Director/Master Barber
Selection of a haircut is a matter of architecture. For men with an oblong face shape, certain cuts may add unwanted length, while the right hairstyles create balance. We’re providing this guide to 15 proven haircuts for men designed to work with facial features rather than against them. It includes specific instructions to help achieve a balanced look when visiting our studio in Chadstone or the surrounding areas, such as Oakleigh and Malvern East.
The following points summarise the primary strategies for balancing an oblong face shape:
1. The Textured Crop (French Crop and Caesar Cut)
What this cut does is shorten the look of the face. The heavy, forward-styled bangs create a new, lower hairline. This visually reduces the top third of the forehead, altering the perceived shape.
How to ask for it: request a textured crop with blunt bangs. This is similar to the hairstyle of the Peaky Blinders. It is helpful to specify a fade that is not too high. Starting the fade low near the ear is critical because it keeps weight and width on the sides of the head. This is where Clean Line-Ups become essential for sharply defining the hairline and adding precision.
Style tip: this style works well for straight or slightly wavy hair. If there is very curly hair or a strong cowlick at the front, those bangs may be hard to control. In that case, a differently textured hairstyle is a more manageable option.
2. The Classic Side Part
What it does: the side part is the best friend of an oblong face. Breaking up the vertical line of the face with a clear horizontal parting creates the illusion of width.
How to ask for it: ask for a classic side part with a low taper. Ensure the top is long enough to comb over but not so high that it adds vertical volume.
3. The Fringe (Textured Fringe)
What it does: much like the French Crop, a fringe covers the forehead. This effectively shortens the face by hiding the natural hairline.
How to ask for it: request a textured fringe with the sides kept medium-length. Keeping bulk on the sides helps prevent the face from looking like a narrow rectangle.
4. The Buzz Cut with Bear
What it does: while a buzz cut on its own may sometimes highlight length, pairing it with a well-groomed beard adds horizontal width to the jawline.
How to ask for it: ask for a uniform length, like 2-3 all over. For a balanced result, combine this with the Haircut and Beard service to ensure the beard is sculpted to add width rather than length.
We specialise in detailed, transformative haircuts at our studio in Chadstone.
6. The Crew Cut
What it does: It is practical and masculine. Keeping the top relatively flat avoids adding vertical height.
How to ask for it: ask for a classic crew cut with a scissor-cut top to maintain a softer, more horizontal profile.
7. Wavy Side Part
What it does: natural waves add horizontal volume and texture. This is helpful for filling out the silhouette of an oblong face.
How to ask for it: request a side part, using the hair’s natural texture to add volume on the sides.
8. The Flat Top
What it does: unlike a high-top fade, a low-profile flat top creates a strong horizontal line across the top of the head. This may help square off an elongated face.
How to ask for it: request a short flat top, keeping the sides full.
9. Scissor Cut
What it does: Avoiding clippers altogether allows for more weight to be left on the sides. This is an effective way to add width.
How to ask for it: request a full scissor cut with a focus on keeping width through the temples.
10. The Slick Back
What it does: as long as it is not styled with excessive lift, a slick back can look sophisticated.
How to ask for it: ask for the hair to be slicked back but kept flat to the head to avoid adding height.
11. The Edgar Cut
What it does: similar to a crop, the straight-across fringe creates a bold horizontal line that balances a long face.
How to ask for it: ask for an Edgar cut with a low taper.
12. Mid-Drop Fade with Textured Top
What it does: The drop in the fade follows the natural curve of the head. This leaves more hair and width behind the ears.
How to ask for it: request a mid-drop fade with a messy, textured top.
13. Modern Mullet
What it does: the hair at the back and sides adds visual weight, breaking up the vertical line of the neck and head.
How to ask for it: request a modern mullet with a low taper on the sides.
14. Side Swept Undercut
What it does: by sweeping the hair to the side rather than straight up, the style is maintained without adding height.
How to ask for it: request an undercut, but style the top side-swept and flat.
15. Short Sides, Long Top
What it is: a common haircut for men. Hair is kept neatly trimmed around the back and sides with a proportional length on top.
What it does: This is a timeless, balanced shape. Updating it with a low fade makes it a reliable, sharp option.
How to ask for it: ask for a classic short back and sides with a low taper fade. This keeps the sides looking clean but full.
These principles are clearer when looking at how different requests affect an oblong face.
The Request: a high pompadour with a sharp, high skin fade.
The Outcome: the pompadour adds vertical height, while the high fade removes width from the sides. Even if the cut is well-executed, it may make the face look stretched and unbalanced.
The Request: a textured crop with a low taper fade to keep weight on the sides.
The Outcome: The bangs create a strong horizontal line to shorten the look of the forehead. The low fade maintains width at the temples. The result is a balanced, strong, and intentional look.
An oblong face is noticeably longer than it is wide. The forehead, cheekbones, and jawline are usually roughly equal in width. To complement this shape, many people in areas like Ashwood or Malvern East also opt for the Eyebrow Clean-Up. This shapes and defines the brows, adding a polished, horizontal element to the face.
Yes, but it is best to avoid the centre parts. A side part with layers or waves adds horizontal volume. This counteracts the length and creates a more proportionate silhouette.
A high-volume pompadour paired with a high skin fade. It adds maximum height while removing all balancing width from the sides.
Whether you’re from Oakleigh, Malvern East, or Ashwood, choosing a style that suits your unique features and hair type is essential for a balanced appearance. Detailed and transformative styles are available at our studio in Chadstone.
Our team provides personalised consultations to ensure your haircut is perfect for your face shape and personal style.
We provide a haircut suitable for your professional or personal needs.
Monday: Closed
Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Thursday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Friday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Saturday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sunday: Closed
