Hair stylists love working with clients who have oval faces, as this shape is extremely versatile and can suit numerous styles, both short and long.
Still, in spite of its versatility, knowing specifically which hairstyles work well with an oval face will give you the edge when thinking about your styling goals this year.
So, with that in mind, join us as we help you determine whether you have an oval-shaped face and discover the best styles to try this year for guys and girls.
First: Do you have an oval-shaped face?
An oval-faced shape shares similarities with both round and square faces (Read to explore the most attractive hairstyles for square faces), so recognizing this face shape can be a little confusing. The main characteristic is that with an oval face, the width of the forehead is less than the width of the cheekbones, while your face is longer than it is wide.
Often, the most prominent feature of an oval-shaped face is the wide cheekbones, while the chin is typically round instead of pointed. Here’s a run-through of the main determinants of an oval face to help you check:
✅ The cheekbones are the widest point of the face
✅ The forehead is slightly narrower than the width of the cheekbones
✅ The chin is usually rounded, with an absence of angles and sharp features
Oval vs. round face
The two most commonly confused face shapes are oval and round faces, as they’re very similar. Perhaps the easiest way to look at the two is that an oval face is slightly more elongated than a round face. While a round face also has wide cheekbones, the difference lies in the space between the forehead and the chin. You may also notice that your jawbone tapers from the cheeks to the chin, which is another key characteristic of people with oval faces.
Celebrities with oval face shapes
Before making styling decisions based on your face shape, it can be helpful to know about celebrities who share your facial features so you can turn to them for inspiration. With that in mind, here are some of the best-known celebs with oval face shapes:
- Cameron Diaz
- Tyra Banks
- Elle Macpherson
- Charlize Theron
- Emma Watson
- Kristen Stewart
Laifen’s expert guide on styling your hair with an oval face
Oval faces are structured in such a way that they lend themselves to extremely versatile and diverse styling options. In fact, both guys and girls can get away with a huge variety of hairstyles if they have an oval face, which can’t be said of people with round or square faces.
The additional length of oval faces means that both long and short styles work well, but we love how textured and layered haircuts add dimension and balance to the face. With that in mind, we’ve handpicked some of our favorite styles to try this year if you have an oval face.
The best hairstyles for oval face females
Let’s start with the ladies. Here are five stunning hairstyles for oval faces you can ask your stylist about this year:
1: Blunt lob
A blunt lob with a middle parting is a stunning hairstyle for an oval face that keeps things super sleek and simple. Blunt styles like this are great for fine hair as they give off the appearance of a fuller look, but they can also work for slightly thicker and denser hair.
2: Classic pixie cut
If you’re looking for a short hairstyle for an oval face, look no further than the classic pixie. This is a great look because you don’t need bangs or shaped hair at the front to hide your forehead or any other features. Simply crop it short and let the pixie work its magic!
3: Modern mullet
We have Miley Cyrus to thank for the re-emergence of the mullet, and this is a great look for women with oval faces. A healthy application of texturizing spray can make all the difference to the depth and layers of your mullet, so apply generously, particularly if you’re looking for extra length and texture.
4: Curtain bangs
Granted, practically any bangs hairstyle for an oval face would look effortlessly stylish, but we’re in awe of the way curtain bangs perfectly frame your face. The width of curtain bangs provides extra balance up top, while you can tailor the length according to your styling preferences.
5: Slicked-back top knot
If you have an oval face, you have the perfect shape to rock a top knot. We love the additional style and sleekness afforded by the slicked-back look at the front, while the knot should be positioned high for maximum impact. This can be a go-to hairstyle for oval faces on days when you don’t want to spend too much time styling your hair and want to wear it up for a change.
Men’s hairstyles for oval faces
What about the best hairstyles for oval-faced men? Here are some options to think about this year:
1: The buzz cut
The buzz is back, and this super short style is perfect for guys with oval faces. You can play around with the length and go as short as zero if you wish. But if you go super short, we recommend leaving some growth in your facial hair to add a chiseled element to your appearance.
2: Faux hawk
The faux hawk is another great option for guys with oval faces. This look features a shorter cut on the back and sides with sufficient length on top for styling, often in the form of a mohawk. It’s a great look for oval faces, as the height on top perfectly complements the elongated nature of your face.
3: Undercut with beard
If you’re looking for a trendy beard and hairstyle for an oval face, the undercut is the obvious choice. Ask your barber to work a number one or two on the back and sides and leave enough length on top for your styling goals. With the beard, bushy hair works well, but this look can also look great with a few days’ worth of stubble.
4: Classic quiff
An understated alternative to the pompadour, the classic quiff is a great option for guys looking for a stylish medium-length hairstyle for oval faces. Task your barber by contrasting the top with the back and sides, and check which way your hair naturally sits before styling your quiff to one side.
5: Short fade
Another of our favorite looks for guys with oval faces is the short fade. Here, your barber blends the length of your cut on the back and sides as it gets progressively longer on top. This smart style looks great with a beard and is a top option for guys with an oval face and facial hair.
The verdict: What is the best hairstyle for an oval face?
Choosing the best hairstyles for oval faces doesn’t need to be difficult, but it helps if you know what you want in a hairstyle. For women, we love the sophistication and simplicity of the blunt lob, which is a stunning look for women with oval faces and medium-length hair.
For guys, you can keep things super simple with a buzz cut or a short fade, as oval faces look great with short, sleek cuts. You can also trim and style your facial hair to complement the short look on top and add depth to your facial features.
For further inspiration, check out the celebrities with oval-shaped faces introduced above and model your style on some of the most iconic looks of the year.
