Long hair is a canvas for endless styles, from sleek and elegant to bohemian and free-spirited. Linda Miller, an experienced hairstylist, shares her expertise on choosing the right long hairstyle for your face shape, hair texture, and lifestyle.
The Right Cut
“To frame a round face, go for long, face-framing layers,” advises Miller. “For a heart-shaped face, add some side bangs. For square faces, soft layers work well.” If your hair is fine, long layers can enhance body and movement. Thick hair benefits from thinning or razoring to reduce weight and bulk.
Styling for Different Textures
“Curly hair can be a challenge,” Miller acknowledges. “The best cut is long layers and minimal texturizing. You don’t want the curls to become too frizzy.” For naturally straight hair, Miller suggests long layers with a soft V shape at the back. This creates movement and prevents the hair from appearing too heavy.
1. Timeless Cascading Waves
The hairstyle consists of long, flowing waves with delicate highlights that provide dimension and depth. A center part and gentle, full-bodied curls create a classic look suitable for various events. The style’s soft, voluminous appearance makes it versatile and appealing for different occasions.
2. Elegant Waves Timeless Charm
This half-up, half-down hairstyle features flowing waves that fall gracefully down the back. The smooth upper portion provides a striking contrast to the voluminous curls below, creating a polished appearance. This versatile style is suitable for both formal occasions and casual gatherings, offering a balanced blend of refinement and relaxed charm.
3. Effortless Waves in Motion
This hairstyle features voluminous, loose waves that create a relaxed and natural look. The soft, cascading waves gently frame the face, adding movement and texture to long hair. It’s a versatile style that works well for various occasions, effortlessly enhancing the overall appearance with its flowing, tousled aesthetic.
4. Elegant Layered Shine
This hairstyle for long hair incorporates gentle layers around the face, creating depth and fluidity. The straightened strands produce a smooth, shiny appearance, resulting in a refined and versatile look appropriate for various settings.
5. Wavy Buns Dual Charm
The hairstyle combines long, loose waves flowing down the back with two playful space buns positioned on top of the head. This look strikes a balance between casual and trendy, making it suitable for various occasions. The wavy texture adds a relaxed feel, while the space buns contribute a fun and quirky element to the overall appearance.
6. Effortlessly Elegant Waves
The hairstyle combines a half-up, half-down approach with loose, full-bodied waves flowing down the back. A large, stylish hair clip secures the upper portion, creating a look that is both relaxed and polished. This versatile style is suitable for various occasions, from everyday wear to more formal events, adding a graceful and charming element to the wearer’s appearance.
7. Magical Double Bun Glam
The hairstyle features two whimsical buns atop long hair, creating a playful and eye-catching look. Loose, wispy bangs frame the face, while a light dusting of glitter adds a touch of magic. This charming double bun style is suitable for various stylish events and occasions, offering a fun yet polished appearance.
8. Timeless Silky Waves
The hairstyle consists of long, silky waves that flow down the shoulders, creating a soft and romantic look. Blunt bangs that brush the eyebrows add a contemporary element to the style, complementing the flowing locks and enhancing the overall appearance.
9. Effortless Polished Waves
This hairstyle showcases long, flowing waves that create a polished and refined appearance. The center part adds a contemporary element, making it versatile for various occasions, from everyday wear to more formal events. The style’s graceful movement and timeless appeal make it a popular choice for those seeking a stylish yet effortless look.
10. Glamorous Flowing Waves
The hairstyle consists of long, full waves that flow past the shoulders, giving a glamorous appearance. Soft blonde highlights are blended throughout, adding depth and dimension to the overall look. This versatile style works well for both formal events and everyday wear.
11. Glamorous Vintage Waves
The hairstyle showcases full-bodied, flowing waves that fall gracefully down one side. It creates a vintage-inspired look that adds a touch of glamour. A decorative headpiece completes the style, making it well-suited for formal occasions like weddings and special events.
12. Playful Pigtails Perfection
This hairstyle features long hair with bangs that frame the face and high pigtails. The combination creates a playful and edgy appearance that looks youthful and fashionable. It’s a versatile style that can be worn for casual occasions or trendy photo shoots, adding a fun element to one’s overall look.
13. Boho Beachy Waves
Long, loose waves cascade down, framing the face with a carefree and romantic look. A vibrant flower accessory adorns the hair, adding a natural and eye-catching element. This hairstyle gives off casual and beachy vibes, perfect for those seeking an effortless yet charming appearance.
14. Bohemian Romantic Curls Updo
The hairstyle consists of voluminous curls loosely gathered at the crown of the head. Soft tendrils frame the face, creating an effortless and enchanting appearance. Small floral accessories adorn the updo, adding a touch of bohemian charm to the overall look. This romantic style combines a polished finish with a relaxed, natural feel.
15. Timeless Layered Elegance
The hairstyle consists of long layers that frame the face, creating a soft and polished appearance. Side-swept bangs add a contemporary touch to the look, making it versatile for various occasions, from everyday wear to more formal events. The overall style is both flattering and adaptable, suiting a range of personal tastes and settings.
16. Radiant Sleek Perfection
This smooth, straight hairstyle features a center part that conveys a polished and refined appearance. It’s versatile enough for daily use or formal events. The lustrous finish accentuates the hair’s natural radiance, enhancing long tresses and adding a touch of allure.
17. Wavy Glamour Balayage Beauties
The hairstyle showcases long, voluminous waves that cascade down the shoulders, creating a glamorous and effortlessly chic appearance. A subtle balayage technique highlights the hair, blending light and dark tones throughout the flowing locks. This interplay of colors adds depth and dimension to the overall look, making it versatile for various occasions.
18. Bold High Ponytail Elegance
This high ponytail offers a stylish and bold look for those with long hair. It creates an appearance of increased volume and length, making it suitable for various events. The hairstyle’s shiny finish enhances the overall effect, projecting an air of poise and self-assurance.
19. Copper Blonde Radiance
The hairstyle showcases long, flowing hair with a captivating mix of rich copper and platinum blonde highlights. This color combination creates a striking contrast that catches the eye. Soft waves and voluminous layers give the hair a romantic, effortlessly tousled appearance. The overall look is bold and eye-catching, making a strong style statement.
20. Effortlessly Elegant Low Bun
This low bun hairstyle blends polish with ease, making it suitable for various occasions from formal gatherings to relaxed outings. The style draws attention to the wearer’s facial features and complements statement earrings nicely. Its understated charm lies in its ability to appear both refined and effortless, offering a versatile look that can be dressed up or down as needed.
21. Elegantly Twisted Low Bun
This low bun incorporates a gently twisted braid, creating a refined appearance suitable for various occasions. The hairstyle works well for both formal events and relaxed settings, conveying a sense of grace and poise. Its versatile nature allows the wearer to look polished and put-together without appearing overly elaborate.
22. Bold Curls Contrasting Highlights
The hairstyle features a voluminous and edgy appearance with a combination of tight and loose curls flowing downward. This creates a bold and textured look that adds dimension to the hair. Dark roots contrast with blonde highlights throughout, enhancing the dramatic effect of the style. This long hairstyle makes a strong visual impact and draws attention with its mix of colors and textures.
23. Voluminous Curly Highlighted Glam
The hairstyle showcases abundant curls that flow naturally, giving long hair significant volume and dynamic movement. Contrasting highlights woven through the waves produce a eye-catching, multidimensional look that makes a bold statement.
24. Bohemian Waves of Confidence
Voluminous, textured waves cascade down the back, embodying a wild and free spirit. This hairstyle adds a bohemian touch to one’s appearance, making it suitable for various occasions. The effortless flow of the waves exudes confidence and femininity, creating a goddess-like aura around the wearer.
25. Ginger Waves Blonde Flair
The hairstyle showcases long, wavy ginger hair complemented by straight-across bangs. A distinctive platinum blonde highlight at the front creates a striking contrast. This daring combination adds an eye-catching and unconventional touch to long hair, making it an ideal choice for those looking to stand out.
26. Bold Auburn Platinum Contrast
The hairstyle showcases long, wavy auburn locks complemented by a dramatic platinum blonde fringe. This bold combination creates an eye-catching contrast. The loose, textured waves add dimension to the look, while the vivid color pairing makes a daring statement. The overall effect is both edgy and chic, perfect for those who want to stand out with their hair.
27. Effortlessly Glamorous Waves
The hairstyle features voluminous layers that cascade down, creating a glamorous yet effortless appearance suitable for various occasions. Soft waves and abundant texture contribute to the movement and dimension of the long hair, resulting in a stunning and versatile look. This chic style offers a beautiful option for those desiring a dynamic and fashionable hairdo.
28. Golden Waves of Elegance
The long, honey-blonde hair falls in gentle waves beyond the shoulders. A center part divides the voluminous style, which features soft, flowing locks that move freely. This versatile hairstyle complements both everyday looks and special events, highlighting the natural beauty of lengthy tresses.
29. Effortlessly Wavy Layered Locks
The hairstyle features long, layered locks with abundant waves flowing naturally throughout. Rich brown hair color gains depth and dimension from the layered cut. Soft curtain bangs frame the face, adding a fashionable and contemporary element to the overall look.