How to Choose the Perfect Curly Hairstyles for Your Face Shape

Curly hair is vibrant, expressive, and full of character – and when you pair it with a hairstyle that’s truly matched to your face shape, the transformation is simply remarkable. The right cut doesn’t just sit on your head; it highlights your best features, harmonizes the proportions of your face, and lets your curls shine with confidence and flair. In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to identify your face shape – whether it’s oval, heart, square, round, or oblong – and then explore curly hairstyle options crafted to beautifully complement each type. From soft, cascading layers and flattering side parts to tailored lengths and strategic volume placement, you’ll discover how to embrace your natural texture rather than fight it. Get ready to celebrate your curls and choose a look that honors both your hair’s lively spirit and your unique facial structure.

Discovering Your Face Shape for the Perfect Curly Hairstyle

First things first: take a good look in the mirror and trace the outline of your face. Is your forehead wider than your chin? Are your cheekbones the broadest part? Chances are you fit into one of these common shapes: oval, round, square, heart, diamond, or oblong. Once you know your shape, you’re better equipped to choose a curly hairstyle that works with your natural features, not against them.

Curly Hairstyles That Flatter Each Face Shape

Oval Face
Lucky you: This shape is wonderfully versatile. With your balanced proportions, you can try almost anything from textured shoulder-length curls to layered bobs or long flowing curls. A style that embraces your natural curl pattern (without too heavy bangs) will look effortless and polished.

Round Face
With a round face, the aim is to lengthen the look and soften the width. Go for curly hairstyles that fall just past the chin, with layers beginning below the cheekbones. Side parts or asymmetrical styles work great to add definition. Avoid heavy width around the cheeks-that can emphasize roundness.

Square Face
If you have a strong jawline and broad forehead, you’ll want to soften those angles. Go for curly hairstyles with soft, loose waves, face-framing layers, and lengths around the shoulders or collarbone. Skip blunt edges or very short cuts that stop at the jawline-they tend to accentuate the squareness.

Heart Face
A wider forehead and narrower chin? The key is balancing the top and bottom. Choose curly hairstyles that add fullness around the jawline-mid-length curls, or a chin-hitting bob work well. A side part, curly fringe, or half-up style can draw attention in all the right places.

Diamond Face
This face shape features the widest point at the cheekbones, with a narrow forehead and chin. The goal: build visual width up top or at the bottom. Medium-length curls or layered bobs that hit around shoulder height are ideal. Side-swept curls help soften things. Avoid styles that put too much volume at the crown without balance at the sides.

Oblong / Rectangular Face
If your face is longer in proportion, you’ll want to break up the length and add width instead of making it appear even longer. Curls that end around the shoulders or collarbone help. Soft bangs or curtain fringe shorten the forehead, and volume at the sides adds balance. Steer clear of ultra-long curls flowing straight down-they tend to accentuate length.

It’s Not Just the Cut – Care & Styling Count

Even the most flattering curly haircut won’t look its best if your curls aren’t getting the care they need. Curly hair tends to be drier and more prone to frizz because natural oils don’t travel down the hair shaft easily. Dermatologists recommend washing less often, using gentle, moisturizing cleansers, and detangling when your hair is wet or conditioned.

When styling, treat your strands with kindness: use hydrating products, avoid rough towel-drying, and apply styling cream or gel on wet hair to define your curls. Use a microfiber towel or a soft cotton T-shirt instead of a thick towel. When you visit your stylist, bring photos of curly hairstyles you love, mention your curl pattern and face-shape goals (like “I’d like length below my chin to help lengthen my face”). Clear communication matters.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the perfect curly hairstyle isn’t about jumping on the trendiest cut you see-it’s about acknowledging your face shape, picking features that support it, and coupling that with a cut and styling routine that suits your curl texture. When you blend a shape that flatters you, styling that honors your curls, and care that keeps them healthy, you get curly hairstyles that look intentional, confident, and just right for you. Embrace those curls-and choose a style that highlights you.