The best facial hair for an oblong face aims to add width and avoid further lengthening. Opt for styles that create horizontal lines and fullness on the sides.
Facial Hair Styles to Flatter an Oblong Face
An oblong face is longer than it is wide, with relatively straight sides. The goal when choosing facial hair is to make the face appear more proportional by adding width and reducing the perceived length.
Styles to Consider:
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Beards with Fullness on the Sides: A beard that is trimmed shorter on the chin and fuller on the cheeks can add width to the face. Think about a squared beard shape.
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Short Boxed Beard: This neat, trimmed beard style adds definition without excessive length. It fills out the sides of the face, creating a more balanced appearance.
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Mutton Chops: While potentially a bold choice, mutton chops add significant width to the sides of the face, visually shortening the overall length.
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Goatee Variations (with Caution): If you opt for a goatee, make sure it's wider rather than long and pointy. A Van Dyke or Balbo beard, as previously mentioned, could work if carefully styled to add width.
Styles to Avoid:
- Long, Pointed Beards: These will only exaggerate the length of the face.
- Minimal Facial Hair: A clean shave or very short stubble may not provide enough visual width to balance the oblong shape.
Example Styles in a Table:
| Facial Hair Style | Description | Why it Works |
|---|---|---|
| Short Boxed Beard | Neat, trimmed beard; shorter on the chin, fuller on the cheeks. | Adds width and definition without excessive length. |
| Full Beard (Styled) | A beard that is trimmed shorter on the chin and fuller on the cheeks. | Adds width on the sides. Keep the length of the beard relatively short. |
| Mutton Chops | Bushy sideburns extending down the cheeks. | Adds significant width to the sides of the face. |
Ultimately, the best facial hair for you will depend on your personal style and hair growth patterns. Experimenting with different styles is the key to finding what works best for your individual features. A skilled barber can also offer tailored advice.
