style combines the best of both worlds. Pull the top section of your hair up, but leave it loose and voluminous. Tease gently at the crown for height, and let the rest of your hair flow to create width at the sides. It keeps hair off the face while maintaining fullness.

Must-Try Bangs for Oblong Faces

13. Blunt, Brow-Skimming Bangs

Full, blunt bangs that hit at or just above the eyebrows are a game-changer. They dramatically shorten the forehead and, by extension, the entire face. Keep them slightly textured at the ends to avoid a harsh line.

14. Wispy, Piece-Y Bangs

A softer alternative to blunt bangs, wispy bangs provide the same forehead-shortening benefit but with a lighter, more airy feel. They’re less committing and blend beautifully with layered hairstyles.

Effortless, Everyday Styles

15. The Low, Loose Side Braid

When you want your hair up, avoid high styles. Instead, opt for a low, loose braid swept over one shoulder. The diagonal line of the braid and the looseness, which keeps width at the sides of your head, is far more flattering than a tight, high ponytail or bun.

16. Messy Bun at the Nape

Similar to the braid, a bun positioned at the nape of your neck keeps the vertical line in check. Make it messy and loose, allowing tendrils and face-framing pieces to escape. This softens the look and creates gentle width around your face.

Final Tips & Consultation Advice

Remember, these styles are a starting point. Your hair texture, personal style, and features all play a part. Always bring photos to your stylist and communicate your goal: “I’d like a cut that adds width and fullness to balance my long face shape.”

Invest in good styling products—a volumizing mousse, a texturizing spray, and a round brush are your allies. With these 16 hairstyles and techniques in your arsenal, you’re equipped to choose a look that not only flatters your face shape but also makes you feel incredibly confident and stylish. Your perfect, balance-creating hairstyle is out there!