22 Hairstyles for Oval Faces That Enhance Balance
If you have an oval face shape, consider yourself blessed in the hairstyle department. Often hailed as the most versatile of all face shapes, the oval face is characterized by balanced proportions: the forehead is slightly wider than the chin, with gently rounded jawlines and cheekbones. This inherent symmetry means a vast array of hairstyles can look stunning on you. But with great power comes great responsibility—the key is to choose styles that enhance your natural balance rather than obscure it.
Why the Oval Face is the Gold Standard
Before we dive into the styles, let’s understand why the oval shape is so coveted. The oval face follows a roughly 1:1.5 ratio, with the length being about one and a half times the width. This creates a natural, harmonious canvas. The goal with styling is typically preservation, not correction. You generally don’t need to widen a narrow chin or shorten a long forehead; instead, you can play with textures, lengths, and volumes to express your personality. The versatility is unparalleled, allowing you to experiment with trends more freely than other face shapes.
Chic Short Hairstyles for Oval Faces
Short hair on an oval face is a match made in heaven. It pulls the focus upward, highlighting your eyes, cheekbones, and smile. These cuts are all about confidence and style.
The Classic Pixie Cut: Timeless and edgy. A pixie cut exposes the neck and jawline, drawing attention to your facial structure. Ask for texture on top for volume and soft, wispy bangs to frame the forehead.
The Blunt Bob: A jaw-length blunt bob creates a stunning horizontal line that complements the oval’s soft curves. It’s sleek, modern, and emphasizes a graceful neck.
The Asymmetrical Lob: The long bob (lob) with an asymmetrical edge adds dynamic interest. Having one side slightly longer breaks symmetry in an artistic way, perfect for showcasing your face’s versatility.
The Textured Crop: For a low-fuss, high-fashion look, a closely cropped cut with lots of choppy texture works beautifully. It’s a bold choice that lets your facial features take center stage.
Versatile Medium-Length Masterpieces
Medium hair offers the perfect balance between the boldness of short hair and the drama of long locks. It’s incredibly practical and endlessly stylish.
Beachy Waves: Shoulder-length hair with loose, undone waves is the epitome of effortless cool. The waves add width around the cheekbones, maintaining the face’s proportional balance.
The Shag Cut: The modern shag, with its layered chaos and curtain bangs, is a dream for oval faces. The layers add volume and movement, while the bangs frame the eyes and forehead perfectly.
Blunt Cut with Curtain Bangs: A straight-across, blunt medium cut paired with soft curtain bangs creates a stylish, French-girl aesthetic. The bangs break up the length of the face in a flattering way.
Voluminous Layers: Adding layers from the mid-lengths to ends creates body and bounce. This style prevents hair from looking flat and adds a youthful, energetic shape around the face.
Glamorous Long Hairstyles for Oval Faces
Long hair provides a beautiful frame for an oval face. The key is to avoid styles that elongate the face further; instead, opt for cuts and styles that add width and interest.
Classic Long Layers: Long, face-framing layers are a fail-safe choice. They add softness around the temples and jaw, enhancing your features without overwhelming them.
Old Hollywood Waves: Deep, structured waves that cascade down one side create glamorous width and old-world elegance. This style beautifully complements the oval shape’s symmetry.
Bohemian Braids and Twists: Incorporating braids, twists, or space buns into long hair adds texture and pulls attention horizontally. A side braid or crown of twists is particularly flattering.
Long Bob with Face-Framing Highlights: Even at long lengths, a subtle “long bob” shape—where the hair is slightly longer in the front—paired with strategic highlights can draw the eye across the face beautifully.
The Power of Bangs on an Oval Face
Bangs are a powerful tool for oval faces, allowing you to change your look dramatically. You can pull off almost any type of bang, making this a fun area to experiment.
Wispy Micro-Bangs: For the fashion-forward, micro-bangs create a striking, artistic look that emphasizes the eyes and eyebrows.
Side-Swept Bangs: The most universally flattering, side-swept bangs add a diagonal line that softens the forehead and adds a touch of romance.
Blunt, Straight-Across Bangs: Bold and graphic, blunt bangs create a strong horizontal line that can make a long oval face appear slightly shorter and more balanced.
Styling Tips to Maximize Your Oval Advantage
Beyond the cut, how you style your hair makes all the difference. Here are pro tips to ensure your hairstyle always looks its best.
Embrace Volume at the Crown: Light backcombing or using a volumizing spray at the roots can add lift, preventing the hair from dragging the face down and maintaining that perfect oval proportion.
Play with Partings: Don’t be afraid to switch up your part. A deep side part can add asymmetry and drama, while a center part highlights your natural symmetry. Try a zig-zag part for added texture.
Accessorize Liberally: Headbands, clips, and scarves all sit wonderfully on oval faces. Placing accessories like a wide headband across the forehead can visually shorten the face’s length for a different effect.
Texture is Your Friend: Whether through curling, braiding, or using texturizing sprays, adding dimension prevents hair from falling in a flat, elongating sheet. Touchable, lived-in texture is always the goal.
Hairstyles to Approach with Caution
While you have immense freedom, a few styles might not be as flattering. Extremely severe, slicked-back looks (like a tight ponytail or bun with no wisps) can sometimes over-expose the face and appear harsh. Similarly, heavy, one-length hair without layers or movement can look flat. However, remember these are not rules but guidelines—if you love a style, your confidence will always be the most attractive feature.
Find Your Signature Style
With 22 options at your fingertips, from the pixie to bohemian braids, your journey to the perfect hairstyle is about exploration. The oval face is your canvas. Consider your lifestyle, hair texture, and personal style when choosing. Bring these ideas to your stylist and have a conversation about what will work best for you.
Ultimately, the best hairstyle is the one that makes you feel powerful, beautiful, and authentically you. Your balanced oval face is ready to frame any look you choose. So go ahead—book that salon appointment, try that trend you’ve been eyeing, and enjoy the incredible versatility that comes with your gorgeous face shape.
