Beauty Hair The 20 Best Haircuts for Oval Face Shapes, According to Stylists Let these celebrity 'dos inspire you. By Erin Lukas Erin Lukas Erin is a Brooklyn-based beauty editor. She covers all facets of beauty. InStyle's editorial guidelines and Krista Carter Krista Carter Krista Carter is a writer and editor with nearly a decade of experience working in beauty and fashion. InStyle's editorial guidelines Updated on June 16, 2024 @ 12:55PM Close Photo: Patricia J. Garcinuno / WireImage / Getty Images If you're deciding on a new signature haircut, it can be overwhelming to pick your next look. After all, there are so many options to choose from and it's tricky to decide which one will best suit your face shape, curl pattern, and natural hair texture. However, if you have an oval-shaped face, you're typically exempt from this struggle. "Oval face shapes are the lucky ones. They have the most the opportunity to play with the versatility and variations of haircuts, whether it's with the texture, or more importantly, with the shape, and style in general," says hairstylist Rodney Cutler. "If you have an oval face shape, you can get away with any haircut and any style you want," says stylist Luis Rodriguez. So whether you want to keep your length, go shorter, or slowly grow it out, you've got options. Meet the expert Rodney Cutler is the founder of the bi-coastal Cutler Salon. Luis Rodriguez is an Ulta Beauty design team stylist and hair colorist. From playful pixies and mermaid-length waves to polished lobs and elegant updos, keep scrolling for our favorite celeb-inspired haircuts for oval faces. 01 of 20 Wavy Bob Epsilon/Getty Images To snag Bella Hadid's bob haircut, ask your stylist for minimal layers. A side part with the front piece brushed back against your natural hair growth will add extra volume and open up your face. Tucking your hair behind your ear on the opposite side will help, too. 02 of 20 Curly Pixie Kayla Oaddams / WireImage / Getty Images Rihanna's curly caramel-colored pixie is #ShortHairGoals. "Oval face shapes are the most balanced in terms of symmetry," says Rodriguez. "This pixie cut reveals Rihanna's beautiful neck and head shape. It's shorter on the sides and longer on top to add playfulness and variety when it comes to the styling." 03 of 20 Wispy Bangs Daniele Venturelli / WireImage / Getty Images Good news for oval face shapes: nearly every type of fringe is flattering on you. That being said, airy, pin-straight ones—as seen on Michelle Yeoh here—will accentuate your face without feeling bulky. Just remember that you should also consider your hair type and texture, plus lifestyle, before committing to bangs. 04 of 20 Blunt Lob Venturelli/Getty Images For a sleek and polished look, follow Kim K's lead and go for a middle-parted lob sans layers. Blunt styles are especially flattering for fine and thin hair since they create the appearance of a fuller mane; however, if you have thick or coarse tresses, this might not be the cut for you. 05 of 20 Long Layers and Beachy Waves John Lamparski/Getty Images Blake Lively's deep side part and beachy waves add movement and softness to her long layers. This style is the epitome of effortless beauty. The best part? It just requires some sea salt spray and air-drying to pull off. 06 of 20 Shag With Bangs Gilbert Carrasquillo/Getty Images From feathered blowouts to shag haircuts, '70s-inspired 'dos are all the rage. The layers of Halle Berry's medium-length shag combined with dirty blonde highlights and waves create movement and dimension. Bangs add a nice finishing touch. "Short or long bangs that are swingy and have a little bit of movement to them will add softness to the face," Cutler tells us. 07 of 20 Curly Crop Valerie Macon / AFP via Getty Images If you're a low-maintenance type of gal, we recommend working with your natural hair type and texture. Those with curly hair, look to Keke Palmer for inspiration. Her stylist has incorporated strategic layers to lend her short, curly crop its shape, and allow her ringlets to do their thing. 08 of 20 '90s-Inspired Shoulder-Length Lionel Hahn / Getty Images If you want to play it safe, there's no denying a shoulder-length cut, which all hair types and textures will find flattering. But to get that "it" factor, incorporate Y2K hair tendrils and a hair flip à la Zoe Saldana. 09 of 20 Classic Pixie Dia Dipasupil / Getty Images According to Cutler, a pixie is a great option for oval faces looking to go short—but keep it simple. "You're not relying on the squareness of the cut, layers, or bangs to hide something," he says. Jodie Turner-Smith's pixie is simple yet stunning. "I love doing pixie cuts on someone with an oval face shape," Rodriguez says. 10 of 20 Long Layers and Retro Waves Karwai Tang / WireImage / Getty Images "A part that's moved off from the center adds a little more softness to the look and draws attention to the eyes," says Cutler. A side-part and loose, retro waves with a few layers, like Jessica Alba's here, is just the combo to achieve this feat. 11 of 20 "Wet" Bixie Stuart C. Wilson / Getty Images There's no denying that the grow-out process for a pixie can look awkward—even for those with oval face shapes. Fortunately, there are ways to transform that awkward grow-out into a trendy style. Case in point: Jourdan Dunn's "wet" bixie cut, a bob-pixie hybrid. 12 of 20 Long and Wavy John Shearer/Getty Images Long, glossy waves parted down the middle? Yes, please. For those with thick tresses like Olivia Munn, ask your stylist to incorporate long layers into your cut to remove some weight and add movement. 13 of 20 Classic Mid-Length Chris Jackson/Getty Images If you're after a timeless style that oozes sophistication, Kate Middleton never disappoints. "The side part and few layers will open up the cheekbones and the eyes, and add a little more softness," says Cutler of the princess's haircut. "It's all about the relationship between the length and the layer." If the length of your cut falls at the collarbone, incorporate layers that are two to three inches shorter. This will keep the cut from appearing shaggy, says Cutler. 14 of 20 Pixie Comb-Over Paul Bruinooge/Getty Images We never thought we'd admit to being fans of the comb-over, but Kristen Stewart gives us reason for pause. Brushing hair to the side adds lift and an instant boost of volume to this platinum pixie. "With the part, always go against the natural growth of the hair; you'll get more volume and lift away from the face," says Cutler. 15 of 20 Layered Lob Barry King/Getty Images Hitting below the chin but above the shoulder, lobs are universally flattering and versatile. "Jennifer Lawrence decided to go with a side part and subtle waves to give the style a little edge, but this haircut looks great smooth as well," comments Rodriguez. "You can wear a middle part or add layers to make it your own." 16 of 20 Long Layers and Textured Waves Monica Schipper / Getty Images Julianne Moore's long layered look is classic, low-maintenance, and incredibly versatile. We love how her flat iron waves lend body and movement to her mane while giving off a lived-in feel. Finish styling with a spritz of texturizing spray for good measure. 17 of 20 Blunt Bob Steve Granitz / FilmMagic / Getty Images America Ferrera's blunt bob frames her oval face shape to a T, and we're here for it (also taking notes, we might add). The middle part and pin-straight styling further add to this edgy, albeit chic, cut. 18 of 20 Straight With Long Layers Paras Griffin/Getty Images for Tyler Perry Studios If you have an oval face shape, any length of hair will compliment you—long, medium, or short. "This long layered haircut looks great on Kelly [Rowland]," says Rodriguez. "The precise center part creates the perfect balance to enhance the symmetry of her face." 19 of 20 Voluminous Shoulder-Length Dia Dipasupil / Getty Images While shoulder-length cuts seem like playing it safe, Padma Lakshmi proves that they can be head-turning, as well. Layers and loose waves lend fullness and movement to her tousled hair while perfectly balancing her oval face shape. 20 of 20 Long Mermaid Waves With Bangs Emma McIntyre / Getty Images Camila Cabello's platinum mermaid waves are statement-making on their own. However, details like dark roots and curtain bangs are what take this look to the next level. "Having a bang is a great way to enhance your eyes," says Rodriguez. "People who have an oval face shape can take advantage of different types of bangs." Updated by Omenaa Boakye Omenaa Boakye Omenaa Boakye is a fashion and beauty writer and editor from the UK. Her byline has appeared in The London Times, Stylist, Brides, and BET, amongst others. learn more