If you have ever held a tape measure up to your face or squinted at a selfie trying to work out your face shape, you are not alone. Face shape is one of the most searched beauty questions in Australia, and the oblong shape causes more confusion than most, mainly because it sits so close to the oval.
An oblong face shape simply means your face is noticeably longer than it is wide, with a forehead, cheekbones and jawline that stay fairly even in width from top to bottom. It is a balanced, elegant shape, and the right haircut can make the most of it by softening the length and adding a little width through the middle.
This article covers how to identify an oblong face shape at home, how it differs from an oval, the most flattering hairstyles for women and men, and the hair-care habits that keep those styles looking their best. It finishes with the common styling mistakes to skip and the cuts that may not suit this shape, so you can choose with confidence.
An oblong face shape is longer than it is wide, with a forehead, cheekbones and jawline of fairly similar width. The best hairstyles for an oblong face shape add width at the sides and break up the length, using layers, waves, fringe or a bob rather than long, one-length styles that stretch the face further.
What Defines an Oblong Face Shape?
An oblong face shape is defined by length: the face measures clearly longer than it is wide, and the forehead, cheekbones and jaw sit at roughly the same width. Unlike a round or heart shape, there is little tapering, which gives an oblong face its long, straight-sided look. The sections below show how to check this at home and what to expect from the jawline.
How to Identify an Oblong Face Shape at Home
The easiest way to identify an oblong face shape is to compare four measurements: forehead width, cheekbone width, jaw width and total face length. On an oblong face, the three widths come out close to equal, while the length is significantly greater, often by a third or more. A quick mirror test helps too: if your face looks long and your forehead, mid-face and jaw seem to run in parallel lines rather than curving in, an oblong shape is likely. Soft lighting and hair pulled back give the clearest read.
Does an Oblong Face Shape Have a Defined Jawline?
An oblong face shape can absolutely have a defined jawline, though the jaw usually sits in line with the cheekbones rather than being wider or sharply angular. This is one of the features that separates it from a rectangular or square face, where the jaw tends to be stronger and more squared off. If your jaw is gently rounded and roughly the same width as your forehead, that even, vertical balance is a classic oblong face shape trait.
Is Oblong and Oval the Same Face Shape?
No, an oblong and oval face shape are not the same, although they are often confused because both are longer than they are wide. The key difference is proportion and curve: an oval face is more balanced and tapers softly at the jaw, while an oblong face is longer and keeps a more even width down its length. Getting this distinction right is what makes styling advice actually work for you.
What Sets an Oblong Oval Face Shape Apart
The term oblong oval face shape usually describes a face that reads as a longer, less curved version of an oval. Where a true oval has slightly wider cheekbones and a chin that curves inward, an oblong oval face shape keeps a straighter, more uniform width from forehead to jaw and appears longer overall. In practice the styling goals are similar for both, but an oblong face benefits from a little more width and a little less added length.
Comparing Oblong and Oval Face Shape to a Diamond Face
Comparing an oblong and oval face shape to a diamond face makes the differences clearer. A diamond face is widest at the cheekbones and narrows at both the forehead and jaw, so it needs styling that adds width at the top and chin rather than the sides. If you are still weighing up which shape you have, our guide to diamond face shape hairstyles sits alongside this one and can help you rule shapes in or out. The table below sums up the main points of difference.
| Feature | Oblong | Oval | Diamond |
|---|---|---|---|
| Widest point | Even top to bottom | Cheekbones, slightly | Cheekbones, clearly |
| Face length | Noticeably long | Moderately long | Moderately long |
| Jawline | Soft, in line with forehead | Softly rounded, tapered | Narrow, can be pointed |
| Styling goal | Add width, reduce length | Maintain balance | Widen forehead and jaw |
What Are the Best Hairstyles for an Oblong Face Shape?
The best hairstyles for an oblong face shape are the ones that add width at the sides and interrupt the vertical line of the face. That means layers, waves, curls, a fringe, and cuts that finish around the chin or collarbone rather than falling long and flat. The principles below apply to almost any hair type, and the sub-sections cover specific cuts and fringe styles.
Add width at the sides
Waves, curls and layered volume around the cheeks create horizontal balance that offsets a long face.
Break up the length
Layers, a fringe or a shorter cut stop the eye travelling straight down and make the face look shorter.
Avoid extreme length
Very long, one-length styles pull the face down further, so aim for chin to collarbone finishes.
Soften the outline
Rounded, textured shapes flatter more than sleek, straight lines that emphasise vertical length.
Flattering Haircuts and Layers for an Oblong Face Shape
Flattering haircuts for an oblong face shape include the classic bob and lob (long bob), shoulder-length layered cuts, and soft, face-framing layers that build width around the cheekbones. Curtain bangs and side-swept layers work particularly well because they add movement across the face rather than length down it. Waves and curls are a natural fit for this shape, since texture creates the horizontal volume an oblong face benefits from. If you prefer longer hair, keep plenty of layering through the mid-lengths so the style does not hang in one heavy, lengthening column.
Bangs and Fringe That Suit an Oblong Face Shape
Bangs are one of the most effective tools for an oblong face shape because they shorten the forehead and visually reduce the length of the face. Blunt or full fringes, curtain bangs and soft, brow-grazing styles all help create a horizontal line that balances the shape. The main thing to avoid is a very long, wispy fringe that parts down the middle, as that can reinforce length rather than break it. A fringe that sits around the eyebrows tends to give the most balanced result.
Oblong Face Shape Male Hairstyles: What Works for Men?
The best oblong face shape male hairstyles follow the same logic as women's: add width at the sides, keep the top from stacking too much height, and avoid styles that lengthen the face. Cuts with fuller sides and a moderate top, such as a textured crop, a side part, or a fringe worn forward, all help balance a longer face. Beards can play a supporting role too, since a fuller beard at the sides of the jaw adds width, while a long, pointed beard tends to stretch the face further.
Men should also think about styling products, not just the cut. A matte paste or clay adds texture and width without the slicked-down height that can elongate the face, and keeping the hair off the forehead with a subtle sweep can visually shorten a long face. As always, the goal is horizontal balance rather than extra length.
How Hair Health and Density Affect Styling an Oblong Face Shape
Hair health and density change what a haircut can actually do for an oblong face shape, because volume, movement and shape all depend on having hair that is strong enough to hold them. Fine or thinning hair can struggle to create the side width an oblong face needs, while healthy, dense hair takes layers and waves far better. This is why brands like Hair Folli focus on the scalp and hair condition first, long before the styling chair. The sub-sections below explain how density shapes your options and how to support it.
Why Hair Density Changes Your Haircut Options
Hair density decides how much volume and texture a style can hold, which directly affects side width on an oblong face. Denser hair supports layered, voluminous cuts that build width at the cheeks, while finer hair often does better with blunt, shorter shapes that create the illusion of fullness. If your hair has thinned over time, a lighter, chin-length cut with soft layering usually flatters an oblong face more than long, sparse lengths that hang flat and emphasise the vertical line.
Scalp Care and Fuller Hair for Better Styling
A healthy scalp is the foundation of hair that styles well, and scalp care is one of the most overlooked steps in getting fuller-looking hair. Gentle cleansing, regular conditioning and looking after the scalp barrier all support the environment hair grows from, which over time can help hair look thicker and hold styles better. For anyone wanting to build a proper routine, exploring the best hair growth products australia shoppers rely on is a sensible place to start, especially if thinning is making side volume harder to achieve.
Daily Styling and Detangling to Protect Your Style
Daily styling and gentle detangling protect both your style and your hair, particularly for the layered, textured cuts that suit an oblong face. Rough brushing on wet or knotted hair causes breakage at the mid-lengths and ends, which is exactly where an oblong-friendly cut needs its width and movement. Using the right brush and working through tangles gently keeps layers looking full and reduces the daily wear that thins out a style over time.
Hair Folli Detangler Hair Brush
Designed to glide through knots with less pulling, the Hair Folli Detangler Hair Brush helps protect layered and textured styles from everyday breakage, so the width and movement that flatter an oblong face stay intact between cuts.
Since starting Hair Folli in 2020, we've grown to serve over 183,000 customers worldwide and expanded into wholesalers across 51 countries. But the mission remains the same: focus on hair loss first, not quick fixes. Most people approach hair growth the wrong way — switching products without understanding how hair grows, what their scalp needs, or why consistency matters. That's why Hair Folli is built on a scalp-first approach, using vegan, non-irritating formulations designed for long-term use. Every product is created not just to sell, but to support real people dealing with thinning hair, loss of confidence, and the frustration of slow progress — with simple, consistent care that actually makes sense.
The Most Common Oblong Face Shape Styling Mistakes
Most oblong face shape styling mistakes come from adding length instead of width. Long straight hair, tall volume at the crown, centre parts with no fringe and heavy, one-length cuts all stretch the face further rather than balancing it. The grid below covers what to do instead for the most common slip-ups.
Add layers or a wave through the mid-lengths to break the vertical line and create width.
Keep height soft. Extra lift on top lengthens an already long face, so build volume at the sides instead.
Try a side part or a fringe to introduce a horizontal line and shorten the forehead.
Soft layers around the cheeks add the width an oblong face needs and stop hair hanging flat.
Which Styles May Not Suit an Oblong Face Shape?
Some styles may not suit an oblong face shape, and knowing them saves time in the salon. Very long, sleek, poker-straight hair, high top-knots and tall quiffs, and slicked-back looks with no width tend to emphasise length and work against the shape. This does not mean they are off-limits, since hair texture, height and personal style all play a part, but they usually need balancing elements like a fringe or side volume to flatter an oblong face. If you love a longer style, layering and waves are the compromise that keeps the length you want while adding the width the shape needs.
Is an oblong face shape good?
Yes, an oblong face shape is often seen as balanced and elegant, and attractiveness is always subjective. What matters more than the label is styling to suit it. With hairstyles that add width and soften length, an oblong face shape reads as striking and well proportioned. There is no better or worse face shape, only styling that flatters it.
Is oblong and oval the same face shape?
No, they are not the same, though they are similar. Both are longer than they are wide, but an oval face tapers more at the jaw and has slightly wider cheekbones, while an oblong face is longer and keeps a more even width down its length. The styling goals overlap, but an oblong face benefits from a little more added width.
What hairstyles suit an oblong face shape best?
Layers, waves, bobs, lobs and fringes suit an oblong face shape best because they add width and break up length. Curtain bangs and soft, face-framing layers are especially flattering. The aim is horizontal balance, so avoid very long, straight, one-length styles and build volume around the cheeks instead of stacking height at the crown.
Does an oblong face shape have a jawline?
Yes, an oblong face shape can have a clear jawline, but it usually sits in line with the cheekbones rather than being wider or sharply angular. A gently rounded jaw that matches the forehead width is typical. A stronger, more squared jaw usually points to a rectangular or square face rather than an oblong one.
What are the best oblong face shape male hairstyles?
The best oblong face shape male hairstyles add width at the sides and avoid extra height on top. Textured crops, side parts and forward-swept fringes work well, and a fuller beard along the jaw adds balance. Avoid tall quiffs and long, pointed beards, since both lengthen an already long face rather than balancing it.
Do bangs make an oblong face look shorter?
Yes, bangs can make an oblong face look shorter by covering part of the forehead and adding a horizontal line across the face. Blunt fringes and curtain bangs are the most effective. Avoid a long, centre-parted fringe, as it can reinforce length. A fringe that sits around the eyebrows usually gives the most balanced result.
How do I know if I have an oblong face shape?
Measure your forehead, cheekbone and jaw width, then your face length. If the three widths are close to equal and the length is clearly greater, you likely have an oblong face shape. A mirror check helps too: an oblong face looks long with fairly straight sides, rather than curving inward at the jaw like an oval.
Final Thoughts on Styling an Oblong Face Shape
An oblong face shape is longer than it is wide, and the hairstyles that flatter it all share one goal: add width at the sides and break up the length. Layers, waves, bobs and a well-placed fringe do the heavy lifting, for both women and men, while healthy, well-cared-for hair gives those styles the volume and movement they need. Choose a cut that balances your proportions rather than stretching them, look after your scalp and lengths, and an oblong face shape becomes one of the easiest shapes to style with confidence.
Ashly is a haircare researcher who has tested 30+ products across scalp health, thinning, and hair growth categories. She collaborates with the Hair Folli Editorial Team to produce science-backed, experience-informed content for people managing real hair concerns.