Ever caught yourself squinting at the mirror, wondering why that trendy haircut makes your oblong face shape look more like a loaf of artisanal bread than a chiseled masterpiece? You’re not alone. Understanding your face shape isn’t just a vanity exercise—it’s the secret sauce to nailing your personal style. It’s like having a savvy older brother who’s got your back in the grooming game, whispering, “Trust me, bro, that mustache isn’t doing you any favors.”
Knowing your oblong face shape is crucial for everything from choosing the right haircut to selecting flattering eyewear. It’s the difference between looking like you’ve just rolled out of bed and strutting down the street like it’s your personal runway. So, let’s dive into the world of oblong faces and unlock your best look yet.
In This Article
Oblong Face Shape Cheat Codes
Got an oblong face shape? Lucky you! Your face is longer than it is wide, with a straight cheek line that could rival a ruler.
To make the most of your elongated features, go for hairstyles that add width at the sides. Think textured crops or side-swept styles that’ll give you that effortlessly cool vibe. When it comes to eyewear, wide frames or rectangular shapes are your best friends, balancing out your face length like a pro.
Remember, it’s not about changing your face—it’s about playing up your natural assets. So embrace that oblong charm and get ready to turn heads.
What Is an Oblong Face Shape?
An oblong face shape is like the supermodel of face shapes—tall, slender, and always camera-ready. If you’ve got one, congratulations! You’re rocking a facial structure that’s longer than it is wide, like a skyscraper in a city of bungalows.
Your forehead, cheeks, and jawline play it cool, sticking to roughly the same width. Your chin might be rounded or slightly square, but it’s not trying to start a fight with your nose. This face shape is the proud owner of strong, often chiseled features. Although it shares a few traits with its cousin the oval face, the oblong face is like that cousin after a growth spurt—noticeably longer and with less curve, because who needs curves when you’ve got angles, right?
Quick Tips for Oblong Face Shape
- Add width to balance length.
- Choose hairstyles with volume at the sides.
- Opt for wider frame glasses.
- Use beards to shorten the face visually.
How to Tell That You Have an Oblong Face Shape
Tips on finding out your face shape:
- Face Length: Noticeably longer than width.
- Forehead Width: Similar to cheekbones and jawline.
- Cheekbone Width: Not prominently wide.
- Jawline Width: Similar to forehead, may be slightly rounded.
Oblong Face Shape Quick Style Guide
| Category | Recommended Styles | Not Recommended Styles |
|---|---|---|
| Hairstyles | Textured Crop, Side-Swept Styles, Classic Short Back and Sides, Messy Tousled Looks, Fringe Styles | Slicked Back, Pompadour, Long Straight Hair, Styles with Height on Top |
| Mustache | Chevron, Beardstache, Painter’s Brush | Pencil Thin, Long Handlebar |
| Beard | Short Stubble, Circle Beard, Short-Boxed Beard | Long Full Beard, Goatee without Mustache |
| Sunglasses | Rectangular Frames, Wayfarers, Aviators, Oversized Square Frames | Small Round Frames, Narrow Frames |
Oblong Face Shape Hairstyles: Creating Balance
When styling hair for an oblong face shape, the goal is to add width while avoiding excessive height or length. Let’s explore some widely recommended hairstyles:
Textured Crop: Adding Width Without Height
Why it works: This style adds volume at the sides without increasing face length. David Beckham, in one of his many incarnations, rocked a textured crop.
Styling tips:
- Keep the top textured but relatively short.
- Allow for some fullness on the sides.
- Use a matte product for a natural, effortless look.
Side-Swept Styles: Breaking Up Length
Side-swept styles can help break up the length of an oblong face. Prime examples in the public eye include Ryan Gosling and Leonardo DiCaprio.
Benefits: It creates asymmetry and adds width to the sides of your face.
How to style:
- Part hair to one side.
- Keep volume low on top.
- Allow for some fullness on the sides.
Classic Short Back and Sides: A Versatile Option
When done right, a short back and sides can work well for oblong faces.
Why it’s great: Maintains some fullness on the sides while keeping the top neat.
Styling steps:
- Ask your barber to avoid taking the sides too short.
- Keep some length on top, but avoid excessive height.
- Style with a side part for added dimension.
Messy, Tousled Looks: Softening Angular Features
Messy, tousled styles can help soften the sharp angles of an oblong face. If Sam Claflin doesn’t mind the tousled look, then you shouldn’t, either.
Perfect for: Adding texture and dimension without emphasizing length.
How to achieve:
- Keep hair at a medium length all over.
- Use texturizing products for a piece-y, undone look.
- Avoid slicking hair back or creating too much height on top.
Fringe Styles: Shortening Face Length
A fringe can effectively shorten the appearance of a long face.
Why it works: It breaks up the length of the face by partially covering the forehead.
Styling tips:
- Opt for a textured fringe rather than a blunt cut.
- Keep the sides full to balance the overall look.
Beard Styles for Oblong Face Shapes: Facial Hair or Face Architect?
When it comes to facial hair for oblong face shapes, the goal is to add width and minimize length. Let’s explore some beard styles that will complement your facial structure and how to maintain them.
The Short Stubble: Subtle Definition
Short stubble can add texture and definition to your face without dramatically altering its shape. George Clooney is the master of this.
Perfect for: Guys who want a rugged look without emphasizing face length.
How to maintain:
- Use a beard trimmer with adjustable settings.
- Aim for a length between 2 and 4 mm.
- Trim every 2–3 days to maintain the perfect stubble length.
- Keep your neckline and cheeklines tidy for a deliberate, stylish look.
The Circle Beard: Focusing Attention
Also known as the “corporate beard,” the circle beard is a combination of a mustache and a rounded goatee.
Benefits: Adds focus to the center of your face, breaking up its length without adding width.
How to achieve and maintain:
- Grow out your beard for about two weeks.
- Connect your mustache to a rounded goatee.
- Keep the cheeks clean-shaven.
- Trim regularly to maintain a neat, defined shape.
The Short-Boxed Beard: Balancing Act
A short-boxed beard can add structure to your face without emphasizing length.
Why it works: Adds fullness to the sides of the face while keeping length in check.
Grooming tips:
- Keep the beard short, around 10 mm in length.
- Maintain clean, defined lines on the cheeks and neck.
- Trim regularly to maintain the shape, and avoid excess length on the chin.
Mustache Styles: Because Your Upper Lip Deserves the Spotlight
For oblong face shapes, the goal is to add width to the face while avoiding styles that emphasize length. Let’s explore some mustache styles that work well for your face shape:
The Chevron: Classic and Balanced
This iconic style (still famous in the fashion pantheon as the Tom Selleck look) is characterized by its inverted V-shape, following the natural curve of the upper lip.
Why it works: The Chevron adds width to your mid-face, helping to balance out the length of an oblong shape.
Grooming tips:
- Allow 4–6 weeks of growth for full coverage.
- Keep the edges aligned with the corners of your mouth for optimal width.
- Trim along your lip line daily to maintain neatness.
The Beardstache: Balancing Act
A bold combination of a full mustache paired with heavy stubble for a rugged yet refined look.
Perfect for: Adding bulk to the center and lower part of your face, balancing out the length of an oblong shape.
How to achieve:
- Grow a full beard, then trim it down to heavy stubble.
- Keep the mustache full and prominent.
- Maintain the stubble at a consistent length with regular trimming.
The Painter’s Brush: Width Without Length
Named for its resemblance to an artist’s brush, this style adds a touch of sophistication without overwhelming your features.
Why it suits: This style adds width to your upper lip without extending too far down.
Styling steps:
- Grow your mustache for about two months.
- Trim the bottom edge to follow your upper lip line.
- Keep the sides neat, ending at the corners of your mouth.
Sunglasses for Oblong Face Shapes: Frame Your Face Like a Pro
When it comes to sunglasses for oblong face shapes, it’s all about balance and proportion. The right frames can soften your angular features, add width where you need it, and turn your geometric blessing into a fashion statement. Let’s dive into the styles that’ll have you looking sharp:
Rectangular Frames: Your Go-To Shape
Why they work: Rectangular frames add width to your face, helping to balance your proportions.
Style tip: Choose frames that are slightly wider than your cheekbones for maximum effect. Check out these, from ZENOTTIC.
Wayfarer-Inspired Shapes: Retro Cool Meets Modern You
Why they’re great: The slightly angular shape adds width to your face, and the chunky frame balances your strong features.
Style it up: Pair these with a crisp white tee and dark jeans for an effortlessly cool look.
Aviators: Because Top Gun Never Goes Out of Style
Benefits: Wide frames balance your face length, and the teardrop shape adds a subtle curve to your angular features.
Fashion forward: Try colored or mirrored lenses to add a contemporary twist to this classic style.
Oversized Square Frames: Go Big or Go Home
Perfect for: Making a statement while balancing your proportions. These frames add width to your face and can make it appear shorter. Have a peek at these from Gtand.
Pro tip: Keep the rest of your accessories minimal when rocking these statement pieces.
Product Recommendations: Your Face Shape’s New Best Friends
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American Crew
Forming Cream
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Ray-Ban
Original Wayfarer
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BabylissPro
Trimmer and Shaver
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- Hair: American Crew Forming Cream—for adding texture and width to styles.
- Beard: Honest Amish Beard Balm—for shaping and maintaining short beard styles.
- Skin: Lab Series Daily Moisture Defense Lotion SPF 15—hydration with sun protection for your oblong canvas.
- Sunglasses: Ray-Ban New Wayfarer—perfect width for balancing oblong face shapes.
- Grooming Tool: BaBylissPRO FX—versatile for maintaining short beard styles and stubble.
- Mustache: Death Grip Mustache Wax—for when you want that mustache to keep its shape.
What’s Next?
Now that you’ve cracked the code of your oblong face shape, you’re armed with the knowledge to make informed style choices. But remember, this is just the beginning of your grooming journey. Understanding your face shape opens up a world of possibilities beyond just hairstyles and facial hair.
Consider exploring how different collar styles complement your elongated features or how tie widths can balance your proportions. You might even venture into the realm of contouring makeup techniques to enhance your bone structure. Don’t be afraid to experiment and push boundaries. Try out different hairstyles, play with beard lengths, and find your perfect pair of shades.
Remember, although face shape is a crucial piece of the puzzle, your confidence and personal flair truly make a look. So, embrace your oblong glory, and let your unique style shine. After all, in the grand tapestry of life, you’re not just a stitch—you’re a whole damn pattern. Rock it with pride, gentlemen.
FAQ
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For oblong faces, a straighter brow with a subtle arch can help add width to the face. Avoid high arches, which can elongate the face further. Keep the brows well-groomed and slightly fuller, as this can help create a more balanced look and add horizontal emphasis to your face.
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Although both are longer than they are wide, oblong faces have a more rectangular appearance with straighter cheek lines. Oval faces have a slightly curved outline and wider cheekbones in proportion to the forehead and jaw. Oblong faces typically have a length that is noticeably greater than the width, whereas oval faces have a length of about 1.5 times the width.
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Absolutely! Every face shape has its unique advantages, and oblong is no exception. Oblong faces often have strong, defined features and offer great versatility when it comes to styling options. Many leading men in entertainment and fashion have oblong face shapes. The key is to work with your natural features, using the tips we’ve discussed to enhance your look and create balance.
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Joe Niehaus 
Dan Hughes