For men with long faces, choosing the right hairstyle can make a significant difference in enhancing their overall appearance and balancing facial features. A well-suited hairstyle can add width and dimension, creating a more harmonious and proportionate look. In this article, we will explore various hairstyles that are particularly flattering for men with long faces, along with detailed instructions and tips on how to achieve and maintain them.
Hairstyles to Consider
Side-Parted Short Hair
Description: This classic style involves parting the hair on one side and keeping the overall length short. The hair on the top is usually a bit longer than the sides and back.
Benefits: The side part helps to create a horizontal line across the face, which visually breaks up the length. It adds width to the forehead area, making the face appear less elongated. For example, a side part with a short taper on the sides and a length of about 2 – 3 inches on top can give a clean and stylish look.
Styling Instructions: Start with clean, dry hair. Use a comb to create a deep side part. Apply a small amount of styling gel or pomade to the hair on top and comb it over to the side, following the part. Use a hairdryer on a low heat setting to set the style if desired.
Messy Textured Crop
Description: A messy textured crop is a short to medium-length haircut with a lot of texture and volume. The hair is cut in layers to create a tousled look.
Benefits: The texture and volume add width to the face, especially around the temples and cheeks. It gives a modern and youthful appearance. The messy aspect also softens the angularity often associated with long faces. For instance, the hair can be cut to about 1 – 2 inches all over with shorter layers underneath for added lift.
Styling Instructions: After washing and towel-drying the hair, apply a texturizing spray or a small amount of matte clay.Use your fingers to scrunch and tousle the hair, creating random spikes and waves. Let it air-dry or use a hairdryer on a cool setting to enhance the texture.
Bangs and Layers
Description: This style incorporates bangs and layers throughout the hair. The bangs can be straight or slightly wavy and are cut to fall just above the eyebrows.
Benefits: The bangs help to shorten the appearance of the forehead, which is a key area to balance in a long face. The layers add movement and volume, further enhancing the width. A side-swept bang can also create an interesting diagonal line, adding visual interest. For example, if the hair is medium length, the layers can start from around the chin and be cut in a graduated fashion.
Styling Instructions: Blow-dry the hair with a round brush, lifting the roots for volume. Use a flat iron to straighten or add a slight wave to the bangs, depending on the desired look. Apply a small amount of hairspray to hold the style in place.
Short Sides with a Quiff
Description: The sides and back are cut short, while the top is left longer and styled into a quiff. The quiff is created by combing the hair upwards and back, creating a voluminous crest.
Benefits: The short sides draw attention to the fuller top, which adds width to the face. The quiff also adds height, making the face look more proportionate. For a more casual look, the quiff can be made a bit more tousled. For example, the sides can be cut to about 1/2 inch, and the top can be 3 – 4 inches long before styling.
Styling Instructions: Apply a volumizing mousse to damp hair on top. Blow-dry the top hair upwards with a round brush, then use a comb and some styling wax or pomade to shape the quiff. The sides can be finished with a clipper for a clean look.
Wavy or Curly Locks
Description: If a man has natural waves or curls, embracing them can be a great option. The hair is left to grow to a medium or long length and is styled to enhance the natural texture.
Benefits: The waves or curls add width and softness to the face. They create a more relaxed and effortless look. For example, shoulder-length wavy hair can frame the face beautifully and reduce the appearance of its length.
Styling Instructions: Apply a curl-enhancing cream or gel to damp hair. Scrunch the hair with your fingers to encourage the curls or waves. Let it air-dry or use a diffuser attachment on a hairdryer to dry the hair while maintaining the texture.
Considerations for Different Hair Textures
Straight Hair
For straight hair, adding texture can be crucial. This can be achieved through layering, using texturizing products, or even getting a perm for a more permanent wave or curl. For example, a layered haircut with a texturizing spray can create a more voluminous and interesting look for straight-haired men with long faces.
Wavy Hair
Wavy hair can be styled in a variety of ways. It can be left to air-dry naturally for a casual look or blow-dried with a diffuser to enhance the waves. A side part or a middle part can work well, depending on personal preference. Applying a small amount of sea salt spray can add definition and a beachy feel to the waves.
Curly Hair
Curly hair should be well-moisturized to prevent frizz. A leave-in conditioner or a curl-defining cream can be used. Curly hair can be cut in layers to reduce bulk and enhance the shape. It can be styled in an afro-inspired look or with the curls pulled back into a ponytail or bun for a more formal appearance.
Maintenance and Styling Tips
Regular Haircuts:
Regardless of the chosen hairstyle, regular haircuts are essential to maintain the shape and keep the hair healthy. For short hairstyles, a trim every 4 – 6 weeks may be needed. For medium and long hairstyles, a cut every 8 – 12 weeks can help prevent split ends and keep the style looking its best.
Proper Haircare Products:
Use shampoo and conditioner that suits your hair type. For example, if you have dry hair, a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner are recommended. If you style your hair frequently, a clarifying shampoo once a week can help remove product buildup. Additionally, using styling products like pomade, gel, or clay in moderation can prevent the hair from looking greasy or weighed down.
Styling Tools:
Invest in good quality styling tools. A hairdryer with different heat and speed settings, a round brush for volume, and a flat iron or curling iron if needed can help you achieve the desired look. However, always use a heat protectant spray when using heat styling tools to prevent damage to the hair.
Conclusion
Men with long faces have a variety of hairstyle options to choose from. Whether it’s a short and sharp side-parted style, a messy textured crop, or a longer wavy or curly look, the key is to find a hairstyle that balances the face and enhances personal style. By considering the different hairstyles, hair textures, and following the maintenance and styling tips, men can achieve a flattering and confident look. Experimentation is also important, as finding the perfect hairstyle may take some trial and error. With the right hairstyle, men with long faces can showcase their best features and make a stylish statement.