Introduction
Tired of hairstyles that make your long face look even longer? You’re not alone—many women with elongated face shapes struggle to find cuts that create the illusion of width and balance. The good news? The right short hairstyle can transform your appearance by adding volume at the sides and breaking up vertical lines.
These 21 trendy short hairstyles for long faces will flatter your features beautifully. Each style is designed to create horizontal emphasis, soften angular features, and frame your face in the most flattering way possible. As a hairstylist specializing in face-shape analysis for over a decade, I’ve helped hundreds of clients discover how the right cut can boost their confidence instantly.
In this comprehensive guide, you’ll discover why short hairstyles work perfectly for long faces, how to choose the right style for your hair texture and lifestyle, styling tips for each look, and expert advice on maintenance. We’ll also cover common concerns and answer your most pressing questions about going short with a long face shape.
Table of Contents
Why Short Hairstyles Work for Long Faces
Short hairstyles are uniquely suited to balance and flatter elongated face shapes. Here’s why these styles are game-changers:
Creates Width and Balance Short hairstyles with volume at the sides add horizontal emphasis, counteracting the vertical length of your face. Styles with bangs or fringe break up the forehead, making your face appear shorter and more proportional.
Versatile for Any Occasion From professional pixies to playful bobs, short hairstyles adapt seamlessly from boardroom to brunch. They’re sophisticated enough for formal events yet effortless for everyday wear, giving you maximum styling flexibility.
Low-Maintenance and Time-Saving Shorter hair means less washing, conditioning, and styling time. Most of these cuts air-dry beautifully or require just 5-10 minutes of styling, perfect for busy mornings when you need to look polished quickly.
Modern and Fashion-Forward Short hairstyles are having a major moment in fashion and entertainment. They exude confidence, sophistication, and a modern edge that longer styles sometimes lack, helping you stay on-trend effortlessly.
Emphasizes Your Best Features The right short cut draws attention to your eyes, cheekbones, and jawline while de-emphasizing length. Strategic layers and angles create a flattering frame that highlights your natural beauty.
Choosing the Right Short Hairstyle for Your Long Face
Understanding your specific features, hair texture, and lifestyle needs will help you select the perfect short style from our list.
Understanding Your Face Shape Specifics
Long faces typically measure more in length than width, with a high forehead and elongated chin. To properly balance these proportions, look for styles that add fullness at the sides rather than height at the crown. Measure from your hairline to chin—if it’s significantly longer than the width at your cheekbones, you’ll benefit most from cuts with horizontal layers, side-swept bangs, or chin-grazing lengths. Avoid styles with excessive volume on top or slicked-back looks that emphasize length.
Matching Style to Hair Texture
Your natural hair texture dramatically impacts which short styles will work best and require least maintenance. Fine hair thrives with blunt bobs and precise cuts that create the illusion of thickness, while thick hair benefits from layered styles that remove bulk. Curly or wavy textures look stunning in textured pixies and tousled bobs that embrace natural movement. Straight hair is perfect for sleek, geometric cuts with clean lines. Consider how much time you’re willing to spend styling—curly hair may require more product, while straight hair needs regular trims to maintain sharp edges.
21 Trendy Short Hairstyles for Long Faces to Try Now
#1 Pixie Haircut
The classic pixie is a timeless choice that beautifully frames long faces when cut with the right proportions. This versatile cut features short sides and back with slightly longer layers on top, creating strategic volume that adds width across the cheekbones. The key is keeping length at the crown moderate rather than extremely short, which prevents adding unwanted vertical height. Ask your stylist for textured layers throughout and consider adding wispy, side-swept bangs to break up forehead length and draw eyes horizontally across your face.
#2 Subtle Layers with Inward Curve
This sophisticated bob-length style features gentle layers that create soft, inward-curving ends at the jawline. The subtle graduation prevents the blunt heaviness that can sometimes drag down facial features while maintaining enough weight to curve under naturally. The inward movement draws attention to your lips and creates a flattering oval illusion. This style works exceptionally well for women with straight to slightly wavy hair textures and is ideal for professional environments. Use a round brush while blow-drying to enhance the curve and finish with smoothing serum.
#3 Asymmetrical Cut with Fringe
Bold and fashion-forward, this asymmetrical style features dramatically different lengths on each side, creating dynamic angles that flatter long faces. One side typically sits around ear-length while the other extends to chin or below, with textured fringe falling across the forehead to shorten facial proportions. The diagonal lines interrupt vertical space and create visual interest that draws attention sideways rather than up and down. This edgy cut works beautifully with straight or slightly wavy hair and requires styling with flat iron to emphasize the contrasting lengths and sleek finish.
#4 Short Sleek Bob with Fringe
This polished, chin-length bob combines a blunt cut with straight-across or side-swept bangs for maximum face-shortening effect. The sleek, smooth finish creates a sophisticated aesthetic perfect for any setting, from corporate offices to evening events. The combination of horizontal lines at both the fringe and the hem creates powerful visual breaks that counteract facial length. This style requires regular maintenance every 6-8 weeks and daily styling with blow dryer and flat iron. Use smoothing products to eliminate frizz and achieve that coveted glossy, glass-like finish.
#5 Blunt Bob with Precise Bangs
The ultimate classic, this geometric style features a perfectly blunt cut at jaw or chin length paired with straight, eyebrow-grazing bangs. The strong horizontal lines at multiple levels create the strongest face-shortening effect of any style on this list. This look channels vintage glamour while feeling thoroughly modern and works best on straight or straightened hair. The precision required means you’ll need a skilled stylist and regular trims. Style with a paddle brush and blow dryer, directing hair inward slightly at the ends for a polished finish that emphasizes structure.
#6 Sleek Yet Edgy
This modern style combines the sophistication of a sleek, straight bob with edgy elements like undercut sides or asymmetrical angles. The contrast between polished top layers and buzzed or very short sides creates dimensional interest that’s both professional and rebellious. The sleek top portion can be styled bone-straight or with a slight wave, while the exposed sides add modern edge. This cut is perfect for women who want versatility—wear it sleek and tucked behind ears for conservative settings, or styled forward for dramatic impact. Requires maintenance every 4-6 weeks.
#7 Longer Top Style with Edgy Curly Texture
This dimensional cut features shorter sides and back with significantly longer, texturized layers on top that embrace natural curl or wave patterns. The length contrast creates volume at the crown while the curly texture adds essential width at the sides when styled properly. The key is cutting dry curls individually to honor their natural pattern and prevent the dreaded triangle shape. Style by applying curl cream to damp hair, scrunching gently, and air-drying or diffusing. The textured volume creates perfect horizontal emphasis while the edgy proportions feel fashion-forward and current.
#8 Chin-Length Hair with Side-Swept Long Bangs
This feminine, romantic style features a chin-length cut with long, dramatic side-swept bangs that graze the cheekbone or jaw. The sweeping fringe creates a powerful diagonal line across the face, drawing eyes horizontally and shortening perceived length. The chin-length hem adds width right at the jawline, balancing proportions beautifully. This versatile cut works with various textures and can be styled smooth and polished or with soft waves for added movement. The longer bangs require minimal maintenance between cuts and can be easily styled to the side or center-parted when growing out.
#9 Asymmetrical A-Line
This striking cut is shorter in the back and gradually lengthens toward the front, creating an A-line silhouette when viewed from the side. The angled line draws attention forward and sideways rather than up and down, making it exceptionally flattering for long faces. The back typically sits at nape or ear level while front pieces extend to chin or collarbone. This style adds volume and width exactly where long faces need it most—at the sides near the cheekbones and jaw. Works beautifully with smooth styling or soft waves and requires 6-8 week maintenance.
#10 Versatile Pixie Haircut
This adaptable pixie can be styled multiple ways to suit any occasion or mood. Unlike the classic pixie, this version includes more length and texture throughout, allowing you to spike it up, smooth it down, or tousle it for texture. The versatility comes from strategic layering that creates movement and the length to manipulate styling direction. Add volume at the sides by directing hair outward with product and blow dryer, or sleek it down for professional settings. The textured layers prevent the style from looking too severe while still maintaining pixie cut benefits.
#11 Blunt Bob with Light Bangs
This softer take on the blunt bob features a precisely cut hem with wispy, texturized bangs that feel lighter and less severe than full fringe. The blunt bottom creates essential horizontal emphasis while the airy bangs gently break up forehead space without overwhelming delicate features. This balanced approach works beautifully for women hesitant to commit to full bangs but wanting their face-shortening benefits. The textured fringe is lower-maintenance than precise bangs, requiring less frequent trims. Style the bob smooth or with slight wave, using texture spray in bangs for piecey definition.
#12 Edgy with Natural Curls / Textured Curls
Embrace your natural texture with this bold, short curly style that celebrates volume and movement. Cut with dry curls to honor their individual patterns, this style features shorter sides with fuller, textured top and front sections. The curl volume creates essential width at the sides of your face while the shorter proportions prevent the triangle effect that longer curly styles sometimes create. This wash-and-go friendly option is perfect for women tired of fighting their natural texture. Apply curl-enhancing cream to soaking wet hair, scrunch gently, and air-dry or diffuse for defined, bouncy curls.
#13 Chic French-Inspired Bob
Channel Parisian elegance with this effortlessly sophisticated bob that falls just below the jawline with subtle internal layers for movement. The French bob is characterized by its slightly undone texture—not too perfect, not too messy—creating an air of chic nonchalance. Often paired with soft, eyebrow-skimming bangs, this style breaks up facial length while maintaining a romantic, feminine appeal. The slightly tousled finish feels modern and approachable rather than overly polished. Style with minimal product for that coveted “I woke up like this” aesthetic that French women have mastered.
#14 Triangular Bob
This architectural style features a distinctive triangular silhouette when viewed from the front, with maximum width at the jawline tapering to shorter layers near the crown. The dramatic geometric shape creates powerful horizontal emphasis exactly where long faces need it most. The pointed shape at the chin draws attention to that area while the graduated layers add volume at the sides. This bold, statement-making cut works best on straight or straightened hair to emphasize the clean lines. Requires precise cutting from an experienced stylist and regular maintenance every 6-8 weeks to preserve the striking shape.
#15 Short Hairstyle Tucked Behind Ears
This practical yet stylish approach works with bobs or longer pixies, featuring length that can be tucked behind one or both ears. The versatility allows you to change your look instantly—wear it forward framing your face for width, or tuck one side back for an asymmetrical, modern vibe. When worn forward, the hair creates face-framing layers that add essential horizontal volume. The tucked-back option reveals your profile and adds visual interest through contrast. This style works beautifully for women who like changing their look throughout the day without restyling completely.
#16 Short Hairstyle with Flip
Embrace retro charm with this playful style featuring ends that flip outward at the jawline or just above. The outward movement creates width exactly where long faces need it, making the lower face appear fuller and more balanced. This Kennedy-era inspired look feels fresh and youthful when executed with modern cutting techniques and styling products. The flip can be subtle or dramatic depending on preference and occasion. Create the look using a round brush while blow-drying, rolling ends outward, or use a flat iron, turning it away from your face at the ends.
#17 Versatile Bob
This adaptable, shoulder-grazing length offers maximum styling versatility while still qualifying as “short” compared to longer styles. Cut with subtle layers for movement, this bob can be worn straight and sleek, with soft waves, tightly curled, or in various updos and half-up styles. The versatility makes it perfect for women transitioning from longer hair or those who enjoy changing their look frequently. The length at the collarbone area creates width at the lower face, balancing proportions. Add side-swept bangs or a deep side part to further enhance face-shortening effects.
#18 Versatile Undercut Pixie
This bold, modern pixie features shaved or very short sides and back with longer, textured layers on top that can be styled multiple ways. The dramatic undercut creates an edgy, fashion-forward aesthetic while the longer top section provides styling flexibility. Sweep it to the side for asymmetrical drama, style it forward with texture for casual looks, or slick it back for evening sophistication. The contrast between lengths adds visual interest and dimension. This low-maintenance style requires minimal daily styling but needs regular maintenance every 3-4 weeks to keep the undercut sharp and prevent the grown-out mullet effect.
#19 Short with Long Fringe and Curls
This romantic style combines short, curly hair with dramatically long, side-swept bangs that create beautiful contrast and dimension. The short, textured curls at the back and sides add volume and width while the elongated fringe sweeps across the forehead and cheek, creating essential horizontal lines. The combination of textures and lengths adds visual interest and prevents the style from feeling too uniform or severe. This works beautifully for naturally curly or wavy hair, with the fringe either left curly or smoothed straight for contrast. The long fringe section requires more frequent trims than shorter bangs.
#20 Short with Choppy Fringe
End your style search with this edgy, textured cut featuring piecey, uneven bangs that create movement and dimension. The choppy fringe feels modern and youthful, breaking up forehead space in an interesting, asymmetrical way that’s less severe than blunt bangs. The irregular lengths create shadow and depth, adding visual interest while still providing face-shortening benefits. The rest of the cut can be a pixie, bob, or anything in between, with textured layers throughout for cohesion. Style with texturizing paste or pomade, separating pieces for definition. This low-maintenance fringe requires less precision when trimming at home.
#21 Natural Wavy Hairstyle with Texture
This effortlessly beautiful style celebrates natural wave patterns with a short, textured cut that creates stunning movement and dimension. The tousled waves add essential width at the sides of your face while the layered texture prevents the style from looking too uniform or severe. This wash-and-go friendly option works perfectly for women with naturally wavy hair who want to embrace their texture rather than fight it. The dimensional layers create soft, horizontal movement that beautifully balances long face proportions. Style with sea salt spray or curl-enhancing mousse, scrunch gently, and air-dry for beachy, carefree texture.
FAQs
Should I avoid short hair if I have a very long face?
No, you should not avoid short hair with a long face—in fact, the right short styles are among the most flattering options. The key is choosing cuts with horizontal emphasis like side-swept bangs, chin-length bobs, and styles with volume at the sides. Avoid super short pixies with height at the crown or slicked-back styles that expose your entire face. Consult with a skilled stylist who understands face shapes to select the most flattering option.
What face-framing techniques work best for long faces?
Side-swept bangs, textured fringe, and face-framing layers at cheekbone or jaw level are most effective. These elements create horizontal lines that break up vertical space and draw attention sideways rather than up and down. Ask your stylist for layers that angle toward your face rather than away from it, creating soft framing that adds perceived width.
Can I wear my short hair in an updo with a long face?
Yes, but choose updos carefully. Avoid high buns or ponytails that add height and expose your entire face, emphasizing length. Instead, opt for low, textured updos with pieces left down to frame your face. Side buns, low chignons, and half-up styles with volume at the sides work beautifully. Always leave some face-framing pieces out to soften the look.
How do I style short hair to add width to my face?
Create volume at the sides by blow-drying hair outward at ear level with a round brush, use volumizing products at the roots near your temples, add soft waves or curls that move horizontally rather than vertically, and avoid slicking hair straight back. Side parts also add asymmetry and width compared to center parts.
Will curly short hair work for my long face?
Absolutely—curly short hair can be incredibly flattering for long faces because the volume and texture create width naturally. The key is cutting the style to encourage volume at the sides rather than exclusively at the crown. Embrace the width curls create rather than trying to smooth them down, as this volume balances facial proportions beautifully.
How often do I need to trim short hair to maintain the style?
Pixie cuts require trims every 4-6 weeks to maintain their shape and proportions. Bobs can stretch to 6-8 weeks between cuts, though bangs may need trimming more frequently (every 3-4 weeks). Styles with undercuts or shaved sections need maintenance every 3-4 weeks to keep those areas sharp. Regular trims are essential for short styles to look polished and maintain their face-flattering properties.
What’s the best short hairstyle for someone transitioning from long hair?
Start with a longer bob (lob) at collarbone length, which still feels short compared to long hair but isn’t dramatically different. This allows you to adjust to shorter hair while maintaining some length security. If you love it, you can always go shorter at your next appointment. The lob is also versatile enough to style in ways similar to longer hair, easing the transition.
Conclusion
Ready to transform your look with one of these flattering short hairstyles for long faces? The right cut can completely change how you see yourself, creating balance, confidence, and a fresh, modern appearance. Whether you choose a bold pixie, sophisticated bob, or textured style with movement, you’re making a choice that celebrates your features while creating beautiful proportions.
Don’t let fear hold you back from trying something new. Book a consultation with an experienced stylist, bring reference photos showing your favorite styles from this list, and have an honest conversation about your hair texture, lifestyle, and maintenance commitment. Trust the process—thousands of women with long faces have discovered how the right short hairstyle can be absolutely transformative.
Take the leap today and join the community of confident women rocking short, face-flattering styles. Screenshot your favorite looks from this article, book that appointment, and get ready to fall in love with your reflection. Your perfect short hairstyle is waiting—and your long face is about to discover its most flattering frame yet.
