Oblong Face Shape

Oblong Face Shape Guide: Hairstyles & Styling Tips

What is an Oblong Face Shape?

An oblong (also called long) face shape is characterized by:

Length: Noticeably longer than it is wide
Forehead: High, often large
Cheekbones: Narrow
Jawline: Similar width to forehead
Chin: Often long and narrow
Proportions: Length is greatest feature

The Beauty of Oblong Faces: Elegant, sophisticated, and model-like. Oblong faces are versatile and striking!

Best Hairstyles for Oblong Faces

Goal: Add width, reduce length appearance

Perfect Hairstyles

Short to Medium Styles

Chin-length bobs: Adds width at face level
Wedge cuts: Volume on sides
Layered pixie: Adds fullness
Textured crops: Creates horizontal lines

Medium Hairstyles

Shoulder-length cuts: Breaks up vertical lines
Waves and curls: Adds width and softness
Side-swept bangs: Shortens face visually
Layered styles: Adds volume on sides

Long Hairstyles

Long waves: Adds movement and width
Layers throughout: Breaks up length
Side parts: Creates asymmetry
Curls and waves: Adds horizontal volume

Styles to Avoid

Very long, one-length hair (elongates face)
High volume on top (adds length)
No bangs (exacerbates length)
Straight, center-parted hair (emphasizes vertical lines)

Bangs for Oblong Faces

Best choice: Bangs are your friend!
Curtain bangs: Softens features
Wispy bangs: Light, face-framing
Straight-across bangs: Shortens face
Avoid: No bangs at all

Celebrity Inspiration: Sarah Jessica Parker, Liv Tyler, Kelly Rowland

Glasses for Oblong Faces

Ideal Frame Styles

Wide Frames

Oversized frames: Add horizontal width
Cat-eye: Adds curves and width
Round frames: Softens length
Square frames: Adds horizontal lines

Frame Features to Seek

Decorated temples: Adds width
Low-set frames: Breaks up vertical space
Thick frames: Adds presence
Wide shapes: Complements face length

Avoid

Very narrow frames (elongates face)
Small, delicate frames (out of proportion)
High-set frames (adds length)
Rectangle shapes (repeats face shape)

Top Picks: Oversized Gucci, Wide Tom Ford, Cat-Eye Prada

Makeup for Oblong Faces

Contouring Strategy

Where to Contour

Top of forehead: Creates horizontal line
Under chin: Shortens face
Temples: Doesn't add length

Where to Highlight

Under eyes: Brings features forward
Cheekbones: Creates width
Center of chin: Adds balance

Blush Application

Placement: On cheekbones, blend horizontally
Direction: Side to side, not up and down
Goal: Create horizontal line

Eyebrows

Shape: Straight or slightly curved
Fullness: Natural, not too thin
Length: Extend slightly outward
Avoid: Highly arched (adds length)

Eye Makeup

Focus: Horizontal application
Liner: Wing outward, not up
Shadow: Keep color on lid, not above crease
Goal: Create horizontal emphasis

Accessories for Oblong Faces

Earrings

Studs and small drops: Don't elongate
Wide hoops: Adds width
Clusters: Horizontal spread
Avoid: Long, dangling earrings

Necklines

Boat necks: Creates horizontal line
Scoop necks: Softens
High necklines: Breaks up length
Off-shoulder: Adds horizontal line

Hats

Wide brims: Adds width
Floppy hats: Softens features
Beanies: Adds volume on sides
Avoid: High crowns (adds length)

Styling Dos and Don'ts

✅ Do

Add horizontal lines with bangs
Create volume on sides
Choose wide frames
Wear horizontal jewelry
Use side parts
Layer hairstyles

❌ Don't

Add volume on top
Wear long, one-length hair
Choose narrow, small frames
Use center parts without bangs
Wear long, dangling earrings
Skip blush

Quick Styling Tips

Think horizontal: Create width, not length
Bangs are essential: Shortens face
Side parts: Breaks up length
Volume on sides: Not on top
Wide accessories: Balances proportions

Common Concerns

"My face looks too long"

Solution: Bangs are your best friend
Hairstyle: Chin-length bobs or layers
Avoid: Long, straight hair

"My forehead is too high"

Solution: Bangs (any style!)
Glasses: Low-set frames
Hairstyle: Side parts, volume on sides

"Nothing seems to balance my face"

Solution: Focus on creating horizontal lines
Accessories: Wide necklaces, boat necks
Remember: Oblong faces are elegant and model-like

Daily Routines

Morning Beauty (5 minutes)

Apply moisturizer with SPF
Light foundation
Horizontal blush application
Mascara (focus on outer lashes)
Side-parted hair or bangs

Workday Style

Chin-length or shoulder-length hair
Natural makeup with horizontal emphasis
Boat neck or scoop neck top
Simple, wide earrings
Professional, polished look

Evening Glam

Full makeup with horizontal liner
Statement earrings (wide, not long)
Elegant hairstyle with volume on sides
Bold lip color
Sophisticated attire

Product Recommendations

Hair Care

Volumizing mousse: For sides of hair
Texturizing spray: For layered looks
Bangs maintenance: Regular trims essential
Heat protectant: For styling

Makeup

Blush: Horizontal application key
Contour: Top of forehead, under chin
Highlighter: Under eyes, cheekbones
Bronzer: Optional, for warmth

Styling Tools

Round brush: For volume on sides
Flat iron: For sleek looks
Velcro rollers: For bangs volume
Diffuser: For curly styles

Fashion Guide

Best Necklines

Boat neck: Creates horizontal line
Scoop neck: Softens features
Off-shoulder: Adds width
High necklines: Breaks up length

Jewelry

Chokers: Shortens neck visually
Wide bracelets: Horizontal emphasis
Cluster earrings: Horizontal spread
Avoid: Long pendants

Patterns

Horizontal stripes: Your best friend!
Boat necks: Creates horizontal line
Geometric prints: Adds interest
Avoid: Vertical stripes

Hairstyle Gallery

Short Styles

Pixie with side-swept bangs
Textured crop with volume on sides
Asymmetrical bob
Chin-length layered bob

Medium Styles

Shoulder-length waves
Layered lob with bangs
Side-parted shoulder cut
Wavy bob

Long Styles

Long waves with layers
Curtain bangs with long hair
Side-parted long layers
Loose curls throughout

Building Confidence

Embrace Your Features

Model-like proportions: High fashion industry standard
Versatility: Many styles work well
Elegance: Natural sophistication
Uniqueness: Stand out in a crowd

Styling Philosophy

Create balance: Width to balance length
Think horizontal: Break up vertical lines
Experiment with bangs: Most versatile tool
Have confidence: Your face shape is striking!

Conclusion

Oblong face shapes are elegant, model-like, and incredibly versatile. The key is creating width to balance length through strategic hairstyles, accessories, and makeup application. With bangs, side parts, volume on sides, and horizontal accessories, you can enhance your natural beauty while creating harmonious proportions. Embrace your distinctive face shape – it's sophisticated, striking, and beautiful!