Ever looked in the mirror and wondered why some haircuts make your face look longer? If you’ve got an oblong or narrow face and want a style that adds width and balance, you’re in the right place. Whether you’re aiming for a low-effort everyday cut or a polished look for the office, these mens hairstyles for long faces will help you pick a haircut that actually flatters your proportions.
Why face shape matters — quick styling science
Face shape is the foundation of a good haircut. Men with long faces (also called oblong or elongated faces) often benefit from styles that create horizontal balance: add width at the temples, avoid too much height on top, and consider bangs or side-swept layers to visually shorten the face. Think of your haircut as a framing tool — it should correct proportion more than follow trend alone.
Best mens hairstyles for long faces
Below are proven cuts and styling approaches that add width, reduce perceived length, and work in real life — from low-maintenance to statement looks.
1. Textured crop with soft fringe
A short, textured crop with a slightly forward fringe reduces the forehead height and creates horizontal emphasis. Use a matte paste or clay to add separation. Ask your barber for choppy layers and a fringe that just reaches the brow.
2. Side part with medium length
A classic side part with hair swept slightly across the forehead adds asymmetry and width. Keep the sides slightly longer — not skin-close — to avoid elongating the face. This works great for business casual looks.
3. Layered medium length (tousled)
Medium-length layers that fall around the cheekbones add volume at the sides. Tousled styling with sea salt spray or texturizing spray keeps the look modern and relaxed.
4. Crew cut with added side volume
A traditional crew cut can be modified: keep the top short but add more fullness at the temples and sides. Avoid a high, flat top — that increases the vertical axis.
5. Curly/perm styles that build width
Curls naturally add horizontal dimension. Embrace your curls or consider a light perm to get consistent texture. Maintain moisture with curl cream to prevent frizz.
6. Shaggy medium cut with bangs
Shag cuts with soft bangs blur the forehead and draw attention outward. This relaxed cut pairs well with casual wardrobes and takes work at the mirror but looks effortlessly cool.
Styling tips and product recommendations
- Use matte products (clay, paste) to add texture without shine — shiny hair can emphasize length.
- Sea salt spray or texturizing spray helps add volume at the sides and creates a lived-in look.
- Blow-dry strategically: direct air to the sides rather than straight up. Use your fingers to encourage width.
- Ask your barber for soft layering and to avoid overly short sides or long, voluminous tops.
- Trim every 4–6 weeks to keep the proportions balanced; longer styles may need slightly less frequent trims but should be shaped regularly.
Beard and grooming: use facial hair to add width
Facial hair is an excellent tool for correcting a long face. A short boxed beard or fuller stubble that adds width at the jawline will instantly shorten your profile. Avoid long pointy goatees or narrow chin beards that elongate the face. Keep sideburns at medium length to help bridge the hairline and jaw for a balanced frame.
Outfit combinations that complement long faces
The right clothes enhance the effect of your hairstyle. Try these combos:
- Crew neck sweaters and t-shirts — the round neckline creates horizontal lines that help balance length.
- Structured blazers with lapels — pick medium-width lapels to add shoulder presence and divert attention from vertical face length.
- Layering with scarves or open collared shirts — layers across the chest add visual width.
- Avoid deep V-necks and long, unstructured coats that emphasize vertical lines.
Practical barber talk: what to ask for
When you sit in the chair, be clear and show photos. Ask your barber for:
- “Add width at the temples and sides, reduce height on top.”
- “Soft fringe or side-swept bangs that meet the brow or cheekbone.”
- “Textured layers instead of uniform length — use point cutting for movement.”
Bring two reference photos: one of the cut you like, and one of your face shape to make communication easier.
Maintenance and daily routine
Keep your morning routine to 5–10 minutes: towel dry, apply a small amount of product (matte paste or sea salt spray), and run your fingers through the sides and fringe. For medium or longer styles, a quick blow-dry on low heat helps set the width. Sleep on a cotton pillowcase to reduce frizz and maintain shape.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What haircut shortens a long face the most?
A: Cuts with fringe or bangs and added side volume shorten a long face most effectively. Think textured crops, shaggy fringes, and medium layered cuts that draw the eye horizontally.
Q: Can long hair work for men with a long face?
A: Yes. Long hair can work if it adds width — layers around the cheeks, side parts, and soft waves or curls help. Avoid slicked-back styles that expose the full forehead and increase perceived length.
Q: How should I pair a beard with hairstyles for long faces?
A: Aim for facial hair that adds width at the jawline — short boxed beards, full stubble, and medium sideburns are great. Avoid narrow chin-pointing goatees that make the face look longer.
Quick style checklist before you leave the house
- Check the top-to-side balance — not too tall.
- Run fingers across the sides to ensure width.
- Use a small amount of matte product — less is often more.
- If you wear glasses, choose frames that add horizontal lines or wider shapes.
Conclusion — choose the right mens hairstyles for long faces and own it
Finding mens hairstyles for long faces is about creating balance: add width, reduce height, and use texture to draw attention outward. Start with a textured crop, side part, or layered medium length — then use grooming and outfit choices to reinforce the look. Book a consult with your barber, bring reference photos, and experiment with texture products until you find what suits your lifestyle.
Ready to try a new cut? Check out our guide to beard styles for long faces and the best haircare routine for men to keep your new look sharp. If you liked these tips, subscribe to get style updates and seasonal haircut guides.
