Oblong face shape: hairstyles, glasses and beard guide

How to tell if you have a oblong face

• Your face is much longer than it is wide.
• Your forehead, cheekbones and jaw are close in width.
• The sides of your face are fairly straight.
• You may have a longer chin or a high forehead.

Want to be sure? Check your face shape with a photo.

Best hairstyles for a oblong face

For women

• Bangs or a fringe. Shortens the face by covering part of the forehead.
• Shoulder-length waves. Adds width at the sides.
• Curly or voluminous styles. Fullness at the sides balances the length.
• Chin-length bob. Creates a horizontal line that shortens the face.
• Avoid very long, straight hair. It makes the face look longer.

For men

• Side part with medium length on top. Adds width without height.
• Fringe or brushed-forward crop. Shortens the face.
• Textured medium length. Fullness at the sides adds width.
• Classic taper. Keep some length on the sides rather than a skin fade.
• Avoid tall pompadours. Extra height makes the face longer.

Best glasses for a oblong face

Frames that suit you

• Oversized or deep frames
• Frames with a strong top line or decorated temples
• Round or square frames with some depth

Frames to skip

• Small, narrow frames
• Frames with very little depth

Beard styles

Choose a beard that is fuller on the sides and shorter at the chin, such as a short boxed beard or mutton chops. Avoid long, pointed beards.

Makeup tips

Contour along the top of the forehead and under the chin to shorten the face, and put blush horizontally across the cheeks.

Compare with all seven face shapes.