
At a glance
- Face shape
- Oblong
- Hair type
- Curly
- What curly hair adds
- volume and width wherever it is left long
- Aim for
- Width at the sides and a fringe, no extra height
- Styling tip
- the sides decide the outline: short sides keep width off the cheeks, longer sides add it
- Top picks
- Shag, Wolf cut, Side-swept bangs
| Style | Fit | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Shag | Good | It covers part of the forehead, which shortens the visible face. Watch one thing: it adds height on top, and this face is already long. |
| Wolf cut | Good | It covers part of the forehead, which shortens the visible face. Watch one thing: it adds height on top, and this face is already long. |
| Side-swept bangs | Good | It covers part of the forehead, which shortens the visible face. |
| Textured bob | Good | It adds width at the sides, which balances a long outline. |
| Lob | With a tweak | It adds length to an outline that is already long. On the plus side it adds soft, broken-up lines that take the edge off a strong jaw. |
| Soft waves | Neutral | It adds width at the sides, which balances a long outline, but it also adds length to an outline that is already long. |
| Butterfly cut | Neutral | It adds width at the sides, which balances a long outline, but it also adds height on top, and this face is already long. |
| Long layers | With a tweak | It adds length to an outline that is already long. On the plus side it adds soft, broken-up lines that take the edge off a strong jaw. |
| Braids | With a tweak | It exposes the full outline, which puts its width on show. |
| Pixie | With a tweak | It exposes the full outline, which puts its width on show. |
| High ponytail | With a tweak | It adds height on top, and this face is already long. |
Start with a shag, wolf cut or side-swept bangs
The top curly haircuts for a long face cover part of the forehead, which shortens the visible outline. The difference is what happens above it.
- Shag: a good fit because it covers some forehead, but it also adds height on top. Ask your stylist to limit that height.
- Wolf cut: another good fit with forehead coverage, though its added crown height needs the same attention.
- Side-swept bangs: cover part of the forehead to make the visible face look shorter.
Compare the width and height of other cuts
For curly styles on an oblong face, check where each cut places its volume before choosing the length.
- Textured bob: a good fit that adds side width to balance a long outline.
- Lob and long layers: both need a tweak because they add length. Their soft, broken-up lines can soften a strong jaw.
- Soft waves: neutral because they add helpful side width but also add length to an already long outline.
- Butterfly cut: neutral because its side width helps, while its added height works against the aim.
- Braids and pixie: both need a tweak. They expose the full face outline, putting its width on show.
- High ponytail: needs a tweak because it adds height above a face that's already long.
Tell your stylist where you want the fullness
The sides decide the outline: short sides keep width off the cheeks, while longer sides add it. For oblong faces with curls, cheek-level volume helps balance the face's length. Long, straight vertical lines and extra crown height make it look longer.
Ask for fullness beside your cheeks, some forehead coverage and a top that doesn't add height. Avoid choosing a cut designed for another hair type and expecting your stylist to force it with product.
Check face shape and hair type separately
The free face-shape finder names the closest face-shape prototype from one selfie, on your device. It doesn't read hair type, so choose that yourself from how your hair dries naturally.
Use the oblong face guide to check the outline you're working with. The hairstyle guide lets you compare cuts by face shape and hair type.
Questions people ask
- Can a short curly cut suit an oblong face?
- Yes. A textured bob adds width at the sides, which balances a long face. A pixie needs more thought because it exposes the full outline.
- Should I avoid all volume with a long face?
- No. Keep useful volume beside your cheeks and limit extra height on top. Where your curls add fullness matters more than volume alone.
Written from the measurements and ingredient facts on this site, then checked for the usual mistakes. Not medical advice.
Related pages
The closest pages in this section, picked by topic rather than by date.
- The best men's hairstyles for an oblong face with curly hairCompare men's hairstyles for an oblong face with curly hair. Choose a messy fringe, curtain fringe or afro for side width without extra heig
- women's hairstyles for an oblong face with thin hairExplore women's hairstyles for an oblong face with thin hair, including bobs and bangs that add side width without relying on density.
- The best women's hairstyles for a round face with curly hairCompare women's hairstyles for a round face with curly hair, from long layers to a high ponytail or lob. See where curl volume helps and add
