Oval Face Shape
An oval face shape is roughly one and a half times longer than it is wide. The cheekbones are the widest point, the forehead is slightly wider than the jaw, and the jawline curves gently into a rounded chin with no sharp angles.
Check if you have an oval face
Oval face shape measurements
| Face length vs width | About 1.4–1.6× longer than wide |
|---|---|
| Widest point | Cheekbones |
| Forehead | Slightly wider than the jaw |
| Jawline | Soft, rounded, tapers gently |
| Chin | Rounded, not pointed |
How to tell if you have an oval face
- Your face is clearly longer than it is wide, but not dramatically so.
- The widest part of your face is across your cheekbones.
- Your jaw curves rather than turning a corner below your ears.
- If you trace your face in a mirror, the outline looks like an egg with the wider end at the top.
Why the oval face is called "balanced"
Stylists call the oval face the most versatile shape because nothing dominates: the forehead, cheekbones and jaw step down in width gradually, and the length is in proportion to the width. That's why most haircuts, glasses and beard styles work. The goal is not to "correct" anything, just to avoid hiding the balance you already have.
How common is an oval face?
Oval is one of the most common results from our detector, along with heart and square. In practice many people are a blend, such as oval with a slightly square jaw or oval leaning oblong. Your result shows a percentage for every shape so you can see which way you lean.
Oval vs oblong
The difference is length. An oval face is about 1.5× longer than wide; an oblong face is noticeably longer (closer to 1.7× or more) with straighter sides. If side-swept fringes and volume at the sides make your face look better balanced, you may lean oblong.
Best hairstyles for oval faces (women)
- Long layers: Layers that start below the chin add movement without widening any part of the face.
- Blunt lob: A collarbone-length cut with a straight edge frames the jaw and keeps the balanced outline.
- Curtain bangs: Parted bangs that sweep to each side open the face and draw attention to the eyes.
- Pixie cut: Oval faces have the proportions to carry very short hair; it shows off cheekbones.
- Sleek middle part: A center part works because both halves of an oval face are evenly proportioned.
Best haircuts for oval faces (men)
- Classic taper: Short sides and a little length on top keep the natural proportions.
- Quiff: Moderate height on top suits an oval face; keep it modest so the face doesn't look longer.
- Side part: A clean side part is timeless and shows off balanced features.
- Textured crop: A short fringe-forward crop works because the forehead doesn't need hiding.
- Buzz cut: Oval faces have the even head shape that very short cuts reveal.
Beard styles for oval faces
- Short boxed beard: Even length around the jaw keeps the balanced shape.
- Heavy stubble: Adds a little definition at the jaw without changing the outline.
- Clean shaven: Oval is one of the few shapes that looks equally good with no beard.
Best glasses for oval faces
- Square or rectangular frames: Angular lines add contrast to soft oval curves.
- Wayfarers: The slightly trapezoid shape works with the gentle taper of the jaw.
- Aviators: The teardrop shape echoes the oval outline in a flattering way.
- Geometric frames: Hexagonal or octagonal frames add interest to balanced features.
Frames to avoid
- Frames wider than the widest part of your face.
- Very deep frames that cover the cheekbones.
Makeup and contouring for oval faces
Oval faces need little contouring. Use a light bronzer just under the cheekbones and at the temples, and focus highlight on the high points of the cheeks, the bridge of the nose and the cupid's bow.
Celebrities with oval faces
- Beyoncé
- Jessica Alba
- Charlize Theron
- Julia Roberts
- Kate Middleton
- George Clooney
- Jake Gyllenhaal
- Bradley Cooper
Oval vs similar face shapes
Oval vs OblongOblong is longer, with straighter sides and less taper toward the chin.
Oval vs HeartA heart face has a clearly wider forehead and a narrow, often pointed chin.
Oval vs DiamondA diamond face has a narrow forehead and jaw with sharply wider cheekbones.
Frequently asked questions
What does an oval face look like?
An oval face is longer than it is wide, widest at the cheekbones, with a slightly narrower forehead and a jaw that tapers into a rounded chin. It looks like an upside-down egg.
Is an oval face shape attractive?
Oval is often called the ideal face shape because its proportions are balanced, and many people perceive it as attractive. Attractiveness depends on far more than outline, though, and every face shape has its own strengths.
How rare is an oval face?
Oval is not rare. It's one of the most common face shapes, though many people are a blend of oval with another shape.
What haircut is best for an oval face?
Most cuts suit oval faces. Long layers, lobs, curtain bangs and pixie cuts are popular for women; tapers, side parts and textured crops are popular for men.
What glasses suit an oval face?
Square, rectangular, wayfarer and aviator frames all work. Keep the frames no wider than the widest part of your face.