Blessed with an oval face shape? You’re in luck! Oval faces are considered the most versatile when it comes to hairstyles, thanks to their balanced proportions. Whether you’re dreaming of a dramatic pixie cut or flowing mermaid waves, we’ve compiled the most flattering haircuts that will enhance your natural beauty.
1. Long Layers
The classic long-layered cut is a timeless choice for oval faces. This versatile style features graduated layers that start around the jawline and cascade down, creating movement and dimension. Pro tip: Ask your stylist for soft, feathered layers rather than choppy ones to maintain a natural flow.
2. Shoulder-Length Waves
This universally flattering cut hits just at the collar bone, creating a perfect frame for oval faces. The waves add texture and volume while maintaining the face’s natural balance. Style with a 1.25-inch curling iron for loose, natural-looking waves.
3. Full Fringe
Straight-across bangs can add structure to an oval face while highlighting your eyes. The key is to keep the fringe thick enough to make a statement but not so heavy that it overwhelms your features. Maintenance tip: Trim every 3-4 weeks to keep them looking fresh.
4. Layered Bob
A layered bob that grazes the jaw creates beautiful movement while maintaining sophistication. The layers can be customized to enhance your natural texture and add volume where needed. Perfect for both straight and wavy hair types.
5. Side-Swept Pixie
This bold cut proves that short hair can be incredibly feminine. The longer top layers swept to one side add softness to the face, while the cropped sides and back create a modern edge. Ideal for those ready to make a statement.
6. Cropped Pixie
A shorter variation of the pixie cut, this style emphasizes your facial features and bone structure. The key is to keep some texture on top while maintaining clean lines around the ears and nape. Perfect for showcasing statement earrings!
7. Polished Curls
Embrace your natural curls with a cut that enhances their bounce and definition. Layers throughout help prevent the triangle effect while maintaining volume at the crown. Regular deep conditioning treatments are essential for keeping curls healthy.
8. Sleek Lob
The long bob (lob) is the perfect middle ground between short and long hair. When worn sleek and straight, it creates a sophisticated look that works beautifully with oval face shapes. Pro tip: Use a heat protectant before flat ironing to maintain shine.
9. Lob With Side-Bangs
Adding side-swept bangs to a lob creates asymmetry that can soften or sharpen your features as desired. The bangs can be cut at various angles to complement your best features while providing styling versatility.
10. Long Waves
Romantic, flowing waves complement oval faces by adding softness and movement. The length should fall below the shoulders, with layers starting at the chin to create that coveted cascading effect.
11. Banged Bob
A bob with full bangs creates a chic frame for your face while maintaining an air of sophistication. The length should hit just below the jaw for maximum impact. Style tip: Use a round brush while blow-drying to achieve the perfect bounce.
12. Side-Parted Pixie
This variation of the pixie cut features longer layers on top that can be styled to one side, creating a soft, feminine look while maintaining the edginess of short hair. Perfect for those wanting low-maintenance style with maximum impact.
13. Grown-Out Pixie
The in-between phase of growing out a pixie can be stunning when cut properly. Longer layers on top blend into shorter sides, creating an effortlessly cool look. Regular trims help maintain the shape during the growing-out process.
14. Wavy Bob
A bob cut that embraces natural waves adds texture and personality to the classic style. The key is to keep the layers long enough to allow the waves to form naturally while preventing unwanted bulk.
15. Shoulder-Skimming Lob
This perfect medium length grazes the shoulders, offering the versatility of both up and down styles. The cut works well with all hair textures and can be styled straight or wavy for different looks.
16. Long Shag
The modern shag incorporates soft layers throughout, creating movement while maintaining length. This cut works particularly well for those with natural texture who want a low-maintenance style.
17. Mid Shag
A shorter version of the shag that hits around the shoulders, this cut features choppy layers that create volume and texture. Perfect for those wanting an edgy yet feminine look.
18. Angled Lob
This modern take on the lob features a slight angle, with the back slightly shorter than the front. The subtle graduation creates movement and can make fine hair appear thicker.
19. Feathered Shag
The feathered shag modernizes the classic ’70s cut with softer layers and more movement. Light, wispy layers are cut to frame the face while maintaining volume throughout. This cut works exceptionally well for fine to medium hair textures, adding the illusion of fullness without removing too much weight.
20. Shaggy Lob
Combining the trendy lob length with shaggy layers creates an effortlessly cool style that’s perfect for oval faces. The choppy layers add texture and volume while maintaining a length that’s both professional and playful. Pro tip: Use a texturizing spray to enhance the piece-y effect.
21. Modern Mullet
Don’t let the name scare you! Today’s mullet is softer and more sophisticated than its ’80s predecessor. With graduated layers that blend seamlessly from short to long, this edgy cut maintains femininity while pushing style boundaries. Works particularly well with natural texture or waves.
22. Curly Pixie
Embracing natural curls in a pixie cut creates a bold, confident look that’s surprisingly low-maintenance. The key is to keep enough length on top to allow curls to form while maintaining shorter, cleaned-up sides. Regular curl-specific deep conditioning treatments are essential.
23. Sleek, Single Length
A straight, single-length cut that falls below the shoulders creates a sophisticated, polished look that perfectly complements oval faces. The lack of layers allows the hair’s natural shine to take center stage. Style tip: Use a smoothing serum before heat styling to maintain sleekness.
24. The Tousled Undercut
This daring style features longer layers on top with closely cropped sides and back. The contrast creates an edgy look while the longer top layers can be styled in various ways for versatility. Perfect for those wanting to make a bold statement.
25. Slightly Off-Centered Part
While not a cut per se, changing your part to just slightly off-center can create asymmetry that softens features and adds interest to any length. This subtle change can refresh your entire look without requiring a major cut.
26. French Bob
This chic, chin-length bob with or without bangs embodies Parisian sophistication. The key is to keep the length consistent all around, hitting just at the jawline. Ideal for both straight and wavy textures, this style emphasizes the natural balance of oval faces.
27. Wispy Fringe
Soft, piece-y bangs that can be worn straight across or swept to the side offer versatility and sophistication. The wispy texture ensures the look remains light and feminine while framing the eyes beautifully. Maintenance tip: Keep a small pair of scissors handy for quick touch-ups.
28. Disconnected Layers
This modern cutting technique creates intentional separation between layers, resulting in a bold, editorial look. The disconnection adds volume and movement while maintaining an overall polished appearance. Best suited for those comfortable with regular styling.
29. One-Length Collarbone Bob
This classic cut hits right at the collarbone, creating a perfect frame for oval faces. The single length maintains thickness and creates a strong, sophisticated line that can be styled straight for drama or wavy for softness.
30. Below-the-Shoulder Cut
A versatile length that falls just below the shoulders offers endless styling options while maintaining easy manageability. This length works well for all hair textures and can be worn sleek, wavy, or natural.
31. The Bixie
This hybrid between a bob and a pixie features longer layers on top that graduate into shorter, pixie-like layers at the nape. The result is a feminine yet edgy style that’s perfect for those wanting to experiment with shorter lengths.
32. Lived-In Waves
This relaxed style works with your natural texture to create effortless-looking waves. The key is strategic layers that enhance wave formation while maintaining overall length. Pro tip: Sleep with damp hair in loose braids for natural-looking waves.
33. Curly French Bob
A shorter variation of the classic French bob that embraces natural curls creates a playful, sophisticated look. The length should hit around the cheekbones to maximize bounce and volume. Essential: Use curl-specific products to maintain definition and minimize frizz.
34. Micro-Bangs
Ultra-short bangs that hit above the eyebrows create a bold, fashion-forward look that’s particularly striking on oval faces. This dramatic style works well with both long and short cuts but requires confidence to pull off.
35. Extensions
For those wanting to experiment with length without the wait, extensions can add volume and length while maintaining a natural look. The key is matching the texture and color perfectly to your natural hair. Professional application is recommended for best results.
36. Strong Bob
This structured bob features minimal layering and a strong, blunt bottom edge that hits between the jaw and chin. The precise cut creates a powerful, sophisticated look that’s particularly striking when styled straight.
Final Styling Tips from the Pros:
- Always consider your natural hair texture when choosing a cut
- Factor in your lifestyle and styling time preferences
- Invest in quality hair care products specific to your texture and style
- Regular trims every 6-8 weeks keep any style looking fresh
- Don’t be afraid to bring reference photos to your stylist
- Remember that even the most flattering cut needs proper styling to look its best
Remember, while oval faces can carry virtually any style, the most important factor is choosing a cut that makes you feel confident and suits your lifestyle. Work with your stylist to find the perfect variation of these styles that works with your hair texture and daily routine.