There are so many face types out there, and understanding which shape your face is can make a big difference to your styling goals. An oblong-shaped face is different from a rectangular face in that it is slightly rounded, but it has some very similar features.
In this article, we explain how to determine if you have an oblong-shaped face. Then, we reveal the very best haircuts for both men and women with oblong-shaped faces, so you can showcase your style and experiment with a new and exciting look this year.
How do you know if you have an oblong-shaped face?
An oblong-shaped face, sometimes known as a long oval face shape, is when your face is longer than it is wide. Most people with oblong faces have rounded cheekbones and chin, while the forehead, cheeks, and jawline are a similar width.
The main distinguishing feature between an oblong and rectangular face is that the former has more rounded features, while the latter is angular. Here are the key aspects of an oblong-shaped face to be aware of, which should help you determine if this is your face shape:
✅ Your face is longer than it is wide
✅ You have rounded cheekbones and a rounded chin
✅ Your forehead, cheeks, and jawline are a similar width
If you’re looking for inspiration on how to style your hair to suit your oblong face, here are some celebs that have an oblong face to draw inspo from:
Males
- Keanu Reeves
- Tom Hanks
- Samuel L Jackson
- Nicholas Cage
Females
- Cher
- Gisele Bundchen
- Sarah Jessica Parker
- Sandra Oh
Why is this important?
Ascertaining your face shape can help you in numerous ways, particularly regarding numerous key styling options. For instance, knowing that you have an oblong face will help you with the following decisions:
✅ Hair styling: One of the main reasons to work out your face type is so that you can style your hair correctly. Some hairstyles work well for people with angular faces, while other haircuts are more flattering to people with rounded faces. Understanding this distinction and choosing flattering styles will help you look your best throughout the year when you switch between styles.
✅ Choosing glasses: Whether you wear eyeglasses or sunglasses, recognizing that your face type will influence your choice is key. You need to think about whether square, rectangle, or circular glasses are best suited to your face type, which is a decision that your optician or eye doctor can help you with.
✅ Wearing accessories and jewelry: Realizing that you have an oblong face will also help you when it comes to choosing accessories and jewelry that you want to wear. Whether it’s loopy earrings or a specific necklace, buying jewelry that suits your face shape will make a big difference to the way you look.
Best hairstyles for oblong shape faces female
So, let’s begin with a run-through of the best hair for an oblong-shaped face if you’re a female:
1: Curly shag
The shag is one of the hottest styles this year, with so many variants proving extremely popular among celebrities and influencers. The curly shag is a stunning choice for women with oblong faces, as its choppy ends and angles are voluminous and offer significant depth. The shag lends itself beautifully to the long nature of an oblong face, making this the obvious choice if you’re looking for a style suited to curly hair for an oblong face shape.
2: Angled bob
We love the way that the angled bob complements oblong faces. It also helps to elongate the neck, and with sharp angles and crisp features, it’s a smart and sophisticated look for professional women. The bob should sit just above the shoulder line, which is the ideal length for women with this face type.
3: Blunt bob with bangs
From one bob to another. A blunt bob with bangs takes us back to one of Taylor Swift’s most iconic looks. We think blunt bobs are a perfect match for women with oblong faces because they create the illusion of extra width. The blunt bangs are a signature feature of Taylor, and it’s a stunning look for women of all ages.
4: Layered lob
One of the hottest looks for women with medium-length hair and an oblong face is the layered lob. Perfect for people with straight and fine hair, it’s a great look for adding texture and depth. When styled professionally, you won’t even notice that you have an oblong-shaped face! You can also find more fabulous layered bob haircuts with fringe.
5: Bouncy blowout
A blowout with added bounce is a creative way to wear your hair if you have an oblong face. The short, bouncy hair around the ears help to create the illusion of a wider face, and the cascading length of down past the shoulder line helps to offset the length.
Laifen’s pro tip: Make sure you use an ionic hair dryer like the Laifen Swift Special for your bouncy blowout. Ionic technology helps you blow dry your hair efficiently without frizz, preventing your blowout from drying out.
Hairstyles for oblong-shaped faces male
Don’t worry guys; we haven’t forgotten about you. Here are some options to try if you have an oblong face and don’t want to spend too much time in the barber’s chair:
1: Classic crew cut
The beauty of a classic crew cut is that it works for practically every face shape, so it’s our first recommendation for guys with oblong faces. One thing to be mindful of is the length, however. If you have an oblong face, we recommend keeping your hair a little longer on the top, so you can style it with spikes or by combing it to one side to avoid the appearance of a buzz cut, which can make your face look overly long.
2: Slicked back
One of the reasons we like the slicked-back cut is that it takes the attention away from your face, encouraging people to focus instead on your hair. Comb your hair all the way back and use a wet gel or pomade to hold it in place. This style works with and without facial hair, so tailor your beard and mustache to suit your preferences.
3: Mid-pompadour
There are numerous ways to style a pompadour, but we think a mid-length pomp is a great shout for guys with an oblong face shape. Focus on a slicked-back style up top with additional volume for a classic look. The additional height helps by adding a vertical dimension to your face, resulting in a balanced and sophisticated look for all guys.
4: Messy, shoulder-length surfer hair
If you’re keen on a longer cut for your oblong face, look no further than this awesome, messy, and tousled style for guys. This surfer-style look gives off beach vibes while helping to detract from the angles of your face. Apply some sea salt spray to add instant depth and definition to your shoulder-length locks and to rock a style that all beachgoers would be proud of!
5: Side fringe
One of the best haircuts and facial hair combos for oblong-shaped faces is the side fringe with a beard. Ask your barber for a scissor cut on top and request him to thin out some of the hair at the front of your head for balance. You can then sweep it to one side and hold it in place with pomade. Then, shape your facial hair and trim it so it’s not bushy for a stunning appearance that helps you look like a modern and sophisticated man.
Recap: Hair for oblong face shape
Cutting hair for an oblong-shaped face doesn’t need to be difficult, and there are so many styles from which you can choose. We’ve revealed our top ten hairstyles for oblong-shaped faces, which are suitable for men and women, so feel free to chat with your hairdresser about your preferred option when you next visit the salon.
You can also head onto social media for further oblong-shaped face inspiration and feel free to follow the celebrities we name-checked at the start of this piece to find further styles that you can model your look on throughout the year.
