Haircuts for Oval Face Shapes: 30+ Trending Styles and Expert Maintenance

An oval face is characterised by proportions that are slightly longer than they are wide. The forehead is only slightly wider than the jawline, and the chin is gently rounded. There are no sharp corners, and the overall appearance is well-balanced, typically following the classical 'rule of thirds' in art, where the length is roughly one-and-a-half times the width. This natural balance makes the shape so adaptable.

• Optimises Symmetry: The correct cut will maintain the beautiful natural balance of your features.

• Highlights Key Features: Styles can be strategically cut to draw attention to your eyes or cheekbones.

• Avoids Elongation: While versatile, certain styles can make an oval face appear overly long; a good haircut prevents this.

To give you inspiration, here are three leading styles that are making waves:

1. The Butterfly Cut:

This is a voluminous layered cut featuring shorter, face-framing layers that blend seamlessly into longer layers, resembling 'wings'. The short face-framing pieces add width and bounce around the cheekbones and chin, enhancing the natural contour. It's best suited for medium to Long Haircuts for Women with wavy or thick hair.

2. The Long Bob (Lob):

A chic, mid-length cut that falls anywhere between the chin and the collarbone, often with blunt ends or subtle layers. It perfectly grazes the shoulders, drawing attention to the gentle jawline without adding unnecessary length to the face, and suits all hair textures at a medium length.

3. The Shaggy Pixie:

A short cut with choppy layers and a textured finish, offering a rock-and-roll edge. The volume and texture on top and around the temples add subtle width, making this one of the best short haircuts for oval faces. It works well for short, fine to medium-density hair.

1. Blunt Chin-Length Bob:

A sleek, one-length cut that ends sharply at the chin. It accentuates the jawline and cheekbones, adding structure to the face, and suits straight or slightly wavy hair texture.

2. Side-Swept Pixie:

A classic pixie with a deep side part and long, sweeping fringe. This style brings a soft asymmetry that beautifully showcases the eyes and adds a flattering lift, ideal for straight or wavy hair.

3. Short Haircut for Curly Hair Oval Face (Curly Tapered Cut):

This is a cropped cut that follows the natural coil pattern, with slightly longer, defined curls on top. This maintains balance while allowing your natural texture to create shape and volume.

1. Wavy Layered Lob:

A collarbone-grazing bob enhanced with soft, tousled layers for movement. This haircut for oval face wavy hair adds body and texture, making the face appear perfectly framed and dynamic.

2. Curtain Bangs with Layers:

Medium-length hair paired with a centre-parted fringe that sweeps to the sides. The bangs gently frame the face, highlighting the cheekbones and reducing the appearance of a high forehead, excellent for all hair types.

1. Long Layers with a V-Cut:

Long hair with layers concentrated towards the bottom, creating a subtle 'V' or 'U' shape. This is the quintessential haircuts for long hair oval face style, providing movement without sacrificing length, and is best for thick or voluminous hair.

2. Straight Hair with Face-Framing Layers (Haircut for Oval Face Straight Hair):

Ultra-long, sleek hair with layers starting at the chin. This look is polished and neat, with the layers providing a soft, flattering outline.

• Sleek, Blunt Cut:

A perfectly straight, one-length cut with no layers. This bold look on straight hair highlights the symmetry of the oval face haircuts shape beautifully and projects an image of sophistication.

• Asymmetrical Lob:

A sharp, medium-length bob that is slightly longer on one side. The deliberate asymmetry adds a chic, modern edge and provides an interesting focal point.

• Long Layers for Movement:

A timeless style that uses long, soft layers to encourage the natural bend of the wave. This haircut for oval face wavy hair prevents the mid-section from looking too heavy and enhances the texture.

• The Tousled Lob:

A collarbone-length cut styled for a 'beach wave' texture. The slight waves create subtle width, perfectly offsetting the face's length.

• Layered Curly Cut (Short Haircut for Curly Hair Oval Face):

A tailored cut using layers to remove weight and allow the curls to form their natural ringlets. Layers should be placed to frame the cheekbones and avoid a 'pyramid' shape.

• Voluminous Long Curls:

Long Haircuts for Women with curly hair can be heavy, so adding strategic long layers is key. This cut maintains length while creating natural lift and flattering volume around the face.

• Regular Trims are Essential: Maintain the shape of your cut with trims every 6-8 weeks. Short cuts, like the pixie, may require more frequent visits.

• Prioritise Moisture: Use a high-quality, nourishing system. Start with a clarifying wash like Tresemme Pro Pure Damage Recovery Shampoo to gently cleanse without stripping, followed by a deeply moisturising conditioner.

• Combat Frizz and Promote Shine: Incorporate a smoothing mask weekly, such as the Tresemme Keratin Smooth Deep Smoothing Mask, to replenish lost proteins and keep ends healthy, especially for layered or long styles.

• Oil for the Finish: Apply a small amount of LBP Natural Argan Oil & Lavender Anti-Frizz Conditioner (used as a leave-in treatment on the ends) to smooth the hair cuticle and add a luxurious, non-greasy shine.

• Use Heat Protection: Always apply a heat protectant before using styling tools to prevent damage that compromises the integrity of the cut's shape.

• Styling Consistency: Learn the proper technique for your specific cut (e.g., blow-drying the roots for volume on a bob) to keep the salon look fresh daily.

• Too Much Weight at the Ends: For straight or long hair, this can drag the face down and make it appear too narrow or long. Always ask for movement and soft layers.
• Heavy, Blunt Bangs: A super-straight, full fringe can sometimes hide the balanced forehead and cut off the face, which can make the oval shape look shorter and wider than it is. Opt for soft, wispy, or curtain bangs instead.
• Extreme Volume on Top: While an oval face can handle volume, too much height on the crown can further elongate the face. Balance is key—aim for volume at the sides or mid-lengths.
• Skipping Professional Products: Using low-quality products can lead to dullness and frizz, making even the best oval face haircuts look unkempt and losing their intended structure.

The oval face shape offers a stylist's dream: a harmonious base that can carry virtually any style. The secret to your perfect look lies in choosing a style that not only flatters your unique features but also works seamlessly with your hair's natural length and texture. From bold short haircuts for oval faces to the flow of haircuts for long hair oval face, remember that the best cut is one that makes you feel confident and beautiful. Regular, careful maintenance using quality products will ensure your chosen style remains salon-fresh, allowing you to showcase your perfect symmetry every day.

A: Absolutely! Oval faces are incredibly suited to short hair. Styles like the pixie cut or a jaw-length blunt bob are fantastic choices as they highlight the cheekbones and provide a chic, sophisticated look.

A: Curtain bangs are universally considered the most flattering. They frame the face softly and can be styled with a centre or side part, drawing attention to the eyes without overwhelming the face's natural shape.

A: Yes, Long Haircuts for Women with oval faces work beautifully. The key is to incorporate layers, especially face-framing ones, to prevent the length from dragging the face down and to add flattering movement and dimension.