A long face shape typically features a forehead that is slightly higher than average, with a narrow chin and elongated features. When it comes to styling, it’s essential to choose a haircut that complements these characteristics and creates a sense of balance and proportion. The medium-length bob is an excellent option for people with long faces. Its versatility allows for different textures, layers, and finishes, all of which can help soften the angularity of a long face while adding volume and dimension. In this article, we’ll explore eight of the best medium-length bob styles for long faces, along with detailed tips on how to wear and style them.
8 Best Medium-Length Bobs for Long Faces
1. The Classic A-Line Bob: Sharp Yet Softening
Why the A-Line Bob Works for Long Faces
The A-line bob is one of the most flattering and timeless bob styles, especially for long faces. This cut features a gradual angle, where the hair is shorter in the back and gradually gets longer towards the front. This style naturally frames the face, offering both structure and softness. For long faces, the A-line bob helps to add volume around the face and neck, reducing the emphasis on its length and creating a more rounded, proportionate look.
How It Works
The A-line bob features clean, sharp lines that create an angular shape while still maintaining softness. The front sections of the bob, which are longer, fall along the sides of the face, helping to soften sharp jawlines and elongate the face. This is especially helpful for those with long faces, as the longer front pieces help to visually shorten the face’s length.
Styling Tips for the A-Line Bob
To maintain the sharp, structured look of the A-line bob, blow-dry the hair straight using a flat brush to add volume. You can also use a round brush to curl the ends slightly for a more polished finish. For a sleeker look, flat iron your hair and use a light shine serum to add gloss and smooth out any frizz. If you want to add texture, use a small amount of texturizing spray to enhance movement around the face.
2. The Blunt Bob: Bold and Edgy
Why the Blunt Bob Works for Long Faces
The blunt bob is a bold haircut that works well for long faces by emphasizing straight lines and sharp angles. The cut is characterized by a uniform length, often at or just below the chin, with no layers or texturizing. The blunt ends of the hair create a solid, defined line that draws attention to the face, which can help make a long face appear more balanced and symmetrical.
How It Works
With a blunt bob, the hair is cut in a straight line across the back and front, eliminating layers. This sleek, minimalist cut creates a strong visual contrast, which helps to reduce the perceived length of a long face. By cutting the hair at chin-length or just above, the blunt bob visually “shortens” the face and draws the eye toward the jawline.
Styling Tips for the Blunt Bob
To style a blunt bob, use a round brush to add volume at the roots while blow-drying your hair straight. Make sure the ends are cut evenly for that signature blunt look. For a polished finish, you can use a flat iron to straighten the hair and add some shine. A lightweight hairspray will help keep the look in place while avoiding any frizz.
3. The Layered Bob: Adding Softness and Movement
Why the Layered Bob Works for Long Faces
Layered bobs are fantastic for long faces because the layers add texture and volume around the face, which helps to soften the sharp features. The layers break up the length of the face, making it appear more balanced and less elongated. This haircut also provides movement and body, giving the hair a fuller, more voluminous appearance.
How It Works
The layered bob is cut with layers that start around the chin or neck, creating a light, airy feel. The layers can vary in length, from shorter layers at the crown to longer pieces framing the face. The variation in length helps to add depth and texture, preventing the hair from looking flat or too heavy. This cut works well with both straight and curly hair.
Styling Tips for the Layered Bob
To style a layered bob, apply a volumizing mousse to damp hair and blow-dry using a round brush. For added texture, you can curl the ends of your hair with a curling iron or wand, focusing on the tips to add movement. Use a lightweight texturizing spray to enhance the natural layers and create a more tousled, carefree look.
4. The Wavy Bob: Soft and Playful
Why the Wavy Bob Works for Long Faces
The wavy bob is an excellent option for long faces because the waves add volume and softness, helping to balance the face’s natural angularity. The waves introduce texture that diverts attention from the length of the face, making it appear fuller and more rounded. This versatile style can be customized to suit different textures and can be casually worn or dressed up for more formal occasions.
How It Works
The wavy bob features soft waves throughout the hair, which can be achieved with a curling iron, flat iron, or even by scrunching the hair with a towel after washing. The waves add body to the hair, which helps create the illusion of width and fullness. For long faces, a wavy bob works particularly well when the waves are kept soft and subtle, as they add a relaxed, flattering texture without overwhelming the face.
Styling Tips for the Wavy Bob
To achieve a wavy bob, use a curling iron with a large barrel to create soft waves. For a beachy, natural look, apply sea salt spray to damp hair and scrunch it with your hands before blow-drying. You can also braid your hair overnight for natural waves. Finish with a light-hold hairspray to keep the waves in place without making them stiff.
5. The Side-Swept Bob: Creating Asymmetry for Balance
Why the Side-Swept Bob Works for Long Faces
The side-swept bob is a great way to create asymmetry, which helps to break up the uniformity of a long face. By sweeping the hair to one side, you add volume and create the illusion of width, which balances the length of the face. This style can be paired with various bob cuts, including layered and blunt bobs, to enhance the overall look.
How It Works
In a side-swept bob, the hair is parted deeply to one side, with the longer sections of the bob falling forward to one side of the face. This creates an asymmetrical look that adds dimension and softens the sharpness of the jawline. The side part also adds volume to the crown of the head, which helps to balance the proportions of a long face.
Styling Tips for the Side-Swept Bob
To style a side-swept bob, start by parting your hair deeply to one side. Use a round brush to add volume at the roots while blow-drying. Once dry, use a flat iron or curling iron to create soft waves or curls. For added texture, apply a texturizing spray and use your fingers to tousle the hair. Finish with a light-hold hairspray to ensure the style stays in place.
6. The Curly Bob: Embracing Natural Texture
Why the Curly Bob Works for Long Faces
The curly bob is a fantastic choice for long faces because it adds volume and body around the face, which helps to soften the angular features. Curly hair naturally creates more width, which balances out the length of the face. This style works particularly well for those with natural curls, but it can also be achieved with a curling iron or by using curl-enhancing products.
How It Works
The curly bob involves cutting the hair to a medium length and allowing the curls to add texture and volume. The curls frame the face and create a rounded shape, which visually shortens the length of the face. This cut is versatile and can be customized depending on the size of the curls, from loose waves to tight ringlets.
Styling Tips for the Curly Bob
To style a curly bob, apply a curl-enhancing cream or mousse to damp hair and allow it to air-dry or use a diffuser to dry the curls. You can also use a curling iron to define the curls if necessary. To prevent frizz, apply a smoothing serum or curl cream after styling. For a more defined look, use a small curling iron for tighter curls.
7. The Asymmetrical Bob: Bold and Unique
Why the Asymmetrical Bob Works for Long Faces
The asymmetrical bob is a trendy and daring style that works well for long faces by creating visual interest and breaking up the vertical lines of the face. One side of the bob is cut shorter than the other, which helps to create balance and symmetry. This cut introduces a sense of movement and can help soften the features of a long face.
How It Works
The asymmetrical bob features uneven lengths on each side of the head, with one side being longer than the other. This bold cut adds dimension and draws attention away from the length of the face. The angled lines help to balance out the proportions, making the face appear more symmetrical.
Styling Tips for the Asymmetrical Bob
To style an asymmetrical bob, blow-dry the hair straight and smooth, ensuring the shorter side remains sleek while the longer side flows freely. You can also add waves to the longer side to enhance the asymmetry. Use a flat iron to keep the ends smooth and a texturizing spray for added volume.
Conclusion
The right medium-length bob can be incredibly flattering for individuals with long faces. Whether you prefer sharp lines, soft waves, or playful curls, there’s a bob style that can enhance your features and create a balanced, well-proportioned look. Experiment with different cuts and textures to find the style that best suits your personality and lifestyle. With the proper styling techniques, these 8 bob styles can help you feel confident and chic, no matter the occasion.
