Style Hair 9 Flattering Haircuts For Oval Faces By Kaitlyn Yarborough Kaitlyn Yarborough Part of the Southern Living team since 2017, Kaitlyn Yarborough is a Georgia native living in Austin, Texas, who covers a wide variety of topics for both the magazine and website, focusing on culture and lifestyle content, as well as travel in the South. Southern Living's editorial guidelines Updated on May 23, 2023 Trending Videos Close this video player Photo: @mizzchoi/Instagram Growing up, we always want what we can't have, especially when it comes to beauty. Whether your eyes are brown or blue, your hair blonde or brunette, or your legs long or short, the grass is always greener on the other side. How many times did we storm home from school in a huff, asking our mother why she just had to pass down her crazy curls? (Sorry, mom. That was 100 percent pre-teen angst.) But, like most things, we grow out of it and eventually come to love those curls...mostly. Face shape? That's something else. If we could have it our way, there's only one side of the green we want to be. Even now, after accepting that round, square, oblong, and heart face shapes are all equally beautiful. (Pretty is as pretty does, after all.) Hint: It's the perfectly symmetrical one with a 3:2 length-to-width ratio. If you guessed oval, you got it. Why do we all want it? Because oval faces have it easy. So maddeningly easy. Most cuts will flatter an oval face shape, which gives it the best chance at rocking slightly more adventurous styles like shaggy layered cuts, asymmetrical looks, and super short lengths. Don't forget bangs, either. Oval faces can pull off a fringe of all persuasions. We've rounded up some of the most flattering haircuts in honor of this low-maintenance face shape. Whether you're looking for a classic cut or a bold one, the nine best hairstyles for oval faces are here. 01 of 09 Chin Bob @mizzchoi/Instagram Oval-faced ladies can rock a bold chin-grazing length thanks to envious symmetrical features. It skims the widest part of your face or temples, making those cheekbones pop. 02 of 09 Bardot Lob @mizzchoi/Instagram Make like Bardot and frame that face with fringe! Ask for cheekbone-grazing layering to ensure it doesn't shorten or elongate the length of your face. Finish with a trendy shoulder cut, and you're ready. 03 of 09 Face-Framing Pieces @hairbycharlie/Instagram Not into bangs? Face-framing it is. These longer face-skimming pieces are the most universally flattering thing you can ask your stylist to snip. 04 of 09 Layered Shoulder Cut @salsalhair/Instagram Oval faces, listen up: A shag-inspired cut wants to be your new signature 'do. At least for a season or two. Make it extra edgy with a deep side part and airy bangs. 05 of 09 Super Pixie @veronica_nunez/Instagram Turns out, that 3:2 length-to-width ratio can handle a heavy shearing—and you won't end up looking like Peter Pan, post-Neverland. A super pixie isn't for everyone, but those with oval faces can definitely make it work. 06 of 09 Full Fringe @riawna/Instagram We're firm believers that every woman should try bangs once in her life. For oval faces, bangs are extra flattering. Why not go all-in with full, straight-across fringe? 07 of 09 Asymmetrical Shoulder Cut @salsalhair/Instagram There is no need to fear the asymmetrical cut when flaunting a 3:2 face ratio. This trend gives a blunt lob a touch of cool-girl style. 08 of 09 Modern Shag @veronica_nunez/Instagram Curly girls, take note: If there's one cut that has taken over salons everywhere, it's the modern version of the Shag. Layers? Check. Bangs? Check. Insanely flattering for oval faces? Triple check. 09 of 09 Super Side Part @lisasatornhair/Instagram An exaggerated side part shows off the width of your cheekbones and crown, which scares off many face shapes. Since oval faces aren't too wide or too narrow, it happens to be the perfect pick. Frequently Asked Questions Does an oval face shape complement bangs? As one of the more balanced face shapes, any bangs included in a haircut for someone with an oval face shape look stylish. Blunt or soft bangs across the forehead are flattering with this face shape. Where should you part your hair if you have an oval face shape? Oval face shapes look best with a middle part. Middle parts elongate an oval face shape's features, adding to the balanced symmetry of the face. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit