Best Beard Styles for Oval Faces: The Most Versatile Face Shape

The oval face shape is the best for beards. Yes, seriously. 

You might think the best face shape for a man is the square face. Strong jaw, wide, chunky features — it's like a block of wood or stone. But it can leave men looking too harsh and angular, something men can further accentuate. 

The oval face, on the other hand, is nicely balanced from top to bottom (compared to, say, the heart face). It's neither too long nor too short (something that plagues men with the long face), nor is it too harsh (as seen in rectangular or square faces).

It's the perfect canvas for a beard — if you choose the right style. So, what are the most attractive beard styles for an oval face? Let's find out. 

What is an Oval Face?

Let's start by understanding your canvas:

An oval face is defined by its roundness. It's not a perfectly round or circular face. There's some length, but neither is it too long. It's well-proportioned, slightly soft at the edges, and reasonably symmetrical from top to bottom. 

To be a little more specific:

• Balanced proportions (length is about 1.5× the width)
• Forehead slightly wider than the chin
• Gently rounded jawline (no sharp angles)
• Cheekbones are the widest part of the face
• No prominent or harsh features — overall symmetry and softness

Not convinced it's masculine or attractive? Famous examples include Ryan Gosling, Zayn Malik, Jake Gyllenhaal, and George Clooney (in his younger years). Hardly the worst men to share face shapes with. 

What a Beard Does for an Oval Face

Don't get ahead of yourself — the oval face is a good starting block. But you can definitely screw it up with the wrong beard. The beard maketh or breaketh the man.

So, what do we want to achieve with an oval face? Well, unlike for other face shapes, we're not trying to achieve anything. It's already the most balanced face shape. Instead, we're adding to the excellence, heightening with definition and personality without distorting that natural symmetry.

Here's what you want to achieve:

• Keep proportions balanced. Avoid styles that make the face look longer or wider — the oval shape already has ideal balance.
• Add gentle structure. A bit of angularity (e.g., defined lines on the cheeks or jaw) helps prevent the face from appearing too soft or narrow.
• Focus on neatness over bulk. Full, bushy beards can overwhelm the natural symmetry. Shorter, well-shaped styles tend to complement it best.
• Highlight your jawline. Light tapering along the jaw and chin emphasizes that natural oval outline without changing its shape.
• Match beard to hairstyle. Because oval faces are so adaptable, coordination between hair length and beard density usually makes the biggest difference.

We should also say a little bit about the oval face beard and hairstyle combination. Similar to the beard, a bushy or long hairstyle is definitely L. 

The ideal option is medium length on top with shorter, faded sides. It adds definition (and is very much in style). Sprinkle a little personality with a quiff, textured crop, or side swept — depending on your style and mentality. 

8 Best Beard Styles for Oval Faces

Remember: the goal is to add definition, gentle structure, and highlight your jawline without overextending the face. That naturally leans towards goatees and their variations.

Let's take a look:

1. The Van Dyke

Timeless, artistic, and very debonaire. The Van Dyke separates the mustache and goatee, sharpening the chin area with a gentle or pronounced point. It preserves your face's natural symmetry, adding that dash of definition — without the dangerous density. 

2. Short Boxed Beard

Neat, professional, and universally flattering. The short boxed beard follows your jawline closely, adding structure without overwhelming your proportions. Keep the cheek lines high and the edges clean for the best effect.

3. Tapered Goatee

Softer and more modern than the classic goatee. It's got a dash of the Van Dyke, but let's the mustache and beard connect. Perfect for men with balanced but slightly rounded features. The point gives it a narrowness and sharpness that adds focus. 

4. Anchor Beard

Named for its distinctive anchor-like outline, this style combines a sharp jawline with a defined chin point and a separate mustache. It's a favorite for adding edge and a touch of boldness to otherwise even features.

5. Corporate Beard

Professional yet masculine, this medium-length beard adds fullness and maturity while staying neat. The key is regular trimming along the cheeks and neckline to maintain crisp lines and natural symmetry.

If you're stuck abiding by your company's facial hair policy (or you just want to remain professional), then the corporate beard is the go-to option. Plus, it's got enough length that if you even leave, you've got a fantastic starting place for something truly legendary.

Not sure what a corporate beard looks like? Check out our guide: Corporate Beard Styles: Exploring Beards and Business Culture Around the World

6. Balbo Beard

The Balbo is pure elegance. Very similar to a Van Dyke, there is the same disconnected mustache and beard. The difference is that instead of a goatee, the Balbo lets the beard grow along the chin line — albeit with a slightly thicker growth at the front. 

7. Stubble (light or medium)

Stubble remains one of the most attractive (and easy) options for men. Women love stubble. It's simple, low maintenance, and the quickest beard to grow.

Adding a bit of light stubble accentuates your bone structure, while medium stubble is ultimate ruggedness. If you want something more complicated, try the beardstache. Go for a simple chevron mustache and medium stubble. 

8. The Ducktail

Want something a little longer? The Ducktail is one potential option if you've got strong chin growth. It's the riskiest option in the list. If you let it grow too long and sharp on the chin, it can over-elongate your oval face. 

But with a 2-4 cm length with a tapered chin (not a full point), the result is spectacular. 

Read More: Ducktail Beard Guide: How to Grow, Style, and Maintain This Classic Look

Forge Your Perfect Look with Beard Sorcery

At Beard Sorcery, we know the oval face is the beard world's golden ratio — balanced, versatile, and made for experimentation. Whether you're rocking stubble, a boxed beard, or a sharp Van Dyke, our premium oils, balms, and waxes help define every line and keep your style in top shape.