17 Timeless Curly Hairstyles for Oval Faces Easy to Pull Off
Finding curly hairstyles for oval faces is easier than most people think, because this face shape balances nearly every cut. Soft layers, defined ringlets, and smart partings all frame an oval face beautifully, drawing attention to the eyes and cheekbones. The trick is choosing shapes that add width where you want it and keep volume under control around the jawline.
In this list you will find 17 ideas that work with natural texture, from short pixie crops to long cascading curls. Each style is picked for how well it suits an oval face, with styling notes you can follow at home. Save your favorites as you scroll, and bring the ones you love to your next salon visit.
Soft Layered Lob
The layered lob is the safest starting point for curls. It sits between the chin and the collarbone, so it keeps length while the layers add movement and bounce. On an oval face, the inward curve of the layers softens the jawline without hiding your features.
Ask your stylist to cut it dry so the true curl length is visible, and keep the shortest layer no higher than the chin. Style with a light curl cream, scrunch upward, and diffuse for a polished finish that looks good for days.
Curly Pixie Crop
A pixie crop on curly hair is bold, light, and surprisingly easy to maintain. Consider these points before booking the cut:
- Keep the top longer than the sides so curls have room to form.
- Ask for tapered edges at the nape for a clean finish.
- Style with a dab of pomade for piecey texture.
- Plan trims every 5 to 6 weeks to hold the shape.
This cut shows off the eyes and cheekbones, which is exactly why it flatters oval faces so well.
Face Framing Curls
Quick Tip: Ask for the face framing pieces to start at cheekbone level. Shorter pieces add width across the cheeks, which keeps an oval face from looking long and narrow.
Face framing layers work on any curl pattern and any length. They draw the eye inward toward your features instead of letting the hair fall in one heavy curtain. The grow out is painless too, since the pieces simply blend into the rest of your layers over time.
Long Loose Waves
Long, loose waves are the classic romantic look for oval faces. Follow these steps to get them right:
- Apply curl cream to soaking wet hair and scrunch upward.
- Diffuse on medium heat, lifting at the roots for volume.
- Once dry, shake the roots gently with your fingers.
- Separate a few curls at the ends for a looser wave effect.
Keep the top relatively smooth and let the volume build from mid length down. That balance keeps the face from looking stretched.
Voluminous Curly Bob
Before: a bob cut straight across with no layers, sitting flat against the head and adding nothing to the face shape.
After: a rounded, voluminous bob with internal layers that lifts at the sides and frames an oval face with soft, even fullness.
The secret is width. A bob that goes wide at cheek level balances the natural length of an oval face. Diffuse upside down for maximum lift, and avoid heavy serums that pull the volume down.
Side Parted Shag
Many stylists call the shag one of the most forgiving curly hairstyles for oval faces, because the choppy layers do the shaping work for you. The uneven lengths create width and texture exactly where an oval face needs it.
DO:
- Part it deeply on one side to break up the symmetry.
- Keep the fringe piecey and textured, never blunt.
- Style with mousse and diffuse for airy volume.
DON’T:
- Brush the curls dry, which turns shag texture into frizz.
- Cut the layers too short at the crown.
Curtain Bangs Curls
Quick Facts: Time needed: 5 minutes of styling. Best on: wavy to curly textures. Upkeep: trims every 8 weeks. Skill level: beginner friendly.
Curtain bangs part softly in the middle and melt into the rest of your curls. On an oval face they add gentle width across the forehead, which keeps the proportions balanced. Twist each damp section around your finger and let them air dry for the softest result.
High Pineapple Puff
The pineapple puff gathers all your curls at the very top of the head, creating height and drama in seconds. It stretches the face upward visually, which suits oval faces that can handle extra length on top.
Secure it loosely with a satin scrunchie so the curls keep their shape. Smooth the edges with a little gel, fluff the puff with your fingers, and you have a style that works for workouts, weekends, and everything in between.
Braided Crown Updo
A braided crown keeps hair off the face while adding beautiful detail around the head. It works especially well for events:
- Braid two sections from each temple toward the back.
- Cross them over the crown and pin securely.
- Leave a few curls loose at the temples for softness.
- Mist with flexible hold spray to finish.
The crown adds width at the sides, which balances the longer lines of an oval face perfectly.
Half Up Bun
Quick Tip: Place the bun slightly forward on the crown rather than flat at the back. Forward placement lifts the face and stops the style from dragging your features down.
The half up bun gives you the polish of an updo with the freedom of wearing your curls down. Gather the top section, twist it into a loose bun, and secure with pins. It takes three minutes and works on every curl pattern.
Low Chignon Style
A low chignon at the nape is quiet, elegant, and endlessly wearable. Here is how to build it:
- Smooth the front with gel, keeping the part clean.
- Gather the hair loosely at the nape of the neck.
- Twist into a soft bun and pin from underneath.
- Pull two thin curls loose at the temples.
Keep the bun soft rather than tight. A little looseness is what makes this look romantic instead of severe.
Middle Parted Afro
Before: an afro with no defined part, volume pulling in every direction and hiding the face shape.
After: a clean middle part with a rounded, even silhouette that frames an oval face symmetrically and shows off its natural balance.
Shape the afro by picking from the roots with a wide tooth pick, keeping the sides full but even. A light oil on your hands keeps everything soft and defined.
Tapered Natural Cut
The tapered cut is short at the sides and nape with length on top, creating a flattering silhouette for oval faces. The extra height on top draws the eye upward and shows off the cheekbones.
DO:
- Keep the top long enough for curls to form properly.
- Moisturize well, since short hair shows dryness fast.
- Define the top with cream and finger coils.
DON’T:
- Cut the top too short in one session.
- Skip regular trims, since the taper grows out fast.
Spiral Perm Look
Quick Facts: Best for: straight to wavy hair wanting lasting curl. Lasts: 3 to 6 months. Upkeep: sulfate free shampoo. Styling time: 10 minutes daily.
Tight, uniform spirals create incredible volume and bounce. On an oval face, keep the spirals longest around the cheeks so the fullness sits where it flatters most. Scrunch with mousse while damp and let them air dry for the best definition.
Messy Top Knot
The messy top knot is the ultimate easy updo. Pile your curls high, secure them loosely, and let the texture do the talking. It adds height at the crown, which is flattering on oval faces.
Pull a few curls loose around the temples and forehead for softness. The less perfect it looks, the better it works, which makes this the most forgiving style on the list.
Sleek High Ponytail
A sleek high ponytail contrasts smooth roots with full curly lengths. Get it right with these steps:
- Brush damp roots upward with a boar bristle brush.
- Smooth with a small amount of gel at the crown.
- Secure high with a snag free elastic.
- Wrap a section of hair around the base to hide the band.
The height lifts the whole face, and the smooth roots keep the look polished from every angle.
Bouncy Ringlet Layers
Quick Tip: Define ringlets by twisting small damp sections around your finger with a little cream, then leave them completely alone while they dry. Touching them early is what causes frizz.
Bouncy, separated ringlets with long layers are pure curl celebration. The layers keep the shape from going triangular, and the movement around the face flatters an oval shape from every angle.
Conclusion
From a soft layered lob to a bouncy ringlet finish, these 17 ideas show how well curly hairstyles for oval faces can work with almost any length or texture. The common thread is balance: gentle layers, flattering partings, and volume placed where it suits your features. Pick the style that matches your routine and your curl pattern, then give it a week to settle into its best shape.
Pin this post to your hair board so your favorites are one tap away, try a new look this week, and share this list with a curly haired friend who is planning her next cut. Your best hair days are the ones you plan, so choose a style and wear it with confidence.
