Hair Styles for Oval Faces

Hairstyles for Oval Faces: The Perfect Guide

An oval face shape is often regarded as the most versatile of all face shapes. It’s characterized by balanced proportions, with the forehead being slightly wider than the chin, and high cheekbones. If you have an oval face, consider yourself lucky, as you can pull off a variety of hairstyles, from short bobs to long waves. But while oval faces are versatile, the right hairstyle can elevate your look even more. Here, we dive deep into the best hairstyles for oval faces, highlighting what works and why, and exploring different styles that suit various hair lengths and textures.

1. The Classic Bob

The bob is an iconic hairstyle that has evolved over time, with numerous variations tailored to different face shapes and hair types. For oval faces, the bob is a go-to style because it emphasizes the natural balance of the face without overwhelming it.

• Chin-Length Bob: A chin-length bob draws attention to the jawline and complements the natural symmetry of an oval face. If you want a sharp, defined look, a sleek bob with straight ends will offer a chic and polished vibe.
• Textured Bob: If you’re looking for something a bit more casual, a textured or wavy bob adds movement and creates a more relaxed, tousled look. This style brings a soft frame around the face, especially when layers are introduced.
• Side-Parted Bob: Another variation is the side-parted bob, which gives the illusion of width and volume to one side of the face, making it an ideal choice for those who want to add a touch of asymmetry to their look.

2. Shoulder-Length Waves

Shoulder-length hairstyles are neither too long nor too short, making them a perfect middle ground for those with oval faces. Adding waves or curls to this length gives the hairstyle dimension, complementing the balanced features of an oval face shape.

• Loose Waves: Loose waves soften the features and add volume. Whether you have thick or thin hair, waves can add fullness, especially around the cheekbone area, enhancing the natural contours of your face.
• Blunt Ends with Waves: For a modern twist, opt for blunt ends paired with soft waves. The blunt ends provide structure, while the waves keep the look playful and light, creating a flattering balance for oval faces.

3. Long Layers

Long hair can sometimes overwhelm certain face shapes, but oval faces can carry long hairstyles with ease. The key to pulling off long hair is incorporating layers that add movement and prevent the hair from looking flat.

• Face-Framing Layers: Adding face-framing layers to long hair is a great way to highlight your best features, such as your cheekbones and jawline. These layers create dimension around your face, preventing your hair from looking too heavy or dragging down your features.
• Long, Soft Curls: Long curls or waves that start below the chin elongate the face and maintain the balanced proportions of an oval face shape. Whether you use a curling iron or prefer natural curls, this style keeps the focus on the facial structure without adding unnecessary width.

4. Pixie Cuts

Pixie cuts are bold, edgy, and surprisingly flattering on oval faces. Since an oval face is already proportionate, short hairstyles like pixie cuts can draw more attention to your facial features, especially your eyes and cheekbones.

• Classic Pixie: A classic pixie cut is cropped close to the head, with short layers that create texture and movement. This style works well for those who want to emphasize their facial features while keeping things low-maintenance.
• Textured Pixie with Bangs: Adding texture or bangs to a pixie cut softens the look and adds interest. Side-swept bangs or choppy layers give an edgier appearance while maintaining the balance of an oval face.
• Undercut Pixie: For those seeking a more daring look, an undercut pixie brings in a mix of structure and boldness. The undercut adds contrast to the softness of the rest of the hair, offering a modern, fashion-forward twist.

5. Bangs and Fringes

Bangs are an excellent way to transform a hairstyle, and they pair beautifully with an oval face. Whether you’re aiming for a soft, romantic look or something more avant-garde, the right type of bangs can enhance your overall appearance.

• Curtain Bangs: Curtain bangs are long, parted bangs that frame the sides of the face, drawing attention to your eyes and cheekbones. They’re incredibly versatile and can be styled with straight or wavy hair, offering a soft, effortless appearance.
• Side-Swept Bangs: Side-swept bangs are flattering because they create a diagonal line across the face, breaking up the symmetry and adding a touch of asymmetry to your look. They can be styled to blend seamlessly with long layers or a shorter bob.
• Blunt Bangs: If you’re feeling bold, blunt bangs can be a dramatic and eye-catching option. Straight, blunt bangs that hit just above the eyebrows create a striking contrast with the softness of an oval face. Pair them with a sleek bob for a fashion-forward look.

6. Updos for Oval Faces

Updos are ideal for formal occasions, but they can also be worn casually for a chic, effortless look. For oval faces, updos should enhance the natural contours of the face without pulling too tightly or creating a flat appearance.

• Messy Bun: A messy bun is perfect for a casual day out or even a more relaxed formal event. The looseness of the style keeps the look soft, while the added texture around the crown of the head creates volume, balancing the face’s proportions.
• High Ponytail: A high ponytail is a simple yet elegant style that works beautifully for oval faces. By pulling the hair up, you add height to the crown of the head, elongating the face. Keep some strands loose around the face to soften the overall look.
• Low Chignon: For a more polished and elegant look, a low chignon is perfect for formal events. Position the bun low at the nape of the neck, and add a slight side part to maintain balance with your oval face.

7. Braids and Twists

Braided styles are perfect for those looking to add an artistic and detailed touch to their hairstyle. For oval faces, braids can be styled to frame the face or even be incorporated into updos.

• Crown Braid: A crown braid, which wraps around the head, is both regal and soft. It adds volume around the top of the head, complementing the oval shape by drawing attention upward.
• Side Braid: A loose side braid that rests on one shoulder is a relaxed and romantic style. It’s perfect for oval faces because it adds volume to one side of the face while keeping the look asymmetrical.
• Box Braids: For those with textured or curly hair, box braids are a protective style that can be worn long or short. When worn long, they elongate the face, while shorter box braids provide a playful and youthful appearance.

8. Hairstyles for Different Textures

• Straight Hair: Oval faces can rock both sleek, straight styles and more voluminous looks. A straight, middle-parted style gives a clean, minimalist vibe, while adding layers or waves can bring movement.
• Curly Hair: Curly-haired individuals with oval faces can embrace their natural texture with confidence. A curly bob with volume around the cheeks accentuates the face, while longer curls that cascade past the shoulders create a soft, elongated silhouette.
• Wavy Hair: Wavy hair offers the best of both worlds. Whether styled in beachy waves or structured curls, wavy hairstyles add dimension and balance to oval faces.

Conclusion

Oval faces are incredibly versatile when it comes to hairstyles. Whether you prefer long, flowing layers or a short, edgy pixie, there’s a hairstyle out there that will highlight your best features. The key is to play with texture, layers, and face-framing elements to find the style that best suits your personality and lifestyle.