Ever find yourself standing in front of the mirror, wondering if the hairstyle you’re rocking is really the most flattering for your face shape? Maybe you’ve been suspecting that not every great haircut you see on Pinterest might work with your lovely oblong face. Fear not, friend! Not everyone is born with the hairline of a celebrity stylist, but with a few tips, you’ll feel like you have one right in your pocket.
An oblong face shape is a beautiful canvas. It’s longer than it is wide, offering a unique elegance. But, here’s the deal—choosing the right hairstyle can make all the difference between “Oh, that’s nice” and “Wow, look at you!” Today, we’re diving into the best hairstyles for oblong face shapes, so buckle up and get ready to rock that reflection.
Understanding Your Oblong Face Shape
Okay, before we dive into styles, let’s quickly define what an oblong face shape actually looks like. Think of it as a rectangle or an oval but stretched out a bit more. Here are a couple of characteristics that might help confirm you’re in this boat:
- Length is great—it’s longer than your average face.
- Chin and forehead tend to be a bit more prominent.
- Cheekbones are generally about the same width as either the forehead or jawline.
Did you find yourself nodding along? Great, let’s move on to some style inspiration that’s tailor-made just for you!
Flattering Hairstyles for Oblong Faces
So, what’s the style game plan? For oblong faces, the goal is typically to subtract a bit of length or add width to create a balanced look. Now, prepare to meet your mane event—a list of must-try hairstyles for those gracefully elongated faces.
Bangs—Your New Best Friend
Really, bangs are like the magic wand of hairstyles for oblong faces. They can shift the focal point, shorten the appearance of your face, and generally just look chic as all get-out.
- Blunt Bangs: You might want this classic go-to. They cut across your face horizontally creating an illusion of width.
- Side-Swept Bangs: These work wonders if you’re not ready for a full bang commitment. They’re easy, fashionable, and soften the face—a winner in every book.
- Curtain Bangs: Super trendy and versatile. They frame your face beautifully rather than covering it up, offering you style without making your features go into hiding.
Voluminous Waves
Volume adds width, and width is what makes your oblong face shape do a happy dance. Textured or wavy hair adds interest and volume at the sides, balancing out that length.
- Beachy Waves: This relaxed vibe isn’t just for your coastal vacation. Loose, tousled waves perfectly break up long lines.
- Full-Body Curls: Larger curls offer so much fullness and are so effortlessly glam. Enlarged waves create a robust look that diminishes the longer facial proportion.
Shoulder-Length Styles
Opting for mid-length haircuts is a game-changer. They help you avoid dragging your face down, as longer locks might do.
- Lobs (Long Bobs): Uber-stylish and adding just the right amount of structure. They frame and enhance rather than dominate.
- Textured Bobs: With different lengths and layers, these give your locks a cheek-fluffing effect, which is perfect for dulling the extra face length.
The Pixie Cut Parade
If you’re daring and ready to steal the show, a pixie cut could be your go-to. This cut shows off your features and shrinks face length with razored edges or messy textures.
- Messy Pixie: A little length on top and plenty of texture play a head-scratching trick into a soft yet edgy style.
- Longer Fringe Pixie: Keep some length across your forehead or sides, playing up a proportionate visage rather than relying on length alone.
Layers and More Layers
Well-placed layers can expertly add movement and width, making your face look significantly shorter in length.
- Feathered Layers: Give your hair a lightness and bounce that says chic, not dated. This works to soften the edges associated with longer face shapes.
Tips to Nail Your Style
It’s not just about the haircut. A few styling pointers are necessary to ensure you’re getting the full performance from your coiffure.
- Volume on the Sides: Use products or a round brush to add volume horizontally. Honestly, trust me—it makes a difference!
- Avoid Lengthy Looks: Super-long, straight hair can elongate the face. Mix it up a bit if you simply must keep your Rapunzel length.
- Product Picks: Opt for lightweight styling products. Heavy creams and gels may weigh your hair down, creating an unhealthy elongation illusion.
- Play with Partings: Side parts versus middle. Change how your hair frames your face. Throwing a few zigzags in there can even change up the game entirely.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Here’s where things get tricky—and nobody wants you to trip up at the homestretch.
- Avoid Excessive Length: Extensions to your waist work against bringing balance. Cut ’em short or layer up.
- Flat Cuts: Avoid styles that lie flat on your scalp like finely sketched pencil lines. Lift a little, tease here and there, and go wild!
- Wrong Bangs: Essentially, a perfectly horizontal bang gives width, while heavy, low bangs may take the life out of your locks; understand your comfort and go bold.
Conclusion
Picking the best hairstyles for oblong face shapes is art combined with heart. It’s all about doing justice to your natural beauty while getting creative—and okay, maybe trial and error too (but that’s what hats are for). If you’ve felt unsure about past hairstyle choices, hopefully this guide has put a reassuring hand on your shoulder. Remember—while we love flaunting what mama gave us, the right hairstyle is more about amplifying what you love than masking anything else. So, explore, experiment, and most importantly, enjoy every moment of your hair journey.
Go ahead, try out a style or two that spoke to you here. Own it like the stylish maven you are. If it doesn’t work out, change it! Hair grows back, after all, and adaptability is key for style-savvy souls like yours. Now, armed with a newfound understanding of hairstyles for an oblong face, you’ll not only look your best but feel absolutely fabulous too.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the key characteristics of an oblong face shape and how do they influence hairstyle choices?
An oblong face shape is characterized by a face that is longer than it is wide, with a forehead, cheeks, and jawline of roughly the same width. The chin may be rounded or slightly square. For oblong faces, hairstyles should aim to add width and avoid excessive height or length to balance out the elongated features[2][5].
Which hairstyles are most flattering for women with an oblong face shape?
For women with an oblong face shape, hairstyles such as the Curly Shag, Centre-Parted Ponytail, Pixie Cut, French Bob, and Layered Lob are highly recommended. These styles add texture, volume, and width to the sides of the face, effectively balancing out the longer facial proportions[1].
What are some recommended hairstyles for men with an oblong face shape?
For men, hairstyles like the Ivy League Cut, Short Comb Over, Curly Fringe, Caesar Cut, and Buzz Cut with Fade are ideal. These styles add width, reduce the prominence of a long face, and maintain a neat and polished appearance[4].
What should be avoided in hairstyles for an oblong face shape?
Hairstyles to avoid include those that add height or length without width, such as slicked-back hair, pompadours, and long straight hair without volume at the neckline. Additionally, low side parts and very short hair that adds fullness only on top should be avoided as they can elongate the face further[2][5].
References
Leave a Reply