The 20 Prettiest Hairstyles for Oval Faces
Find your new hair inspiration.
Face shape impacts many parts of your beauty routine, from your haircuts to the way you should apply blush. Luckily, if you have an oval face, you can try just about anything. "Oval face shapes can pull off most styles, as they have the most universal and symmetrical face shapes," says celebrity hairstylist Justine Marjan.
If you have an oval-shaped face, your face is longer than it is wide, your cheekbones are the widest part of your face, and your jaw is soft without any sharp angles or points. Oval faces can try almost every classic style, but there are a few hairstyles that will help accentuate your features the best. Whether you like your locks long and layered or prefer a tousled crop, there is a hairstyle that will work for your gorgeous oval face.
LONG HAIR: Tousled Waves
Tousled waves make you look like you just spent a day surfing. This sultry style is easy to achieve with long locks. "This works on an oval face really nicely with a middle part for a sexy, wavy look that’s effortless but still frames the face," says Kérastase Consulting Hair Stylist, Jennifer Yepez. Jessica Alba works these beachy waves.
LONG HAIR: Classic Layers
Nobody pulls of classic chic like Kate Middleton. "This is a classic, timeless style for oval faces that always looks polished and refined," says Marjan. For this timeless look, style by blowdrying and flipping out the ends to add volume.
LONG HAIR: Straight and Sleek
No one changes up their hair like Kim Kardashian, but this long, pin-straight style is perfect for oval faces. Long, glossy curtains of hair accentuate your features.
LONG HAIR: Beachy Layers
If you have an oval face, long, beachy layers may be the way to go. "They help frame the face and control volume," says Michael Dueñas, Garnier Consulting Celebrity Stylist. To help add definition, Dueñas says that it is easy to add long bangs or layers that hit your cheekbone to this style.
MID-LENGTH HAIR: Sleek Middle Part
Middle parts are an oval face's best friend. Try a middle part with satiny, straight strands like Ciara's for a polished look that makes your features stand out.
MID-LENGTH HAIR: Modern Shag
"Oval and longer face shapes look great with layers that fall around the jawline to widen the face and draw the eyes towards the lips and jaw bone," says Marjan. "Think edgy, cool girl layers that add texture to the hair." Try a modern shag cut to achieve this look.
MID LENGTH HAIR: Wavy Lob
Lobs are incredibly versatile, and you can get a cut with minimal layers (like Ashley Graham), or play with different layers to accentuate different features on your face. Texturize the ends of this look for movement.
MID-LENGTH HAIR: Grown-Out Lob
If you want shorter hair but are scared to fully commit to a shoulder-grazing chop, this style is perfect for you. This style gives you the freedom to pull your hair up if you want to, but isn't heavy enough to weigh down your hair.
SHORT HAIR: Shoulder-Grazing Bob
Voluminous bobs work their magic on oval-shaped faces. "A bob that just touches your shoulders or lives ever so slightly above is a great choice," says Dueñas. You can tuck strands behind your ears to open up your face, or you can keep pieces in front for a slimming effect.
SHORT HAIR: Asymmetrical Bob
Mix things up with a style that's sure to turn heads. "Bobs that are side-parted and slightly asymmetrical offset oval-shaped faces in a great way, whether they are worn straight or with texture," Ursula Stephen, Unilever Hair Expert. Taraji P. Hensen rocks a straight version of this fun, angled style.
SHORT HAIR: Tousled Pixie
The ultimate effortless look, a messy pixie cut is perfect for oval-shaped faces. This easy style is a simple way to accentuate your features while maintaining a cool girl chic.
SHORT HAIR: Simple Pixie
Emma Watson's now iconic pixie cut is still a great option for a cropped cut. This simple cut adds balance to an oval face while opening it up to make your eyes the star of the show.
UPDO: Wavy Half-Up
Add some volume to beachy waves by throwing your hair into a half up, half down style like Rihanna's. This fun style can be dressed up or down, perfect for all occasions.
UPDO: Sleek Ponytail
Ariana Grande's signature ponytail might just be perfect inspiration for your next event. If you want to try an updo for long hair, this sleek style makes your face the star of the show.
UPDO: Textured Bun
Take a page our of Laura Harrier's book for an effortless updo that has a bit of texture. "I recommend leaving tendrils out to frame the face shape and highlight the cheekbones," says Yepez. "I love an updo that isn’t too polished with just the perfect amount of texture and wisps."
UPDO: High Wavy Ponytail
A high ponytail is like a free face-lift. "When you pull the pony up to the crown of the head, following the line from the chin to the cheekbones and up, it lifts the oval face shape for a perfect ponytail profile," says Yepez.
UPDO: Straight Half-Up
Adding bangs to a half-up style helps you frame your face. Pull long hair into a high half ponytail to streamline your look, and let your bangs shine.
BANGS: Textured Waves
An oval face might look great with most hairstyles, but "it naturally lends itself to a front fringe," says Yepez. If your forehead is more prominent, bangs with long, textured waves can be a great option to accentuate your eyes.
BANGS: Blunt Bangs
Stephen recommends blunt bangs like Naomi Campbell's to accentuate your features. Long, curly ringlets give you a polished look.
BANGS: Long Bangs
Bangs can change the way your face looks - they can make your face appear rounder, shorter, more square, you name it. Oval faces can rock longer bangs. "This shortens your face shape and makes your cheekbones pop," says Dueñas.
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