Got an oval face? Congratulations: you hit the genetic jackpot of face shapes. With its balanced proportions and naturally symmetrical structure, the oval face is the Swiss Army knife of facial real estate. Translation: most hairstyles look great on you. But just because you can rock almost any cut doesn’t mean you should settle for just any old trim.
Whether you’re stuck for inspo, are after a new signature style, or want to hide a receding hairline, MH consulted the leading stylists who break down the best hairstyles for men with an oval face.
Best hairstyle for an oval face: what to ask for
‘Oval face shapes are generally pretty versatile when it comes to hair,’ says Jason Fairbank, Supply 91 Regent Street Manager. ‘I’d maybe be conscious of not widening the face too much with anything too round, or elongating it too much with styles that have too much volume. But overall, oval face shapes can pull off most trims. You can also really accentuate things like your jawline and cheekbones – which we all love! Basically, the key to any oval is to keep your face on show.’
1. The crop
‘In all its iterations, I think the crop is a solid trim for an oval face shape — and a personal fave of mine,’ reveals Fairbank. ‘I’d avoid having the fringe too long, as this could widen the face and accentuate rounder features you might not want to highlight. Also, since you can keep some weight in the recession points, this is a great trim for guys with thinning hair.’
2. Flow back
‘Whether it’s curtains or flowing back, this is a really versatile haircut, making it great for oval face shapes,’ says Fairbank. Ask your barber to keep the layers more square on the sides, as this will draw attention to the jawline and make it pop. Matthew McConaughey is the classic reference for this.’
3. Classic cuts with a textured twist
This style is easy and low maintenance. ‘Scissors on the top and back and sides – but loads of texture. It’s a great way to spice up a timeless look. Ask your stylist to leave a bit more weight in the corners, tapering in around the edges with scissors,’ says Fairbank. ‘Creating a little extra weight in the corners is a really nice way of drawing the eye to the cheekbones. Then go to town on texture, making it really easy to style. Ryan Gosling is the perfect example of this,’
4. Low hair / buzz cut and fade
Feeling confident about your jawline and cheekbones? ‘What better way to make them pop than by having it all on show. A fade on the sides and keeping a little something on top will really draw attention to those areas. See Damson Idris or Austin Butler for references,’ says Fairbank.
5. Mid-length long hair
‘Honestly, I won’t tire of using Kurt Cobain as a hair reference. Super cool, effortlessly grungy, and it sits at the perfect length to show off an oval face shape’s jawline. It definitely takes some patience to grow it out – but it’s worth the wait,’ says Fairbank.
6. Soft brad pitt, fight club cut
‘I honestly have no idea what this trim is officially called, but I’d cut it at the drop of a hat. Brad Pitt, Fight Club, before he buzzes it. Heavy texture, choppy on top, leaving a little bit of sideburn and something at the back. People might ask if it’s a mullet? It’s evolved. It’s way cooler. You’ve got a niche reference from a cult classic film,’ admits Fairbank.
7. Slick back
‘Think American Psycho, greasy car salesman – but he’s a graphic designer living in East London. Again, similar to the buzz cut, it’s all about making your features pop,’ explains Fairbank. ‘Also, a bit of a cheat, because if you ease up on the product, you’ve basically got yourself a flow back, 2 for 1. Pedro Pascal has sported this look a few times on the red carpet.’
8. Textured crop with stubble
‘This one’s great for guys who want something low-maintenance but still sharp. It adds texture up top to build shape without bulk, and the stubble gives you structure through the jaw. Barry Keoghan’s been wearing this well lately simple, fresh, and it frames the face just right,’ says Stefan Clark, lead barber at Murdock London.
9. Classic undercut with full beard
With an oval face, you’ve got the freedom to go bold. ‘A classic undercut gives height and contrast, while a full beard brings balance. It’s a look that’s confident without being too much. Michael B. Jordan wears this style with precision it’s clean but still has presence,’ says Clark.
10. Slicked back taper
If you want something sharp and timeless, this one always delivers. ‘The slick back gives shape and polish, while the taper keeps it modern. Ideal if your hair’s fine or thinning a bit. Jacob Elordi has been seen in this cut it’s neat, but not rigid,’ says Clark.
11. Mid-length waves with faded sides
For guys with a bit of natural texture, this keeps things soft but intentional. ‘Faded sides prevent it from looking too heavy, and the volume up top complements the oval shape. Nicholas Galitzine’s worn it recently it’s got that laid-back edge but still looks styled,’ explains Clark.
12. Buzz cut with short beard
‘A buzz cut is a proper power move on an oval face,’ says Clark. ‘Clean, direct and easy to maintain. Pair it with a short beard for contrast and to define the jaw. Jeremy Allen White proves how strong this combo can look: it’s minimal, but never boring.’
13. Modern pompadour
This one’s a bit more statement great for guys who want volume and polish. ‘Oval faces can handle the height without looking top-heavy. Keep the sides tight and use a matte pomade to keep it natural. It’s something you’ll see on Regé-Jean Page bold but elegant,’ advises Clark.
14. Side part with taper fade
‘A strong side part works well on an oval shape it brings symmetry and structure. Pair it with a taper fade to keep it looking clean, not old-school. Someone like Tom Holland pulls this off all the time it’s subtle but very put-together,’ says Clark.
15. Afro taper with beard fade
‘If you’ve got coily or textured hair, an afro taper is ideal for keeping definition while letting your hair do its thing, advises Clark. ‘Add a beard fade to tie it together and keep the whole shape clean. Damson Idris wears this better than most it’s sharp but natural.’
This article originally appeared on Men’s Health UK.
Related:
Receding Hairline? 6 Hairstyles You Should Try, According To Your Face Shape
