Hairstyles For An Oblong Face

Flattering Hairstyles for Oblong Faces: A Comprehensive Guide

Finding the perfect hairstyle can feel like a quest, especially when you have an oblong face shape. Characterized by a longer length than width, oblong faces can sometimes appear longer than ideal. The key is to create a hairstyle that balances the length and adds width to the face, creating a more harmonious and flattering look. This comprehensive guide explores various hairstyles suitable for oblong faces, providing detailed explanations and tips to help you find your perfect match. We'll delve into the science behind flattering hairstyles, offer practical styling advice, and answer frequently asked questions.

Understanding Your Oblong Face Shape

Before diving into hairstyles, it's crucial to understand the characteristics of an oblong face. Oblong faces are typically longer than they are wide, with a fairly straight hairline and jawline. The length often makes the face appear thinner, which is why the goal with hairstyles is to add visual width and shorten the perceived length. This is achieved by strategically choosing haircuts that add volume at the sides and around the cheekbones.

Hairstyle Principles for Oblong Faces

The primary aim when choosing a hairstyle for an oblong face is to create the illusion of a shorter, wider face. This involves focusing on hairstyles that:

• Add width at the sides: Volume around the cheeks and ears visually balances the length of the face.
• Minimize length: Avoid styles that elongate the face further. Long, straight hair without layers can accentuate the length.
• Create fullness around the jawline: This helps to soften the jawline and create a more balanced look.
• Embrace layers: Layers add texture and volume, preventing the hair from falling straight down and emphasizing the length.
• Consider bangs: Certain types of bangs can effectively shorten the appearance of the face.

Hairstyles to Flatter Your Oblong Face

Now, let's explore specific hairstyles that excel at flattering oblong faces. Remember, these are guidelines; the best hairstyle depends on your personal style, hair texture, and overall preferences.

1. Shoulder-Length Lob with Layers:

A long bob (lob) that hits around the shoulders is an excellent choice. The layers add volume and movement, creating the illusion of width. Adding soft, face-framing layers around the cheekbones further accentuates this effect. A side part can also help create a more balanced look. Consider adding subtle waves or curls for even more volume.

2. Medium-Length Hairstyle with Side-Swept Bangs:

Medium-length hair with side-swept bangs is another fantastic option. The bangs effectively shorten the face by covering the forehead, while the medium length provides enough versatility for different styling options. Adding subtle waves or curls can create a softer, more feminine look. Avoid heavy, straight bangs that might make your forehead look smaller and emphasize the length of the face.

3. Layered Pixie Cut:

A layered pixie cut is a bold and stylish choice that surprisingly suits oblong faces. The layers create volume and texture on top, drawing attention upwards and away from the length of the face. A longer pixie cut, with longer pieces framing the face, can be even more effective. This is particularly flattering for those with fine or thinning hair as it adds volume and shape.

4. Wavy or Curly Hairstyles:

Waves and curls are your friends! They add texture, volume, and width, making them ideal for balancing the length of an oblong face. Long, loose waves or bouncy curls can create a romantic and feminine look. Consider a wavy bob or a layered medium-length hairstyle with waves for a sophisticated style. Avoid tightly curled styles that might add too much volume on top, potentially making the face appear longer.

5. Chin-Length Bob with Side Part:

A chin-length bob is a classic and versatile style that works well with oblong faces. The length hits at the widest part of the face, adding visual width, while a side part further enhances the balancing effect. This style can be styled straight, wavy, or curled, offering various styling options to suit your preferences. Adding subtle layers can add further volume and texture.

6. Blunt Bob with Face-Framing Layers:

A blunt bob, cut straight across at the jawline, can be surprisingly flattering. However, to avoid making the face look longer, incorporate face-framing layers to add softness and width around the cheekbones and jawline. This adds dimension and prevents the cut from looking too severe. A middle part can be considered, though a side part is often more flattering.

7. Long Layers with Face-Framing Pieces:

While long hair can sometimes accentuate the length of an oblong face, strategically placed layers can create a more flattering look. Long layers that start around the cheekbones add volume and movement, preventing the hair from falling flat and emphasizing the length. Face-framing pieces around the jawline further add width and soften the face's overall shape.

Hairstyles to Avoid (Generally)

While the styles above tend to be flattering, some hairstyles are generally less recommended for oblong faces because they can accentuate the length:

• Long, straight hair without layers: This style can make the face look even longer and thinner.
• Very short, blunt cuts without volume: These cuts can sometimes emphasize the face's length and lack of width.
• Center parts with long, straight hair: Center parts can further emphasize the face's length.
• High ponytails or tight buns: These styles can pull the hair back tightly, emphasizing the face's length and making it appear more narrow.

Styling Tips and Tricks

The right hairstyle is just the beginning. Proper styling can further enhance the effect and help you achieve your desired look.

• Add volume at the crown: Teasing the hair at the crown or using volumizing products can create height and balance the face's length.
• Use styling products: Mousses, volumizing sprays, and texturizing sprays can help add volume and texture to your hair.
• Consider highlights or lowlights: These can add dimension and depth to your hair, making it appear fuller and more voluminous.
• Don’t be afraid to experiment: Try different styles and see what works best for you. Professional consultation with a hairstylist specializing in face shapes is recommended.

The Science Behind Flattering Hairstyles

The principles behind choosing flattering hairstyles are rooted in the psychology of visual perception. Our brains interpret shapes and proportions, and hairstyles can subtly manipulate these perceptions. By adding volume at the sides and creating the illusion of a shorter face, we create a more balanced and harmonious visual effect. This is why hairstyles that create width and break up the vertical lines of the face are generally more flattering for oblong shapes.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can I have long hair with an oblong face?

A: Yes, absolutely! Long hair can work well with an oblong face, but it's crucial to add layers and volume to prevent it from emphasizing the length. Face-framing layers are key to creating a balanced look.

Q: What kind of bangs are best for an oblong face?

A: Side-swept bangs are generally the most flattering, as they shorten the appearance of the face without making the forehead look too small. Avoid heavy, straight bangs that might accentuate the length.

Q: Does hair color matter?

A: While hair color doesn't directly affect the shape of your face, it can influence the overall perception. Highlights and lowlights can add dimension and volume, making your hair appear fuller and enhancing the effect of a flattering hairstyle.

Q: Should I always avoid updos?

A: Not necessarily. Updos can work, but you need to avoid styles that pull the hair too tightly back, emphasizing the face's length. Loose, voluminous updos with some face-framing pieces can be very stylish and flattering.

Conclusion

Finding the perfect hairstyle for an oblong face is about creating balance and harmony. By choosing hairstyles that add width at the sides, minimize perceived length, and incorporate layers and volume, you can create a look that accentuates your best features. Remember to consult with a professional hairstylist to discuss your specific hair texture, preferences, and lifestyle to determine the best option for you. Experiment, have fun, and enjoy the process of finding the hairstyle that makes you feel confident and beautiful!