Haircut For Men Oblong Face

The Ultimate Guide to Haircuts for Men with Oblong Faces

Men with oblong faces, characterized by their length exceeding their width, often face a unique challenge when choosing a haircut. The goal is to create the illusion of a more balanced, less elongated facial structure. While some styles might accentuate the length, others can subtly shorten and widen the appearance, creating a more harmonious look. This comprehensive guide explores various haircut options for men with oblong faces, offering insights into styles that flatter and those to avoid.

Understanding the Oblong Face Shape:

Before diving into specific haircuts, let’s solidify our understanding of the oblong face shape. It’s defined by:

Length: The face is noticeably longer than it is wide.
Forehead: Generally high and broad.
Cheekbones: Usually relatively straight and not overly prominent.
Jawline: Often straight or slightly square, but not overly defined.
Chin: Usually fairly long and pointed.

The key to choosing the right haircut is to visually shorten the length and add width to the face. This can be achieved through strategic styling and haircut techniques.

Hairstyles that Flatter Oblong Faces:

The best haircuts for oblong faces aim to add width and balance to the overall shape. Here are some top contenders:

Side Part Hairstyles: A classic side part, especially with a slightly longer length on top, can effectively create width. The side part subtly offsets the length of the face, drawing the eye horizontally. The volume on top also helps to add fullness and balance. This style works well with both short and medium hair lengths.
Quiff Hairstyles: The quiff, with its volume and height on top, is a fantastic option for adding width to the face. The height created by the quiff visually shortens the face, creating a more balanced appearance. It can be styled with a slightly messy or slicked-back finish, depending on personal preference and occasion. This style works best with medium to longer hair lengths.
Pompadour Hairstyles: Similar to the quiff, the pompadour adds significant volume on top, creating a visually wider face. This style is bold and stylish, perfect for those who want a statement haircut. The height of the pompadour helps to visually shorten the length of the face. This requires medium to long hair.
Textured Crop Hairstyles: A textured crop, with its slightly longer, textured top and shorter sides, offers a modern and versatile option. The texture adds volume and dimension, which can help to broaden the face. The shorter sides help to prevent the hairstyle from adding extra length. This style is ideal for those who prefer a shorter, low-maintenance haircut.
Undercut Hairstyles: The undercut, with its shaved or very short sides and longer hair on top, creates a striking contrast that can subtly widen the face. The volume on top balances the shorter sides, preventing the face from appearing too elongated. This style allows for versatile styling options on top, from a slicked-back look to a textured finish. This style works well with medium to long hair on top.
Short and Side-Swept Hairstyles: This simple yet effective style involves keeping the hair short on the sides and sweeping it slightly to one side on top. This subtle sweep adds width, while the short sides prevent the hair from adding length. It’s a low-maintenance option that still offers a stylish look.
Layered Hairstyles: Adding layers to the hair, particularly around the crown and sides, can add volume and texture, helping to create a fuller, wider appearance. Layers prevent the hair from falling flat, adding dimension and visual interest. This works well with medium to long hair lengths.

Hairstyles to Avoid:

While many styles work well, some should be approached with caution or avoided altogether:

Long, Straight Hair: Long, straight hair tends to accentuate the length of an oblong face, making it appear even longer and thinner. This style lacks volume and doesn’t offer any visual width.
Center Parts: Center parts tend to draw the eye directly down the center of the face, emphasizing its length. This style should be avoided as it further elongates the face.
Slicked-Back Hairstyles (Without Volume): While a slicked-back style can work with added volume on top, a completely flat slicked-back look can emphasize the length of the face and lack of width.
Very Short, Uniform Haircuts: Extremely short, uniform haircuts lack the volume and texture needed to balance the face shape. This can make the face appear even more elongated.

Choosing the Right Hairstyle Based on Hair Type:

The ideal haircut also depends on your hair type:

Thick Hair: Men with thick hair have a wider range of options, as the volume is already present. Styles like quiffs, pompadours, and textured crops work exceptionally well.
Thin Hair: For men with thin hair, the focus should be on creating the illusion of volume. Layered hairstyles and textured crops can add body and make the hair appear thicker. Avoid styles that require a lot of product or that will make the hair look flat.
Curly Hair: Curly hair can add natural volume, making it easier to create width. Short, textured styles or longer styles with layers work well. Avoid styles that require excessive styling to avoid making the hair look too heavy.

Styling Tips for Oblong Faces:

Regardless of the chosen haircut, proper styling is crucial:

Add Volume: Use styling products like mousse, pomade, or hair wax to add volume to the top of the hair. This helps to visually shorten the face.
Avoid Over-Styling: While volume is important, avoid over-styling, which can make the hair look unnatural and heavy.
Consider Sideburns: Slightly longer sideburns can help to add width to the lower face, creating a more balanced look.
Beard Considerations: A well-groomed beard can also help to balance the face shape. A full beard, or even a well-trimmed goatee, can add width to the lower half of the face.

Conclusion:

Choosing the right haircut for an oblong face is about creating balance and harmony. By understanding your face shape and hair type, and by choosing a style that adds volume and width, you can achieve a look that flatters and enhances your features. Remember to consult with a skilled barber or hairstylist who can offer personalized advice and help you find the perfect haircut to complement your unique features. Experimentation is key, so don’t be afraid to try different styles until you find the one that makes you feel confident and stylish.