Oval face shape: hairstyles, glasses and beard guide

How to tell if you have a oval face

• Your face is about one and a half times as long as it is wide.
• Your cheekbones are the widest part of your face.
• Your forehead is slightly wider than your jaw.
• Your jaw and chin are softly rounded rather than angular.

Want to be sure? Check your face shape with a photo.

Best hairstyles for a oval face

For women

• Long layers. Movement around the face shows off your cheekbones without adding width.
• Blunt bob. A straight line at the jaw works because your jaw does not need softening.
• Pixie cut. Very short styles suit oval faces because nothing needs hiding.
• Curtain bangs. They frame the eyes and keep the face looking balanced.
• Sleek middle part. An oval face can carry a symmetrical part, which many shapes cannot.

For men

• Textured crop. Easy to style and keeps your natural proportions.
• Classic side part. A clean, versatile cut that suits your balanced shape.
• Quiff. Adds a little height without making the face look too long.
• Buzz cut. Works well because an oval head shape looks even when hair is very short.
• Swept-back medium length. Shows off the forehead and cheekbones.

Best glasses for a oval face

Frames that suit you

• Most frame shapes, as long as they are about as wide as the widest part of your face
• Rectangular and geometric frames, which add a little structure
• Walnut-shaped frames that follow your natural curves

Frames to skip

• Frames much wider than your face, which upset its balance
• Very narrow frames that make the face look longer

Beard styles

Almost any beard works. A short boxed beard or light stubble keeps your natural proportions. Avoid very long, pointed beards, which can make the face look long.

Makeup tips

You need very little contour. A soft sweep under the cheekbones and a touch of highlight on the top of the cheeks is enough. Focus on the features you like most.

Compare with all seven face shapes.