Best Hairstyle for Long Face
A long face shape is often elegant and striking, defined by a greater length than width, a high forehead, and balanced cheekbones. While naturally beautiful, choosing the right hairstyle is key to softening length and creating harmony.
The right cut can add width where needed, balance proportions, and bring out your best features. From vintage waves to modern layers, here are the best hairstyles for long faces, along with their origins and styling details.
1. Soft Waves with Middle Part
Why it’s different: Unlike straight styles that elongate the face further, soft waves add width and volume on the sides, balancing the length of the face. The middle part keeps the symmetry intact without narrowing the forehead.
How it’s created: Hair is parted down the middle, styled with loose curls or waves using a curling iron, and finished with a texturizing spray for natural bounce.
Where it comes from: This look gained popularity in the 1970s bohemian era and has been revived by stars like Sarah Jessica Parker and Gisele Bündchen, who often styled their long faces with effortless waves.
2. Shoulder-Length Lob
Why it’s different: A shoulder-length lob breaks the vertical length of a long face, unlike very long hair that exaggerates it. The cut creates balance by shortening the appearance of the face visually.
How it’s created: Hair is cut just above or below the shoulders with blunt or slightly layered ends. Adding soft waves enhances the balancing effect.
Where it comes from: The bob originated in the 1920s, but the “lob” (long bob) trend exploded in the 2010s. Celebrities like Kendall Jenner and Olivia Munn have embraced this look to flatter longer face shapes.
3. Curtain Bangs with Layers
Why it’s different: Curtain bangs break up the length of the forehead, making the face appear shorter. Unlike blunt bangs, which can feel heavy, curtain bangs are airy and blended, making them more flattering for longer face shapes.
How it’s created: The bangs are cut to part in the middle, with longer strands on the sides that blend into layered hair. Blow-drying with a round brush creates a soft, face-framing effect.
Where it comes from: Popularized by Brigitte Bardot in the 1960s, curtain bangs have made a huge comeback with modern celebrities like Dakota Johnson and Hilary Duff, especially for elongating face shapes.
4. Side-Swept Bangs with Waves
Why it’s different: Side-swept bangs cut across the forehead diagonally, visually shortening it. When paired with waves, they add width to the sides, balancing the long face. Unlike center parts, this style shifts focus to the eyes and cheekbones.
How it’s created: Bangs are cut to sweep to one side, blending into the rest of the hair. Styling involves blow-drying bangs sideways and adding soft curls or waves to the rest.
Where it comes from: This look gained massive popularity in the early 2000s, worn by stars like Reese Witherspoon and Zooey Deschanel. It remains one of the most recommended styles for long face shapes.
5. Voluminous Curls
Why it’s different: Unlike sleek, straight styles that emphasize length, voluminous curls add roundness and body, creating balance. They visually widen the face, making it appear more proportional.
How it’s created: Hair is curled in large sections with a curling iron or rollers, teased slightly at the roots, and set with a strong-hold spray for volume.
Where it comes from: Big curls became famous in the 1980s glam era, embraced by stars like Cindy Crawford and Whitney Houston. Today, they remain a glamorous choice for balancing long faces.
Mistakes to Avoid
- Avoid Extra-Long Straight Hair: It makes the face appear even longer.
- Skip Middle Parts with Flat Hair: Without volume, they emphasize vertical length.
- Stay Away from Ultra-Short Cuts: Cropped pixies can lengthen the face further.
- Avoid Thin, Lifeless Styles: Flat hair with no texture lacks balance.
- Don’t Overdo Volume on Top: Too much height elongates instead of balancing.
Conclusion
Long faces are naturally refined, but the right hairstyle can create perfect balance. Soft waves, curtain bangs, lobs, and voluminous curls all work by adding width and breaking up length. Drawing inspiration from icons of the 60s, 70s, and 80s, these styles prove that with the right choice, a long face can look even more graceful and harmonious.