01Side Part with Volume
Side-parted hair naturally creates horizontal flow that counters the face length.
Styling tip
Blow-dry the sides out, not up. Volume should move sideways.
Hairstyle Guide · Updated 2026
The best hairstyles for a oblong (rectangular) face shape
Oblong (or rectangular) faces are noticeably longer than wide, with a flat forehead and straight sides. The goal is to add horizontal width and avoid anything that adds more length.
How to tell if you have a oblong (rectangular) face
- ✓Length clearly greater than width
- ✓Forehead, cheeks, and jaw roughly equal width
- ✓Flat or straight sides
- ✓Squared or slightly rounded chin
Hairstyles to avoid
- ✗Tall pompadours — they add more length to an already-long face
- ✗Fully shaved sides with long top
- ✗Extremely short buzz cuts that expose the length
The styling goal
Build width through side volume, keep the top moderate in height, and use fringes to shorten the forehead.
5 recommended hairstyles for oblong (rectangular) faces
02French Crop
Short forward-brushed fringe shortens the forehead — the quickest way to reduce face length.
Styling tip
Ask for a textured French crop with a mid-fade.
03Medium Wavy Style
Natural wave adds width and breaks the vertical line of the face.
Styling tip
Embrace the wave — straightening works against this shape.
04Buzz Cut with Beard
Equalizes head and face — the beard adds width at the jaw.
Styling tip
A full beard is the single biggest improvement for oblong faces.
05Fringe with Taper
Fringe shortens forehead; tapered sides keep width visible.
Styling tip
Low to mid taper — not a fade. Length should still be visible on the sides.
Different face shape? Read the guide for yours
Not sure about your face shape?
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