Top Haircuts for Women with Oblong Faces and Wavy Hair
Wavy shag with side volume and layered wavy lob. Avoid blunt cuts.
For women with an oblong face shape and wavy hair, the key to a flattering haircut lies in enhancing the natural waves. Waves inherently add horizontal volume, which is exactly what an oblong face needs to achieve balance. The challenge is to use this volume effectively without making the face appear even longer. This guide will show you how to leverage your waves, where to maintain length, and how to place shags and long layers for the best effect.
It's important to remember that while face shape is a useful guide, your hair type and lifestyle play equally important roles in determining the best haircut for you. Medium density and long length wavy hair require specific care to maintain its shape and volume. This guide will provide you with detailed, actionable advice on cuts, maintenance, and styling tips tailored specifically for your unique combination of face shape and hair type.
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Visagism reasoning for oblong face, wavy hair
An oblong face is characterized by a longer length than width, often with a narrow appearance. For women with this face shape and wavy hair, the goal is to create width and balance across the face. The natural texture of wavy hair is advantageous here, as it inherently adds horizontal volume, which is exactly what an oblong face needs to achieve a more rounded appearance. By leveraging the existing waves, you can enhance the face's proportions without resorting to drastic cuts or styles that might not suit your natural texture.
When considering haircuts for an oblong face with wavy hair, it's crucial to focus on maintaining and enhancing the horizontal volume that your waves provide. This means avoiding cuts that add significant length or height, which can further elongate the face. Instead, opt for styles that allow the waves to frame the face and add width. For instance, a shoulder-length wavy shag with layered volume at the sides can create the illusion of a wider face. The curtain fringe in this style also helps to soften the jawline and add balance.
Another effective style is the layered wavy lob with a deep side part. This cut, which lands at the collarbone, incorporates layers that start around 4-6 inches (10-15 cm) from the scalp. These layers are crucial for maintaining the wave pattern and adding volume at the cheekbone level, where it is needed most. The side part further enhances the face's symmetry by drawing attention away from the length and towards the width. Remember, while face shape is a guide, your hair type and lifestyle play significant roles in determining the best cut for you. Communicate your daily routine and preferred maintenance level to your stylist to ensure the cut suits your needs.
Cuts that work
Wavy shag with side volume
This cut leverages the natural waves of your hair to create the horizontal volume that an oblong face needs. By focusing the layers and volume at the sides, it draws attention away from the length of your face. The curtain fringe adds a soft frame, while the shoulder-length layers maintain the wavy texture without adding unnecessary weight that could stretch the waves downward.
What to ask your stylist: Request a shoulder-length wavy shag with layered volume starting 2 inches from the scalp at the sides. Ask for a curtain fringe that falls just above the eyebrows. Use a #3 guard for the layers and ensure the back is slightly longer to maintain the wave pattern.
Maintenance: Trim every 6-8 weeks to keep the layers and fringe fresh. Use a diffuser when drying to enhance the waves.
Layered wavy lob with side part
This cut combines the benefits of layers and a deep side part to create a balanced look for an oblong face. The layers at cheekbone level add volume where it’s needed most, while the length at the collarbone maintains the wave structure. The side part draws the eye horizontally across the face, counteracting the vertical emphasis of an oblong shape.
What to ask your stylist: Opt for a wavy lob cut to the collarbone with deep layers starting at the cheekbone level. Request a deep side part to enhance the horizontal line. Use a #4 guard for the layers and ensure the back is slightly longer than the front.
Maintenance: Trim every 8-10 weeks to maintain the layer integrity and side part. Use a sea salt spray to refresh the waves between washes.
Mid-length wavy cut with face-framing layers
This cut is designed to enhance your natural waves while providing the horizontal volume needed to balance an oblong face. The face-framing layers draw attention to the width of your face, creating a more oval appearance. The mid-length cut ensures that the waves are supported and don’t stretch downward, maintaining a flattering shape.
What to ask your stylist: Ask for a mid-length cut around 14 inches, with face-framing layers that start 1 inch from the scalp. Ensure the layers are blended to maintain the wavy texture. Use a #3 guard for the layers and a slightly longer length at the back to support the waves.
Maintenance: Trim every 7-9 weeks to keep the layers and face-framing pieces fresh. Use a mousse for added hold and definition in the waves.
Cuts to avoid
- Blunt, one-length cuts. Avoid blunt, one-length cuts as they can emphasize the length of your oblong face, creating a less flattering silhouette. Without the variation in length that layers or a shag provide, your face shape may appear even more elongated. The lack of texture and movement in a blunt cut can also weigh your hair down, reducing the natural waves that add horizontal volume and balance to your face shape.
- Extremely heavy layers. Steer clear of extremely heavy layers, as they can add unnecessary weight to your hair, pulling it downward and diminishing the natural waves that are crucial for adding horizontal volume to your oblong face. Heavy layers can also make your hair appear flat and lifeless, counteracting the desired effect of enhancing your facial features with movement and texture.
- Center parts. Avoid center parts, as they can draw more attention to the length of your face, further elongating an already oblong shape. A center part divides your face into two symmetrical halves, which can accentuate the vertical lines and make your face appear narrower. Opt for side parts instead, which can create a more balanced and flattering frame for your face.
Styling tips
- Use a diffuser attachment on your hairdryer to enhance and define your natural waves, adding volume and texture without weighing your hair down.
- Apply a lightweight mousse or texturizing spray to damp hair before blow-drying to boost your waves and add grip, ensuring they hold throughout the day.
- Consider using a round brush with natural bristles when blow-drying your hair to lift the roots and add body, especially at the sides where volume is needed most.
- Finish your style with a sea salt spray to refresh your waves and add a natural, beachy look that enhances the horizontal volume of your hair.
Frequently asked questions
How often should I get a trim to maintain my haircut?
To maintain the shape and health of your wavy haircut, it's recommended to get a trim every 6 to 8 weeks. Regular trims help prevent split ends, maintain the integrity of your layers or shag, and keep your style looking fresh. Your stylist can adjust the frequency based on your hair's growth rate and the specific cut you have.
Can I still wear my hair up with these cuts?
Absolutely, you can wear your hair up with these cuts. The layered structure and natural waves will still be visible, adding texture and volume to any updo. Whether you choose a loose ponytail, a sleek bun, or an elegant updo, your haircut's design will complement the style, ensuring you maintain a flattering look.
Will these cuts work for all types of wavy hair?
While these cuts are designed with wavy hair in mind, the specific outcome can vary depending on the type and density of your waves. Finer, looser waves may benefit more from the layered approach to avoid heaviness, whereas thicker, more defined waves might hold their shape better with a shag. It's important to discuss your hair's unique characteristics with your stylist to tailor the cut to your needs.
How can I make my waves last longer?
To make your waves last longer, consider using a heat protectant spray before styling with heat tools, as this helps prevent damage and frizz that can disrupt your waves. Sleeping on a satin pillowcase can also reduce friction, helping your waves maintain their shape overnight. Additionally, avoiding over-washing your hair can preserve your natural oils, which contribute to the hold and definition of your waves.
Photos: the "before" image is a stock photo (cottonbro studio, Pexels); the "after" images are AI-generated edits of that photo, shown to illustrate the cut. Real results depend on your hair.