12 Stylish Oval Face Hairstyles Men Should Try This Year
Finding the perfect hairstyle can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack, but if you've got an oval face shape, you've essentially hit the genetic lottery. Oval faces are considered the most versatile when it comes to men's hairstyles for oval faces, giving you loads of freedom to experiment with different cuts and styles. Whether you're after something classic or want to try the latest trends, your balanced facial proportions mean most cuts will work beautifully on you. Let's dive into 12 stylish oval face hairstyles men should definitely consider this year.
Before we jump into the best haircuts for oval face shape, it's worth understanding what makes your face oval. An oval face is characterised by being longer than it is wide, with a gently rounded jawline and forehead that's slightly wider than the chin. The cheekbones are typically the widest part of the face, creating that naturally balanced look that hairstylists absolutely love working with.
To determine if you have an oval face, measure the length from your hairline to your chin, then measure the width at your cheekbones. If the length is about 1.5 times the width, you've got yourself an oval face. This shape is considered the gold standard because it's naturally proportioned and symmetrical.
The beauty of having an oval face lies in its versatility. Unlike other face shapes that need specific cuts to balance proportions, oval faces can pull off pretty much anything. However, there are still some guidelines that can help you make the most of your natural advantages.
Your goal should be to maintain the natural balance of your face rather than trying to change it. This means you can experiment with volume, length, and texture without worrying too much about creating unflattering proportions. Most hairstyles that complement oval face men work because they don't fight against your natural symmetry.
Short to medium lengths tend to highlight your balanced features beautifully. Side parts can add sophistication, whilst textured styles bring out your facial structure. Volume on top works particularly well as it doesn't overwhelm your proportions.
Whilst oval faces are forgiving, extremely long hair that covers too much of your face might hide your best features. Very severe, blunt cuts can sometimes look too harsh against the soft curves of an oval face.
Now for the fun part – exploring the versatile hairstyles for oval face men that are trending this year. We've organised these into categories based on length, so you can find your perfect match regardless of your lifestyle or personal style preferences.
The crew cut remains one of the most popular hairstyles for oval face men, and for good reason. This timeless cut keeps things neat and professional whilst highlighting your facial structure perfectly. The short length on the sides with slightly more length on top creates just enough contrast to add interest without overwhelming your features.
This modern take on short hair adds loads of personality through texture and movement. The textured crop works brilliantly on oval faces because it creates visual interest on top whilst keeping the sides clean. It's particularly great if you've got naturally thick hair that you want to keep manageable.
A short quiff gives you that perfect balance between classic and contemporary. The slight volume at the front draws attention to your eyes whilst the tapered sides keep everything looking sharp. This style is ideal if you want something that's smart enough for the office but still has personality.
The pompadour is having a major moment, and oval faces wear it particularly well. This style sweeps the hair up and back, creating height and drama that complements your natural proportions. It's one of those ideal hairstyles for oval face men who want to make a statement.
Combining the sleekness of slicked-back hair with the modern edge of an undercut creates a look that's both sophisticated and contemporary. The contrast between the longer top section and short sides adds dimension whilst maintaining that polished appearance.
Don't let the word 'messy' fool you – this style requires just as much thought as any other. A textured fringe that falls naturally across your forehead adds a relaxed, approachable vibe whilst still looking put-together. It's perfect for guys who want something low-maintenance but stylish.
If you're blessed with good hair genetics, longer flowing hair can look absolutely stunning on oval faces. The key is keeping it healthy and well-maintained. This style works particularly well if you've got naturally wavy or straight hair that moves beautifully.
The man bun has evolved from trend to classic, and it's one of the most flattering long hairstyles for oval faces. When done right, it highlights your jawline and cheekbones whilst keeping hair out of your face. Just make sure you've got enough length to create a substantial bun.
Layers add movement and texture to longer hair, preventing it from looking flat or lifeless. This cut works particularly well on oval faces because the layers can be tailored to frame your features beautifully. It's especially great for guys with fine hair who want to create more volume.
This style bridges the gap between formal and casual perfectly. Side-swept bangs add softness to your look whilst still maintaining structure. They're particularly flattering on oval faces because they don't hide your features but instead complement them.
The faux hawk gives you that edgy vibe without the commitment of a true mohawk. It's achieved by styling the hair upwards in the centre whilst keeping the sides shorter. This style is brilliant for oval faces because it adds height and interest without disrupting your natural proportions.
This modern classic combines the clean lines of a taper fade with textured styling on top. It's incredibly versatile – you can style it sleek for formal occasions or tousled for a more relaxed look. The fade draws attention to your facial structure whilst the textured top adds personality.
Your hair type plays a massive role in how any cut will look on you. Understanding how to work with your natural texture is key to finding the perfect style that not only suits your face shape but also works with your lifestyle and maintenance preferences.
If you've got straight hair, you're in luck – it tends to hold clean lines and structured styles beautifully. Pompadours, slicked-back styles, and precise cuts all work brilliantly with straight hair. The key is using the right products to add texture and prevent your hair from looking flat.
Wavy hair brings natural texture and movement to any cut. Embrace those waves with styles like the textured crop or messy fringe. Your natural texture means you can achieve that effortlessly cool look that straight-haired guys have to work harder for.
Curly hair requires a slightly different approach, but oval faces can absolutely rock curly styles. The key is finding a cut that works with your curl pattern rather than against it. Longer styles often work particularly well as they allow your curls to form naturally.
Having the right cut is only half the battle – styling and maintaining your chosen look is equally important. The good news is that with Smytten's extensive range of hair care products, you can discover exactly what works for your hair type without committing to full-size purchases first.
Different styles require different products and techniques. A pompadour might need a strong-hold pomade, whilst a textured crop could benefit from a lightweight styling cream. The beauty of being able to try products first is that you can experiment until you find your perfect combination.
Clay and paste products work brilliantly for textured, matte finishes. Pomades give you that sleek, polished look that's perfect for more formal styles. Lightweight creams and mousses are ideal for adding volume without weight.
Most of these styles will need a trim every 4-6 weeks to maintain their shape. However, some cuts like the crew cut might need more frequent touch-ups, whilst longer styles can go a bit longer between visits.
Pretty much any haircut works well on oval faces, but some of the most flattering options include crew cuts, pompadours, textured crops, and side-swept styles. The key is choosing something that matches your lifestyle and personal style preferences rather than worrying too much about whether it'll suit your face shape.
Oval face shapes are generally considered the most balanced and symmetrical, which many people find attractive. However, beauty is subjective, and confidence in your appearance matters more than conforming to any particular standard.
Consider your hair type, lifestyle, and personal style preferences. If you have an oval face, you have the luxury of experimenting with different lengths and styles. Think about how much time you want to spend styling your hair each morning and choose accordingly.
Without facial hair to add structure, you might want to consider cuts that create more definition around your jawline. Styles with some length on top, like quiffs or pompadours, can add visual weight to balance your features. Side parts can also add sophistication to a clean-shaven look.
Absolutely! Oval faces are particularly well-suited to longer styles because they don't need to create or disguise certain proportions. Just make sure to keep longer hair healthy and well-maintained, as the condition of your hair becomes more noticeable with length.
It depends on the specific cut and how quickly your hair grows. Generally, shorter styles need more frequent trims (every 3-4 weeks), whilst longer styles can go 6-8 weeks between cuts. Your hairstylist can give you more specific guidance based on your chosen style.
Having an oval face shape is genuinely like winning the genetic lottery when it comes to hairstyles. The natural balance and symmetry of your features mean you can experiment with confidence, knowing that most cuts will complement your face shape beautifully. Whether you're drawn to classic crew cuts or want to try something more adventurous like a modern pompadour, you've got the facial structure to pull it off.
The key to finding your perfect style lies in understanding your hair type, lifestyle, and personal preferences. Don't be afraid to experiment – with so many flattering options available, you might discover a look you never would have considered before. Remember, the best haircut is one that makes you feel confident and reflects your personality.
When it comes to styling and maintaining your chosen look, having the right products makes all the difference. Smytten's curated trial packs let you discover the perfect hair care products from over 1,500 trusted brands without the commitment of full-size purchases. With everything from styling creams to pomades available to try, you can experiment until you find exactly what works for your hair and chosen style. After all, why settle for maybe when you can #TryItAll and find your perfect haircare routine?
