pepper and salt hair

42 FLATTERING SHORT HAIRSTYLES FOR LONG FACES IN 2024

The goal for every face shape is to achieve a more balanced, oval look. For those with long faces, the key is to create the illusion of width. Explore these short hairstyles designed to enhance and flatter longer faces perfectly.

SHORT BOB WITH LONG SIDE-SWEPT FRINGE

This short hairstyle showcases a long, disconnected section on one side paired with a sweeping, long fringe.

SHORT PIXIE WITH BANGS

This pixie cut features longer front layers that function as a fringe, covering the forehead and creating the illusion of a shorter, wider face.

LONG TOP + SHORT SIDES

This haircut has short sides with layered longer pieces on top that cascade over the shorter sides, adding movement and an edgy vibe.

UNDONE TEXTURE

This look is perfect for those who crave an edgier, tousled style and appreciate textured hair. It’s a sassy yet highly stylish cut that makes a bold statement.

EDGY YET PROFESSIONAL

I would describe this look as both edgy and professional. After she chose to embrace her natural gray, we opted for a style that adds a touch of fun while remaining polished.

SHORT ROUNDED CUT WITH SIDE BANGS FOR OVER 60

Pushing hair away from the face helps to open it up and prevents it from appearing narrower. This hairstyle not only creates volume on the sides of the face, making it look wider, but also features a fringe that covers the forehead, contributing to a shorter and wider appearance. Additionally, it’s an excellent choice for women over 60, as it can help conceal wrinkles.

LAYERED & TEXTURED

This look is full of movement and highly versatile, allowing it to be worn forward or styled to either side. With plenty of hair and natural waves, I layered it extensively and added texture to reduce bulk. It can be worn sleek and smooth or with her natural wave for a more relaxed feel.

TAILORED BOB

This tailored bob features strategic color placement and is known for its clean, sleek appearance. I love how it accentuates her features with its precise cutting and thoughtful coloring. Keeping the length above her shoulders draws attention upward, creating the illusion of a shorter face. A side part further enhances the balance of her overall look.

MODERN & EDGY

This haircut is modern and edgy, perfect for a woman who feels her hair is overshadowing her style. I transformed her long, abundant locks into a short, sassy cut that’s both manageable and versatile, ready to rock any occasion with confidence.

GRADUATED TEXTURIZED A-LINE BOB

This look features a graduated, textured A-line bob. I enjoy creating this style because it combines a sassy, professional edge with the versatility to be dressed up or down. It’s a technically challenging haircut that allows me to highlight and enhance a client’s natural beauty and features.

SHORT CHOPPY THIN CUT

A short, choppy cut is a flattering choice that adds balance to the face. The framing and layering help reduce the appearance of length, creating a more balanced look.

SHORT HAIR WITH FRINGE AND LAYERS

Here’s another super short hairstyle that complements a long face shape, thanks to the fringe. The layering in this cut enhances the roundness of the head, giving the face a rounder appearance. The curved perimeter also contributes to a softer, more rounded face shape.

CLASSIC TEXTURED INVERTED BOB

This haircut is a textured, short inverted bob. I’ve added an edgy twist to this classic cut by removing excess weight and texturizing it. I love this style for its versatility—it can be adapted in various ways to highlight your personal style.

HAIRSTYLE WITH TEXTURE

Adding texture, especially with ends that point outward, helps make a hairstyle more flattering for longer face shapes.

UPDATED A-LINE

I would describe this look as a modern take on the classic short A-line bob. I love the angled transition from back to front and the textured interior layers. The bangs add a fresh, youthful touch to the style.

SHORT HAIRSTYLE WITH VOLUME AND FRINGE

The side part, fringe, and volume on the sides of the face all contribute to making this hairstyle particularly flattering for longer face shapes.

SHORT HAIRSTYLE WITH CURLS

The glamorous curls on this bob add significant volume to the sides of the face, making it an ideal short cut for a longer face shape.

SHORT BOB HAIRSTYLE WITH VOLUME

This bob features more volume on the sides than on top, and its silhouette helps create a rounder appearance for the face.

SHORT ASYMMETRICAL BOB HAIRSTYLE

This very short asymmetric bob is flattering for elongated face shapes, thanks to the fringe that covers the forehead. The horizontal coverage helps make the face appear shorter and wider.

SHORT HAIR WITH SWEPT FRINGE AND PINK ENDS

Here’s another hairstyle that suits longer face shapes, with curled-up ends adding volume. The side part and fringe further contribute to making the face look shorter and wider.

NECK-LENGTH TEXTURED CUT WITH FRINGE

Adding texture to your hair creates width and helps it expand. This hairstyle works best for longer face shapes with medium-textured and medium-density hair.

NATURAL WAVY HAIRSTYLE WITH TEXTURE

Naturally wavy texture can also enhance the width of the sides of the face, making it appear broader.

SHORT WITH CHOPPY FRINGE

This hairstyle falls just below the chin and above the shoulders, featuring a full and choppy fringe.

SHORT WITH LONG FRINGE AND CURLS

A long fringe combined with curls makes this hairstyle especially flattering for a long face shape.

VERSATILE UNDERCUT PIXIE

This versatile undercut pixie is easy to style in various ways, from sleek to textured. The longer, angled fringe flatters her face shape and draws attention to her eyes. The overall look complements her skin tone and personality.

VERSATILE BOB

 This versatile bob offers a variety of styling options. It can be worn sleek and straight or textured with a bit of curl or product. The fringe can be parted to the side for a modern look or straight down the middle for a 70s vibe. With just one cut, you can achieve four different styles.

SHORT HAIRSTYLE WITH FLIP

Flipping hair outward adds width, making this hairstyle ideal for long face shapes with medium-textured and medium-density hair.

TRIANGULAR BOB

This triangular bob features a slight angle forward with minimal layering and plenty of texture for a relaxed look. What I love most about this style is its effortlessly messy vibe, low maintenance, and versatility, making it suitable for a variety of lifestyles and ages.

CHIC FRENCH-INSPIRED BOB

I love this haircut for its versatility. Whether you want a textured or sleek look, this chic French-inspired bob can be styled to match. It’s a super low-maintenance cut that works well with all hair textures, so feel free to experiment with various finishing products.

INDUSTRIAL AND EDGY

I’d describe this look as industrial and edgy, inspired by steel and rust. We applied a styling cream to damp hair for hold and body. This style works well for finer hair or medium textures with a natural curl. After blow-drying smooth, we used a heat protectant spray and added curls, piecing them out with a medium-hold putty to achieve a great natural texture. It’s super easy and perfect for a quick, stylish look!

CARE FREE

This look has a carefree vibe, with the bangs adding a playful touch to the bluntness of the bob. Given the short length of the bob that frames the jaw, we opted for lighter bangs that don’t fully cover the forehead. The angled bangs create a triangle on her brow, which helps to maintain the elongated appearance of her face.

VERSATILE PIXIE HAIRCUT

This pixie haircut features a shaved undercut with short-to-long layers throughout, while maintaining length in the fringe. My favorite aspect of this cut is its ease and versatility in styling. It’s perfect for clients who want to highlight their jawline, neck, and cheekbones. The shaved section makes it very low maintenance, yet the longer fringe adds a feminine touch.

ASYMMETRICAL A-LINE

I’d describe this look as highly versatile, suitable for both daytime and nighttime with minimal maintenance. It’s an A-line bob with an asymmetrical cut, allowing the fuller side to be styled straight, curly, wavy, flipped out, or pieced into an edgy look. The version I created is more of a glamorous evening style, perfect for pairing with statement earrings and dressing up. I used a Sutra Beauty infrared flat iron for the curls and Kevin Murphy styling products to enhance fullness and shine. My favorite aspect of this look is its timeless quality.

CLASSIC & CLEAN FOR OVER 40

I love how classic and clean this look is. The side-swept long bang softens her features and helps balance the length of a long face. For those with a long face, this is a great way to break up the length. Chin-length hair also adds a rounder appearance to the face.

BADASS BLONDE

I’d describe this as a badass blonde look because it perfectly captures her style in this picture. What I love most about it is the versatility in styling. With the length on top, she can go for a sleek, straight look, a bold, lifted style, or add some edgy, curly texture.

SLEEK YET EDGY

This style is a quintessential bob, defined by clean lines and precise angles. It maintains a sleek appearance with a touch of edge. What I love most about the bob is its timeless quality; it’s a true fashion staple that instantly conveys confidence and femininity.

BLUNT BOB WITH PRECISE BANGS

This blunt, chin-length bob with straight, precise bangs is a timeless look. What I love most about it is that it remains stylish and on-trend due to its clean, contemporary lines combined with a classic shape.

SHORT SLEEK BOB WITH FRINGE

The horizontal fringe of this bob highlights the eyes and covers the forehead, creating the illusion of a shorter and wider face.

PHYLLIS

The longer side of this cut adds width to a narrow face, while the shorter side contours closely to create a rounder silhouette. The fringe covers the forehead, contributing to a shorter and wider appearance.

SARAH

This sleek neck-length bob is ideal for long face shapes, offering a sophisticated style that softens features. The subtle layers and inward curve enhance natural volume, giving the hair a fuller appearance. The blend of natural gray and silver highlights adds a modern, elegant touch, perfect for women who embrace graceful aging with ease of styling. Ideal for everyday wear, this hairstyle is low-maintenance and well-suited for a busy lifestyle.

FUN & SASSY

I love this look for its fun and sassy vibe, offering plenty of styling possibilities. This client has been growing out her hair from a short pixie cut, proving that the growing-out phase can be an exciting opportunity to experiment with styles you might not have tried before. This style is perfect for someone in the process of growing their hair, as it allows the top layers to catch up with the perimeter length. It’s also a quick style for straight hair—just a power dry and some wax will add direction and texture. However, if your hair is wavy, this length might require more daily styling to achieve the same effect.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, finding the right hairstyle for an elongated face can be a challenge, but there are countless flattering options to choose from. The key is to find a style that balances your facial features and complements your personal style.

Whether you prefer a pixie cut, a bob, or a lob, there are many short hairstyles that can help to visually shorten your face and enhance your natural beauty. By experimenting with different styles and techniques, you can find the perfect short hairstyle to flatter your elongated face and make you feel confident and beautiful.

30 STYLISH TAPERED HAIRCUTS TO ENHANCE NATURAL CURLS

Natural hair offers a wealth of stunning styling options. There’s a vast array of protective styles, creative ways to enhance and volumize curls, and numerous methods to rock shorter lengths. Additionally, you can explore various undercuts, mohawk-inspired designs, and sleek looks. Among these, tapered haircuts stand out as a favorite for styling natural hair.

Tapered haircuts feature varying lengths that create a distinctive gradation, ranging from low fade buzz cuts to asymmetrical bobs and long curly layers. The beauty of tapered haircuts lies in their versatility; they can be tailored to match your hair type, curl pattern, length, and face shape, resulting in a personalized style that suits you perfectly.

To spark inspiration for your next salon visit, we consulted two professional hairstylists who have curated a list of the 30 best tapered haircuts for natural hair, along with expert styling tips. From Amandla Stenberg’s tapered box braids and Angela Bassett’s layered curls to Danai Gurira’s buzzcut styles and Zendaya’s modern pixie, explore these top looks to find the perfect tapered haircut for you.

CLASSIC POMPADOUR

A modern twist on the pompadour focuses on achieving maximum volume. You can replicate a tapered cut by pinning the hair to the sides or keep the hair trimmed or buzzed everywhere except the top. This approach allows you to maintain a striking, voluminous style with a contemporary edge.

SIMPLE SALT & PEPPER

Simplicity has its own charm, especially in the natural hair world. You don’t need elaborate designs, complex dye jobs, or long lengths to make a statement. Embrace a chic, peppery short ‘do and let your unique features shine through effortlessly.

SHORT POMPADOUR

The timeless pompadour consistently enhances one’s style, as perfectly exemplified by model Maria Borges.

ASYMMETRICAL SIDE

Don’t hesitate to get creative with your haircut. For example, this asymmetrical cut features soft edges on both sides, forming a striking geometric look that showcases inventive styling.

CONVENTIONAL CUT

If you’re not keen on getting too close with the clippers, consider a long, layered pixie tapered haircut. This classic and timeless style complements curly textures and beautifully frames the face. It’s also a great option for naturals with fine hair who want to add more volume and depth to their look.

PIXIE WITH BANGS

Add a boyish-glam touch to your pixie cut by incorporating sweeping bangs. Finish off the style with a shine spray to enhance the sleek, polished effect.

FRIZZY FRO

Embrace the humidity and its natural frizz. Your curls will appear even more voluminous, creating a halo-like effect around your face.

ACCESSORIZED WITH A HAT

Choosing a tapered haircut doesn’t mean you have to forgo dressing up your natural curls. In fact, you can experiment with colors and accessories to enhance your look. A wide-brimmed hat is a chic way to complement your tapered style and add an extra touch of flair.

CURLY FADE

We adore Cynthia Erivo’s subtle, curly fade haircut. It adds texture and dimension to her look, striking the perfect balance between laid-back elegance and high glamour.

GROWN OUT TAPERED CUT

A tapered cut is stylish, but it also looks fantastic as it grows out. When your curls lengthen, you can use techniques like finger coils and twist-outs to define and enhance your hair’s shape and texture.

DIP-DYE FRO

While fro-hawks are popular, this dip-dyed tapered haircut offers a fresh twist. Shave your sides and create a large “Z” pattern for a unique look. When you’re heading out, style your hair to the front and pin or tie it in place to showcase your lightened curly ends.

COMB-OVER FRO-HAWK

Make a statement like Rihanna with this dynamic haircut. “I love seeing women rock a fro-hawk,” says Bailey. “The fro-hawk is a daring style with versatile options. With the sides typically faded, tapered, or closely trimmed, the real drama happens at the top or along the center of the head.”

SOFT CUT

Channel Rihanna’s bold style with this striking haircut. “I love seeing women embrace a fro-hawk,” says Bailey. “The fro-hawk is a fearless choice with lots of versatility. While the sides are usually faded, tapered, or closely trimmed, the real impact is made at the top or along the center of the head.”

TAPERED BOX BRAIDS

Elevate your protective style with a touch of tapered length for a subtle yet eye-catching detail that adds a hint of flair.

VOLUMINOUS BOB WITH BANGS

Boost the volume of your curls for a tapered, stylish look. Simply apply a curl-defining product to your strands to achieve a well-coiffed and controlled style, reminiscent of Solange’s signature flair.

TAPERED AFRO

For naturals in stage two of their hair journey, joining the tapered haircut trend is easy by keeping the hair shorter at the back. This creates a choppy, medium-sized afro that retains definition while adding style. To enhance the look, fluff up the front and pull a few strands to achieve wispy curls, making your cut truly stand out.

CURLY COIFFURE

Keep your curls voluminous at the top of your head while tapering the rest to a shorter length, drawing attention to your crown. If you love this style but prefer not to commit to a tapered cut, achieve a similar effect by gathering your hair into a high puff.

PEEKABOO CUT

Surprise and captivate with a hidden undercut design. Style your box braids into a high bun to showcase your shaved sides, creating a visually striking contrast. Pulling your hair up will reveal the tapered cut, offering a stylish and attention-grabbing twist.

ASYMMETRICAL CURLS

An asymmetrical cut is a timeless choice, and you can personalize it by embracing your natural texture. This style remains stylish and allows you to highlight the unique qualities of your curls or waves, making the look distinctly your own.

AUBURN WAVES

Naturalistas looking to enjoy the benefits of short hair without a drastic chop can enhance their look with a teeny weeny afro. The key to this style is to keep your hair short enough to stay manageable while long enough to showcase your natural texture.

Use a boar bristle brush to smooth baby hairs or create soft waves, and consider a monthly (or weekly) auburn rinse for a touch of color. The Mason Pearson Handy Mixture Bristle Hair Brush is ideal for achieving the perfect finish.

ASYMMETRICAL BUZZCUT

Embrace a punk-inspired look by shaving one side of your hair, while letting the other side showcase your curls or featuring box braids for a stylish protective option. This contrast creates a bold and versatile style that combines edgy flair with practical hair care.

HIGH FADE

A high fade allows you to achieve the flat-top look without the hassle of maintaining height. Simply buzz the sides of your head for a clean finish. The contrast between the shorter sides and the longer top creates a striking, gender-neutral style that’s both sleek and sophisticated.

BOLD FRO-HAWK

If daring is your style, you’ll love the idea of a colorful frohawk. Ask your stylist to buzz the sides, create a distinctive shape—like a shaved lightning bolt—and add some bleach for extra impact. Choose any color you like, but a vibrant shade adds personality and pairs well with neutral outfits. The standout feature is the playful shape, which adds a fun, bold touch without taking itself too seriously.

LONG, TAPERED CURL

Anyone with curls knows that each bend can create a trompe l’œil effect, but you can enhance this illusion by adding real layers for even more shape and dimension. This approach not only emphasizes the natural texture but also adds depth and movement to your curls, making your hairstyle even more striking.

BUZZ CUT WITH DESIGNS

Keep your style sharp and eye-catching with a buzzcut that incorporates unique designs. Whether you opt for various sizes, shapes, or personal messages, your scalp becomes a canvas for creativity. The possibilities are endless, allowing you to make a bold statement with your haircut.

GINGER SNAP

No matter which tapered haircut you choose, adding a ginger hue can give your style an edgy, alternative vibe. This vibrant color enhances the look, providing a fresh and eye-catching twist to your tapered cut.

ICY TRAIL

If you’re ready to transition from long natural hair to a vibrant fashion color, this clean fade is the perfect choice. Opt for a close shave on the sides to let the deep side steal the spotlight, and add an icy, gunmetal blue for a striking, contemporary look.

TAPERED PIXIE

Pair a pixie cut with tapered sides for a wispy, stylish look that’s both cute and easy to maintain—just remember regular touch-ups with clippers or your stylist. For an extra touch, sweep the top into a soft mohawk for added flair and versatility.

ARTSY COLORS

“Tapered cuts are like blank canvases, offering clients the chance to get creative and express their style almost artistically,” says Dent. “You can opt for cut designs that reflect your personality or mood, incorporating clean lines, swirls, or even shaved artwork. Plus, you can style it with curls, twists, faux locs, and coils—or, in this case, with vibrant dye.”

CURLY FRO-HAWK

For a timeless yet edgy look, sweep the sides of your hair up and style them into a curly faux frohawk. To add even more impact, stretch out your curls to enhance their volume and create a bold, standout style.

FAQ

1.How can I maintain a natural tapered cut?

One key aspect of tapered cuts is their tendency to grow out quickly. To keep your style looking sharp and fresh, aim to schedule a barber appointment every 2 to 3 weeks.

2.How can I fake a tapered cut?

If you’re drawn to the tapered sides but hesitant to fully commit, try creating a faux hawk. Divide your hair into 2 or 3 vertical sections, slick up the sides to form ponytails, and fluff each ponytail to achieve a cohesive, uniform look.