Men’s Hairstyles For Long Faces: Got a long face shape? Join the club. From Jake Gyllenhaal to Ben Affleck, plenty of handsome dudes are rocking elongated facial structures and they look damn good doing it.
The secret? Finding the right hairstyle that complements rather than emphasizes your face shape.
Let’s be real. Not every haircut is gonna work for you. But that’s actually a good thing! It narrows down your options and helps you focus on styles that’ll enhance your natural features.
I’ve spent years in the barbering industry, and lemme tell you, guys with long faces have so many killer options. The trick is to add width while minimizing height. Simple as that.
Understanding Long Face Shapes
Before we dive into specific styles, ya gotta understand what makes a face “long” in the first place. Typically, if the length of your face is noticeably greater than its width, congratulations you’ve got a long face shape. Your forehead, cheekbones, and jawline are probably similar in width, with a greater distance from hairline to chin.
Some celebs with long faces include Hugh Jackman, Adam Levine, and Adrien Brody. Not bad company to be in, right?
The main goal with long faces is balance. You want hairstyles that visually shorten the face by adding width at the sides. Avoid styles that add too much volume on top without any width, as these can make your face appear even longer.
1. Textured Crop with Fringe
This modern classic is perfect for long faces. The textured crop keeps things short and manageable, while the fringe breaks up the length of your forehead.
Ask your barber for a crop with texture throughout the top, keeping enough length to style forward. The sides should be shorter think fade or taper but not too short. You want some weight there to add width.
Style it with a matte product, pushing the fringe slightly forward and to the side. The irregular texture creates the illusion of width rather than height. Works great for pretty much any hair type, but especially good for straight or wavy hair.
2. Side-Swept Undercut
The side-swept undercut is a versatile option that creates the perfect balance for longer faces. By sweeping the hair to one side, you create horizontal movement that widens the face visually.
Go for a disconnected undercut with significant length on top at least 3-4 inches. The sides should be short (a #1 or #2 guard typically works well), creating a stark contrast with the longer top section.
This style needs regular maintenance but it’s worth the effort. Use a blow dryer to create volume and direction, then lock it in with a medium-hold pomade. The side-swept nature breaks up the vertical lines of your face, which is exactly what ya want.
3. Modern Pompadour with Low Fade
Now, I know what your thinking doesn’t a pompadour add height? Yes, but hear me out. A modern, slightly shorter pompadour that emphasizes width rather than height can actually be super flattering for long faces.
The key is to keep the pomp relatively low and focus on creating volume that extends outward rather than straight up. Pair it with a low fade that maintains some weight around the temples.
Style this by blow-drying the hair forward and then back, creating a rounded shape rather than a tall one. This hairstyle works particularly well for guys with thick hair who wanna make a statement without elongating their face further.
4. Messy Waves with Mid-Fade
If you’ve got wavy or curly hair, this is your jam. The natural texture creates width and dimension that’s perfect for balancing a long face.
Ask for a cut that maintains length on top around 2-3 inches with a clean mid-fade on the sides. The key is to leave enough length to show off those natural waves while keeping things tight on the sides.
Use a sea salt spray on damp hair and let it air dry for that effortless, tousled look. The waves naturally create horizontal movement, which is exactly what you need to visually shorten your face.
5. Buzz Cut with Shape-Up
Sometimes simpler is better. A buzz cut with a sharp shape-up along the hairline can be extremely flattering for long faces, especially if you’ve got strong features.
The uniform shortness of this style minimizes the appearance of length. Add a shape-up (also called a line-up) around the temples and forehead to create angles that distract from your face’s length.
This is also hella low-maintenance just schedule regular touch-ups every couple weeks to maintain the shape-up and overall neatness. Works best for guys with symmetric facial features who aren’t trying to hide anything.
6. Medium-Length Layers
Medium-length hair with layers can be a stellar choice for long faces. The layers create movement and width, while the overall length adds character without emphasizing vertical lines.
Ask your barber or stylist for a cut that hits around the ears or slightly lower, with plenty of interior layers to create texture and movement. The front can be slightly longer to allow for versatile styling.
This works excellent for wavy, curly, or thick straight hair. Style with a light-hold product, scrunching to enhance texture rather than smoothing down. The natural movement creates width that balances your face shape.
7. Slicked-Back Undercut
The slicked-back undercut has been trendy for years, and for long-faced guys, it can be a great option when done right. The key is keeping volume on the sides while slicking back the top.
Ask for an undercut that’s not too severe you want to maintain some weight around the temples and sides. The top should be 3-4 inches, long enough to slick back without standing too tall.
Use a combination of blow-drying and a medium-shine pomade to achieve the slicked-back look. Avoid pulling the hair straight back; instead, create a slight part and direct it back at an angle to add some width.
8. Curtained Hair
The 90s are back, baby! Curtained hair (think young Leonardo DiCaprio) is making a huge comeback, and it’s particularly flattering for long faces.
This style features a middle or slightly off-center part with hair that falls to frame both sides of the face. The length should be at least touching the eyebrows in front, possibly longer.
The horizontal line created by the part and the width added by the curtains on either side work together to visually shorten the face. It’s particularly good for straight or slightly wavy hair with medium thickness.
9. Faux Hawk with Tapered Sides
A modern faux hawk not the spiky 2000s version can be an awesome choice for long faces. The style creates width through the middle of the head while keeping things shorter on top.
Ask for a cut that maintains 2-3 inches through the center of the head, gradually tapering down on the sides rather than going for a disconnected look. This creates a more natural transition that adds width.
Style by using a blow dryer and matte product to direct the hair toward the center, creating a subtle ridge rather than a dramatic spike. The width created through the middle of the head helps balance your face shape.
10. Classic Side Part with Taper
Sometimes the classics are classics for a reason. A side part with a taper on the sides creates a sophisticated look that’s flattering for long faces.
The side part creates a horizontal break that visually widens the face. Ask for a classic taper on the sides rather than a skin fade you want to maintain some volume around the temples and sides.
Style with a comb and some pomade, creating a clean part and brushing the hair to one side. This timeless look works well in professional settings and suits most hair types, though it’s particularly good for straight or slightly wavy hair.
11. Brush Up with Texture
The brush-up style combines the height of a quiff with the texture and messiness of modern styling. For long faces, the key is to focus on creating width rather than just height.
Ask your barber for a cut that keeps 2-3 inches on top, with textured ends and shorter sides that aren’t too tight. The texturizing is crucial here it prevents the style from appearing too “pointy” at the top.
Style by blow-drying the hair upward and slightly forward, then use your fingers and a matte product to create piece-y texture. The result is a style with height that also creates the appearance of width due to the texture.
12. Longer Curls with Fade
If you’ve been blessed with curls, use ’em to your advantage! Longer curls on top paired with a fade on the sides is an excellent choice for long faces.
The natural volume and horizontal expansion of curly hair creates width that balances your face shape. Keep the curls longer on top around 3-4 inches when stretched and opt for a medium fade on the sides.
Use curl-enhancing products and either air dry or diffuse to maximize your natural texture. The rounded shape of the curls helps to offset the length of your face in the best possible way.
13. Short Sides with Wavy Top
This style works great for guys with naturally wavy hair. The combination of short sides with a wavy, textured top creates the perfect balance for a long face.
Ask for a cut that leaves 2-3 inches on top, with plenty of texturizing to enhance your waves. The sides should be tapered short but not skin-tight, maintaining a bit of fullness around the temples.
Style with a lightweight cream or mousse, scrunching to enhance the natural wave pattern. The horizontal movement created by the waves helps to visually shorten the face.
14. Loose Quiff
A loose, textured quiff is a great alternative to the more structured pompadour. It offers height without appearing too vertical, making it suitable for longer face shapes.
The key is keeping the quiff relaxed and textured rather than sleek and tall. Ask for a cut with 3-4 inches on top, tapering down on the sides but maintaining some fullness.
Style by blow-drying forward and then back, creating a rounded shape. Use your fingers rather than a comb for a messier finish, and lock it in with a matte product. The textured nature of this style creates the appearance of width.
15. Short Textured Crop
For guys who prefer a lower-maintenance option, a short textured crop is an excellent choice. This style keeps things neat while still creating the width needed to balance a long face.
Ask for a cut that’s relatively short on top around 1-2 inches with plenty of point-cutting and texturizing. The sides should be slightly shorter but not dramatically so.
Style with a matte clay or paste, working the product through with your fingers to create piece-y texture. The choppy, textured finish creates horizontal movement that’s perfect for long faces.
16. Layered Mid-Length Style
Longer hair can absolutely work for long faces when cut properly. A mid-length style with lots of layers creates movement and width that balances your face shape.
This cut should hit somewhere between the ear and shoulder, with plenty of internal layers to create volume and prevent the hair from laying too flat against the head.
Style with a light-hold product, enhancing natural texture and allowing the layers to create movement. This works particularly well for guys with wavy or curly hair who want a more relaxed, bohemian vibe.
17. Asymmetrical Style
An asymmetrical cut longer on one side than the other creates visual interest that draws attention away from your face’s length. It’s a bold choice that can look incredibly stylish.
Ask for a cut that’s noticeably longer on one side, with a deep side part and shorter, tapered sides. The longer section should sweep across partially, creating diagonal rather than vertical lines.
This style works for straight, wavy, or curly hair and can be adjusted based on your preferred level of drama. Style with a medium-hold product, emphasizing the asymmetrical nature of the cut.
18. Blowout with Fade
The modern blowout creates volume and width that’s perfect for balancing a long face. Unlike the Jersey Shore poofs of yesteryear, today’s blowout is more controlled and stylized.
Ask for a cut that leaves 3-4 inches on top, with a fade on the sides that isn’t too extreme. The top should be layered to allow for directional styling.
Use a round brush and blow dryer to create volume that extends outward rather than straight up. Finish with a texturizing product for definition. The rounded volume creates width that visually shortens the face.
19. Shaggy Layers
For guys who prefer a more relaxed, rockstar vibe, shaggy layers can be an excellent choice. This intentionally messy style creates width through texture and movement.
Ask for a cut with varied layer lengths, keeping the overall style relatively short to medium in length. The layers should create a choppy, piece-y effect rather than a uniform look.
Style with a texturizing paste or clay, enhancing the natural separation of the layers. This low-maintenance style works well for most hair types and creates the horizontal movement that’s so flattering for long faces.
Final Thoughts: Men’s Hairstyles For Long Faces
Finding the right hairstyle for your long face isn’t about hiding your face shape it’s about enhancing it. The best haircuts create balance by adding width where needed while avoiding excess height.
When visiting your barber, dont be afraid to discuss your face shape concerns directly. Bring reference photos, but be open to their professional suggestions. A good barber will adjust styles to suit your specific features.
Remember that hair texture, density, and your personal style all play important roles in choosing the right haircut. What works for someone else might need tweaking to work for you.
With the right cut and styling, your long face can be your best feature rather than something to downplay. Embrace your natural structure, enhance it with the right hairstyle, and rock that long face with confidence!
FAQs: Men’s Hairstyles For Long Faces
What Are the Best Hairstyles to Shorten the Appearance of a Long Face?
The best hairstyles for long faces are those that add width and volume on the sides to balance out the length. Styles like textured crops, side parts, and layered cuts with some fullness around the temples help create the illusion of a shorter, more proportionate face. Avoid hairstyles that add height on top, as they tend to elongate the face even more.
Can Layered Cuts Make a Long Face Look More Balanced?
Yes, layered cuts are excellent for long faces because they add texture and volume horizontally. Layers help break up the vertical length by drawing attention to the sides, making your face look wider and more balanced. This is especially effective with medium to long hair lengths.
How Important Is Volume for Men’s Hairstyles on Long Faces?
Volume is key when styling long faces. Adding volume to the sides or the midsection of the hair can visually widen the face, reducing its length. However, be careful not to add too much height on top, as that can exaggerate the length. The goal is to create a balanced silhouette that complements your face shape.
Are Bangs or Fringe Styles Effective for Long Face Shapes?
Absolutely! Bangs or fringes can be game changers for men with long faces. They help cover the forehead and visually shorten the vertical length of the face. Opt for side-swept bangs or textured fringes rather than blunt, straight-across bangs, which can look too harsh.
Which Hairstyles Should Men Avoid If They Have a Long Face?
Men with long faces should avoid hairstyles that add extra height or length on top, such as tall pompadours or slicked-back styles with no volume on the sides. These styles tend to elongate the face further. Instead, focus on cuts that add width and horizontal lines to balance your features.
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Max McKay is a hairstyle enthusiast sharing expert tips, trending styles, and easy-to-follow hair guides. From classic cuts to bold transformations, Max helps readers discover their best look and feel confident with every strand. Your go-to source for hair inspiration!