42 Cute Short Hairstyles That Flatter Long Face Shapes

Embracing a short hairstyle can be liberating, chic, and incredibly stylish. However, for those with a long face shape, finding the perfect short cut can sometimes feel like a puzzle. The secret lies in selecting styles that add width, soften angles, and create balance, rather than elongating the face further. Forget the myth that short hair isn’t for you—we’re here to debunk it with 42 stunning options that will have you falling in love with your reflection.

From playful pixies to sophisticated bobs and textured lobs, we’ve curated a collection of cuts designed to enhance your beautiful long features. Get ready to discover your next favorite short hairstyle that not only flatters but also empowers your unique style.

Understanding Your Long Face Shape

A long face shape is typically characterized by a forehead, cheekbones, and jawline that are all roughly the same width, with the length of the face being noticeably longer than its width. You might also have a prominent chin or a higher forehead. The goal with short hairstyles for long faces is to create the illusion of width and reduce vertical lines, bringing a harmonious balance to your features.

Essential Styling Principles for Long Faces

To achieve the most flattering look, keep these principles in mind when choosing and styling your short cut:

Add Width Opt for styles that have volume or layers around the sides of your face.
Soften Angles Avoid overly sleek, straight, and super-long styles that can make your face appear even longer.
Incorporate Bangs Fringes are your best friend! They shorten the appearance of the forehead and add horizontal interest.
Avoid Excessive Height While some crown volume is good, too much height on top can elongate your face.

Dos and Don’ts for Long Face Shapes

DO Embrace side-swept bangs, curtain bangs, or wispy fringes.
DO Choose bobs and lobs that hit at or above the chin, or just below, with layers.
DO Experiment with waves, curls, and texture to add width.
DO Consider styles with volume at the temples or cheekbones.
DON’T Opt for super straight, center-parted, long-length styles.
DON’T Go for extreme height on the crown without balancing width.
DON’T Choose cuts that are too short on the sides with all the length concentrated on top.

The Best Short Hairstyles for Long Faces

Let’s dive into the diverse world of short hairstyles that perfectly complement a long face. Each category offers a multitude of variations, allowing you to find your ideal match among our 42 options.

Chic Bobs and Lobs

Bobs and lobs (long bobs) are incredibly versatile and can be tailored beautifully for long faces. The key is to ensure they create width and softness.

The Layered Bob A chin-length or jaw-length bob with soft, face-framing layers adds instant width and movement. Consider a rich caramel or auburn color to enhance the layers.
A-Line Bob Shorter in the back and gradually longer towards the front, this cut creates a chic angle that draws the eye outwards. Pair it with a deep side part for extra flair.
French Bob with Bangs This classic, chin-grazing bob often features blunt or wispy bangs, perfectly shortening the face. A natural brunette or deep blonde complements this timeless style.
Shaggy Lob A longer bob with choppy layers and textured ends creates a relaxed, voluminous look that adds width. Embrace natural waves or create them with a texturizing spray.
Wavy Bob Soft waves instantly add volume and horizontal dimension, softening the angles of a long face. This works beautifully with highlights or balayage.
Inverted Bob With a stacked back and longer front pieces, this cut offers volume at the crown and width around the jawline, creating a flattering silhouette.

Playful Pixie Cuts

Pixies can be incredibly flattering for long faces when styled correctly. Focus on softness, texture, and strategic length.

Soft Pixie with Side-Swept Bangs This style incorporates longer pieces on top swept to the side, covering part of the forehead and adding width around the temples. A platinum blonde or cool brown can highlight the texture.
Shaggy Pixie Full of texture and choppy layers, a shaggy pixie creates volume and movement, diverting attention from the face’s length.
Asymmetrical Pixie A longer side fringe paired with a shorter cut on the opposite side creates an interesting, face-widening effect.
Curly Pixie If you have natural curls, a pixie that embraces them can add fantastic volume and texture, making it an excellent choice for long faces.

Dynamic Shags and Textured Cuts

Shags and other highly textured cuts are fantastic for long faces because they inherently add volume and movement around the sides.

Modern Shag Characterized by layers, choppy ends, and often bangs, the modern shag creates a beautiful, face-framing shape that adds width and softness.
Textured Crop A slightly longer, choppier version of a pixie, this cut provides plenty of texture and volume on top and sides, making it ideal for creating width.
Layered Bowl Cut (modernized) A softer, more layered version of the classic bowl cut can add significant width around the temples and cheeks.

Frame Your Face with Bangs

Bangs are a game-changer for long face shapes, effectively shortening the appearance of the forehead and adding horizontal lines.

Curtain Bangs These soft, parted bangs frame the face beautifully, creating width and softening the overall look. They work with almost any short cut.
Wispy Bangs Light, airy bangs that fall gently across the forehead can break up the length without feeling too heavy.
Blunt Fringe (with caution) A blunt fringe can work if paired with layers that add width on the sides; otherwise, it can sometimes emphasize length. Ensure it hits just above the brows.
Side-Swept Bangs A classic choice, side-swept bangs add a diagonal line that softens the face and creates width.

Embrace Curls and Waves

Natural texture is a gift for long faces. Curls and waves naturally add volume and width, making them incredibly flattering.

Curly Bob A chin-length curly bob adds spectacular volume around the sides, perfectly balancing a long face.
Wavy Lob Effortless waves in a lob cut provide a soft, romantic look that adds horizontal dimension.
Textured Crop for Curls A short, layered cut that allows natural curls to spring up, creating a beautiful, voluminous silhouette.

Accessorize Your Short Hairstyle

Short hair offers a fantastic canvas for accessories. Headbands, scarves, elegant clips, and statement earrings can further enhance your look and add visual interest around the sides of your face, contributing to a balanced aesthetic. Choose accessories that complement your outfit and add a touch of personality.

Maintaining Your Flattering Short Cut

Regular trims are essential to keep your short style looking fresh and maintaining its flattering shape. Invest in good quality styling products—texturizing sprays, mousses, and light-hold pomades—to enhance volume and define layers. A good heat protectant is also crucial if you use styling tools.

Conclusion

Choosing a short hairstyle for a long face isn’t about hiding your features; it’s about enhancing them and creating a harmonious, balanced look that radiates confidence. With 42 incredible options ranging from chic bobs to playful pixies and dynamic shags, you’re now equipped with the inspiration and knowledge to find your perfect cut. Consult with your stylist, discuss these ideas, and embrace the stunning transformation that awaits you. Your ideal short hairstyle is just a snip away!