Finding the right balance for an oblong face shape often feels like a puzzle. Long faces need styles that break up vertical lines and add much-needed fullness to the sides.
The goal is to create an illusion of width. By choosing specific cuts and textures, you can transform your silhouette and highlight your best features effortlessly.
This guide explores the best techniques to achieve that perfect horizontal balance. Here are 17 Hairstyles for Oblong Face Shape to Add Side Width to help you find your next look.
1. Chin-Length Blunt Bob
A blunt bob that stops exactly at the chin line is a power move for longer face shapes. By creating a strong, horizontal line at the jaw, it effectively “stops” the eye from traveling downward.
This cut removes the weight that usually pulls hair flat. Without that extra length, the hair gains natural bounce and volume around the cheekbones and jawline, which are the narrowest parts of an oblong face.
To style this effectively, use a round brush to blow-dry the ends slightly inward. This creates a rounded silhouette that mimics the appearance of a wider, more heart-shaped or oval structure.
2. Shaggy Lob with Side Fringe
The shaggy lob is a versatile mid-length cut that utilizes choppy layers to generate texture. These layers are essential because they prevent the hair from hanging in heavy, straight lines that elongate the face.
The addition of a side-swept fringe helps to cover a portion of the forehead. By concealing the upper part of the face, the overall vertical length is visually shortened while the layers expand outward.
Use a texturizing spray on the mid-lengths to enhance the “messy” look. This creates a cloud of hair around the face that adds significant horizontal volume and softens sharp features.
More Amazing Ideas
15 Side-Swept lemonade hairstyles for black women — Read more
18 Feathered hairstyles for medium length hair with layers black women — Read more
15 Hairstyles for Really Short Hair for Texture and Shape — Read more
16 Body Wave Hairstyles for Black Women in Middle and Side Parts — Read more18 Edgy hairstyles for short bangs — Read more3. Full Blunt Bangs
Full, heavy bangs are perhaps the most effective way to modify an oblong face shape. By cutting a straight line across the brow, you effectively remove a third of the visible face length.
This style shifts the focus entirely to the eyes and cheekbones. Because the forehead is hidden, the face appears more compact, making it easier for the rest of the hair to add the necessary width.
For the best results, ensure the bangs are wide enough to reach the outer corners of your eyes. This width helps to stretch the facial appearance horizontally, balancing out the long vertical line.
4. Voluminous Deep Side Part
A deep side part is a simple yet transformative styling choice. By shifting the bulk of the hair to one side, you create an asymmetrical shape that breaks the symmetry of a long face.
This technique adds height and volume on one side while creating a sweeping motion across the forehead. The resulting diagonal line is far more flattering than a center part, which can act as a vertical arrow.
To maintain the width, use a volumizing mousse at the roots. Flip the hair over to the opposite side of its natural growth to ensure the hair stands up and away from the scalp.
5. Shoulder-Length Beach Waves
Beach waves are a classic for a reason; they provide movement and airiness. For an oblong face, waves that start at the eye level are perfect for adding volume right where it is needed most.
The undulating pattern of the waves creates a wider silhouette than straight hair ever could. This “S” shape pushes the hair outward, filling in the space around the neck and shoulders to broaden the look.
Avoid making the waves too tight, as this can look dated. Instead, use a large-barrel curling iron and brush the curls out to create a soft, wide texture that feels modern and effortless.
More Amazing Ideas
16 Bouncy natural bob hairstyles for black women curls curly short — Read more
17 Feathered pixie hairstyles for older women over 60 — Read more
17 Length-Retaining protective natural hairstyles for growth — Read more
16 Full bulky hairstyles for black women — Read more
15 Voluminous blowout hairstyles for black women — Read more6. Layered Pixie with Side Volume
Short hair can be intimidating for long faces, but a layered pixie works wonders if styled correctly. The key is to keep the sides full and textured rather than buzzed or slicked down.
By keeping more length around the ears and temples, you can style the hair outward. This creates a rounded shape at the top of the head that balances the chin and adds much-needed horizontal substance.
Ask for “shattered” layers that can be tousled with wax or pomade. This allows you to manipulate the hair to stand out from the head, creating a wider profile that counteracts facial length.
7. Curtain Bangs with Mid-Length Layers
Curtain bangs are a staple for face-framing because they flare out at the cheekbones. This flare creates a “V” shape that points outward, drawing the eye to the sides of the face.
When paired with mid-length layers, the hair gains a beautiful flow that avoids being stagnant. The layers should be cut to bounce off the shoulders, providing a base of width at the bottom of the face.
Blow-dry the bangs away from the face using a medium round brush. This creates a “wing” effect that provides a visual break in the vertical line of the cheeks and jaw.
8. The French Bob
The French bob is typically cut shorter than a traditional bob, often hitting right at the cheekbones or just below the ears. This specific length is ideal for creating a wider facial appearance.
This cut often includes a brow-skimming fringe, which works in tandem with the short length to box in the face. By framing the face so closely, the focus is shifted to the width of the cheekbones.
The ends are usually slightly undercut or textured to encourage a natural flip. This outward movement at the ends is crucial for adding that extra bit of horizontal space.
More Amazing Ideas
15 Grazed neck length hairstyles for black women — Read more
15 Versatile black hairstyles for medium length hair natural — Read more
18 Voluminous curly ponytail hairstyles for black hair — Read more
15 Chic bob hairstyles for black women middle — Read more
17 Choppy Bob Hairstyles for Thick Hair for Airy Movement — Read more9. Textured Shag with Bottleneck Bangs
The bottleneck bang is a hybrid between a full fringe and curtain bangs. It starts narrow in the center and gets wider at the edges, which is perfect for narrowing a forehead while widening the cheeks.
A textured shag uses extreme layering to create a “halo” of hair. This volume surrounds the face, ensuring that there is plenty of activity happening on the sides to distract from the length.
This style is particularly effective for those with natural waves or curls. The more texture you can coax out of the hair, the wider the style will appear, perfectly balancing an oblong shape.
10. Large Hollywood Glamour Waves
For more formal occasions, large-scale waves offer maximum width. These waves are structured and uniform, creating a consistent horizontal expansion of the hair’s silhouette.
Unlike messy beach waves, Hollywood waves are brushed together into a single, cohesive shape. This creates a solid block of volume on either side of the face, which is incredibly widening.
To achieve this, curl all sections in the same direction and let them cool completely. Brushing them out with a boar bristle brush will merge the curls into a wide, glamorous wave.
11. Wispy Face-Framing Layers
If you prefer to keep your hair long, wispy face-framing layers are a necessity. These layers should start no lower than the chin to ensure they contribute to the width of the face.
Soft, feathered layers that curve inward or outward break up the “curtain” effect of long, straight hair. They add a layer of texture that sits right against the narrowest parts of the face.
When styling, use a flat iron to give the ends of these layers a slight bend. Directing them outward will create a broader frame that makes the face appear more proportional.
More Amazing Ideas
16 Sleek Ponytail Hairstyles for Black Hair in Mid and High — Read more
15 Hairstyles for Baddies with Sleek Edges and Long Waves — Read more
18 Bob Hairstyles for Thick Hair with Undercut Weight Removal — Read more
15 Snatched sleek ponytail hairstyles for black women — Read more
17 Textured hairstyles for butterfly locs — Read more12. Asymmetrical Bob
An asymmetrical bob is a fantastic way to play with geometry to hide facial length. The uneven lengths create a diagonal visual path that prevents the eye from measuring the face’s verticality.
One side is typically kept at chin length, while the other might be slightly longer. This imbalance creates interest and adds a sense of width through the sheer volume of the longer side.
The shorter side can be tucked behind the ear to highlight the cheekbone, while the longer side provides the horizontal volume. This combination is highly effective for oblong face shapes.
13. Curly Lob with High Volume
Natural curls are a gift for those with oblong faces because they inherently possess the width that straight hair lacks. A lob—or long bob—allows these curls to sit right around the shoulders.
The key is to have the hair cut with internal layers to prevent the “triangle” shape. This ensures the volume is distributed evenly across the sides, creating a full, rounded appearance.
Use a diffuser when drying to maximize the curl pattern and lift the roots. The more the curls can “spring” up and out, the more width they will add to the facial structure.
14. Half-Up Top Knot with Tendrils
A half-up style can be tricky, but adding wide tendrils makes it perfect for adding width. By pulling the top section back, you expose the cheekbones, but the remaining hair adds side volume.
The “tendrils” or face-framing pieces should be thick and curled. This creates a secondary frame that sits away from the face, widening the overall look of the head.
Avoid making the top knot too high, as vertical height can elongate the face. Keep the bun soft and wide, and ensure the hair left down is tousled to maintain horizontal fullness.
More Amazing Ideas
15. The “Midi” Cut with Rounded Ends
The midi cut sits right between the collarbone and the chest. To make it work for an oblong face, the ends must be styled with a heavy round brush to create a “C” shape.
This rounded finish creates a soft, wide base for the face to sit in. It avoids the “stringy” look that often happens with long, thin hair, which can make a face look even longer.
Pairing this with a soft side part ensures that the hair has lift at the roots. That lift combined with the rounded ends creates a very balanced, oval-looking silhouette.
16. Side-Swept Braided Crown
A braided crown that is pulled slightly to one side adds thickness and texture exactly where it is needed. By pancaking the braid (pulling the loops out), you create a wide band of hair.
This style acts like a headband of volume. It draws the eye horizontally across the top and sides of the head, effectively widening the upper half of the face.
Leaving some wispy pieces out around the ears will further enhance the width. This softness prevents the style from looking too tight, which can sometimes emphasize a long face.
17. Multi-Tonal Balayage with Volume
While not a “cut,” color plays a huge role in adding width. A balayage that places lighter tones around the mid-lengths and ends creates a visual “expansion” effect.
Lighter colors appear to come forward, while darker colors recede. By placing highlights on the hair that sits next to your cheeks, you are essentially “widening” the face with light.
When this color technique is paired with any of the voluminous styles mentioned above, the results are amplified. It provides a 3D effect that makes the hair look thicker and wider.
More Amazing Ideas
How do bangs help an oblong face shape?
Bangs are highly effective because they cover the forehead, which visually shortens the overall length of the face. By creating a horizontal line at the brow or eyes, they shift the focus outward toward the cheekbones, making the face appear more balanced and oval.
Should I avoid long hair if I have a long face?
You do not have to avoid long hair, but you should avoid long, straight hair that lacks layers. Length without volume can act as a frame that emphasizes verticality; however, long hair with plenty of layers, waves, and volume on the sides can be very flattering.
What is the best part for an oblong face?
A deep side part is generally considered the most flattering for an oblong face. Center parts tend to split the face into two long columns, which can emphasize length, whereas a side part creates a diagonal line that breaks up the symmetry and adds volume.
How can I add width to my hair daily?
Using volumizing products like root lift sprays or texturizing mousses is the easiest way to add daily width. Additionally, using a round brush during your blowout to direct the hair away from your face will help create a wider, more voluminous silhouette.
Are short cuts like pixies okay for long faces?
Yes, short cuts are great as long as they aren’t too “top-heavy” or slicked down on the sides. A pixie with lots of texture and length around the ears can be styled outward to add horizontal width, which balances the length of the face beautifully.
Why is texture important for this face shape?
Texture, such as waves or curls, breaks up the straight vertical lines that naturally occur with a long face. By adding “air” and movement to the hair, texture creates a wider physical footprint for the hairstyle, which helps the face appear broader and more proportional.