Ever caught yourself staring in the mirror, wondering why that haircut that looked amazing on your friend just doesn’t quite work for you? Welcome to the world of face shapes, in which your oval face is the golden ticket to style versatility. Like a chameleon of facial structures, the oval face shape opens up tons of possibilities.
Understanding your face shape isn’t just some grooming guru mumbo-jumbo. It’s the secret sauce to nailing your personal style, from the hair on your head to the frames on your face. It’s the difference between looking like you’ve just stepped off a runway or stumbled out of a time machine from the ’80s (and not in a cool, retro way).
So, let’s start accentuating your features and making heads turn—because trust me, understanding your face shape is like having a secret style superpower.
In This Article
The Oval Face Shape Cheat Sheet
Lucky you, oval-faced friend. Your facial proportions are the stuff of Greek statues. Here’s your quick guide to nailing the look: Your face length is about 1.5 times the width, with a forehead slightly wider than your chin. Your cheekbones are the widest part of your face, and your jawline is gently rounded with no sharp angles. For a quick style win, try a classic crew cut or a textured crop. When it comes to shades, you’re spoilt for choice—most frames will suit your balanced features.
What is an Oval Face Shape?
Think of the oval face as the Switzerland of facial structures—neutral, balanced, and universally appreciated. Your face length is about 1.5 times the width, with a forehead slightly wider than a gently rounded chin. Those cheekbones? They’re sitting high and proud, defining the widest part of your face.
Quick Tips for Oval Face Shapes
- Experiment with diverse hairstyles—your balanced proportions complement most cuts, from short crops to longer styles.
- Consider facial hair as an option to enhance, not correct—your oval shape doesn’t require “balancing” with beards or mustaches.
- Embrace a wide range of eyewear—your face shape suits most frame styles, from classic to avant-garde.
How to Tell That You Have an Oval Face Shape
Curious if you’ve won the facial lottery with an oval shape? Here’s your step-by-step guide to finding out:
- Grab a flexible measuring tape (think tailoring, not carpentry).
- Plant yourself in front of a mirror (or your phone’s selfie mode, we’re not picky).
- Take these key measurements:
- Face Length: Measure from the center of your hairline to the tip of your chin.
- Forehead Width: Measure across the widest part, usually about halfway between your eyebrows and hairline.
- Cheekbone Width: Find the pointiest part of your cheekbone and measure across.
- Jawline Width: Measure from the tip of your chin to below your ear at the point where your jaw angles upwards. Multiply this number by two.
- Compare your results: If your face length is longer than your face width, and your forehead is slightly wider than your jawline, congratulations—you’re rocking an oval face!
Key characteristics of an oval face:
- Face Length: About 1.5 times the width (think egg, not circle).
- Forehead Width: Slightly wider than the jawline.
- Cheekbone Width: The widest part of the face, sitting high and proud.
- Jawline Width: Gently rounded, without sharp angles (more George Clooney, less Superman).
Oval Face Shape Quick Style Guide
| Category | Recommended Styles | Not Recommended Styles |
|---|---|---|
| Hairstyles | Classic Side Part, Textured Crop, Pompadour, Long and Layered, Buzz Cut | Styles that add too much volume on the sides, overly long fringe covering the face |
| Beard | Full Beard, Stubble, Goatee | Excessive beard length that elongates the face further |
| Mustache | Chevron, Handlebar, Pencil | Styles that are too thin or unbalanced for the face |
| Sunglasses | Wayfarers, Aviators, Rectangular Frames | Overly small or round frames that don’t complement face proportions |
Oval Face Shape Hairstyles
Gents with oval faces, you’ve hit the genetic jackpot when it comes to hairstyles. Your balanced proportions are like a blank canvas for barbers, allowing you to experiment with a wide range of styles. Let’s dive into some cuts that’ll make your oval face the envy of every geometry teacher:
Classic Side Part: Timeless Sophistication
This style is as classic as a well-aged whiskey and just as smooth. It works wonders for oval faces by maintaining your natural balance while adding a touch of refined elegance.
Why it works: The side part accentuates your facial symmetry and draws attention to your eyes and cheekbones. It’s versatile enough to suit both formal and casual settings. Witness the success of Justin Timberlake.
Styling tips:
- Start with damp hair and apply a medium-hold styling cream.
- Create a neat part on your preferred side using a fine-toothed comb.
- Blow-dry your hair toward the part, using a round brush for added volume.
- Finish with a light mist of hairspray for hold.
Pro tip: Experiment with the part’s position. A deeper side part can add drama, and a more central part offers a modern twist.
Textured Crop: Effortless Edge
For those who prefer a more “I rolled out of bed this perfect” vibe, the textured crop is your go-to style. It adds a contemporary edge to your look while highlighting your face’s natural proportions. David Beckham, in one of his many incarnations, rocked a textured crop.
Why it suits oval faces: The short sides emphasize your cheekbones, and the textured top adds height without overwhelming your balanced features.
Styling advice:
- Ask your barber for short sides and back, leaving 2–3 inches on top.
- Apply sea salt spray to damp hair for added texture.
- Use your fingers to tousle and style, creating a messy-on-purpose look.
- Work a small amount of matte clay through your hair for extra hold.
Pompadour: Go Big or Go Home
Channel your inner Elvis with this bold, statement-making style. The pompadour takes advantage of your oval face’s versatility by adding significant height and volume.
Why it’s great for oval faces: It elongates your face while highlighting your best features. The contrast between the voluminous top and shorter sides creates a striking silhouette.
How to style:
- Start with damp hair and apply a volumizing mousse.
- Blow-dry your hair upward and backward, using a round brush for maximum lift.
- Once dry, use a strong-hold pomade to shape the pomp.
- Comb the sides back for a sleek contrast to the voluminous top.
Style hack: Try a disconnected pompadour with faded sides for a modern twist.
Long and Layered: Embrace the Flow
Oval faces can pull off longer styles with ease. This look adds a touch of romance and versatility to your appearance.
Why it complements oval faces: Long, layered hair softens your features while the face-framing layers accentuate your balanced proportions.
Styling tips:
- Ask your stylist for long layers that start at chin level.
- Apply a heat protectant before blow-drying.
- Use a large round brush to create volume and slight curves at the ends.
- Finish with a light-hold styling cream for definition and shine.
Maintenance advice: Regular trims every 6–8 weeks will keep your layers looking fresh and prevent split ends.
Buzz Cut: Minimalist Chic
Sometimes, less is more. A buzz cut is a bold choice that exudes confidence and highlights your facial features.
Why oval faces rock this look: Your balanced proportions mean that you can pull off this minimalist style without worrying about emphasizing any particular facial feature.
How to maintain:
- Choose your preferred length (typically between a #1 and #4 guard).
- Invest in good clippers for at-home maintenance.
- Re-buzz every 1–2 weeks to keep it looking sharp.
- Use a moisturizing scalp treatment to keep your skin healthy.
Style tip: Pair your buzz cut with well-groomed facial hair for an extra dimension of style.
Beard Styles for Oval Face Shapes
Facial hair options for oval face shapes are as boundless as your styling potential. Although you don’t need a beard to balance your features, the right scruff can add character faster than you can say “five o’clock shadow.” Here are some beard styles that will complement your oval face shape:
The Full Beard: Because You Can
A well-groomed full beard is like the icing on your perfectly proportioned cake. This style works because:
- It adds rugged charm to your balanced features.
- It’s versatile and can be shaped to your liking.
Suitability for oval faces: Your balanced proportions allow you to rock a full beard without overwhelming your features. It can add a touch of masculinity while maintaining your face’s natural harmony.
Grooming tips:
- Allow your beard to grow for 4–6 weeks before initial shaping.
- Invest in a good-quality beard oil to keep it soft and manageable.
- Trim regularly to maintain your desired shape and length.
- Consider a slightly tapered shape to complement your oval face.
- Use a beard brush daily to distribute oils and keep hair neat.
Pro tip: For a more sculpted look, ask your barber to fade your beard into your hairline, creating a seamless transition.
The Stubble: Effortless Appeal
For those who prefer a more subtle approach, stubble is your best friend. This style:
- Adds a touch of ruggedness without overwhelming your features.
- Has relatively low maintenance (perfect for lazy Sundays).
- Makes you look like you’ve just returned from a weekend adventure (even if it was just Netflix).
Why it works for oval faces: Stubble adds texture and definition to your face without altering its natural shape. It can accentuate your jawline and give a more chiseled appearance.
How to achieve the perfect stubble:
- Allow your facial hair to grow for 2–5 days.
- Invest in a good-quality beard trimmer with adjustable settings.
- Experiment with 2–4 mm lengths to find your sweet spot.
- Maintain clean, defined edges along the neck and cheeks.
- Use a gentle exfoliator to prevent ingrown hairs.
Style hack: Try the “gradient stubble”—slightly longer on the chin and shorter on the cheeks—for added dimension.
The Goatee: Focus on the Center
A goatee can add interesting visual elements to your oval face without overpowering your natural balance.
Suitability for oval faces: This style draws attention to the center of your face, potentially elongating it slightly. It’s a great option if you want to add some edge to your look.
Grooming advice:
- Grow out your beard for about two weeks.
- Define the goatee shape using the corners of your mouth as a guide.
- Keep the edges crisp with regular trimming.
- Experiment with connecting or disconnecting the mustache and chin hair.
- Use beard wax for a more polished look.
Pro tip: For a modern twist, try a circle beard (a goatee connected to a mustache).
Mustache Styles for Oval Face Shapes
It’s time to put your upper lip to work. The right mustache can add character to your face faster than you can twirl its ends. Your balanced proportions are a playground for facial hair experimentation. Check out some styles that’ll have you looking like a sophisticated time traveler:
The Chevron: Classic Cool
Who doesn’t want to be Tom Selleck with his full, natural mustache style? It works well for oval faces because:
- It adds a bold statement to your balanced features.
- The straight, broad shape complements your face’s proportions.
- It’s a versatile style that suits various personal aesthetics.
Suitability for oval faces: The Chevron adds width to your upper lip area, which can balance out the length of an oval face. It draws attention to your mouth and nose without overpowering your other features.
Grooming tips:
- Allow your mustache to grow for 4–6 weeks.
- Trim along your upper lip line regularly to prevent hair from covering your lip.
- Keep the edges neat by trimming any strays that grow beyond the corners of your mouth.
- Use a small comb to brush the hairs downward before trimming.
- Apply mustache wax for a more polished look.
Pro tip: For a more natural look, allow the edges to taper slightly rather than creating a hard line at the corners.
The Handlebar: Dapper Distinction
For those wanting to add a touch of vintage charm, the handlebar mustache is your ticket to the dapper derby.
Why it works for oval faces: The upward curve at the ends adds width to your face, and the central fullness complements your balanced features. It’s a statement piece that doesn’t overwhelm your face shape.
Styling and maintenance:
- Grow your mustache for several weeks before styling.
- Use mustache wax to train the ends to curl upward.
- Comb through daily, separating hairs into two sections.
- Twist and shape the ends upward, using more wax as needed.
- Trim the center portion over your lip regularly.
The Pencil Mustache: Subtle Sophistication
This thin, precisely groomed style adds a touch of old Hollywood glamor to your oval face.
Suitability for oval faces: The pencil mustache adds a subtle horizontal line to your face, which can help to break up the length of an oval shape gently without dramatically altering your proportions.
How to achieve and maintain:
- Grow a full mustache, then carefully trim it down.
- Use a precision trimmer to create a thin line just above your upper lip.
- Keep the line no wider than the edges of your mouth.
- Trim daily to maintain the precise shape.
- Consider using an eyebrow pencil to fill in any gaps for a perfect line.
Pro tip: Pair this style with a well-tailored suit for maximum debonair effect.
Sunglasses for Oval Face Shapes
With your balanced proportions, you’re the envy of every sunglasses designer from here to Milan. But don’t rest on our laurels, gents. The right shades can take you from “that guy with the nice face” to “who’s that guy?” faster than you can say “UV protection.” Let’s dive into the world of eyewear that’ll have you throwing shade in all the right ways.
Wayfarers: Timeless Cool
These classic shades are like the Swiss Army knife of eyewear—versatile and always in style.
Why they work:
- The straight browline complements your balanced features.
- The slightly angular shape adds a touch of edge to your softer contours.
- Versatile enough to take you from the beach to the boardroom without breaking a sweat.
Style tip: Opt for a size that doesn’t extend beyond the width of your face. You want to accentuate your features, not overwhelm them.
Aviators: Top Gun-approved
Because who doesn’t want to feel like Maverick every now and then?
Benefits:
- The teardrop shape adds a subtle contrast to your oval features.
- Thin metal frames maintain your face’s natural balance.
- The slightly oversized look adds a touch of movie star glamor to your everyday.
Pro tip: Choose a pair with lenses that are proportional to your face size—not too big, not too small. You’re going for “fighter pilot,” not “fly eyes.”
Rectangular Frames: Angular Appeal
Add some edge to your oval awesomeness with these straight-lined stunners. Check out these, from ZENOTTIC.
Why they complement oval faces:
- The angular shape provides a striking contrast to your softer features.
- Horizontal lines can make your face appear slightly wider, balancing your proportions.
- Exudes a no-nonsense, sophisticated vibe.
Fashion tip: These are your power shades. Wear them to important meetings, first dates, or any time you need to channel your inner boss.
Product Recommendations
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Bumble and Bumble
Surf Spray
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BabylissPro
Trimmer and Shaver
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Every artist needs the right tools. Here’s your grooming arsenal:
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- Hair: Bumble and Bumble Surf Spray—For texture that defies both gravity and expectations. Embrace your inner beach god, even if you’re landlocked.
- Beard: Jack Black Beard Oil—Because your facial hair deserves a spa day, too. Treat your beard to some luxury and watch it transform from scruffy to suave.
- Skin: Kiehl’s Facial Fuel—Energizing moisture for your oval canvas. Give your face the caffeine kick it needs to look fresh, even after a late night.
- Sunglasses: Ray-Ban Rectangular—Throwing shade has never looked this good. Add some angular contrast to your smooth features and watch heads turn.
- Grooming Tool: BaBylissPRO FX—Precision for your facial needs. Whether you’re maintaining stubble or sculpting a full beard, this tool has you covered.
- Mustache: Death Grip Mustache Wax—For when you want that mustache to keep its shape.
What’s Next?
Now that you’ve mastered the art of styling your oval face, consider yourself armed with a secret weapon in the world of personal grooming. With this foundation, you’re ready to explore the finer details of personal aesthetics.
Dive into the world of complementary collar styles that enhance your neckline, perfect the art of tie knots that draw attention to your balanced features, and master the subtle nuances of accessorizing that can elevate your look from good to unforgettable.
FAQ
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The oval face shape is often considered the golden ratio of facial geometry. With balanced proportions and versatile styling options, you’re basically the Swiss Army knife of face shapes. But remember, true attractiveness comes from confidence—so rock what you’ve got.
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Think of it as the difference between an egg and a cucumber. Oval faces are about 1.5 times longer than they are wide, with a gentle curve at the jaw. Oblong faces, on the other hand, are longer and narrower, often with a more pronounced jawline. If you’re oval, you’ve got more width to play with, whereas oblong faces might want to focus on styles that add some horizontal volume.
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Absolutely! But unlike your square-jawed brethren, your jawline is more like a smooth, gentle curve than a sharp angle. It’s there, but it’s subtle—think more George Clooney than Henry Cavill. Your jawline contributes to your face’s overall balanced proportions, giving you that classically handsome look without any harsh lines.
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It’s all in the cheekbones. Although both shapes have a face length longer than the width, diamond faces have their widest point at the cheekbones, with a narrower forehead and jawline. Oval faces, however, have a more even width distribution, with the forehead being slightly wider than the jawline. Think of it this way: if your face were a gemstone, oval would be a smooth cabochon and diamond would be, well, a diamond cut.
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Joe Niehaus 
Dan Hughes