Determining the most flattering hair length for an oval face shape is a common question many women have. The oval face is considered the ideal face shape by many, as it is well-proportioned and balanced. When it comes to hairstyles, there are several factors to consider for oval faces, such as facial features, hair texture, and personal style preferences. By understanding how to optimize the oval face shape with strategic hair lengths, an attractive and harmonious look can be achieved.
The Oval Face Shape
An oval face is characterized by a balanced facial width and length, with a slightly rounded hairline and a gently curved jawline. Oval faces are versatile in that they can typically pull off various hair lengths and styles. However, strategic choices can maximize an oval face’s natural beauty.
When considering flattering hair lengths for an oval face, the goal is to create the illusion of an even more oval shape. This can be done by adding volume at the crown to elongate the face, and drawing attention to the eyes, cheekbones, and jawline. Face-framing layers around the face are also ideal for oval faces.
Short Hair Lengths for Oval Faces
There are several short hair lengths that can be quite attractive on oval faces.
Chin-Length Bob
A chin-length bob hitting just at or below the chin can beautifully frame an oval face. This universally flattering length creates a slightly widened appearance at the chin area, playing up the oval shape. Adding face-framing layers avoids a boxed-in look. A chin-length bob can be worn sleek and straight or with added volume and waves.
Classic Pixie
A pixie cut with volume at the crown elongates an oval face shape. Face-framing layers around the eyes, cheeks, and jaw also spotlight these features. This short length shows off elegant necklines and bone structure. It works well with straight, wavy, or curly hair textures.
Shaggy Lob
For oval faces wanting to go shorter, a shaggy lob (long bob) that falls around the chin is a chic option. This heavily layered cut has lots of texture and movement. The layers are often choppy with shorter face-framing pieces. A tousled side part and waves enhance the casual vibe.
| Short Hair Length | Description |
|---|---|
| Chin-length bob | Hits at or below chin, frames face, versatile styling |
| Classic pixie | Crown volume elongates, shows off facial features |
| Shaggy lob | Chin-length, heavily layered, carefree texture |
Medium Lengths for Oval Faces
Medium length hairstyles falling somewhere between the chin and shoulders also complement oval faces beautifully.
Shoulder-Length Layers
Medium layered hair grazing the shoulders flatters oval faces. The layers add dimension and movement while softly framing the face. Parting the hair off-center creates asymmetry. Shoulder-length layers can be worn sleek, wavy, or curly.
Angled Bob
A medium angled bob with a tapered back elongates oval faces. The angled front pieces frame the eyes, cheeks, and jawline. Stacked layers in the back remove bulk. This cut works with straight or wavy hair. The angled bob conveys a graceful yet modern look.
Mid-Length Shag
A medium shag with sliced layers all over gives oval faces a fun, flirty shape. The ragged ends have an undone look that removes any harsh lines. Often worn wavy, the mid-length shag has an effortless vibe while playing up natural texture.
| Medium Hair Length | Description |
|---|---|
| Shoulder-length layers | Falls around shoulders, dimensional layers, versatile styling |
| Angled bob | Tapered back, sleek angled front frames face |
| Mid-length shag | Lived-in layers add movement and texture |
Long Hair Lengths for Oval Faces
Long hair can complement oval faces as well, when strategic face-framing and layers are incorporated.
Long Layers with Side Bangs
Long layers reaching near or below the bust soften oval face shapes. Parting the hair off-center with side-swept bangs adds drama while drawing eyes down the face. The layered ends gently graze the collarbone and shoulders, giving movement and shape. Volume at the roots lifts the long layers.
Face-Framing Long Bob
A long bob hitting around the collarbones works beautifully with oval faces. Blunt-cut ends avoid bulk, while angled face-framing layers spotlight the eyes, cheekbones, and jaw. Tucking hair behind one ear creates a slimming effect. Long bobs suit straight or wavy textures.
Beach Waves
Long beachy waves complement oval faces, creating width and volume around the cheekbones for balance. A center or side part lets waves cascade down the shoulders, drawing attention to the jawline. Windblown texture provides a casual, beachy vibe.
| Long Hair Length | Description |
|---|---|
| Long layers with side bangs | Falls below bust, side-swept bangs frame face |
| Face-framing long bob | Hits collarbones, angled front layers flatter |
| Beach waves | Bouncy texture with volume around cheekbones |
Most Flattering Hairstyle Lengths for Oval Faces
While oval faces can typically pull off a range of lengths, there are a few key factors to keep in mind for the most flattering results:
- Chin and shoulder-length cuts allow for the most versatility in styling options from sleek to tousled.
- Layers and volume at the crown create the illusion of added height and facial elongation.
- Face-framing layers around the eyes, cheeks, and jaw draw attention to these features.
- Off-center parts and side swept bangs add drama and asymmetry.
- Short pixie cuts spotlight great bone structure and elegant necks.
The most universally flattering lengths for oval faces fall approximately between the chin and shoulders. Medium chops like lobs and lob angled bobs perfectly complement an oval face’s natural balance and symmetry. Short pixie cuts also shine on oval faces when done strategically. For oval faces wanting to go longer, shoulder or bust-length hair with face-framing layers creates oval enhancement. Remember, versatile styling and oval maximization is the key.
Conclusion
Determining ideal hair lengths comes down to understanding and complementing facial attributes. For oval faces wanting maximum flattery, cuts that create volume at the crown for lift, incorporate face-framing layers for emphasis, and avoid excessive bulk below the chin line are most advantageous. Hair lengths falling approximately between the chin and shoulders allow oval faces the most versatility in styling for a universally appealing look. Experimenting with a range of sassy short chops, shoulder-skimming mediums lobs, and long layers can help oval faces find their most becoming hair length.