When it comes to choosing a hairstyle, face shape plays a crucial role. For those with long faces, certain styles can inadvertently emphasize the length, making the face appear even more elongated. Understanding which hairstyles are not suitable for long faces can help individuals make more flattering choices that enhance their overall appearance. In this article, we will explore the various hairstyles that should be avoided by those with long face shapes and the reasons behind it.
Hairstyles with Excessive Height at the Crown
Voluminous Updos with High Crowns
When creating an updo with a significant amount of volume at the crown, it draws the eye upward and elongates the face vertically. For example, a beehive – style updo or a high – piled bun can make a long face look even longer. The added height on top of the head creates an illusion of more length from the forehead to the hairline, emphasizing the already long proportions of the face.
This is because the eye naturally follows the lines created by the hairstyle. In the case of these voluminous updos with high crowns, the lines lead the viewer’s gaze in a way that stretches the perception of the face’s length. It’s like adding an exclamation point at the top of the head that further accentuates the verticality of the long face.
Poufs and Teased Hair at the Front
Poufs or teased sections of hair at the front of the head, especially when they are high – set, are not ideal for long faces.
These styles add height near the forehead, which can make the face seem to go on forever. The visual effect is similar to that of the voluminous updos; it disrupts the balance of the face by overemphasizing the top portion.
For instance, a 1960s – inspired bouffant style that is popular in some retro looks can be a disaster for someone with a long face. The teased hair at the front creates a peak that elongates the appearance of the forehead and, by extension, the entire face. This can make the face look severe and overly stretched.
Straight, Long, and Unlayered Hair
Floor – Length, Straight Hair
While long, flowing hair can be beautiful, when it’s completely straight and reaches down to the floor or even below the waist without any layers, it can be unflattering for long faces. The uninterrupted length of the hair creates a vertical line that continues the line of the face, making it seem even longer.
Think of it like a curtain that runs parallel to the face. There are no breaks or variations in the line, so the eye just follows the length of the hair and the face in one continuous sweep. This lack of interruption in the visual flow emphasizes the length of the face rather than softening it. For example, if you have a long face and wear your hair poker – straight down to your hips, it will likely make your face look more elongated.
One – Length, Mid – Back or Longer Hair
Hair that is one – length and reaches mid – back or longer without any layers has the same problem. It doesn’t add any width to the face or break up the verticality. The result is that the face appears more stretched out. Even if the hair has some body, if it’s all one length, it still continues the vertical line of the face.
This type of hairstyle can make the face look gaunt and angular. It doesn’t provide any softening effect around the edges of the face. Without layers to add volume or movement, the hair simply acts as an extension of the face’s length, highlighting the long – face shape rather than complementing it.
Deep Side Parts with Long, Straight Strands
Deep Side Parts on Straight Hair
A deep side part can be a stylish choice, but when combined with long, straight hair and a long face, it can be problematic.
When the part is very deep, it creates an imbalance that further elongates the face. The longer section of hair on one side of the part can act like a pendulum, drawing the eye down and emphasizing the length of the face.
For example, if you part your hair deeply on one side and let the hair fall straight down over your shoulder, it can create a visual line that starts from the high part and continues all the way down, making the face look longer. The contrast between the short and long sections of hair created by the deep side part can make the longer section seem even more pronounced, adding to the elongation effect.
Combining Deep Side Parts with Volume on One Side
Sometimes, people add volume to the longer section of hair in a deep side part. While this can look great on some face shapes, for long faces, it can be a disaster. The added volume on one side still follows the vertical line of the face and can make the face look lopsided and even more elongated.
The volume draws attention to the length of the hair on that side, and the deep part emphasizes the vertical division. This combination can make the face look asymmetrical in a way that highlights its length rather than adding a flattering dimension. It’s like creating a visual arrow that points down the length of the face, making it seem longer than it actually is.
Tight Ponytails and Braids Pulled Straight Back
Tight, High Ponytails
A tight, high ponytail pulled straight back from the forehead is not a good look for long faces. This hairstyle pulls the hair away from the face, leaving no softening elements around the edges. It also creates a vertical line that starts from the hairline and continues with the ponytail, making the face look longer.
When the hair is tightly pulled back, there is no room for any volume or movement that could add width to the face. The result is a severe look that accentuates the length of the face. For example, if you have a long face and wear a high, tight ponytail every day, you may notice that your face appears more elongated and angular.
Tight Braids Pulled Straight Back
Similar to tight ponytails, tight braids that are pulled straight back can be unflattering for long faces. Whether it’s a single French braid or multiple braids, when they are tightly pulled away from the face, they create a linear effect that emphasizes the length of the face.
The tension of the braid against the scalp can also make the face look more drawn. There is no opportunity for the hair to add any softness or width to the face. The braid acts as a visual extension of the face’s length, making it seem more prominent. This is especially true if the braid is long and continues the vertical line of the face without any breaks.
Conclusion
For those with long faces, it’s important to be aware of these hairstyles that can emphasize the length of the face. By avoiding these unflattering options, you can choose hairstyles that add width, volume, or breaks in the vertical line to create a more balanced and flattering look. Remember, the goal is to enhance your natural beauty and make your face shape appear more harmonious. There are plenty of alternative hairstyles, such as layered cuts, side – swept bangs, and soft waves, that can work wonders for long – faced individuals. Experiment with different styles to find the ones that make you feel and look your best.
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