The Right Hairstyles to Make Your Neck Look Longer or Shorter

Let’s face it, we all have our insecurities – and there’s nothing wrong with the desire to enhance your features. Often it is a minor imperfection which is hardly seen by other people, yet it still might affect the way you feel a lot.

If the length of your neck is something you struggle with, this guide is for you. Besides working on your posture and correcting a shorter neck with clothes, there are some tricks how you can make your neck look longer or shorter by choosing the right hairstyle.

What Hairstyles Elongate Your Neck

Here, we listed several strategies for making your neck look more proportional. These ideas will let you understand what contributes to this effect, so those of you who have a long neck and would prefer it to appear shorter, will have much food for thought too.

1. Added Height

Volume on the crown of your head elongates your face and neck and makes both appear slimmer and more defined. If you want your neck to look longer and thinner, opt for higher, more full-bodied styles. It could be a modern, softer version of a quiff for people with shorter hair. As for those with long locks, think about some of those ‘90s model hairstyles, or just a regular everyday claw clip style but with some oomph.

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@justindillaha_hair

2. Face Framing

We never stop awing by how much can a few strands at the front change your face. Keep some longer locks – about an inch or two below your chin if you want your neck to look longer. Lighter and more feathered face framing are your best bet, rather than thicker and heavier strands.

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@salsalhair

3. Side Parting

The middle part tends to widen the silhouette, therefore making your face appear rounder and shortening your neck. Try breaking your hair slightly off center for a more balanced look. Maybe even tuck one side behind your ear to set a vertical line framing your neckline.

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@thetalitajourney

4. Putting Hair Up

Just like high-neck tops make your neck come out shorter and wider, having too much hair can feel too heavy and bulky. Put it up in a slick bun or a high ponytail – it will open your neck and make it longer and slimmer. Typically, high-piled buns create that snatched-up, defined look.

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@dor_noy_hair

5. The Right Length

Those with mid-length hair should keep their tresses below the shoulder if they want a longer-looking neck. Anything between your chin and shoulders draws a horizontal line that visually cuts your neck and makes it appear wider and shorter.

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@jacobrozenberg

6. Layers

If for any reason your hair is at that neck-grazing length stage, add some layers to soften it and create that trending feathered effect. Layers look very flattering on longer hair too and can be customized to flatter your features.

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@caithelle_hair

7. The Right Choice of Party Updos

As stated above, high updos will elongate the neck visually. If you are not sure you want that effect, a half up style will be a safe bet. Be it a special occasion like a wedding, prom, ball or just a party, a half up half down style with waves is one of those perfectly flattering and versatile hairstyles. Whilst it will not particularly elongate or shorten your neck, it will make the overall look softer and beautifully frame your features.

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@carlywilliamshair

Hair Tips for Men Who Want Their Neck to Look Longer

For men, hairstyle details like a high fade, combover or spiky hair on the top will create an illusion of a longer neck. If you have medium length hair, keep your sideburns longer and fuller as it will create vertical lines which visually elongate your neck and make it appear slimmer.

Those with long hair should give preference to ponytails and men-buns rather than hair down, particularly if your hair is thick and heavy.

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@sami_barbershop

What Hairstyles to Avoid

The general unwritten rule to making your neck look longer is to introduce vertical lines into your hairstyle and to avoid harsh horizontal lines. Elements like a full fringe and super blunt ends for women are the ones we recommend staying away from. Instead, your best bet is opting for curtain bangs, feathered layers and building volume on the top.

Men should steer clear from too defined lines like a Caesar cut, as well as longer sides and back.

What Is the Best Hair Length to Make Your Neck Longer?

When choosing the right length, you should either keep your neck completely open, e.g. have a short haircut or choose a below-the-shoulder length. Hair ending in the middle of your neck will create a horizontal line which visually shortens and widens your neck.

At the same time, very long hair can look heavy and weigh your features down. However, if your long locks are your pride and joy, it won’t be fair just to chop it all off (and we are not hair police here). Try to soften it with some layers, especially at the front. Also, the side part will look more flattering than the middle part if you want to elongate your face and neck.

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@styled_by_selena

How to Make Your Neck Look Shorter?

If you think that your neck is too long, here’s how you can make it look shorter. First, having some hair around your neck will give it some coverage and therefore, will visually shorten it. Think short layers, a just above-the-shoulder bob, or even a mullet.

For men, you should avoid super short haircuts like mid to high fades – those expose too much skin and make your neck even longer. Consider a medium-length cut instead. Also, facial hair is great for creating a flattering proportion. Think of a longer, spade-shaped beard or at least some stubble.

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@bestmenshaircutsnyc

We hope you found some suitable solutions to make your neck more proportional. Choosing your signature hairstyle is a lifetime journey (well unless you are Anna Wintour). We hope you enjoy the ride and keep having us on board!