As our clients come to our First & Mane in search of a different look, one of the first things we examine is their face shape. Face shape is the basis for a perfect haircut. Have you observed that you have a face which is longer in proportions to your width, with a rounded lower jaw and a high forehead? Then you have an oblong-shaped face.
Such faces are very common, but they demand a special handling in order not to accentuate, but rather to highlight your facial beauty. If you’re looking for expert advice, be sure to consult our barber shop near Scottsdale, AZ, for personalized recommendations.
Our objective with an oblong face is all about balance. We do not want to make our face look longer. Rather, we want to widen it and make it fuller on both sides with a short top length. Thus, an oval face will be formed, and our most flattering feature will come into prominence. Here is how this can be achieved for an oblong face with short, medium, and long hair.
Short Haircuts for an Oblong-Shaped Face
If you’re searching for oblong face shape hairstyles for a male, understanding your unique features can help you choose a flattering cut.
Several of our clients think that short hair is the safest option, but you have to be very careful not to go too short on the sides. A high fade can make an oval face appear narrower than before. To avoid this, you can go for a hairstyle that retains some length on the sides.
The Caesar style is a great option for this face shape. The short, cut-horizontally hairstyle will help to soften a high forehead by creating an immediate shortening effect on the face. A textured crop is another great option for this face shape. Like a Caesar style, this haircut will bring hair forward to cover the forehead, but with a textured look. This will help to create the needed volume on the sides and top without lengthening the face.
Medium Hairstyles for Oblong Faces
If you’re researching medium hairstyles for an oblong face shape as a male, many options provide great versatility and style. Here are some tips you can follow when styling your hair if you have an elongated face. One of our favorite styling tips is a side part, so keep this in mind.
A slicked-back look can work well too, provided it is not styled up too high. Our advice would be to keep it flat or slightly angled to one side. The trick in this style is to make sure you are using a product with a matte finish to keep attention focused on the shape rather than on the product you are using. Try not to hide your natural wave if you have this in your hair. Wavy texture will give you volume on the sides, which is exactly what you need to balance out your face length.
Long Hairstyles for Oblong Faces
If you’re interested in exploring long men’s hairstyles for oblong face shape, letting your hair grow is a good idea, but this takes time and a good cut. With an oval face, a straight cut hair style is not a good idea because this will pull your face downward. A shoulder-length style with layers is good.
Layers bring movement and width to your face in the regions of your cheekbones and jawline. When you wear your hair up, do not pull it back into a high top knot. This will simply accentuate your stature. A low bun or ponytail can be worn at the base of your neck and will look far more flattering on you.
Hairstyles to Avoid
As far as styles go, there are a few that we always recommend our clients avoid with an oval face. The first, and most important, is height. A pompadour, a hawk, or any haircut that puts your hair up straight will make your face appear longer.
We recommend not using very short sides with a lot of length on top. Such a split highlights leanness with a vertical line. A middle part on very long hair will frame your face with a curtain-like effect, again calling attention to length rather than to width.
Selecting an Appropriate Cut for Yourself
When searching for the best haircuts for an oblong-faced male, consider both your lifestyle and maintenance preferences.
A good haircut is a combination of your personal style and the skill of your barber. Although this advice serves you well, your personal style and hair type matter immensely. When you go to a barbershop in the future, come talk to First & Mane about your worries. We can modify these traditional haircuts to accommodate your facial structure. A good haircut not only alters your appearance but also boosts your confidence when you step out into the world!
Dru is the owner and master barber at FIRST & MANE in Scottsdale. With years of expertise, he’s known for precision cuts and modern grooming techniques that keep clients looking their best.