Is short hair or long hair better for an oblong-shaped face?

Both styles are great. Shorter hair will round out the face, while longer hair will draw attention to your natural features. When going longer, consider adding texture and/or volume so as not to elongate the face.

Should those with an oblong face opt for layers?

Any face shape can benefit from layers, which add volume and movement to your cut. Long layers are a safe choice for all hair types and textures. If going for shorter layers, it's best to have thick or medium tresses since they will remove weight and density.

What types of bangs complement an oblong face?

In short, all types. Bangs partially cover the forehead and create the illusion of a shorter face. This will flatter an oblong face. When deciding what type of bang is right for you, consider your hair type, texture, and lifestyle.

35 Best Hairstyles for Oblong Face Shapes, According to Stylists

Joan Smalls, Taylor Swift, and Gisele Bundchen with Hairstyles for Oblong Face Shapes — Getty Images

Oblong faces are characterized by a shape that appears longer than it is wide—similar to a slim oval shape. If you have an oblong face shape, your forehead, the widest point of your cheekbones, and jaw should all be close in width. As with any face shape, certain haircuts and styles are more flattering than others. If your features are oblong, bangs, layers, and volume will be your best allies in achieving balance. "Texture is a huge one with oblong face shapes," says hairstylist McKenzie Lehmann. "By adding texture to the hair, it will add width to make the face shape more symmetric."

Below, we rounded up 35 hairstyles, all of which work particularly well for those with an elongated, oval-shaped face, plus some styling advice from experts on how to execute them.

Meet the Expert

McKenzie Lehmann is a Kansas City-based hairstylist who works on behalf of Salon Inspire and CHI Haircare.
Christopher Didier is a hairstylist and the founder of Purple Haze Studio in Huntington Station, New York.

01 of 35

Curly Shag

If a flattering style for oblong faces is all about texture and layers, look no further than the shag. The shattered cut is all about choppy ends and tons of angles that can easily hold volume and structure. Kerry Washington's curly shag is a stunning iteration, but the cut works on every texture and length.

02 of 35

Center-Parted Ponytail

Ciara's sleek updo serves to complement her oblong face shape. Lehmann explains, "Expose those ears and let them give your face more width." Regarding your updo's positioning, "Place it at about center or the lower part of the head. If you have an oblong face, you do not want it too high because this will add more height to the face's appearance."

03 of 35

Piecy Pixie

Think oblong faces can't go short? Think again. Joan Smalls' textured pixie has all the makings of a flattering cut: rounded structure, soft bangs to shorten the forehead, and just the right length to show off the ears for the illusion of a wider face.

04 of 35

Curtain Bangs

Here Olga Kurylenko demonstrates how bangs can help to balance oblong facial symmetry and even flatter a bigger forehead. "I can’t get enough of curtain bangs on oblong face shapes," says Lehmann. "They are not only are in style, but they shorten the appearance of the forehead to make the face appear more oval."

05 of 35

Blunt Bangs

Liv Tyler's blunt, brow-skimming bangs are sweet as can be. We love the slight part in them, flashing a bit of forehead, so there's not too much weight crowding her natural features.

06 of 35

Curly Ponytail

Leona Lewis with curly low ponytail attends the European Premiere of 'Black Panther' — Mike Marsland / Getty

Leona Lewis' curly low ponytail is chock full of fabulous texture. Her natural curls, emphasized by the bottom of the ponytail, are wide and voluminous adding width to her face. While a swept-back style may not always be the most flattering for oblong face shapes, the curls create structure that adds to that illusion of width.

07 of 35

Perfectly Messy Bun

Rihanna wearing messy bun on oblong face shape — Getty

Rihanna knows how to make a messy bun look chic. Her loose updo is enhanced by the face-framing pieces cascading past her chin.

08 of 35

Angled Bob

Supermodel Iman's angled bob helps define her neck while bangs flatter her forehead. It's a flattering haircut for women over 50—or any age for that matter. As New York-based salon owner, Christopher Didier notes, the angle of the bangs helps round out the face. "[With] shoulder-length hair or a bob, you're always going to want to have a bang or angles with this face shape," he says. "It's just more flattering. Shorter angles take away from the length of your face."

09 of 35

French Bob

While Kelly Rowland's quintessential French bob has no bangs to speak of, the rounded structure creates the illusion of a rounder face. Characterized by its signature earlobe-grazing length, the French bob is a masterclass in striking sophistication.

10 of 35

Sculpted Curls

Sandra Oh wearing pin curls on oblong face shape — Getty

If you're looking for hairstyle inspo for your next glamorous event, we've got you covered. Sandra Oh's sculpted curls and side-swept bob take a page straight out of Old Hollywood.

11 of 35

Teased Curls

Tyra Bangs wearing volumized curls on oblong face shape — Getty

There's no such thing as too much volume when you have an oblong face. Case in point: Tyra Banks's bouncy, voluminous curls.

12 of 35

Half-Up, Half-Down

Kerry Washington's half-up, half-down 'do is flattering in so many ways. For one, natural curls lend volume and width. Wispy curly bangs serve to shorten the face. The shoulder length is just the icing on the cake.

13 of 35

Long Layers With Short Angles

Kim Kardashian with layered haircut on oblong face — Gary Gershoff / Getty

When it comes to complementing a longer and/or narrower face shape, it's all about the volume. "The best haircuts for someone with an oblong face shape would be anything that is going to round out your face," says Didier. "For example, long layers with shorter angles starting near your cheekbones or lips." Didier recommends styling a cut like Kim Kardashian with big waves or a voluminous blowout.

14 of 35

Blunt Bob With Bangs

Taylor Swift wearing bob with bangs on oblong face — Jon Kopaloff / Getty

From its length to its bangs, Taylor Swift's graduated bob frames her face beautifully. Chin-length bobs and shags are ideal for an oblong face because—we've said it before and we'll say it again—they create the illusion of width. Swift's cut is a modern style that can work for any age.

15 of 35

Middle-Parted Waves

Lea Michele with middle part waves on oblong face — Steve Granitz / WireImage / Getty

"Middle parts will help the hair fall symmetrical and add needed width," says Lehmann, who recommends using a rotating curling iron (try the Bondi Boost Wave Wand, $58, for natural-looking, boho beach waves) in alternating directions. "Once done, run fingers through and break up the curls and finish with a shine spray," she adds. Add a headband like Lea Michele if you're so inclined.

16 of 35

Bouncy Bob

Bella Hadid with sleek bob on oblong face — Edward Berthelot / Getty

The classic, bouncy bob—as seen on Bella Hadid—is a great choice for long faces. It's a sophisticated look that works with straight and wavy hair, no matter if it's fine or thick. This tousled style looks beautiful sans bangs, but there's no denying that blunt or side-swept bangs would also look stunning.

Byrdie Tip

By keeping the length close to the chin and a little shorter in the back, you can draw attention to a well-defined bone structure.

17 of 35

Layered Lob

Maggie Q with bouncy lob — Michael Stewart / Getty

With the right haircut, no one would even guess your face is oblong. That's certainly the case with Maggie Q's masterfully layered lob. It's a great option if you have straight or fine hair. The simplicity also lets you play with color. Highlights, anyone?

18 of 35

Shoulder-Length Finger Waves

Jessica Alba with curled hair on oblong face — Jon Kopaloff / Getty

As Jessica Alba can attest, a shoulder-length cut can frame and flatter like no other. Throw in some soft finger waves, and you've got the extra volume that gives an angular and oblong face a more oval appearance.

19 of 35

Asymmetric Lob With Bangs

Gabrielle Union wearing asymmetric lob — Jon Kopaloff / Getty

As Gabrielle Union demonstrates, a tousled 'do—particularly one with bangs—can do wonders to shorten a longer face. To achieve her style, "Blow-dry hair 60 percent dry and spritz hair with CHI Aloe Vera Curl Reactivating Spray ($18)," instructs Lehmann. Then use Dyson's Corrale Straightener ($500) to flat-iron your fringe.

20 of 35

Long, Tousled Layers

Gisele Bundchen with long layered hair — Michael Loccisano / Getty

Some of the best styles for those with oblong faces are cut past the shoulders. However, keep in mind that if you go too long, it can elongate your face. To create balance, opt for layers and a tousled style like Gisele.

21 of 35

Bouncy Blowout

Blake Lively's glossy blowout is the inspo pic we'll be taking to all our salon appointments moving forward. While she may be rocking a lot of weighty length, those shorter, bouncier pieces around the ears bring the eye upward and create the illusion of a wider face.

22 of 35

Full Curls

Tracee Ellis Ross with voluminous curly hair — Amanda Edwards / WireImage / Getty

Tracee Ellis Ross's curly lob hits at the shoulders, which we consider the sweet spot that perfectly balances the face and satiates any desire to maintain a longer length. Bonus: Curls help add width to her face. Try a volumizer—like Rossano Ferretti Parma's Favoloso 18 Natural Hair Movement Enhancer ($50)—if you need an added boost.

Byrdie Tip

Have your stylist cut in layers to add fullness but don't let them thin out your hair too much. More volume in the hair helps to balance out an oblong face.

23 of 35

Beachy Waves

Kelly Rowland's boho-inspired look doesn't require a ton of maintenance. The key is to ensure these waves never look too "done." The trick? A middle part, plenty of volume through the roots, and a wave that's loose and manageable. Revlon's cult-followed One-Step Volumizer Hair Dryer ($60) can help get you there.

24 of 35

Updo With Bangs

Sandra Oh with updo and bangs — Jamie McCarthy / WireImage / Getty

The competing textures of Sandra Oh's style make a fabulous choice for a formal updo. Though stylists often caution against too much volume on top of your head when you have a longer face, the forward momentum of her bangs balances things out. Plus, you have to appreciate the messy intricacy of curly bangs.

25 of 35

Weightless Waves

Cutting your hair at or just below the shoulders, as seen on actress Jessica Lowndes, is also a great choice for thick hair. It's a length that will not weigh down curls or waves, and it's easier to care for every day. Integrate a light styling product (we like Verb's Ghost Weightless Hair Oil, $20) to smooth flyaways.

26 of 35

Close-Cropped Pixie

Lupita N'yongo with pixie cut — Gregg Deguire / Getty

Lupita Nyong'o's short, cropped pixie cut highlights her best features. Even better, it's easy to maintain. To add some oomph, style a pixie with a beaded headband or your hair accessory du jour.

27 of 35

Center-Parted Tousled Lob

Alexa Chung with tousled hair — Pascal Le Segretain / Getty

Alexa Chung's center-parted lob is the type of style that's universally flattering. To get her texture, ask your stylist for long layers. They will keep the edges of this cut lighter and create movement.

28 of 35

Long, Retro Waves

Kate Beckinsale's center-parted locks are all about retro glam, and not all that difficult to replicate at home. Just use a 1-inch barrel curling iron to define sections of hair, starting with the strands nearest to your ear.

29 of 35

Pineapple Updo

Leona Lewis's front-heavy updo couldn't be more perfect for oblong face shapes. The pineapple effect of her lush spirals creates a cascade of curls that fall at all the right places to create fullness in the face. The key to curls like these is to keep hair properly moisturized, so invest in a deep-conditioning hair mask such as Ouai's Moisturizing Thick Hair Treatment ($38).

30 of 35

Faux Curtain Bangs

Chloe Bennett — Araya Doheny / Stringer / Getty

Chloe Bennet's center part helps further highlight her beachy waves and perfectly accentuates her face. While she doesn't actually have bangs, the intentional bend in those face-framing pieces gives all the fringe benefits without the commitment. Use a wave wand to create perfectly shaped curls as seen here.

31 of 35

Modern Pageboy

Ashlee Simpson with short cropped haircut on oblong face — Alberto E. Rodriguez / Getty Images

Ashlee Simpson's pageboy-style cut is very dramatic, with plenty of shine. The side-swept bangs complete the look, and it's a perfect style for anyone who has thicker hair that can produce this much volume. A pomade (we like OUAI's Matte Pomade, $26) will help add texture.

32 of 35

Classic Braid

Sarah Jessica Parker wearing loose ponytail — James Devaney / Getty

You can never go wrong with a classic braid. However, you can give the classic style a twist by adding a few face-framing curls to add balance. and widen an oblong face shape

33 of 35

Jellyfish Cut

Joan Smalls jellyfish haircut on oblong face shape — Getty Images

Joan Smalls hit the 2022 American Music Awards red carpet with a jellyfish haircut, created by celebrity hairstylist Andrew Fitzsimons. We love how the blunt, layered cut frames Smalls's face perfectly.

34 of 35

Textured Length

Blake Lively wearing cascading waves on oblong face — Stephane Cardinale - Corbis / Getty

Blake Lively's long, textured look is positive proof that the right hairstyle can alter your face's shape. To replicate the 'do, Lehman recommends parting hair into six vertical sections, then curling with CHI's Lava Curl Shot iron ($130). Finish by applying a dime-size amount of BioSilk Silk Therapy With Organic Coconut Oil ($30) through strands to separate curls. "This will also add shine," she notes.

35 of 35

Center-Parted Waves

Tousled texture is the easiest way to style center-parted hair. For tight but beachy waves like Hilary Swank's, break your hair into sections and use a small, tight-barrel curling iron.

FAQ

Is short hair or long hair better for an oblong-shaped face?

Both styles are great. Shorter hair will round out the face, while longer hair will draw attention to your natural features. When going longer, consider adding texture and/or volume so as not to elongate the face.
Should those with an oblong face opt for layers?

Any face shape can benefit from layers, which add volume and movement to your cut. Long layers are a safe choice for all hair types and textures. If going for shorter layers, it's best to have thick or medium tresses since they will remove weight and density.
What types of bangs complement an oblong face?

In short, all types. Bangs partially cover the forehead and create the illusion of a shorter face. This will flatter an oblong face. When deciding what type of bang is right for you, consider your hair type, texture, and lifestyle.