Are you sure you want to remove this item from your Recipe Box?
Enter your registered email below!
Don't have an account? Sign up today.
Please log in to your account
Never created a password? Create one here.
Don't have an account? Sign up today.
Never created a password? Create one here.
Don't have an account? Sign up today.
Sign up for PureWow to get more ideas like these (It’s free!)
Already have an account? Log in here.
Your Taste Buds are going to thank you.
Already have an account? Log in here.
Please enter a valid email address...
The emails have been sent
Please consider subscribing to PureWow
Sign up for PureWow to get more daily discoveries sent straight to your inbox.
No, thanksI'm already a PureWow fan.
No, thanks I hate pretty things.
This one goes out to all our ladies with long faces. (Still not sure which face shape you have? Pause. Open a new tab. We’ll help you figure it out now.) Long or rectangular face shapes are characterized by features that are longer than they are wide; they’re often accompanied by stronger, more angular jawlines, though this isn’t always the case.
For longer faces, your choice of haircut can make a big difference. In general, the longer your hair is, the longer it will make your face look, which is why shorter cuts are a safe bet. But alas, this doesn’t mean you have to stick to a bob forever. There are certain tricks (i.e., strategic layers, intentional volume and bangs) that can help balance out your features if you prefer to keep your hair on the longer side.
Below, we’ll take you through the ten best haircuts for long faces that will always flatter.
RELATED: The 20 Most Flattering Haircuts for Oval Faces
Sarah Jessica Parker is easily one of the most recognizable faces in your cohort. And as Carrie Bradshaw herself demonstrates to great effect, long hair can look absolutely stunning on longer faces. The key here is to snip some well-placed layers throughout and keep plenty of texture and volume, as opposed to leaving your strands stick straight, which can draw your eyes down and make your face look longer. In short, if you have naturally wavy or curly hair, let your texture shine; if not, you can easily add some bend using a curling iron and volumizing spray.
Get the look: Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray ($48); T3 Curl ID 1.25” Smart Curling Iron ($249)
Another way to balance out longer features with long hair? With a full set of fringe, of course. Whether you prefer a blunt bang like Dakota Johnson or want to try the ever-trendy curtain bang (which truly flatters all), bangs of all styles offer a quick and easy way to make your forehead look shorter, which creates more symmetry overall. To add more volume to your fringe, rake some mousse through your roots before you blow dry your hair.
Get the look: Moroccanoil Volumizing Mousse ($28); T3 Fit Hair Dryer ($150)
Prefer a short cut? Take a cue from Tyra Banks and try a pageboy pixie. With full bangs and plenty of tousled texture up top, it’s a chic option for ladies with longer faces. Note: This type of cut works best when you have thicker strands because of the in-built volume. Just make sure to keep the sides closely cropped and add a bit of hair pomade or wax to the ends to keep things from getting too puffy.
Get the look: Ouai Matte Pomade ($24)
For oblong faces, it’s helpful to create fullness through the sides of your hair like Greta Lee does here. More volume equals better balance. One way to achieve volume, especially if your hair tends to fall on the finer, straighter side, is to cut it short. More specifically, ask your stylist to snip your strands so they fall just below your chin and squarely above your shoulders. When styling your new bob at home, we’d recommend a blow dry brush, which will streamline your routine, while delivering a sleek finish.
Get the look: Drybar The Single Shot Blow-Dryer Brush ($150)
Whereas the bob above is on the sleeker, blunter side, Taylor Swift’s is more layered and textured. Topped with forehead grazing fringe, the entire cut frames her face from every angle. Again, the sweet spot for a bob falls at or just below the chin because it creates the illusion of width, thereby bringing balance to longer features. Spray some dry shampoo liberally throughout your strands for lift where it counts most: the roots and sides.
Get the look: Living Proof Perfect Hair Day Advanced Clean Dry Shampoo ($30)
Blessed with a head full of curls like Kelly Rowland? You’re already a step ahead, since coaxing out volume shouldn’t be an issue for you. If anything, you could try taking things up a notch by parting your hair to one side, keeping the rest of your hair loose and free and adding a little shine serum or oil through the mid-lengths and ends as a finishing step.
Get the look: Color Wow Extra Mist-ical Shine Spray ($29); Oribe Gold Lust Nourishing Hair Oil ($56)
We’re willing to bet that Alexa Chung has inspired more lobs (and curtain bangs) than anyone in the last five years. With long layers cut at shorter angles to accentuate her cheekbones and chin, her signature style suits oblong features well, thanks to the way it rounds out the face. Use a flat iron to create a loose wave throughout, which adds even more fullness.
Get the look: Ghd Platinum+ Styler - 1" Flat Iron ($249)
Once more because it bears repeating: Volume and texture are golden for longer faces because they add width to the sides. To keep your curls from being weighed down (and thus, weighing down your features), ask your stylist to cut your hair in layers, without thinning things out too much. For hold without crunch, try raking a flexible gel to damp hair. Big thanks to Tracee Ellis Ross for the inspo.
Get the look: Pattern Curl Gel ($25)
When working with oblong faces, look for styles that accentuate the width of your cheekbones. Side-swept bangs a la Sandra Oh will do just the trick. Bonus points if they’re worn with loose curls. On that note, curly hair can be prone to frizz, which is where a soft styling cream comes handy. (Oh’s stylist uses it on already dried hair to give a touch of shine and control without sacrificing bounce.)
Get the look: Starring by Ted Gibson Shooting Star Texture Meringue ($52)
A cross between a shag and mullet, the shullet (also referred to as “the wolf cut” on TikTok) offers plenty of texture and bulk to finer strands, thereby making it a solid style for longer faces. Follow Barbie Ferreira’s lead and keep the cut polished and shiny by working a styling cream through the mid lengths and ends.
Get the look: JVN Complete Hydrating Air Dry Cream ($24)
RELATED: 20 Flattering Haircuts for Square Faces
Enter your registered email below!