Picking a new hairstyle is no easy task–you have to consider everything from the length to the thickness, color, and cut. There’s nothing worse than leaving the hairdresser with hair you hate or that just doesn’t suit your face or overall aesthetic. The ultimate trick to making sure you leave happy each time is to follow your natural face shape, opting for hairstyles that suit your particular bone structure, because one cut doesn’t tend to suit everyone equally.
Oval faces, for example, tend to be gently rounded and balanced, with a slightly longer angle toward the chin. Finding the best hairstyle for an oval face might include an extended consultation with your stylist and drawing inspiration from oval-faced celebrities. You might favor Bella Hadid and adopt a slicked-back bun, or try Rihanna’s mini ’fro, for example.
Here, three hairstylists offer their expertise in finding the best, most elegant hairstyles for oval faces.
How to style different hair textures with an oval face
All textures work well with oval face shapes–it’s all in the styling. Pin-straight hair, for example, tends to accentuate the symmetry of an oval face, whereas curly and wavy textures feel a bit more romantic. To that end, whatever your natural texture, it’s worth adding a bit of movement throughout. “Introducing movement, whether through curls, waves, or subtle layering, helps to maintain balance in an oval face,” explains celebrity hairstylist Charlotte Mensah.
For people with fine hair and an oval face, Larry King hairstylist Jake Unger suggests “textured lobs and airy layers,” as they can add body without extra bulk.
What are the best hair lengths for oval faces?
From pixie cuts to midi waves, the oval face can carry pretty much any length. “That being said, shoulder to chest-length styles often feel particularly well-suited, framing the face without stealing the spotlight,” Unger says.
“Longer lengths work particularly well when paired with layers, soft waves, or curls,” adds Mensah. However, she notes that this is styling advice rather than a fixed rule. Personal preference will always be the best determinant of which style you'll feel most comfortable with.
What are the best bangs for oval faces?
Oval faces suit all styles of bangs, asserts Unger. “Curtain bangs feel effortlessly chic, while side-swept bangs bring a touch of drama,” he says.
Wispy, gappy bangs are a softer choice that can be more easily incorporated into the rest of the hair if you get bored with them. For the particularly bang-confident among us, blunt bangs can look incredibly striking on oval face shapes. Meanwhile, Hershesons hairstylist Silver Mestre is a fan of the super short full bangs.
Need more ideas? Below, find all the best hairstyles for oval faces:
Sleek pixie cut
“A daring short pixie” is incredibly flattering for those with an oval face shape, according to Unger. Keke Palmer has styled hers slicked down with darker strands at the roots and fiery auburn highlights toward the top.
Tousled waves
“An oval face shape is naturally versatile,” Mensah explains. “The key is to work with the natural symmetry, enhancing rather than overpowering it.” This is precisely what Sarah Jessica Parker does here with gray-blended roots and tousled waves.
Loose bombshell curls
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No one does blonde hair like Beyoncé. The star often likes to style her hair in loose blonde bombshell curls that flatter and highlight the balance of her oval face shape.
Slicked-back bun
Bella Hadid's slicked-back bun allows her features and oval face shape to shine through.
Wispy bangs
Blackpink’s Lisa is a fan of mid-length to long hair. As Mensah pointed out, wispy bangs flatter oval face shapes by adding an intentional, stylish element without looking blocky or overpowering. These bangs complement an oval face shape rather than mask it.
Milkmaid braids
When it comes to intricate hairstyles, milkmaid braids look particularly elegant on oval faces. To recreate the look, part your hair into two sections and braid each one down to the ends. Then wrap each complete braid over the top of your head, overlapping and securing them together with pins.
Medieval twists
Medieval twists are a chic yet fun hairstyle for oval faces. Kendall Jenner wore the hairstyle with long strands. Start by parting your hair and gently combing it backwards. Take two sections for the top of your hair, delicately twisting them close to the scalp two to three times before pinning the twists down and leaving the rest of your hair to fall freely.
Side-swept curls
Side parts look divine on those with oval face shapes. Elevate the look with classic curls created with a large-barrel curling iron.
Mini ’fro
Rihanna is known to rock any and every style. Her signature mini ’fro suits those with afro-textured hair and oval face shapes perfectly.
Swept-back strands
Oval face shapes “allow for a wide range of styles to sit well, from soft layers to more structured cuts,” Mensah explains. Jennifer Lawrence wears hers in an elegant backcombed style devoid of harsh gels, which really frames her face.
Classic updo
Charlize Theron’s elegant classic updo is universally flattering. To achieve her effortless look, part your hair slightly off-center and pull out a few face-framing pieces at the front.
Long, bouncy afro
Long, bouncy afros look wonderful on those with textured hair. Try a braid out for a defined, curly look, gently brushing out sections of the top for added volume.
Classic blowout
A classic blowout looks effortlessly cool on those with oval faces. Make like Hunter Schafer and style your long tresses loose, taming flyaways with a light layer of styling mousse or cream.
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