Face shape guide
Oval Face Shape
An oval face shape is longer than it is wide — usually about one and a half times as long — with a forehead that is slightly wider than the jaw and a chin that is softly rounded rather than pointed or square.
Because its proportions are balanced, the oval face is often called the most versatile shape: most glasses, haircuts and brow shapes work, so the goal is simply to keep that balance rather than correct anything.
- ~1.5× long
- Soft, tapered jaw
How to tell
How to tell if you have an oval face shape
What makes a face oval is balance. The length is about one and a half times the cheekbone width, the forehead is only a little wider than the jaw, and the jawline curves smoothly into the chin. No single width dominates, which is why oval faces are the reference point stylists compare other shapes against: most styling advice for other shapes is about making them look a little more oval.
- Your face length is roughly 1.4–1.6 times the width across your cheekbones.
- Your cheekbones are the widest part of your face, but only slightly wider than your forehead.
- Your jaw narrows gently toward a rounded chin, with no sharp angles.
- There is no single dominant feature: forehead, cheekbones and jaw flow into each other.
| Face length ÷ cheekbone width | 1.50× |
|---|---|
| Forehead width (vs cheekbones) | 88% |
| Lower jaw width (vs cheekbones) | 70% |
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Oval vs similar face shapes
Oval vs oblong
Both are longer than they are wide, but an oblong face is longer still (around 1.6× or more) and keeps a similar width all the way down. An oval narrows toward the chin.
Oval vs diamond
Both taper toward the chin. On a diamond face the forehead is clearly narrower than the cheekbones; on an oval it is only slightly narrower.
Common mix-ups
The most common mix-up is calling a long face oval. If your face looks noticeably longer than it is wide and your jaw is nearly as wide as your cheekbones, check the oblong guide. Hair falling over the forehead can also make a round face look oval in photos, so pull it back before you measure.
Glasses
Best glasses for an oval face
Frames that balance an oval face shape, and what each one does.
Rectangle frames on an oval face — made with our try-on.
Rectangle glasses
Clean straight lines add a little structure to soft oval curves — a safe everyday choice.
Oversized square glasses
Bold, wide frames work because an oval face is in proportion; keep the top of the frame at your brow line.
Aviator glasses
The teardrop lens follows the natural taper of an oval face from cheekbones to chin.
Browline glasses
A strong top rim highlights the brow and adds character without upsetting your proportions.
Cat-eye glasses
Lifted outer corners draw attention to the cheekbones, the widest point of an oval face.
Choosing frames for an oval face
Because nearly every style works, choose oval-face frames by size and colour. Match the frame width to your cheekbones, keep the top rim at your brow line, and use colour to express personality — oval faces carry bold acetate, tortoiseshell and bright colours well.
Frames to avoid
Very few frames clash with an oval face. The main thing to avoid is frames much wider than your face, or so deep they cover your cheekbones and hide your balanced proportions.
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Hairstyles
Best hairstyles for an oval face
Haircuts for women
- Long layers. Layers that start below the chin add movement without changing the face’s proportions.
- Blunt bob. A jaw- or shoulder-length bob shows off a balanced jawline; oval faces carry both lengths.
- Curtain bangs. A soft parted fringe frames the cheekbones and draws attention to the eyes.
- Sleek ponytail or bun. Pulled-back styles show the full face — the most flattering option for an oval shape.
Haircuts for men
- Side part. A classic short back and sides with a side part keeps the face’s natural balance.
- Textured quiff. Moderate height on top works, as long as the sides aren’t shaved very tight.
- Crew or buzz cut. Very short hair suits oval faces because there is nothing to disguise.
- Swept-back medium length. Longer hair brushed back shows the forehead and keeps the outline clean.
Hairstyles to avoid
- Heavy, blunt fringes that cut the face in half and hide its proportions
- Very tall styles on top, which can push an oval face toward looking long
- Hair pulled tightly forward over the cheekbones
Bangs for an oval face
Almost any fringe works on an oval face. Curtain bangs and long side-swept bangs frame the cheekbones; a light, textured fringe suits shorter cuts. If your face is on the long side of oval, a fuller fringe shortens it slightly.
Brows & makeup
Eyebrows, makeup and beards for an oval face
Eyebrow shape
A soft angled arch suits an oval face best: it follows the natural curve without making the face look longer. Keep the brow fairly horizontal; a very high arch can stretch the face.
Beard styles
Almost any beard suits an oval face. Keep it neat and avoid styles that add a lot of length at the chin, which can make the face look long.
- Contour
- Oval faces need very little contour. A soft shade under the cheekbones and along the hairline at the temples is enough to add definition.
- Blush
- Apply blush on the apples of the cheeks and blend slightly up toward the temples to keep the face balanced.
- Highlight
- Highlight the tops of the cheekbones, the bridge of the nose and the centre of the chin.
Accessories
Earrings, hats and necklines for an oval face
Earrings
Most earrings suit oval faces — studs, hoops, drops and statement pieces. Choose by outfit rather than by face shape.
Hats
Fedoras, baseball caps, berets and beanies all work. Avoid hats pulled very low over the forehead.
Necklines
Crew, V, scoop and boat necks all flatter an oval face; a V-neck adds a little length if you want it.
FAQ
Oval Face Shape FAQ
An oval face is often described as the "ideal" shape in style guides because its proportions are balanced, which makes most glasses and haircuts easy to wear. That is about versatility, not beauty — every face shape has styles that flatter it.
Both are longer than they are wide. An oval face is about 1.5 times as long as it is wide and narrows toward the chin; an oblong face is longer still (closer to 1.7 times) with forehead, cheekbones and jaw at similar widths.
Almost all of them. Rectangle, square, aviator, browline and cat-eye frames all suit oval faces. Pick frames about as wide as the widest part of your face.
Long layers, blunt bobs, pixie cuts, curtain bangs and sleek pulled-back styles all suit oval faces. Avoid heavy fringes that hide the forehead and very tall styles that add length.
Yes. Short back and sides, crew cuts, quiffs and buzz cuts all work, because an oval face doesn’t need hair to add width or length.
No. Oval is described as one of the most common face shapes, alongside round. Many people with balanced proportions read as oval.
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