Best Haircuts for Men With Oval Faces

What does this face shape look like?

An oval face is a little longer than it is wide, with a forehead slightly wider than the chin and a softly rounded jaw. Nothing looks too wide or too narrow, which is why it is often called the easiest shape to cut.

Not sure of your shape? See how to determine your face shape. These are guidelines, not rules. Hair type, density, hairline and head shape matter as much as face shape, so your barber can fine-tune any of these for you.

Haircuts that work

• Classic taper or low fade: neat and balanced. See our fade haircut page.
• Side part: clean, and works with most hair types.
• Slick back: shows the whole face, and suits an oval shape well.
• Textured crop: short, easy and modern.
• Medium or longer styles: waves and curls look good on this shape.

What to go easy on

A heavy fringe that covers the forehead can make an oval face look shorter, and a very tall quiff can make it look longer than it is. Keep the proportions even and let the shape do the work.

Beard styles

Almost any beard works on an oval face. A short stubble, a full beard or a goatee all keep the balance. Avoid adding too much length at the chin, which can stretch the face. See how to match your beard to your face shape.

How to ask your barber

• Say you want to keep the balance, and tell your barber what you like.
• Pick the sides: a taper or low fade is a good default.
• Say how much you want on top and how you style it.
• Bring a photo if you have one.

Questions customers ask