Choosing an Oval Face Shape Haircut for Male Adults

Oval face shapes are the most versatile of all, which is why they’re often referred to as “the ideal” shape. They look great with almost any haircut style, and there’s a wide range of options that can be considered when choosing the perfect oval face shape haircut for males.

In this article, I’ll show you how to choose the best oval face shape haircut for men by discussing some of the top styles, and what to consider when choosing your final cut. But before we dive into those specifics, let me remind you that it’s always best to get in front of a professional barber who knows your face shape and can tailor the cut specifically to your needs. The following information is just meant to give you a starting point to discuss with your barber.

Short Haircuts

When looking at short haircuts for oval face shapes, texture will play a big role in determining the right choice for you. For example, if you have straight to wavy hair, then you’ll probably want a textured crop (StyleX). If you have thick hair, then you’ll want something like the thick crop (StyleX), which uses point-cutting to reduce bulk. And if you have fine hair, then you’ll probably prefer a textured finish without thinning your hair (StyleX).

But regardless of your hair texture, you’ll want to make sure that your haircut doesn’t add visual length to your face. A crew cut (Vinings Barber) is a great option for oval faces because it keeps the sides short and the top slightly longer. This keeps your face from appearing too long. It also has a clean, polished finish that looks good on almost any man.

If you prefer curls, then the short curls with a taper fade (Vinings Barber) is another great option for an oval face shape. Just keep in mind that excessive volume can make your face appear longer, so keep the height on top restrained and go with a low to mid fade to retain some fullness at the sides.

Medium-Length Haircuts

When it comes to medium-length haircuts for oval face shapes, you’ll have more freedom in terms of styling than you would with short hair. You can go with a natural fall of the hair around your forehead, which means curtains (StyleX) that fall around the forehead, or you can create movement through layers. Either way, the goal is to avoid blunt ends.

You’ll also want to decide whether you’d prefer a center part or a side part. While some barbers suggest avoiding center parts on oval face shapes, I personally think it’s a preference thing. My own favorite is a Caesar cut (Vinings Barber), which gives you a short fringe that draws attention toward your eyes while keeping your face balanced.

Of course, if you do choose a side part, then you’ll need to decide how far off-center you want it. If you prefer a classic look, then stick with a center part. But if you want to go more modern, then you could go with a slightly off-center part.

For a more casual look, you could also consider a textured crop (StyleX) with a side part. Textured crops are recommended for people with straight to wavy hair, and a textured crop can help soften the edges of your face.

Longer Haircuts

If you’re looking for a longer haircut for an oval face shape, then you’ll definitely want to consider one of the many variations of the layered hairstyle. One of my favorites is the textured layers (StyleX), which use a textured finish rather than a completely straight cut. These cuts are also great for people with naturally wavy or thick hair, since the layers will naturally develop movement.

Another great option is the curtain (StyleX), which is simply a medium-length haircut with a center or slightly off-center part and hair falling forward to both sides. The key is to keep the sides shorter than the top, which helps balance out the shape of your face.

And finally, if you’re looking for something a little different, you might want to consider a skin fade (StyleX). This cut works well for people with oval face shapes when the textured top stays at 2 to 3 inches without excessive height. You’ll also want to weigh daily styling against barber visits. Vinings Barber describes the crew cut as needing minimal maintenance, while StyleX suggests refreshing a skin fade by week 2, allowing curtains 4 to 5 weeks and medium layers 5 to 6 weeks between cuts. These are starting points, not fixed schedules. When you get a skin fade, the sides taper down to skin; if you want to keep some side fullness, then ask your barber for a taper instead.

For example, you could ask: “Could we try textured layers, an off-center part and tapered sides, with a natural finish I can style quickly?” For straight to slightly wavy hair, discuss StyleX’s 3 to 4 inches on top as a starting point.

Short Haircuts

Medium-Length Haircuts

Longer Haircuts

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