To determine whether long faces look better with long or short hair, it is crucial to first understand what defines a long face. People with long faces often have an elongated appearance, where the length of the face is significantly greater than its width. The forehead, cheekbones, jawline, and chin are usually in alignment, contributing to the face’s overall length. The features of a long face may also include a high forehead, a prominent chin, and a narrow jawline.
Recognizing these characteristics is the first step in deciding on the most flattering hairstyle. The goal when choosing a hairstyle for a long face is to create balance, softening the elongated look while enhancing the face’s natural beauty.
The Impact of Hair Length on Long Faces
Hair length plays a vital role in shaping the overall appearance of a long face. Whether long or short, the hairstyle should complement the face’s proportions rather than accentuating its length. Here, we explore the effects of both long and short hairstyles on long faces, highlighting the pros and cons of each.
Long Hair for Long Faces
Pros:
Versatility in Styling: Long hair offers numerous styling options, including waves, curls, layers, and updos. These styles can add volume and width, helping to balance the face’s proportions.
Softening Features: Long hair, especially when styled with soft waves or layers, can help soften sharp features. This creates a more harmonious look by diverting attention from the face’s length and emphasizing its width.
Creative Layers: Layers can be strategically placed to break up the length of the face. For example, face-framing layers starting from the cheeks or jawline can add width and create an illusion of a shorter face.
Cons:
Risk of Elongation: If not styled properly, long hair can further elongate the face. Straight, flat, or unlayered long hair can draw the eye downward, making the face appear even longer.
Maintenance: Maintaining long hair requires time and effort, especially if you aim to keep it healthy and styled in a way that complements your face shape.
Limited Volume: Long hair can sometimes weigh down, reducing the volume at the crown. This can inadvertently highlight the length of the face instead of balancing it.
Short Hair for Long Faces
Pros:
Adding Width: Short hairstyles, especially those with volume at the sides, can add width to the face. This helps to balance the length and creates a more proportionate look.
Emphasizing Features: Short hair can draw attention to specific facial features like the eyes, cheekbones, or lips, detracting from the face’s length.
Low Maintenance: Short hair is generally easier to maintain and style, making it a practical option for those with a busy lifestyle.
Versatility with Bangs: Bangs, when paired with short hair, can work wonders for long faces. They can shorten the appearance of the forehead, reducing the overall length of the face.
Cons:
Limited Styling Options: Short hair offers fewer styling options compared to long hair. This could be a drawback for those who enjoy experimenting with different looks.
Focus on the Face: Short hair puts the focus squarely on the face. While this can be positive, it can also highlight features that some may prefer to downplay, such as a prominent chin or a high forehead.
Frequent Maintenance: Short hair requires regular trims to maintain its shape and style. This might be inconvenient for those who prefer low-maintenance hairstyles.
Popular Hairstyles for Long Faces: Long vs. Short
Choosing between long and short hair for a long face depends on personal preference, lifestyle, and the specific look one wishes to achieve. Below are some popular hairstyles for long faces that showcase the benefits of both long and short hair.
Long Hair Hairstyles
Layered Waves: Long, layered waves are a classic choice for long faces. The layers add volume and movement, while the waves create width, softening the face’s elongated appearance.
Side-Swept Bangs: Pairing long hair with side-swept bangs is another flattering option. The bangs shorten the forehead, while the long layers frame the face, creating a balanced look.
Loose Curls: Loose, voluminous curls add body and width to long hair, making them an excellent choice for long faces. This style is particularly effective when the curls start at the cheeks or jawline, adding fullness where it’s needed.
Center Part with Layers: A center part combined with layers that fall around the cheekbones or jawline can create the illusion of a wider, more proportionate face.
Short Hair Hairstyles
Chin-Length Bob: A chin-length bob adds width at the jawline, balancing the face’s length. This style is particularly flattering when paired with subtle layers or waves.
Pixie Cut with Volume: A pixie cut with volume at the crown can create the illusion of a shorter face. The added height at the crown contrasts with the face’s length, creating a more balanced appearance.
Side-Parted Bob: A side-parted bob with volume at the sides is an excellent choice for long faces. The side part adds asymmetry, drawing attention away from the face’s length.
Textured Lob (Long Bob): A textured lob that falls between the chin and shoulders offers the best of both worlds. It adds width and volume, while the texture adds movement, creating a harmonious look.
The Role of Face Shape Beyond Length
While the focus here is on long faces, it’s important to consider other aspects of face shape when choosing a hairstyle. The width of the forehead, cheekbones, and jawline also plays a role in determining the most flattering haircut. For example:
Narrow Foreheads: People with narrow foreheads may benefit from hairstyles that add volume at the top, such as a layered cut with a slight lift at the crown.
Prominent Cheekbones: If the cheekbones are a dominant feature, hairstyles that emphasize this area, like a chin-length bob or layered waves, can be particularly flattering.
Strong Jawlines: For those with strong jawlines, soft, flowing hairstyles can help balance the angularity of the face, creating a more harmonious look.
SEE ALSO: What Ponytail is Best for Long Face Shape?
Choosing Between Long and Short Hair: Key Considerations
When deciding whether long or short hair is better for a long face, several factors should be taken into account. These include:
Personal Style and Preferences
Your personal style and how you like to express yourself should be a key consideration. If you enjoy the versatility and elegance of long hair, you may prefer styles that add layers or waves to balance your face. On the other hand, if you prefer a chic, modern look, a short haircut like a bob or pixie may be more suitable.
Lifestyle and Maintenance
Consider how much time you’re willing to spend on hair care and styling. Long hair typically requires more maintenance, including regular trims, conditioning, and styling to keep it looking its best. Short hair, while easier to manage day-to-day, requires more frequent cuts to maintain its shape.
Hair Texture and Volume
Your hair’s natural texture and volume also play a role in determining the best hairstyle. For instance, thick, wavy hair may lend itself better to long, layered cuts, while fine, straight hair might look fuller with a shorter style that adds volume.
Professional Advice
Consulting a professional hairstylist is always a good idea, especially when making a significant change. A stylist can assess your face shape, hair texture, and personal style to recommend the most flattering haircut. They can also offer tips on styling and maintenance to ensure your new look complements your long face.
Conclusion
Ultimately, whether long faces look better with long or short hair depends on various factors, including personal style, lifestyle, and the specific look you wish to achieve. Both long and short hairstyles can be flattering for long faces, provided they are chosen with careful consideration of the face’s proportions.
Long hair offers versatility and the ability to soften sharp features, but it requires careful styling to avoid elongating the face further. Short hair, on the other hand, can add width and emphasize facial features, creating a balanced look that highlights the beauty of a long face.
The key to finding the perfect hairstyle is to experiment with different looks, consult with a professional, and choose a style that makes you feel confident and beautiful. With the right haircut, a long face can be transformed into a striking, elegant feature that enhances your overall appearance.