Oval face shape
An oval face is about one and a half times as long as it is wide. The cheekbones are the widest point, the forehead is a touch wider than the jaw, and the jawline curves softly into a rounded chin. Because nothing dominates, almost every style works.
Check if your face is ovalFree, one photo, measured in your browser.
Sample print · AI subject · measured by the detector
How to recognise it
Face length is clearly longer than the cheekbone width, but not by much more than half again.
Cheekbones are the widest part of the face.
The forehead is slightly wider than the jaw.
The jaw has no sharp corners and tapers into a rounded chin.
The numbers
| Ratio | Typical |
|---|---|
| Face length ÷ cheekbones | 1.50 |
| Forehead ÷ cheekbones | 0.89 |
| Jaw ÷ cheekbones | 0.80 |
Ratios as our face shape detector measures them: widths over the cheekbones, length from an estimated hairline to the chin. A tape measure gives slightly higher widths.
Hairstyles
Women
Try
- Long layers, which keep the balance of the face.
- A blunt bob or a lob at the collarbone.
- Curtain bangs or a side part.
- Sleek high ponytails and buns, since there is nothing to hide.
Avoid
- Heavy, blunt fringes that cover the forehead and hide your proportions.
Men
- Most cuts work: a classic taper, a quiff or a textured crop.
- Keep some volume on top so the face doesn’t look rounder.
- Avoid a fringe brushed flat onto the forehead.
Glasses
Try
- Frames as wide as, or slightly wider than, the widest part of your face.
- Square, rectangular and geometric frames add structure.
- Aviators and wayfarers both sit well.
Avoid
- Oversized frames that cover most of the face.
Contour and makeup
- Little contouring is needed. A soft bronzer under the cheekbones adds definition.
- Blush on the apples of the cheeks, blended up towards the temples.
Beard
- Almost any beard works: stubble, a short boxed beard or a full beard.
- Keep the sides tidy so the face stays balanced.
Often confused with
Questions
Is an oval face shape attractive?
Oval is often called the “ideal” shape because its proportions are balanced and suit most styles. Attractiveness depends on far more than outline, though, and every shape has styles that flatter it.
How do I know if my face is oval?
Your face is about one and a half times as long as it is wide, your cheekbones are the widest point, and your jaw is softly rounded. The quickest check is to upload a photo to our face shape detector.
What is the best haircut for an oval face?
Almost any cut suits an oval face. Long layers, lobs and curtain bangs are easy wins. Avoid heavy fringes that cover the forehead.
Not sure which one you are?
Upload one front-facing photo. The detector measures your face and shows how close you are to all six shapes.
Find my face shape