Home›Face Shapes›Oblong
▭  16% of people · Face Shape Profile

Oblong Face Shape

Elongated with parallel sides

Oblong faces (also called rectangle or long faces) are noticeably longer than they are wide, with straight, nearly parallel sides. The forehead, cheekbones, and jaw are all similar in width. There are few curves or angles — the face is defined by its length.

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Characteristics

How to identify a oblong face

Pull hair back and compare face length to width. If the face is significantly longer than wide and the sides run roughly straight from forehead to jaw without much tapering or widening, you have an oblong face.

01Noticeably longer than wide
02Forehead, cheeks, and jaw similar in width
03Straight, nearly parallel sides
04High forehead
05Minimal width variation from top to bottom
Notable Examples
Sarah Jessica Parker
Liv Tyler
Adam Levine
Ben Affleck
Prevalence
16%
of people have a oblong face shape
Hairstyles

Best Hairstyles for Oblong Faces

Adding width and shortening the perceived face length are the priorities. Volume at the sides, minimal height at the crown.

✓ Best hairstyles
Full Fringe / Blunt Bangs
Cuts the visible forehead height dramatically — one of the most effective tools for long faces.
Shoulder-Length with Waves
Horizontal volume at the cheeks and jaw adds the width that long faces need.
Side-Swept Bangs
Creates a diagonal line that visually shortens the forehead.
Textured Side Part (Men)
Keeping height minimal and adding texture at the sides adds width without height.
Layered Shag
Volume throughout — particularly at the sides — adds horizontal presence.
✕ Styles to avoid
—High volume at the crown that adds to already significant face length
—Long, straight, center-parted hair that emphasizes vertical lines
—Sleek updos that expose a high forehead
↗ Recommended hair tools
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Eyewear

Best Glasses Frames for Oblong Faces

Wide, tall frames add horizontal visual weight and reduce the perception of face length. Avoid narrow frames that emphasize vertical lines.

✓ Best frames
Oversized Round or Square Frames
Maximum width adds horizontal presence across the face.
Deep (Tall) Frames
A taller lens fills more vertical face space, reducing the perception of length.
Decorative Upper-Rim Frames
Adds visual weight and interest horizontally.
Wayfarers
Wide, proportional frames that sit well on longer face proportions.
✕ Frames to avoid
—Narrow rectangular frames that emphasize face length
—Small frames that look lost on a longer face
—Frameless glasses with thin temples
↗ Where to buy

Wide frames are essential. The wider the frame, the more it counteracts face length.

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Makeup & Contouring

Makeup & Contouring for Oblong Faces

1.Contour the top of the forehead and bottom of the chin to visually shorten
2.Horizontal blush placement (across the cheeks) adds width
3.Avoid heavy highlight down the nose center — it elongates
4.Bold, wide eyebrow shapes add horizontal emphasis
5.Lip liner that slightly overlines the corners adds horizontal width
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StyleMetric AI

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Frequently Asked Questions
Other Face Shapes
◯
Oval
26%
○
Round
22%
□
Square
18%
♡
Heart
20%
◇
Diamond
8%