Best Hairstyles for Oval Face Shapes
Oval face shapes are often considered the most versatile when it comes to hairstyles. With balanced proportions and gentle contours, oval faces can pull off nearly any haircut or style. However, certain hairstyles particularly complement and enhance this face shape's natural symmetry. This guide will help you identify your oval face shape and discover styles that will showcase your features beautifully.
How to Identify an Oval Face Shape
You likely have an oval face shape if:
- Your face length is approximately 1.5 times the width
- Your forehead is slightly wider than your jawline
- Your face has no particularly sharp angles
- The widest part of your face is at your cheekbones
- Your jaw has a gentle curve rather than a sharp angle
Top Hairstyles for Oval Face Shapes
1. Long Layers
Long, layered cuts beautifully frame oval faces and enhance their natural balance. The layers can start at the cheekbones or chin to add movement and dimension, while the length maintains the face's natural elegance. This versatile style works with straight, wavy, or curly hair textures.
2. Medium Length Bob
A bob that hits anywhere from the chin to the shoulders is particularly flattering for oval faces. Whether worn sleek and straight or with tousled waves, this length draws attention to the jawline and cheekbones while maintaining the face's natural harmony.
3. Side-Swept Bangs
Side-swept bangs add softness and dimension to oval faces without overwhelming their natural balance. This style of bangs can be incorporated into virtually any hair length and adds a touch of sophistication while framing the eyes and cheekbones.
4. Pixie Cut
Oval face shapes can beautifully showcase short pixie cuts that might overwhelm other face shapes. Whether closely cropped or with longer pieces on top, pixie cuts highlight the eyes and cheekbones while maintaining balanced proportions.
5. Center-Parted Styles
A center part highlights the natural symmetry of oval faces. This parting works beautifully with long, straight hair, beachy waves, or even shorter styles, creating a frame that perfectly complements the face's proportions.
6. Curtain Bangs
Curtain bangs that frame the face and blend into layers create a soft, romantic look that enhances oval face shapes. This style of bangs opens up the face while still providing some framing, perfect for highlighting cheekbones.
7. Shaggy Layers
Textured, shaggy layers with face-framing pieces add dimension and movement that complement oval faces. This low-maintenance style works with various lengths and adds a carefree, effortless vibe while preserving the face's natural balance.
8. Blunt Bob
A precisely cut blunt bob at chin or shoulder length creates a striking frame for oval faces. The clean lines of this style contrast beautifully with the softer curves of an oval face shape, creating a modern, chic look.
9. Long Straight Hair
Sleek, straight hair that falls past the shoulders creates an elegant, timeless look for oval faces. This simple style lets your facial features take center stage while providing a classic frame that enhances your natural proportions.
10. Voluminous Curls
Full, bouncy curls add dimension and energy to oval faces without disturbing their inherent balance. Whether natural or styled, curls of any length complement oval faces beautifully while adding personality and texture.
Styling Tips for Oval Faces
- Experiment confidently—oval faces can pull off almost any style
- Consider your hair texture and lifestyle when choosing a cut
- Try both center and side parts to see which you prefer
- Don't be afraid of short cuts—oval faces look stunning with pixies and bobs
- Add layers for dimension and movement regardless of length
- Balance your features by keeping hair either all one length or adding subtle layers
What to Consider
While oval faces can wear virtually any style, keep these considerations in mind:
- Very full, rounded styles may make an oval face appear rounder
- Extremely heavy, blunt bangs can sometimes shorten the appearance of an oval face
- Hair pulled severely back without any softness may emphasize any asymmetry
- Consider your hair's natural texture and choose styles that work with, not against it
Remember that these are guidelines rather than rules. Your personal style preferences, hair texture, and lifestyle should always influence your choice of hairstyle.
Recommended Products
Volumizing Mousse
Adds body and dimension to fine hair, perfect for creating voluminous styles that maintain the face's natural balance.
Smoothing Serum
Creates sleek, frizz-free looks that beautifully frame oval face shapes, especially with center-parted styles.
Texturizing Spray
Adds definition and movement to layers and shaggy cuts, enhancing dimension without overwhelming the face.
Celebrity Inspiration
These celebrities with oval face shapes showcase a variety of flattering hairstyles:
- Jessica Alba (layered medium-length hair, side-swept bangs)
- Beyoncé (long layers, center-parted styles, voluminous curls)
- Julia Roberts (long waves with face-framing layers)
- Charlize Theron (pixie cuts, sleek bobs)
- Bella Hadid (sleek straight styles, center parts)
- Kerry Washington (side-swept bangs, textured bobs)
Get Personalized Hairstyle Recommendations
Not sure which hairstyle suits you best? The HairMe app uses AI to analyze your face shape and recommend perfect hairstyles for you.