The oval face shape is often called the most versatile face shape, because its balanced proportions suit a wide range of haircuts, glasses and styles. But "versatile" doesn't mean every cut looks equally good. Here's how to tell if you have an oval face, which hairstyles make the most of it, and the few things to watch for.
What is an oval face shape?
An oval face is:
- longer than it is wide, usually about one and a half times longer,
- widest at the cheekbones,
- slightly narrower at the forehead and narrower again at the jaw,
- finished with a softly rounded chin and jawline.
Think of an egg turned upside down. If your forehead, cheekbones and jaw are all similar in width, you're more likely square or oblong; if your cheekbones are much wider than both forehead and chin, you may be diamond.
Check yours with the free face shape detector, or see the full face shapes guide.
Best hairstyles for oval faces (women)
Because the proportions are already balanced, the goal is to show the face rather than correct it.
Short
- Pixie cut: shows off cheekbones and eyes.
- Chin-length bob: one of the few face shapes that can wear a blunt chin bob easily.
- French bob with bangs.
- Textured crop with a side part.
Medium
- Lob (long bob) at the collarbone.
- Shag with curtain bangs.
- Shoulder-length layers with soft waves.
- Blunt shoulder cut for a sleek look.
Long
- Long layers with face-framing pieces.
- One-length long hair with a middle or side part.
- Butterfly cut for volume and movement.
- Long hair with curtain or wispy bangs.
Best haircuts for oval faces (men)
- Classic side part or taper.
- Quiff and pompadour (keep height moderate if your face is on the long side).
- Textured crop or French crop.
- Buzz cut: oval faces can pull off very short hair.
- Medium-length swept-back hair or curtains.
- Slick back with an undercut.
Most beard styles also suit oval faces; stubble and short boxed beards keep the proportions intact. See beard styles by face shape.
Things to watch for with an oval face
- Too much height on a long oval face can make it look longer. If your face is on the long side, balance height with volume at the sides.
- Heavy bangs that cover the forehead completely can hide your best feature, the balance of your proportions.
- Hair covering the cheekbones all the time can make an oval face look rounder.
Glasses for oval faces
Oval faces suit most frames. Choose frames that are as wide as or slightly wider than the widest part of your face, and keep the top of the frame in line with your brows. Square, rectangle, wayfarer and geometric frames all add a little structure. More in glasses for your face shape.
Eyebrows and makeup
A softly angled brow with a natural arch suits oval faces. Light contour under the cheekbones and a touch of highlight on the cheekbones is usually all that's needed. See eyebrow shapes for your face.
Try different styles
Because oval faces can wear so many cuts, the hardest part is choosing. Try a pixie, a lob and long layers on your own photo with the hairstyle try-on to see which suits your style and hair texture.
FAQ
How do I know if my face is oval?
Your face is about one and a half times longer than wide, your cheekbones are the widest point, and your jaw is softly rounded and slightly narrower than your forehead.
What haircut is best for an oval face?
Almost any cut works. Popular choices are pixies, chin-length bobs, lobs, shags and long layers for women, and side parts, quiffs, crops and buzz cuts for men.
Is an oval face attractive?
Oval faces are often described as balanced, which is why stylists call them versatile. But attractiveness depends on many features, not face outline alone.
What should an oval face avoid?
Very tall styles if your face is long, heavy bangs that cover the whole forehead, and hair that constantly hides the cheekbones.
What glasses suit an oval face?
Most frames work. Choose frames as wide as the widest part of your face, such as square, rectangle or wayfarer styles.
