First of all, you should always feel free to pick the haircut that makes you feel the best. Your own taste should always come before “rules” or “trends” when it comes to styling. But if you do find yourself in a bit of a slump, there are some things that can help you get back on track. First, how much upkeep is needed? Not excited about going to the salon every four to six weeks for a trim? You shouldn’t get fringe or a bob because they both need to be cut and styled pretty often. The type of hair is also very important. For example, people with curly hair might not want to get blunt, razor-sharp cuts because they can look a little boxy. Instead, stylists suggest layered chops that follow the natural pattern of your hair.
Finally, think about the shape of your face, because strands can make a big difference in how your face looks. Nick Stenson, a celebrity hairstylist, says that oval face shapes already have balanced forehead-to-jaw ratios (“Nothing overly angular or dominant”). This means that they can pull off most hairstyles with ease. However, a few small changes to the haircut can make the features stand out even more. Check out these eight hairstyles that look great on oval-shaped faces. They come with celebrity examples and professional styling advice.
The 8 Best Haircuts for People with Oval Faces
Long Layers
Laura Harrier has a long layered haircut in this picture.
(Image credit: @lauraharrier)I usually tell people to add layers instead of keeping everything the same length when their hair is longer. “Sometimes, a heavy, one-length cut can make the face look like it’s dragging down,” says Carla Zuniga, a senior stylist at Benjamin Salon. “Layers that start at the cheekbone and go down help to open up the face and draw attention to your features.”” Stenson agrees and says that soft, face-framing layers can help with movement while keeping the natural balance of an oval face shape. He says, “It’s a very versatile length that looks good on people who like sleek styles or soft waves.”
A collage of pictures of Dua Lipa, Laura Harrier, and Margot Robbie from Instagram and Getty.
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On November 3, 2025, Rihanna goes to the CFDA Awards at the American Museum of Natural History in New York City.
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Zuniga says to style your hair away from your face, like you would with curtain fringe, so that the layers can better show off your bone structure. “[It] keeps everything feeling lifted and fresh,” she says.
Pixie with texture
Picture of Rihanna with a pixie cut with texture
(Image credit: Getty Images; Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic)
Both Zuniga and Stenson quickly point out textured crops on the short-hair side of the spectrum. “They highlight the cheekbones and create natural symmetry without overwhelming the face,” Stenson says, using Rihanna as an example. “She often experiments with everything from pixies to long waves, and her balanced proportions make each look beautiful. Oval faces are great for both strong structure and soft movement, which is why her styles work so well.
You can change your pixie by adding some pieces that sweep to the side, or you can let it grow out. Just make sure the top doesn’t get too high. Stenson says, “You don’t want to make the face longer by mistake.”
Bangs with a curtain
Picture of Rosé with curly fringe that look like curtains
Thanks for the picture, @roses_are_rosie.
Are you thinking about getting fringe this year? Stenson says, “Oval faces are the most bang-friendly face shapes.” He also says that fringe is a great choice for people who want to change their look without losing length. Stenson says that ‘curtain fringe are one of my favourites for oval-shaped faces because they frame the face and add softness’. The type you choose will depend on your hair texture and how much work you want to put into it. That classic “triangle” part looks great on oval faces because it brings out their natural symmetry.
Bangs that are blunt
Picture of Dakota Johnson with straight fringe
Kristy Sparow/Getty Images provided the image.”That natural symmetry makes even blunt fringe look great,” Stenson says. A straight-across style (like Dakota Johnson’s, my favourite bang inspiration) can help balance the features by making the forehead a little shorter. Oval face shapes are a little longer than they are wide. Zuniga says, “The only thing to watch is weight.” “If the fringe are too thick or heavy, they can make the face look shorter.” “Adding softness and texture keeps everything in check.”
Bob in French
A picture of the creator @emmanuellek_ with a French bob haircut
(Image credit: @emmanuellek_)
Zuniga says that all kinds of bobs are great for oval-shaped faces because they frame the cheekbones and jawline without any effort. These include French bobs, chin-skimming blunt bobs, and softly layered bobs. The first one, on the other hand, deserves a little more attention because it usually comes with a wispy fringe that is perfect for oval faces, as we talked about.
Mullet of Today
Greta Lee with a modern mullet haircut in this photo
(Image credit: Taylor Hill/Getty Images)”Mid-length cuts are just as flexible,” Zuniga says. “Shags (with or without fringe), lobs (with or without fringe) and even a modern mullet can all look great.””What’s a modern mullet, you ask? It’s still “business in the front, party in the back,” but the back is a little smoother, like Greta Lee’s hair above. Matthew Curtis, an editorial hairstylist, says of the 2026 hair trend, “The modern mullet is still relevant, but it has softened to make it more appealing to a wider audience.”
Parts in the Middle
Picture of Zoë Kravitz with a hair part in the middle
(Image credit: Mike Marsland/Getty Images for OMEGA)
Stenson says that a center part looks great on an oval-shaped face. The name of the game is to stress symmetry, and a simple center part will always make things look good. We love how it looks with Zoë Kravitz’s micro goddess braids, which are loose and flowy down her back.
Waves that frame your face
Demi Moore with soft waves in a picture
(Image credit: MICHAEL TRAN/AFP via Getty Images)
Stenson says that soft waves also show off the natural balance of oval-shaped features, especially if you add a few extra bends to the pieces that frame the face. “He says that adding some width to the sides with texture can be very flattering if the face is a little longer.
Get These Looks with Styling Products
Nulastin, Nulastin NuProtect Leave-In Primer
Nulastin NuProtect Leave-In Primer costs $32. Buy it now.
A leave-in styler that keeps moisture in, untangles hair, cuts down on breakage, makes hair shinier, and protects it from heat. What else could you want?
Nick Stenson Beauty Texture Finishing Spray is a volumising texture spray for hair with flexible hold. It’s perfect for color-treated and second-day hair. It absorbs oil from the roots and is color-safe and vegan. It comes in a 7 oz. bottle.
$34 for Nick Stenson Beauty Texture Finishing Spray. SHOP NOW.
Stenson’s own finishing spray adds volume to your strands without making them heavy. This is great for making your center-part waves wider.
15.0 oz of Strong Hold Gel
PATTERN
$29 for Strong Hold Gel SHOP NOW
Pattern’s nourishing gel is great for defining curls or slicking down edges, no matter what haircut you choose. There’s no crunch after styling, even though it has a strong-hold formula. That’s a big win.
Set of Popstar Clips
Emi Jay Popstar Clips Set for $34. SHOP NOW
If you have curtain fringe, hair-setting clips are a godsend. Just hold the strands in place the way you want them. After that, don’t touch them until your hair is completely dry. You might want to wear these Emi Jay clips all day because they are so cute. You do what you want!
Sculpting Paste by LolaVie
LolaVie
Sculpting Paste $29 SHOP NOW
A sculpting paste like this is important for making your hair look piecey and effortless, no matter if you have a bob, fringe or a pixie.
The Hair Styling Balm for a Light Hold
Chris McMillan
$38 for the Hair Styling Balm
This hair balm can do a lot of things, so it will probably become your go-to styling product. You can use it to define strands on damp hair, to get that “day-two” texture after blow-drying, or to smooth out frizz right away on dry strands.
