Hairstyles, Glasses and Beard Styles for an Oblong Face

Updated 2026-10-21

An oblong (or rectangle) face is noticeably longer than it is wide. The forehead, cheeks and jaw are similar in width, and the cheek lines are fairly straight.

The goal with an oblong face is to add width at the sides and reduce the look of length. Use the ideas below as a starting point, and remember that every face shape looks good with the right cut. Your hair type and your own taste matter more than any rule.

How to tell if you have an oblong face

Your face is clearly longer than it is wide, by more than 1.5 times.
Your forehead, cheeks and jaw are close in width.
Your cheek lines are long and fairly straight.

Look straight into a mirror with your hair pulled back, or use a clear front-facing photo. Compare the width of your forehead, cheekbones and jaw, and the length from hairline to chin. See how to measure your face shape, or let Facerizer measure it from your photo.

Hairstyles for an oblong face

CurtainsSide-swept sections add width around the face.

Jaw-length bobWidth at the jaw balances the length.

Waves with side volumeVolume at the sides makes the face look wider.

French cropA short fringe shortens the forehead.

Layered medium cutLayers add fullness at the sides.

Side part with a fringeA swept fringe breaks up the length.

Worth styling with care: Very tall quiffs, long straight hair parted in the middle and very short sides with lots of height can add to the length. They can still be great if that is the look you want.

Glasses for an oblong face

Often work well: Oversized, round and square frames with deeper lenses.
Also worth trying: Frames with detail on the sides or the top bar add width.
Keep in mind: Very small, narrow frames can make the face look longer.

Beard and facial hair for an oblong face

A fuller beard on the sides adds width.
Keep the chin area shorter. A long, pointed goatee adds length.

Facial hair is optional. A clean-shaven look suits every face shape, and you should wear whatever you are comfortable with.

Quick tips

Think width: fringe, waves and side volume.
Keep height on top moderate.
Deeper lenses help balance a long face.

Not sure what your face shape is?

Facerizer measures your face from your photo, finds your face shape, and gives you hairstyle ideas with the words to tell your barber, glasses that suit you and a 30-day plan. Your first analysis is free, and your photo stays private.

Analyze my face See an example report

Common questions about oblong faces

What hairstyle suits a long or oblong face?

Styles that add width and a shorter look, such as curtains, a jaw-length bob, waves with side volume, or a short fringe, suit a long face well.

Should I avoid long hair with an oblong face?

Not necessarily. Layers that add width at the sides work well. Very long, flat and straight hair can add to the length.

What glasses suit an oblong face?

Oversized, round or square frames with deeper lenses add width and balance the length.

Other face shapes

Oval face Round face Square face Heart face Diamond face Triangle face All face shapes