Oval Face Shape? These Hairstyles Were Made for You
The oval face shape is often called the most versatile of all face shapes — and for good reason. With balanced proportions and soft, rounded lines, an oval face can pull off almost any haircut, fringe or updo. But “almost any” still leaves a few styles that flatter you more than others, and a couple worth skipping….
The oval face shape is often called the most versatile of all face shapes — and for good reason. With balanced proportions and soft, rounded lines, an oval face can pull off almost any haircut, fringe or updo. But “almost any” still leaves a few styles that flatter you more than others, and a couple worth skipping. In this guide you’ll learn how to tell if you have an oval face shape, the most flattering cuts for short, medium and long hair, the best bangs and updos, and the small mistakes that throw off your natural balance.
Table of Contents
What Is an Oval Face Shape?
An oval face shape looks like an elongated circle: the face is a little longer than it is wide, the cheekbones are the widest part of the face, and the forehead is slightly wider than the jawline. The jaw is gently rounded rather than sharp or square, and there are no hard angles. Because the proportions are so even, the oval is treated as the “benchmark” shape that other face shapes are compared to.
Celebrities with an oval face shape include Beyoncé, Jennifer Lopez, Bella Hadid, Jisoo and Tessa Thompson — a good reminder that this shape suits every hair type and texture.
Oval Face Shape at a Glance
- Length: noticeably longer than the width of the face.
- Cheekbones: the widest point, sitting high on the face.
- Forehead: slightly wider than the jaw.
- Jawline: soft and rounded, with no sharp corners.
How to Tell Your Face Shape
Knowing how to tell face shape takes just a few minutes and a mirror or a selfie. There are several common head shapes and different types of facial shapes — oval, round, square, rectangle (oblong), heart, diamond and pear — and a few quick measurements will tell you which one is yours.
- Measure the length. Use a soft tape or ruler to measure from the centre of your hairline straight down to the bottom of your chin.
- Measure the width. Compare three points: your forehead, your cheekbones and your jawline. Note which is widest.
- Analyse the proportions. If your face is longer than it is wide, your cheekbones are the widest part, and your jaw is softly rounded, you have an oval face shape.
Still unsure? Take a well-lit, front-facing selfie, pull your hair back, and trace the outline of your face. The traced shape makes it obvious which of the face shape categories you fall into. For a full walkthrough of every shape, see our guide on how to determine your face shape and find the best hairstyle.
The Best Hairstyles for an Oval Face Shape
Because the oval is so balanced, the goal isn’t to “correct” anything — it’s simply to show off your natural symmetry. Here are the most flattering cuts for every length.
Short Haircuts
Short cuts beautifully highlight the symmetry of an oval face. Pixie cuts, blunt French bobs, layered bobs and asymmetrical bobs all work wonderfully. A polished pixie looks especially chic, while a textured bob adds a modern, editorial edge. If you’re growing out a pixie, ask for soft, choppy layers to keep the shape flattering as it transitions. For more inspiration, browse our roundup of the best bob cuts to try.
Medium-Length Styles
Mid-length hair gives oval faces endless options. Lobs, shags and soft layered cuts all flatter the shape, while a few face-framing pieces around the cheekbones draw the eye to your best feature. A shoulder-skimming lob with subtle texture is effortlessly modern. Explore more ideas in our guide to shoulder-length haircuts for every face shape.
Long Hair Options
Long hair suits oval faces especially well. Long layers add movement and dimension without overwhelming your features, while beachy waves bring an easy, lived-in glamour. A deep side part and face-framing layers keep everything looking soft and balanced. Sleek, straight styles also read polished and elegant on this shape.
Best Bangs and Fringe for an Oval Face
Bangs are one of the quickest ways to refresh an oval face, and most fringe styles flatter it. Two stand out as the most universally flattering.
- Curtain bangs. Parted in the middle and sweeping longer toward the sides, curtain bangs frame the face softly and are wonderfully low-maintenance — they grow out gracefully and suit nearly everyone.
- Side-swept bangs. Swept gently to one side, these draw attention to the eyes and add a relaxed, versatile frame.
For a complete breakdown of fringe styles by length and texture, see our guide to the most stunning fringe hairstyles to try, or this year’s softest trend in our Birkin bangs ideas.
Best Updos for an Oval Face Shape
Pulling your hair up is a great way to show off the cheekbones on an oval face. A low bun highlights your bone structure and elongates the neck, while a high ponytail adds an elegant lift. Leaving a few soft, face-framing pieces loose around the front keeps an updo from looking too severe and preserves the natural softness of the shape.
Hairstyles to Avoid With an Oval Face
You have a lot of freedom, but a couple of styles can disrupt the balance an oval face naturally has:
- Too much volume on top. Big height at the crown can make an already-long face look even longer.
- Heavy, blunt micro bangs. Very short baby bangs can break up the proportions; opt for longer, softer fringe instead.
- Hair that completely covers the cheekbones. Since cheekbones are your standout feature, avoid styles that hide them entirely.
Styling Tips for an Oval Face Shape
Beyond the cut itself, a few habits keep an oval face looking its best:
- Add gentle texture. Tousled waves or soft beachy curls add movement and a romantic finish without piling height on top.
- Keep volume at the sides, not the crown. This widens the face slightly and balances its length.
- Use face-framing layers. They guide attention straight to your cheekbones and eyes.
- Try a deep side part. It adds softness and a touch of asymmetry that flatters the even oval shape.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an oval face shape?
An oval face shape is longer than it is wide, with cheekbones as the widest point, a forehead slightly wider than the jaw, and a soft, rounded jawline with no sharp angles. It’s considered the most balanced of all face shapes.
How can I tell if I have an oval face shape?
Measure your face length from hairline to chin, then compare the width of your forehead, cheekbones and jaw. If your face is longer than it is wide and your cheekbones are widest, you most likely have an oval face shape. Tracing a front-facing selfie confirms it quickly.
What hairstyles suit an oval face shape best?
Almost all of them. Long layers, textured bobs, lobs, beachy waves, curtain bangs and side-swept bangs are particularly flattering because they enhance the face’s natural symmetry.
What hairstyles should an oval face avoid?
Avoid excessive volume at the crown and very short blunt bangs, since both can make the face appear longer or break up its balanced proportions.
Is an oval face shape rare?
It isn’t rare, but it is considered the most “ideal” shape because of its even proportions — which is why other face shapes are often compared to it.
Final Thoughts
An oval face shape gives you the freedom to experiment with almost any look — short or long, sleek or wavy, fringe or no fringe. Use the symmetry to your advantage, keep the focus on your cheekbones, and don’t be afraid to play. Next time you’re at the salon, bring a photo, mention you have an oval face shape, and enjoy just how versatile this shape really is. For more styling inspiration, explore our full library of expert hair tips.
