If You Have an Oval Face, Try These Hairstyles

If you have an oval face, you’re pretty lucky when it comes to hairstyles. This face shape—typically characterized by a gently rounded hairline and jawline, with the face slightly longer than it is wide—is incredibly versatile. According to Sunnie Brook, a celebrity hairstylist and Biolage global ambassador, “Oval faces are the dream shape to work with.” Thus, you can test out everything from a sharp bob to cascading layers, without the worry of an imbalance in your features.

That being said, some cuts and styles are more flattering than others. “Match the cut to your hair’s natural pattern and let the shape do the work,” Brook adds. The key is focusing on styles that highlight your natural face symmetry, rather than highlighting its shape. So for those of you with oval faces, these are some of our favorite hairstyles for you.

The long, layered cut

Long layers are a fan-favorite for a reason. These face-framing pieces define your cheekbones and keep the overall silhouette polished, without overwhelming your face. Brook says these give you “movement without losing length.” Ask your stylist for soft, blended layers rather than anything too choppy, particularly if you want an easy, undone finish. For extra bounce, take inspiration from the modern ’90s blowout: cascading, voluminous layers can create movement throughout the hair.

The blunt bob

An oval face can handle a strong geometric cut, which makes the blunt bob an especially sophisticated choice. Keep the ends crisp and relatively uniform, with the length hovering somewhere around the chin or just below it. Now, consider parts: a center part emphasizes the face’s symmetry, while a deep side part gives the same cut a more dramatic, asymmetrical feel.

Curtain bangs

Curtain bangs were practically designed for oval faces. The parted fringe draws attention toward the eyes and cheekbones while blending seamlessly into face-framing layers. We’d recommend having your stylist cut bangs that are slightly shorter in the center and gradually lengthen toward the temples for that effortless, grown-in effect.

The textured pixie

An oval face can absolutely pull off a pixie; actually, the shape gives you plenty of freedom to play with a cropped cut. Try a softly textured pixie with longer pieces around the temples, or go bolder with a graphic, closely cropped version. For a little more balance and personality, consider longer sideburns. Even a small amount of length around the face can change the overall effect.

The sleek, long ponytail

Our favorite hairstyle, rather than a cut, is a simple one. A sleek ponytail puts an oval face’s proportions front and center, while a high placement can create a polished, lifted effect. For something softer, pull out a few wispy pieces around the temples and cheekbones.

Because ponytails often involve brushing and tension, hair health matters. If your strands are prone to breakage, Kérastase’s Genesis Bain Hydra-Fortifiant Shampoo is designed specifically for weakened hair that is susceptible to breakage from brushing.