When it comes to face shapes, oval is often considered the most versatile… and for good reason. Defined by softly rounded features, a slightly narrower chin than forehead and prominent cheekbones, an oval face is essentially a blank canvas for your hair. But just because you can wear any hairstyle doesn’t mean every cut or parting will highlight your features in the most flattering way. The right tweaks—like a strategic fringe, subtle layers or a well-placed part—can bring out your cheekbones, brighten your eyes and give your whole look an effortless lift (yes, even more than your go-to concealer).
And while you can (and should!) wear your hair however you want, it never hurts to know what really works in your favor. That’s especially true if you’re over 50 and ready to shake things up. Maybe you’re growing out a pixie, itching to add fringe or wondering if it’s time to go shoulder-length (again). Whether your hair’s silver, blonde, brunette or a fabulous mix of all three, a few insider tricks can take your style from fine to full-on fabulous. It’s not about hiding anything, either—it’s about showing off what’s already working for you.
Curious which cuts and styles get the celebrity stamp of approval? Read on for the 7 best hairstyles for oval faces, straight from the stylists who shape Hollywood’s most iconic manes.
Related: 7 Best Volumizing Haircuts for Thin and Long Hair, According to Celebrity Stylists
7 Best Hairstyles for Oval-Shaped Faces, According to Celebrity Hairstylists
1. Shoulder-Length Crop
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There’s a reason the shoulder-length crop is a forever favorite for oval face shapes. This cut is all about balance, highlighting the natural symmetry of the face while subtly lifting the cheekbones and drawing attention upward to the eyes. “Great length and great shaping,” says Gregory Patterson, Hair Care & Styling Expert for Sally Beauty, who has worked with the likes of Meryl Streep and Emma Stone. He points out that the success of this style “comes down to geometry. There are only soft round lines with an oval, unlike a square, a diamond, or a triangle.”
Case in point? Lucy Liu’s sleek, collarbone-grazing cut that feels modern, sculpted and effortless all at once. Because the oval face already carries what Patterson calls a “harmonious” foundation, this cut doesn’t distract from your natural beauty; it enhances it.
2. Curly & Short
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For oval face shapes, a cropped curly style can be a total power move. Just look at Angela Bassett, whose voluminous, shoulder-skimming curls create the perfect halo effect, framing her face without overwhelming it. “I think this curly cut perfectly frames her ‘oval’ shaped face while also being a shoulder length style,” says Patterson. It’s the strategic placement of the curls—layered between the cheekbones and just under the jawline—that brings the look to life. The shape already does the heavy lifting, but these layers add dimension and subtle contour, enhancing that natural symmetry while giving definition to the jaw and softness around the cheeks.
3. Wispy Fringe
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A wispy fringe works well on an oval face because it adds interest without disrupting the face’s natural balance. Taraji P. Henson’s light bangs fall softly across her forehead, drawing attention to her eyes and cheekbones while keeping the overall shape intact. “Taraji is kind of in between an oval and circle shaped face, so the bangs are great and the shoulder length gives just enough room to play,” says Patterson. On an oval face, this type of fringe creates a gentle frame and helps guide the eye to the center of the face. It’s an easy way to shift your look while keeping the proportions clean and flattering.
Related: 7 Best Medium-Length Hairstyles for Women Over 50, According to Celebrity Stylists
4. Textured Bob
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The textured bob is one of those cuts that just gets it right—especially on an oval face. It’s got bounce, it’s got movement and it knows how to make cheekbones pop without stealing the show. Lily James’s choppy, just-past-the-jaw version proves how well this style works when there’s a little grit and swing built in. “Choppy hairstyles with feathered ends are great for textured hair,” says Nicole Petty, Milk & Blush hair expert. That subtle texture gives the whole look a lift, while the feathered ends keep things light and easy. Plus, “texture at the ends of your locks can add body and movement for a relaxed but polished look that flatters any age,” Petty adds.
5. Deep Side Part
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There’s something magical about the way a little asymmetry can change everything. Instead of sticking to perfectly centered parts, flipping your hair over to one side adds instant dimension and a bit of playful lift for those with oval faces. Take Gal Gadot, for example—her sleek locks parted deep to the side create that just-so volume at the crown, making the whole look feel polished but not stiff.
Petty breaks it down, noting that “blunt-cut long locks can thicken ends, and adding a side part can create more volume at the top of the head for lifted hair that doesn’t drag oval faces down.” This subtle shift softens the natural symmetry of an oval face, highlighting the cheekbones and giving the jawline a little extra shape. It’s an easy way to make your hair feel fresh and modern, but without losing any of that classic sophistication.
6. Long Layers
Sometimes all it takes is a little shift to change your whole look—and Cameron Diaz knows this well with her effortlessly undone style that feels fresh without trying too hard. By playing with layers and a deep side part, she adds volume and movement that softens and balances her oval face beautifully. Petty points out that “a medium-length cut with soft face-framing curtain bangs and a middle parting can minimize the length of oval faces while highlighting cheekbones,” but swapping in a side part injects a bit more personality and lift. Those layers catch the light just right, giving hair that perfect bounce while drawing attention to the cheekbones and jawline in the best way.
7. Side-Swept Pixie
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There’s a certain confidence that comes with chopping off your mane. But when your bone structure is working for you, why not show it off? Jennifer Hudson’s cropped cut proves that less hair can mean more impact. With longer pieces on top swept to the side, the look adds shape and volume exactly where you want it. “A cropped cut with slightly longer pieces on top and a side parting can draw more attention to the face to emphasize symmetry,” explains Petty. Not to mention, the side-swept fringe works double duty, softening the forehead while pulling the focus right to the eyes and cheekbones. It’s bold but never overpowering, and that’s the sweet spot.
Related: 7 Best Shoulder-Length Hairstyles, According to Celebrity Stylists
