Perfect Haircuts for Oval-Face Men

Walk into any barbershop with an oval face, and most barbers immediately know: this guy has options. The symmetry is already working for you. The haircut just needs to amplify what nature gave you. Whether the goal is clean and corporate or weekend-ready, the right cut can elevate your look. In this guide, we’ve compiled the sharpest hairstyles that bring out the natural advantage of the oval face shape.

Not Sure if Your Face is Oval?

Here’s how to tell if you have an oval face shape:

• The face is slightly longer than it is wide.

• The forehead is just a bit wider than the jaw.

• The jawline is softly rounded, not sharp or square.

• There are no strongly dominant features (like a very wide forehead or very strong jaw). 

If that sounds familiar, congratulations! You’ve got a serious grooming advantage. With naturally balanced features, this face shape can pull off almost anything.

Short Haircuts for Oval-Face Men

Short styles are ideal if low maintenance and a clean finish are priorities. They also showcase the natural symmetry of an oval face.

1. Buzz Cut

A buzz cut is as simple as it gets, but on an oval face, it looks intentionally sharp rather than basic. This cut puts your facial structure front and center and works especially well if your hairline is starting to recede or you prefer an effortless look. 

• Hair Type: Any

• Hair Texture: Any

• Maintenance: Very low

  
  

• Crew Cut with Fade

The crew cut with a fade keeps the sides tight and the top slightly longer for a subtle contrast. On an oval face, it emphasizes the cheekbones and jaw without adding unnecessary volume on the sides.

• Hair Type: Straight to wavy

• Hair Texture: Fine to medium

• Maintenance: Low

3. Textured Crop

A textured crop gives short hair a modern, lived-in feel. A bit of choppy layering on top adds movement and density, which can be especially helpful if hair is fine or starting to thin.

• Hair Type: Straight or wavy

• Hair Texture: Fine to medium

• Maintenance: Low–medium (needs product for texture)

  
  

4. Short Quiff

A short quiff keeps the sides neat while adding slight height at the front. On an oval face, that lift creates a stylish silhouette without making the face look too long.

• Hair Type: Straight or slightly wavy

• Hair Texture: Medium to thick

• Maintenance: Medium

Medium-Length Haircuts for Oval Face Men

Medium-length styles give more room for personality while still being relatively easy to manage.

5. Classic Side Part

The classic side part is clean, timeless, and always appropriate, whether it’s for the office or a night out. On an oval face, it adds structure and frames the face without hiding its natural balance.

• Hair Type: Straight or wavy

• Hair Texture: Fine to thick

• Maintenance: Medium

6. Modern Pompadour

The modern pompadour keeps the sides shorter with extra volume through the front and top. For an oval face, this style adds presence and definition, giving a slightly more angular look while still staying classy.

• Hair Type: Straight or wavy

• Hair Texture: Medium to thick

• Maintenance: Medium–high (needs blow-dry and product)

7. Undercut with Volume

The undercut contrasts very short or faded sides with a longer top that can be styled back, over, or textured. On an oval face, this contrast highlights symmetry and lets the top style do the talking.

• Hair Type: Straight or wavy

• Hair Texture: Medium to thick

• Maintenance: Medium

Longer Hairstyles for Oval Face Men

Men with oval faces can often wear longer styles better than most; it’s just about keeping the sides controlled.

8. Medium Waves

Medium-length waves that sit around ear to cheekbone level add natural movement and softness. This look suits men who like a relaxed, effortless style that still frames the face nicely.

• Hair Type: Wavy

• Hair Texture: Medium

• Maintenance: Medium (needs moisture and light control)

9. Loose, Layered Length

A layered cut with length past the ears or to the neck works when the hair is shaped to follow the head, not puff out to the sides. Layers keep things from looking heavy and help the hair fall in a flattering shape around an oval face.

• Hair Type: Straight or wavy

• Hair Texture: Medium to thick

• Maintenance: Medium–high

10. Man Bun or Tied-Back Style

For those with longer hair, a low or mid man bun can look sharp and intentional on an oval face. Keeping the sides clean (either naturally or with a slight taper) ensures the face still reads as structured, not overwhelmed.

• Hair Type: Straight, wavy, or curly

• Hair Texture: Medium to thick

• Maintenance: Medium (needs shaping and regular trims)

Haircuts for Oval Faces with a Beard

Beards pair especially well with oval faces because they can shift how structured or rugged the jawline appears.

• Short fade and stubble: Keeps everything sharp and defined without looking too heavy.

• Textured top and full beard: Adds maturity and presence if the goal is a more rugged look.

• Side part and tapered beard: Great for a professional, well-groomed style that still feels masculine.

The key is balance: if the hair on top is big and bold, keep the beard more controlled; if the haircut is simple, a fuller beard can add character.

Styling Tips & Mistakes to Avoid for Oval Face Men

Even with a great cut, styling choices can change how the face looks:

Smart moves:

• Keep the sides slightly shorter to maintain clean lines

• Use matte products (clays, pastes) for natural texture

• Add subtle height at the front to give structure

Things to be cautious with:

• Heavy, long bangs that cover the forehead (can make the face look shorter or flatter)

• Excessive width at the sides, especially with very thick hair

• Over-gelled, stiff styles that hide natural texture and movement

A good rule of thumb is to let the shape of the haircut follow the natural flow of the head, not work against it.

Get Your Oval Face Haircut at Rusty Blade Barber

A quick conversation with your barber about how you like your hair to look and feel is often all it takes to find the perfect oval-face haircut, and keep it looking sharp between visits. At Rusty Blade Barber, we understand the subtleties of different face shapes, especially the advantage of an oval face. Our barbers listen to your grooming goals, hair texture, and lifestyle, then tailor the haircut to bring out the best in your features. Call us at

 to book an appointment or visit us today to find your perfect haircut!