Long faces have unique proportions, and choosing the right shoulder – length hairstyle can enhance one’s appearance by creating more balance. Shoulder – length hair offers a great canvas for various styles that can either shorten the appearance of the face or add width to make the face look more proportional. In this article, we will explore different shoulder – length hairstyles that are flattering for long – faced individuals.
Layers for Dimension and Width
Long Layers
Description: Long layers in shoulder – length hair are a wonderful option. The layers can start from around the chin or slightly below and gradually increase in length as they move towards the ends.
Benefits for Long Faces: The layers add movement and volume to the hair, which helps to break the verticality of a long face. They also add width, making the face seem more proportional. When the hair moves, it draws the eye away from the length of the face. For example, if you have straight, shoulder – length hair with long layers, it can give a soft and elegant appearance. You can style it with loose waves using a large – barreled curling iron to further enhance the effect.
Styling Tips: Apply a volumizing mousse to damp hair before drying. When using a blow – dryer, use a round brush to lift the hair at the roots and follow the direction of the layers. This will add more volume. You can also use a light – hold hairspray to keep the layers in place.
Shaggy Layers
What They Are: Shaggy layers are cut at different lengths and angles, creating a textured and tousled look. The hair has a more disheveled yet stylish appearance.
How They Work for Long Faces: The shaggy layers add a lot of volume and width to the face. The random lengths and textures break up the long lines of the face. They can make the face look less elongated. For instance, if you have thick hair and a long face, shaggy layers can reduce the bulk while still maintaining a full look. You can use a texturizing spray to enhance the shaggy effect and tousle the hair with your fingers.
Styling Options: After washing your hair, towel – dry it slightly. Apply the texturizing spray and then use your hands to scrunch the hair as it dries naturally or with a blow – dryer on a low – heat setting. You can also part your hair in different ways, such as a side part or a middle part, to change the look.
Curly and Wavy Styles
Loose Curls
Effect on Long Faces: Loose curls in shoulder – length hair are great for softening the appearance of a long face. The curves of the curls contrast with the straight lines of the face, creating a more harmonious look.
Styling: You can achieve loose curls using a curling iron with a medium – to – large barrel. Start by applying a heat protectant spray to your hair. Section the hair and curl each section, holding the curling iron for about 10 – 15 seconds. After curling, use your fingers to separate the curls for a more natural look. You can also use a curl – enhancing product to keep the curls defined. For a more romantic look, you can let some of the curls fall over one side of your face.
Benefits: The loose curls add width to the face as they expand outwards. They also add a touch of femininity and charm.This style is suitable for both casual and more formal occasions.
Beachy Waves
Description: Beachy waves have a more relaxed and casual look. They are not as structured as regular curls.
For Long Faces: Beachy waves are excellent for long – faced individuals as they add volume and width. The undulating waves break the verticality of the face. To create beachy waves, you can use a sea – salt spray on damp hair. Scrunch the hair with your hands and let it air – dry. You can also use a curling iron to create a few more defined waves in some sections if needed.
Styling and Maintenance: This style is relatively low – maintenance. You can refresh the waves the next day by spraying a little more sea – salt spray and scrunching the hair. A small amount of styling cream can be applied to the ends to keep them smooth.
Bangs to Shorten the Appearance
Side – swept Bangs
Function: Side – swept bangs are a classic choice for long – faced people. They cover part of the forehead and create a horizontal line, which helps to shorten the look of the face.
Styling: To style side – swept bangs, start with clean, dry hair. Use a round brush and a blow – dryer to curve the bangs to one side. You can apply a small amount of styling gel or hairspray to keep them in place. The length of the bangs can vary, but they usually look good when they reach the eyebrow or slightly below.
Benefits: Side – swept bangs draw attention to the eyes and add a softening effect to the face. They also add an element of style and can be customized based on your preference. For example, you can make them more wavy or straight depending on the overall look you want.
Blunt Bangs
What They Are: Blunt bangs are cut straight across the forehead.
How They Work: When done correctly, blunt bangs can be very flattering for long faces. They create a strong horizontal line that shortens the appearance of the face. However, they need to be styled properly. They can be paired with shoulder – length hair that is either straight or has a slight wave.For instance, if you have a long face with a high forehead, blunt bangs can make a bold statement and balance the proportions.
Styling Tips: Use a flat iron to keep the bangs straight if your hair is naturally wavy or curly. You may need to trim them regularly to keep them at the right length and shape. A light – hold hairspray can be used to keep them in place during the day.
Asymmetrical Styles
Asymmetrical Cut
Description: An asymmetrical shoulder – length haircut has one side longer than the other. This creates an interesting and unique look.
Benefits for Long Faces: The asymmetry helps to break the symmetry of the long face. The longer side can add width and draw the eye horizontally, while the shorter side can highlight a particular feature, such as the cheek or jaw. For example, if the left side of the hair is longer and reaches the shoulder, and the right side is shorter and ends at the chin, it can create a dynamic and stylish look that softens the long face shape.
Styling Options: You can style the longer side with waves or curls using a curling iron. The shorter side can be straightened or have a slight curve. Use a styling product like wax or pomade to hold the style and define the edges.
Asymmetrical Layers
What They Entail: Asymmetrical layers involve having different lengths of layers on each side of the head.
How They Work: This style adds more complexity and visual interest. The varying layers on each side help to break the vertical lines of the long face. It can also add volume and movement. You can style the hair with a side part, with the layers falling in different directions on each side. This can make the face look more proportional and add a modern touch to your appearance.
Styling: Use a volumizing mousse and a blow – dryer to lift the layers at the roots. You can then use a curling iron to add some curls or waves to the layers for added texture. A small amount of hairspray can be used to hold the style.
Considerations for Choosing the Right Shoulder – Length Hairstyle
Hair Texture
Thick Hair: If you have thick hair, you can handle more volume and layers. Styles like shaggy layers or curly styles with lots of body can be great. However, you may need to use products to control the thickness and keep the style looking neat. For example, a smoothing serum can be applied to the ends to prevent frizz.
Thin Hair: For thin hair, styles that add volume are ideal. Long layers with a volumizing mousse or beachy waves with a texturizing spray can make your hair look fuller. You can also consider an asymmetrical cut to create the illusion of more volume.
Curly or Wavy Hair: If your hair is curly or wavy, embrace the texture. Shoulder – length curly hair with layers or beachy waves can be very flattering. Use products designed for curly hair to keep the curls healthy and defined. You can also straighten your hair if you want to try a different look, but make sure to use a good heat protectant.
Face Features
Forehead Width: If you have a narrow forehead, bangs can be a great addition to add width. If your forehead is wide, you may want to avoid very heavy bangs and instead focus on styles that add volume at the sides.
Jawline: The shape of your jawline also matters. If you have a strong jawline, softening styles like loose curls or shaggy layers can be beneficial. If your jawline is more delicate, you can choose styles that emphasize it, such as an asymmetrical cut with the shorter side highlighting the jaw.
Lifestyle and Personal Style
Active Lifestyle: If you have an active lifestyle, a more manageable style like a simple layered cut or beachy waves might be better. These styles won’t get in the way during physical activities.
Professional Environment: In a professional setting, a neater shoulder – length style like straight hair with long layers or a side – part with gentle waves can look presentable. You can add a simple hairpin or a headband to enhance the style.
Creative and Trendy: For those with a creative and trendy personal style, you can experiment with more unique shoulder – length hairstyles. An asymmetrical cut with bold colors, a shaggy layer with an edgy part, or curly hair with unique styling can be great options.
Conclusion
There are numerous shoulder – length hairstyles that can be flattering for long – faced individuals. By considering factors such as hair texture, face features, and lifestyle, you can find the perfect style that not only enhances your appearance but also makes you feel confident and stylish. Whether you prefer a soft and romantic look or a more modern and edgy style, there are plenty of options to explore. Experiment with different styles, consult with a professional stylist if possible, and enjoy the process of finding the right hairstyle for you.
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