Top Locs Styles for Men with Oval Faces: Expert Guide
Half-up top knot, low bun; avoid high ponytails.
Oval faces offer flexibility in hairstyle choices, making it easier to find practical and flattering locs styles. The key is to select styles that highlight the face while considering workplace appropriateness, retwist frequency, and tension on the hairline. For men with oval faces, thick locs, and medium-long length, up-do and half-up styles are particularly effective. These styles not only showcase the face but also provide a professional look suitable for various environments.
When choosing locs styles, it's important to remember that while face shape is a guide, hair type and lifestyle play significant roles. For instance, the density and length of your locs will influence how certain styles look and feel. Additionally, your daily routine and workplace environment should inform your style choices. This guide will focus on two hero cuts—the half-up top knot with faded sides and the locs in a low bun—that are ideal for oval faces. We'll also discuss what to avoid to ensure your locs look their best.
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Why Oval Face Men With Locs Should Focus on Practical Styles
Oval faces are often considered the most versatile, making the choice of hairstyle less about strict rules and more about practicality. For men with oval faces, thick density, and medium-long locs, the focus should be on styles that highlight the face while considering workplace appropriateness, retwist frequency, and tension on the hairline. Unlike oblong faces, oval faces can comfortably accommodate up-do and half-up styles without elongating the face further. This flexibility allows for creative yet practical hairstyles that maintain a professional look while showcasing the natural beauty of your face shape.
When selecting loc styles for an oval face, it's crucial to think about how the style will frame your face and complement your daily routine. Up-do and half-up styles are particularly effective because they keep the face visible and allow for a polished appearance. For instance, a half-up top knot with faded sides not only draws attention to your facial features but also offers a balanced look that’s suitable for both casual and professional settings. The faded sides create a modern contrast, while the top knot keeps the locs manageable and out of the way.
Another excellent option is the low bun, which pulls the locs back to the nape of the neck, ensuring your face remains fully visible. This style is particularly advantageous for men with thick, dense locs, as it helps distribute the weight evenly and reduces strain on the scalp. Additionally, the low bun is easy to maintain and can be styled quickly, making it ideal for those with a busy lifestyle. Remember, while face shape is a guide, your hair type and personal style should always be the primary considerations in choosing the right loc style.
Cuts that work
Half-up top knot with faded sides
This style is ideal for men with oval faces as it provides a balanced look that neither overly emphasizes nor minimizes the face shape. The half-up top knot gathers locs at the crown, creating a sleek and professional appearance suitable for the workplace. The faded sides ensure that the focus remains on the face, allowing it to be fully visible while maintaining a polished look. This style also allows for flexibility in retwist frequency, as the top knot can be easily maintained without frequent visits to the stylist.
What to ask your stylist: Request a fade on the sides starting at 1 inch (2.5 cm) from the temples, tapering down to a 0.5 inch (1.25 cm) guard. Ensure the top locs are long enough to gather into a secure top knot, typically around 6-8 inches (15-20 cm).
Maintenance: Retwist the top knot every 4-6 weeks to maintain tightness and cleanliness. Use a leave-in conditioner to keep locs moisturized.
Locs in a low bun
A low bun is a versatile and practical style for men with oval faces. It pulls the locs away from the face, providing a clean and professional look that is suitable for various settings, including the workplace. The low placement of the bun ensures that the face remains fully visible, highlighting the natural shape without adding unnecessary volume. This style is also low-maintenance, requiring less frequent retwists compared to other up-do styles.
What to ask your stylist: Have your stylist pull all locs back into a low bun at the nape of your neck. Ensure the bun is secure and smooth, with no loose strands framing the face. The length should be sufficient to comfortably reach the nape, typically around 8-10 inches (20-25 cm).
Maintenance: Retwist the bun every 6-8 weeks. Use a silk or satin scrunchie to minimize friction and hair breakage.
Side-swept half-up style
The side-swept half-up style is particularly flattering for men with oval faces as it adds a touch of asymmetry without distorting the natural face shape. This style allows the face to remain the focal point while providing a modern and stylish look. The side-swept locs can be easily adjusted for different occasions, making it a practical choice for both casual and professional settings. Additionally, this style reduces tension on the hairline, making it comfortable for daily wear.
What to ask your stylist: Ask for a tapered fade on one side starting at 1.5 inches (3.75 cm) from the temple, gradually reducing to a 0.5 inch (1.25 cm) guard. The locs on the other side should be gathered into a half-up style, with the top locs swept to the side. Ensure the length is consistent, around 6-8 inches (15-20 cm), for a balanced look.
Maintenance: Retwist the side-swept locs every 4-6 weeks. Use a light-hold gel to maintain the sweep and prevent frizz.
Cuts to avoid
- High, tight ponytails. For oval faces, high, tight ponytails can pull your features upwards, creating an unintended emphasis on the forehead and eyes. This can disrupt the natural balance of your face and may not align with professional workplace expectations. Moreover, the tension from a high ponytail can cause discomfort and may lead to hairline recession over time, especially with the thickness and density of your locs.
- Overly voluminous updos. While volume can be flattering, overly voluminous updos can detract from the clean lines of an oval face. They might add unnecessary width, which is counterproductive for maintaining a sleek, professional appearance. Additionally, managing voluminous styles can be time-consuming and may require frequent retouching, which isn't practical for everyday wear, especially considering the medium-long length and thick density of your locs.
- Extremely short fades on the sides. An extremely short fade can create a stark contrast with the longer locs on top, potentially drawing too much attention away from your face. This can be particularly noticeable in professional settings where a more balanced look is often preferred. Furthermore, maintaining such a contrast requires regular, precise trims to keep the style sharp and clean, which might not be feasible with your hair's texture and growth pattern.
Styling tips
- Use a satin or silk scarf to wrap your locs at night; this reduces friction and helps maintain the integrity of your locs, especially if you have a low bun style.
- Apply a leave-in conditioner to the ends of your locs before styling to prevent breakage and add shine, making your half-up top knot look more polished.
- For a half-up top knot, section the top part of your locs and secure them with a stretchy, hidden elastic to avoid a tight look; this maintains comfort and style.
- Incorporate a small amount of pomade into the roots of your faded sides to keep them sleek and in place, enhancing the clean lines of your style.
Frequently asked questions
How often should I retwist my locs?
Given the thick density and medium-long length of your locs, retwisting every 4-6 weeks is typically sufficient to maintain tightness and prevent unraveling. However, this can vary based on your hair's natural growth rate and the level of activity in your daily routine. If you notice your locs loosening sooner, consider tightening them up or adjusting your retwist schedule.
Can I wear my locs down for a formal event?
Absolutely, wearing your locs down can be very elegant for formal events, especially if you style them with a sleek, polished finish. Consider using a light oil to tame any frizz and add shine. If your event is more traditional, a low bun can offer a sophisticated alternative, keeping your face fully visible and your style professional.
Will my locs grow out unevenly?
It's common for locs to grow out at different rates, especially in the beginning. This is due to the natural variation in hair growth cycles. To manage this, regular maintenance is key. Trimming the ends every 6-8 weeks can help maintain an even appearance. Additionally, ensure you're retwisting all sections uniformly to encourage even growth.
How do I maintain my faded sides?
Maintaining faded sides requires regular trims, typically every 3-4 weeks, to keep the length consistent and the fade sharp. Use a guard size that matches your desired length, usually between 1-3 inches (2.5-7.5 cm), depending on your preference. Communicate clearly with your stylist about the length you want to maintain for a polished look.
Photos: the "before" image is a stock photo (cottonbro studio, Pexels); the "after" images are AI-generated edits of that photo, shown to illustrate the cut. Real results depend on your hair.