From daily routine to hair texture, choosing a new haircut depends upon many different factors. However, one of the most influential of these factors is face shape, and our experts agree—oval shaped faces have it easiest when choosing a new look. “Oval face shapes are balanced and have a symmetrical shape,” explains hairstylist and colorist Jennifer Korab. “They also tend to have high, prominent cheekbones and a rounded jawline.”
In fact, celebrity hairstylist Carly Bethel loves to encourage her clients to try something new. “It will likely be a great look because having an oval face allows you to be versatile in hairstyles,” she says. “Consider your lifestyle and maintenance that certain hairstyles will take.”
Celebrity hairstylist Graham Nation encourages those with oval shaped faces to step outside their comfort zone. “You can’t really go wrong with length and shapes with an oval face. They complement all styles,” he says.
That being said, there are some styles that rise above the rest. Ahead, we spoke to these three hair stylists about their favorite haircuts for oval shaped faces as well as top tips for how to style these cuts.
Featured experts
- Carly Bethel is a celebrity hairstylist based in Nashville, TN
- Graham Nation is a celebrity hairstylist based in Los Angeles
- Jennifer Korab is a professional hairstylist and colorist based in Hillsborough, NJ
Best haircuts for oval faces
Cameron Diaz’s Shoulder Length Layers
Cameron Diaz is the queen of laidback beauty. Her casual shoulder-length style only solidifies her campaign. Her face-framing layers emphasize the natural symmetry of her face. The best part? From tight curls to stick straight, this cut can be styled all sorts of ways.
Bella Hadid’s Retro Glamour
For those with a little more length on their side, take a page out of Bella Hadid’s look. Her Old Hollywood glamour waves widen the face a little bit and emphasize her feminine features. To try it out for yourself, curl one inch sections toward your face. Spray lightly with a touchable hairspray like the Color Wow Cult Favorite Firm + Flexible Hairspray ($28). Once finished, comb out your curls for a more relaxed vibe.
Miley Cyrus’s Modern Shag
Shags were most popular during the seventies, but recently they’ve had a resurgence. If you’ve got the guts to try this edgy style, an oval face shape is the best to experiment with. Keep texture spray on hand, like the Verb Volume Dry Texture Spray ($20), to create that signature tousled look.
Jessica Alba’s Lightly Layered Length
One of the reasons Nation loves styling an oval face is the versatility. He believes cuts of all lengths, from pixies to 22-inch extensions, favor oval shaped faces. Enter Jessica Alba’s enviable lengths. To achieve waist-length hair the old fashioned way, make sure you are making regular appointments with your stylist for trims and limit the heat styling.
Hailee Steinfeld’s Butterfly Cut
From celebrities to social media stars, butterfly haircuts are the style of the moment. The variety of layers gives the style movement and flow. The bouncy style looks so effortless—wearing one feels like you’re playing the lead in a rom-com.
Kerry Washington’s Blunt Bangs and Bob
One of Bethel’s favorite styles for oval faces is the blunt bob. Kerry Washington takes it a step further and adds a blunt bang to the mix. According to Bethel, this gives the face a great shape. To get Washington’s shine, finish with the UNITE 7SECONDS Glossing Spray ($36).
Blake Lively’s Voluminous Side Part
Blake Lively is a treasure trove of oval shaped face hair inspo or, let’s be honest, hair inspo in general. For an added touch of glamour, use a comb to create a defined side part.
Rihanna’s Fringey Bangs and Face Framing Layers
Korab prefers curtain or side swept bangs for oval faces, however, Rihanna makes a strong case for these fringey ones. Their longer length offers more styling options and paired with face framing layers, they keep the focus on the true star: Rihanna.
Courteney Cox’s Mid Length Waves
Bangs, extensions, shags—oh my! If all of those styles feel too high maintenance for your everyday routine, Courteney Cox’s mid length look may suit you better. This easygoing style works equally well with your natural texture as it does styled.
Cindy Crawford’s Classic Blowout
When you look up the perfect blowout in the imaginary beauty dictionary, Cindy Crawford’s enviable head of hair is front and center. To get this look at home, make sure to have a solid round brush on hand. If you have a little more money to spend, invest in the Dyson Airwrap ($599).
Beyonce’s Super Straight Style
We get it: Beyoncé would look beautiful in any hairstyle. However, this sleek style puts her facial symmetry at the forefront. To recreate, use a comb to create a defined middle part along the center of your scalp.
Halle Berry’s Outgrown Curly Pixie
If you have an oval face and have always been curious about trying a pixie cut, consider this your sign from Halle Berry. Instead of the traditional cropped cut, she leaves her pixie on the longer side. Her natural curls create an asymmetrical look which compliments the natural symmetry of her face shape.
Jessica Biel’s Relaxed Waves
Face framing layers are great for oval faces, but other types of layers can still be very flattering. In this look, Jessica Biel embraces her natural texture. To try for yourself, pair a diffuser with a mousse, like the SexyHair Big Root Pump Plus ($23), and scrunch up the hair.
Sandra Oh’s Curly Bangs
From straight to curly, curtain bangs work on a variety of hair textures. Take Sandra Oh’s look. She keeps her bangs curly, and they blend into the rest of her mane. To keep your curls defined throughout the day, spritz the Marc Anthony Curl Refresher Spray ($10) on your mane throughout the day.
Selena Gomez’s Deep Side Part
Like Selena Gomez, side parts are timeless. If you have traditionally stuck with a middle part, try moving it over to one side to switch things up. This not only creates volume in the hairstyle but also refreshes your look.
Charlize Theron’s Asymmetrical Bob
All three of our experts agree: bobs are to oval faces what peanut butter is to jelly. From blunt to layered, there are a variety of bob styles out here. Charlize Theron’s style is slightly longer on one side than the other.
Meghan Markle’s Face Framing Layers
Nation loves chin length pieces for haircuts on oval shaped faces. Meghan Markle keeps a couple of those strands toward the front of her cut to accentuate her natural beauty.
Kelly Rowland’s Bob
This look solidifies Kelly Rowland’s spot in the bob hall of fame. If you choose to go the full Rowland route, make sure to keep a purple shampoo in regular rotation to keep your color fresh. The Saltair Beach Blonde Purple Shampoo ($12) helps pull the brassiness out of your color.
Emma Watson’s Polished Pixie
Pixie cuts may be a bold ‘do, but they come in all shapes and sizes. Emma Watson’s take on the style feels sophisticated and stylish. Some styling gel and a comb can keep flyaways and stray strands at bay.
Tyra Banks’s Voluminous Curls
If you have a naturally curly texture, feel free to let your curls get as big and voluminous as you want them to be. An oval face shape gives you plenty of room to play around with your style. Tyra Banks wears hers with a side part, but you can wear it with a middle part as well.
Amanda Batula’s Slicked Back Pony
Almost synonymous with the clean girl aesthetic, a slicked back pony puts all the attention on the star of the show: your face. Not to mention, it might be the easiest way to prolong a wash day.
Sarah Jessica Parker’s Windswept Waves
Korab suggests adding soft layers to your look to increase movement and dimension throughout your ‘do. Thanks to the subtle variety of lengths, Sarah Jessica Parker’s look is full of life. To create her voluminous waves, use a tapered styling wand like the ghd Creative Curly ($209).
Lily-Rose Depp’s Bouncy Lob
If Rowland or Washington’s sleek bob feels too short or too blunt, try this subtle style instead. Not only is Lily-Rose Depp’s lob, or long bob, a little longer than the others, but it also allows your natural texture to shine through.
Jourdan Dunn’s Piecey Pixie
Of all the pixies that made it on the list, Jourdan Dunn’s is the most traditional. It simultaneously feels modern and appropriate for Audrey Hepburn. If you have been curious about trying a pixie cut, but have been too scared to dive in, this style is a good place to start.
Kim Kardashian’s Sleek Lob
The Kardashians consistently sport new hairstyles, so they are a great place to start when looking to refresh your look. Consider this the Beverly Hills version of Depp’s bouncy lob. Its symmetrical proportions mimic your own facial symmetry and keep the focus on your features.