How to Choose a Haircut for an Oblong Shaped Face

An oblong shaped face is longer than it is wide with a narrow hairline and jaw line. Another characteristic often accompanying an oblong shaped face is a slender neck. In order to obtain balance and flatter your face shape, follow the directions below to choose a haircut.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Leave hair at chin-length or longer. Hair ending at the jaw line or above makes the length of your face stand out even more.

2. Select a chin-length bob to add width to your jaw line and detract from the oblong shape of your face.

3. Opt for a haircut that features side-swept bangs that add more dimension to the upper region of your face. This gives the illusion of width which helps to balance out the length of your face.

4. Minimize volume on top. A cut that adds volume on top only accentuates and adds to the length of your face shape.

5. Keep layers longer and wispy, ending at the chin. Too many layers in curly or wavy hair creates unwanted extra volume on top.

Tips & Warnings

• Identify celebrities with oblong shaped faces and pay attention to their hairstyles. You can take advantage of their stylists' expertise by modeling yourself after others who have your same face shape.
• Avoid haircuts that are long and straight. They only emphasizes your long, narrow face.