The upper half of an oblong shape is the:

The upper half of an oblong shape is referred to as the first direction. In hairstyling and design, understanding the concept of shape and direction is crucial for creating balanced and aesthetically pleasing styles. The term "first direction" often corresponds to the top portion of shapes used in designs, guiding stylists on how to approach the layout and flow of hairstyles.

This knowledge helps in techniques like layering, where the upper sections of hair may need to be styled differently than the lower sections for a cohesive appearance. Recognizing the first direction allows for better planning in works such as cutting or arranging hair, ensuring that the end result complements the overall shape of the face and aligns with the client’s preferences.

The other options do not accurately describe the upper half of an oblong shape, as they relate to either different aspects of design or do not apply to the concept of directional styling in the same way.