Flattering Oval Face Hairstyles for Black Women

Tapered Afro

I’ve always said a tapered afro is the haircut that never fails me, especially on my models with oval faces. Honestly, the shape does half the work for you. I remember styling one of my girls for a summer campaign, and the moment I trimmed the sides tighter, her cheekbones just popped like magic. There’s something so bold yet soft about this cut. It looks intentional without trying too hard, and trust me, clients love that vibe.
To be fair, the real fun is in defining the curls at the top. I’ve found that when I let the hair shrink naturally and then fluff it out with my fingers, the whole style looks fuller and more sculpted. If you try this on yourself, don’t overthink it—just let the curls breathe. A little curl cream, a gentle pick, and you’re done. It’s effortless but still feels put together.

Side-Parted Bob

Side-parted bobs are one of those styles I keep going back to because they photograph beautifully from every angle, especially on oval faces. I remember doing this on a model who kept insisting she “wasn’t a bob person”—until she saw herself in the mirror. The side part instantly softened her features and added that classy, grown-woman energy. Honestly, the asymmetry just hits different.
When I create this look, I like keeping the ends slightly curved in so the bob hugs the jawline. It gives this subtle frame that looks expensive without any extra effort. If you’re doing it at home, play around with your part until you see the magic spot—sometimes moving it half an inch makes all the difference. I’ve found using a wide-tooth comb while blow-drying keeps the bob from looking too stiff. Natural movement is key.

Knotless Box Braids

Knotless box braids have become my go-to protective style for oval faces because they fall so naturally. I still remember doing my first set years ago and being surprised at how light they felt. One of my models even said she forgot she had braids in—which never happens with regular box braids. In my opinion, knotless just looks cleaner and more modern.
Whenever I braid, I like keeping the size medium so the face doesn’t get lost behind too much hair. Oval faces handle length beautifully, so I usually go for mid-back or waist length. If you’re trying them yourself or at a salon, make sure the tension stays gentle. I’ve found that a good shine mousse at the end keeps the braids neat for weeks. The movement, the comfort, the vibe—it all just works.

Curly Pixie Cut

A curly pixie is one of those styles that makes me smile every time because it’s bold but still soft around an oval face. I once cut a model’s hair into a pixie on a whim during a shoot break, and the transformation was wild—she went from “cute” to “who is that runway model?” within minutes. Honestly, curls bring the pixie to life.
I like keeping the sides shorter and the top a bit longer so the curls can really show off. To be fair, styling it is easier than people think. A little water, curl cream, scrunch, done. I’ve found that finger-coiling a few pieces in the front gives that playful, effortless look. If you’ve ever debated going short, a curly pixie is the kind of cut that teaches you confidence real quick.

Layered Shoulder-Length Curls

Layered shoulder-length curls are probably the style I recommend the most for oval faces because layers just fall perfectly every time. I’ve done this look so many times that I could probably cut it in my sleep. One of my models told me she felt like a “curl goddess” after I shaped her layers, and honestly, I agreed.
The trick is keeping the layers light so the curls bounce instead of sitting heavy. I’ve found that dry-cutting curls gives me the best shape because I can see how they naturally spring. When styling, I usually scrunch in a lightweight gel and let it air dry—oval faces don’t need too much framing, so the curls do the talking. If you love movement, this one never disappoints.

Sleek Low Ponytail

 

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There’s something almost unfair about how good a sleek low ponytail looks on an oval face. Every time I do this style for a shoot, the model instantly looks polished—even if she rolled in half asleep. In my opinion, it’s the simplicity paired with that snatched look that makes it iconic.
When I do this style, I pull the hair straight down with a clean middle part, then smooth everything with a good gel. I’ve found that brushing downward instead of back gives the pony a softer, more elegant shape. And the secret? Tie the ponytail twice—first loosely, then tighter—so it sits perfectly without bumps. Add a little shine spray, and suddenly you’re red-carpet ready.

Fulani Braids

Fulani braids always feel special to me because they highlight the face in the most beautiful way. On oval faces specifically, the center braid and decorative beads just bring everything forward. I remember braiding a model for a festival shoot; she couldn’t stop shaking the beads like they were part of the outfit. Honestly, Fulani braids carry a vibe of their own.
When creating this style, I like mixing thin and medium-sized braids for texture. I’ve found that adding subtle cuffs or wooden beads makes the style feel more personal. If you’re trying this look, don’t worry too much about perfection—Fulani braids are meant to feel artistic and expressive. And yes, they photograph amazingly.

Long Goddess Locs

 

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Long goddess locs are one of those styles that just glows on an oval face. I’ve put goddess locs on models for beach shoots, nighttime shoots, everything—and they always move beautifully with the wind. There’s something dreamy about them, with the curls peeking through the locs.
I usually install them with a mix of silky and textured strands so they don’t look too uniform. To be fair, they take a little time, but the final look is worth every second. I’ve found that dipping the locs in hot water at the end softens them and gives that natural swing. If you love length and a little boho energy, goddess locs never disappoint.

Voluminous Twist-Out

A voluminous twist-out is hands down one of my favorite styles to do because the reveal is always the best part. I still laugh thinking about a model who gasped louder than I expected when I separated her twists—her hair literally doubled in size. Oval faces look incredible with this soft halo of curls.
When I do twist-outs, I make the twists medium-sized so the definition stays but doesn’t look too tight. I’ve found that separating each twist gently with a little oil gives the fluff without frizz. And honestly, the more you pick at the roots, the better it gets. Twist-outs feel like the perfect mix of defined and wild.

Soft Waves Silk Press

A soft-waves silk press is that style I reach for when I want effortless glam. Every time I silk-press a model with an oval face, the waves fall in this elegant curve that looks straight out of an ad campaign. In my opinion, the silkiness plus the flowiness is unbeatable.
After the press, I wrap big curls with a flat iron and then brush them out gently. I’ve found that brushing downward while holding the ends keeps the waves bouncy instead of stiff. Add a little serum and the hair just glides. If you love movement and shine, this style feels luxurious without being fussy.