How do I choose between a wavy pixie and a bob?

Choose the pixie if you like seeing your whole jaw when you pull your hair back. Choose the bob if what you like best is the bend of a wave beside your cheek.

Which bangs suit an oval face with waves?

Side-swept or curtain bangs cover part of your forehead and shorten the visible face. A heavy fringe can make an oval look rounder by hiding more of its length. Agree on the dry length before your stylist cuts.

Women's hairstyles for an oval face with wavy hair

At a glance

Face shape: Oval
Hair type: Wavy
What wavy hair adds: soft movement and a little width at the sides
Aim for: Keep the balance; pick the style for your hair type and how much upkeep you want
Styling tip: cut it dry or with the wave in mind, or the length springs up shorter than planned
Top picks: High ponytail, Pixie, Soft waves

Wavy hair on an oval face (women)
Style	Fit	Why
High ponytail	Good	It shows the whole outline, which suits a balanced face.
Pixie	Good	It shows the whole outline, which suits a balanced face.
Soft waves	Good	It adds soft, broken-up lines that take the edge off a strong jaw.
Shag	Good	It adds soft, broken-up lines that take the edge off a strong jaw.
Butterfly cut	Good	It adds soft, broken-up lines that take the edge off a strong jaw.
Wolf cut	Good	It adds soft, broken-up lines that take the edge off a strong jaw.
Side-swept bangs	Good	It covers part of the forehead, which shortens the visible face.
Long layers	Good	It adds vertical lines that lengthen the outline.
Sleek straight	Good	It adds vertical lines that lengthen the outline.
Braids	Good	It shows the whole outline, which suits a balanced face.
Curtain bangs	Good	It covers part of the forehead, which shortens the visible face.
Textured bob	Good	It adds soft, broken-up lines that take the edge off a strong jaw.
Lob	Good	It adds soft, broken-up lines that take the edge off a strong jaw.
Blunt bob	Good	It adds straight lines and corners that a soft outline lacks.

Pick a frame for your cheekbones

An oval face is about one and a half times as long as it is wide. It's widest at the cheekbones, then narrows gently toward the chin. Most styling rules use that balance as their starting point. Extra width at the sides or height on top is a matter of taste.

Loose waves make a broken line beside your face, which can soften the look of a strong jaw. If you'd rather show the outline from temple to chin, sweep your hair into a high ponytail. Braids pulled back from the face give you that open look, too.

Set the length where the wave rests

Show your stylist where you want the shortest pieces to land when your hair is dry. For a wavy bob, point to the spot beside your jaw where you'd like the ends to sit. Ask for a dry cut or a cut that allows for your wave. Otherwise, the ends can spring up shorter than you planned.

Choose a reference photo with a wave like yours, especially if you want little daily upkeep. A cut designed for straight hair may have an edge you like in the photo but wouldn't wear without styling. Asking your stylist to force that shape with product misses what drew you to the cut.

Choose between a soft edge and a sharp one

A textured bob or lob puts soft, broken lines near the jaw. A shag, wolf cut or butterfly cut gives you a similar effect through the layers. For a sharper contrast with your face, a blunt bob adds straight lines and corners.

If you want the eye to follow the length of your face, consider long layers. Wearing your hair sleek and straight gives the same vertical effect, though the layers let you keep your natural wave.

Check face shape and wave separately

The free face-shape finder checks one selfie on your device and names the shape that most closely matches your outline. It doesn't read hair type. For that, look at how your hair falls when you leave it to dry naturally.

Questions people ask

How do I choose between a wavy pixie and a bob?: Choose the pixie if you like seeing your whole jaw when you pull your hair back. Choose the bob if what you like best is the bend of a wave beside your cheek.
Which bangs suit an oval face with waves?: Side-swept or curtain bangs cover part of your forehead and shorten the visible face. A heavy fringe can make an oval look rounder by hiding more of its length. Agree on the dry length before your stylist cuts.

Written from the measurements and ingredient facts on this site, then checked for the usual mistakes. Not medical advice.

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