9 of the Most Flattering Haircuts for Oval Faces

By Kaitlyn Yarborough
@lisasatornhair

Growing up, we always want what we can’t have, especially when it comes to beauty. No matter if your eyes are brown or blue, your hair blonde or brunette, your legs long or short—the grass is always greener on the other side. How many times did we storm home from school in a huff, asking our mother why she just had to pass down her crazy curls? (Sorry, mom. That was 100 percent pre-teen angst.) But, like most things, we grow out of it and eventually come to love those curls...mostly.

Face shape? That’s something else. If we could have it our way, there's only one side of the green that we want to be on. Even now, after accepting that round, square, oblong, and heart face shapes are all equally beautiful. (Pretty is as pretty does, after all.) Hint: It's the perfectly symmetrical one with a 3:2 length-to-width ratio.

If you guessed oval, you got it. Why do we all want it? Because oval faces have it easy. So maddeningly easy. Most cuts are going to flatter an oval face shape, which gives it the best chance at rocking slightly more adventurous styles like shaggy layered cuts, asymmetrical looks, and super short lengths. Don’t forget bangs, either—oval faces can really pull off fringe of all persuasions. In honor of this low-maintenance face shape, we’ve rounded up some of its most flattering haircuts. Whether you’re looking for a classic cut or a bold one, here are the 9 best hairstyles for oval faces.

Start Slideshow

1 of 10

Chin Bob

@mizzchoi

Thanks to enviously symmetrical features, oval-faced ladies can rock a bold chin-grazing length. It skims the widest part of your face, the temples, and makes those cheekbones pop. 

Advertisement
Advertisement

2 of 10

Bardot Lob

@mizzchoi

Make like Bardot and frame that face with fringe! Ask for cheekbone-grazing layering to ensure it doesn't shorten or elongate the length of your face. Finish with a trendy shoulder cut and you're set. 

3 of 10

Face-Framing Pieces

@hairbycharlie

Not into bangs? Face-framing it is. These longer face-skimming pieces are the most universally flattering thing you can ask your stylist to snip. 

Advertisement

4 of 10

Layered Shoulder Cut

@salsalhair

Oval faces, listen up: A shag-inspired cut wants to be your new signature 'do. At least for a season or two. Make it extra edgy with a deep side part and airy bangs. 

5 of 10

Super Pixie

@veronica_nunez

Turns out, that 3:2 length-to-width ratio can handle a heavy shearing—and you won't end up looking like Peter Pan, post-Neverland. A super pixie isn't for everyone, but those with oval faces can definitely make it work. 

6 of 10

Full Fringe

@riawna

We're firm believers that every woman should try bangs once in her life. For oval faces, bangs are extra flattering. Why not go all-in with full, straight-across fringe? 

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

7 of 10

Asymmetrical Shoulder Cut

@salsalhair

No need to fear the asymmetrical cut when you're flaunting a 3:2 face ratio. This trend gives a blunt lob a touch of cool-girl style. 

8 of 10

Modern Shag

@veronica_nunez

Curly girls, take note: If there's one cut that has taken over salons everywhere, it's the modern version of the Shag. Layers? Check. Bangs? Check. Insanely flattering for oval faces? Triple check. 

9 of 10

Super Side Part

@lisasatornhair

An exaggerated side part shows off the width of your cheekbones and crown, which scares off many face shapes. Since oval faces aren't too wide or too narrow, it happens to be the perfect pick. 

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Replay gallery

Share the Gallery

Up Next

Advertisement
© Copyright . All rights reserved. Printed from https://www.southernliving.com