The frame around a painting changes the painting. The same is true of a haircut. The right cut quietly rebalances the face — softer jawlines look more defined, longer faces look less long, rounder faces gain structure.
Length on top changes face length
Longer on top lengthens the face visually. Shorter on top shortens it. A round face benefits from more top length; a long face from less.
Sides change face width
Tight sides make the face read narrower; longer sides soften it. The right choice depends on bone structure, not on trend.
Fringe changes everything
A textured fringe softens a hard forehead, shortens a long face, and adds youth almost regardless of age. It's also the most commonly mis-cut element of any men's haircut — get it from a barber who cuts them often.
—SIR Management