You know, I still remember when my friend Jake came to me completely frustrated about his hair. He’d tried almost every style he saw online—fades, messy curls, even that slicked-back look—but nothing ever felt right. The problem? He never realized his oval face shape actually gave him more options than he thought. If you’ve got an oval face too, you might’ve been in the same boat—scrolling through endless photos, wondering which men’s hairstyle actually suits you. Don’t worry, I’ve been there with clients countless times (and trust me, it’s not as complicated as it seems). In this guide, I’ll walk you through the best men’s hairstyles for oval face shape, what works, what doesn’t, and a few insider tips to make your cut look effortlessly sharp. So grab your coffee, and let’s figure out the style that finally feels made for you.
Men’s Hairstyles for Oval Face Shape
Men with oval face shapes are lucky — this balanced structure suits almost any hairstyle. From clean cuts to voluminous styles, there’s plenty of room to experiment and highlight your best features.
Crew Cut
I’ve always believed the crew cut is proof that simple can be stylish. When I first tried this look on one of my male models with an oval face, it was like—boom—instantly balanced. The clean, sharp sides and slightly longer top framed his features just right. Honestly, it’s one of those cuts that never tries too hard but still grabs attention. You can style it in seconds, which is great for men who don’t want to fuss with hair products every morning.
To be fair, I’ve seen so many variations of the crew cut that it never feels boring. Some guys like it faded for a modern twist, while others keep it more classic and military-inspired. If you’ve got an oval face, this cut emphasizes the natural symmetry of your features. A bit of matte wax or clay on top gives that perfect, effortless finish without looking overly polished.
Pompadour
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Ah, the pompadour—now this one’s pure drama in the best way possible. I remember styling it for a photoshoot, and as soon as my model looked in the mirror, his confidence went through the roof. There’s just something about that voluminous front sweep that screams cool. The trick is keeping the volume without making it look like a helmet. I usually tell my clients, “lift, don’t pile.”
In my opinion, the pompadour suits oval faces beautifully because it adds height without messing with proportions. I like using a lightweight mousse and a strong-hold spray to shape it while keeping some movement. A blow dryer is your best friend here—trust me. I’ve done this look on guys for both casual and formal settings, and every time, it adds a little rockstar energy. If you love attention, this one’s definitely for you.
Quiff
The quiff has this effortless, “I woke up like this” charm that I can’t resist. One of my clients once joked that it’s like the pompadour’s laid-back cousin, and I couldn’t agree more. The mix of volume and texture at the front gives it such a natural flow. When I style a quiff on an oval face, it frames the forehead perfectly, drawing the eye upward without being too flashy.
Honestly, I’ve found that a good quiff works best when you don’t overthink it. A bit of blow-drying at the front and some styling cream or pomade does wonders. It looks especially good when it’s not too neat—just enough texture to give it personality. I love how this style transitions from day to night effortlessly. Whether it’s for a coffee run or a date, the quiff always manages to look cool without trying too hard.
Side Part
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There’s something timeless about a side part that never goes out of style. I’ve styled it countless times, and each time, it gives a man that sharp, classic look that turns heads. On oval faces, it just works—it adds definition and balances out the forehead beautifully. I once did this look for a corporate shoot, and the model told me later he kept the style for weeks because it made him feel “put together.”
To be fair, it’s such a forgiving hairstyle. Whether you prefer a clean comb-over or a slightly tousled side sweep, it adapts easily. I usually use a fine-tooth comb and a small amount of pomade to set the part. The best part? It doesn’t scream for attention, yet it always leaves a strong impression. In my opinion, this one’s the quiet achiever of men’s hairstyles.
Buzz Cut
The buzz cut—minimal, bold, and downright confident. I remember the first time I shaved my model’s head for this style, I was nervous. But as soon as we finished, it was pure perfection. His oval face looked even more structured and sharp. There’s nowhere to hide with this one, but that’s what makes it powerful. Honestly, I think it’s one of the bravest choices out there.
I’ve found that a buzz cut emphasizes facial symmetry like nothing else. It’s low-maintenance—no products, no styling, just clean edges. If you’ve got great bone structure, it’s a total win. Sometimes I suggest adding a subtle fade at the sides to make it look more modern. To be fair, not everyone can pull it off, but for those who can—it’s a showstopper in the simplest way possible.
Taper Fade
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Taper fades are my go-to for guys who want something versatile but stylish. I’ve done hundreds of them, and each time it feels like sculpting art. The gradual fade blends so smoothly into the top that it looks effortlessly polished. For oval faces, this cut really defines the jawline and keeps the proportions clean.
In my opinion, what makes the taper fade so special is its adaptability. You can pair it with a quiff, a crop, or even a slick back—it always works. I once gave a client a taper fade before his wedding, and his bride couldn’t stop complimenting how “fresh” he looked. Honestly, it’s that clean fade at the temples that does the magic. Just keep the edges crisp and the transition smooth—that’s the secret.
Slick Back
There’s just something undeniably suave about a slick back. It gives off that confident, slightly mysterious vibe—like you’ve got your life together. I’ve styled this on oval faces more times than I can count, and it never disappoints. The sleek finish elongates the face just enough, creating that polished look that’s perfect for formal events or nights out.
To be fair, achieving the perfect slick back takes patience. I always start with damp hair, add a medium-hold gel or pomade, and comb it straight back while blow-drying. The key is control without stiffness—you want it smooth but not greasy. I once did this style for a fashion shoot, and the photos came out stunning. In my opinion, this hairstyle says, “I’m here, and I know I look good.”
Textured Crop
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The textured crop is that cool, slightly messy style that’s become a favorite among my younger clients. It’s short, easy to manage, but still full of character. I remember working this cut on a model with thick hair—it instantly gave his oval face a modern edge. The uneven, choppy layers add movement and personality.
Honestly, what I love most about this cut is how low-effort it looks. You just need a bit of matte clay or texture spray, run your fingers through, and you’re done. No need for a mirror every five minutes. It’s casual but edgy, and perfect for guys who like to look stylish without spending hours in front of the mirror. In my opinion, the textured crop is today’s answer to effortless masculinity.
Bro Flow
Now, the Bro Flow is all about embracing natural movement. I’ve always loved working with medium-length hair that just flows back naturally—it feels so relaxed. I once styled this look on a surfer-type model, and the waves framed his oval face perfectly. It gave off that “I just got out of the ocean” charm that’s hard to fake.
To be fair, it’s not for everyone—you need patience to grow it out and maintain it. I usually recommend a lightweight cream to enhance the natural flow without weighing it down. A quick comb through with fingers, and you’re good to go. Honestly, when done right, the Bro Flow looks effortlessly confident and slightly rebellious. It’s a look that says you’re laid-back, but still care about how you present yourself.
Curly Top Fade
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I’ve got a soft spot for curly top fades—they’re so full of life and texture. One of my models had these amazing natural curls, and when I paired them with a clean fade on the sides, it completely transformed his look. The curls added personality, while the fade kept it sharp and structured.
In my opinion, this style celebrates natural texture instead of hiding it. I always tell my clients to embrace their curls—use a curl cream or leave-in conditioner to define them. Honestly, when you balance that wild top with clean edges, it looks incredible on oval faces. It’s fun, it’s modern, and it’s got that touch of playfulness that I absolutely adore in men’s hairstyles.
Styling Tips for Oval Face Shape
Men with oval face shapes have the advantage of balance, so the goal is to enhance those natural proportions with the right styling techniques. A few simple habits can help keep your hairstyle sharp and flattering.
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Choose hairstyles that complement your hairline and forehead. Pick cuts that highlight your face without covering too much of your forehead.
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Use lightweight products to avoid flattening volume. Gels or creams with a light hold help maintain shape without weighing your hair down.
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Visit a stylist who understands facial balance and texture. A skilled barber can suggest the best variations to suit your hair type.
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Regular trims to maintain clean shape. Keeping your hair tidy ensures your style always looks intentional and well-groomed.
FAQ
What is the best hairstyle for men with an oval face shape?
The best hairstyles are those that maintain balance — like the Crew Cut, Pompadour, or Side Part — as they highlight the natural symmetry of the oval face.
Can men with oval faces have long hair?
Yes, men with oval faces can easily pull off medium to long hairstyles like the Bro Flow or Slick Back because their face shape stays balanced even with more length.
Do fades look good on oval face shapes?
Absolutely! Fades like the Taper Fade or Low Fade work great as they add structure to the sides without making the face appear longer.
Which hairstyles should men with oval faces avoid?
Avoid hairstyles that add too much height or heavy bangs that cover the forehead, as they can make the face look longer or unbalanced.
Hi, I’m Anna Spencer, A professional hairstylist based in North Carolina and the creator of Hairstyles for Life. With over a decade of hands-on salon experience, I’ve styled everything from everyday looks to runway-ready transformations. I started this website to share my passion for hair, offer expert tips, and help you feel confident in your personal style no matter your hair type or length. Whether you’re looking for quick tutorials, timeless trends, or honest product advice, you’ll find it all here.