Nowadays, curly layered haircuts are being embraced like never before. Curly hairstyle can be both a blessing and a challenge. More and more people are leaving behind straightening to reconnect with the real natural curly texture of their hair. The curl is now valued as a unique feature.
While its natural texture adds volume and personality, finding the right curly layered hairstyle that complements your face shape can sometimes feel like a daunting task. Fortunately, we will share the right knowledge about the curly layered haircut for every face shape, and you can use your curly haircuts to gain more confidence.
Why Choose a Curly Layered Haircut?
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Before we dive into face shapes, it’s important to understand why layers are such a great match for curly hair.
Adds Movement and Dimension
Without layers, curly hair can sometimes appear heavy, flat at the roots, or too “pyramid-shaped.”Layers help distribute weight evenly, giving the curls more spring and bounce.
Reduces Bulk
For thick curls, a layered cut removes some of the heaviness, making styling and maintenance easier.
Enhances Curl Definition
Layers can frame your face and help each curl stand out, preventing the“blocky” look that happens with one-length cuts.
Versatility in Styling
From messy updos to wash-and-go styles, layered curls are versatile and look good in casual and formal settings.
Understanding Your Face Shapes
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Before we even think about this hairstyle, let’s figure out what face shape you’re working with. Identifying your face shape is the first step to finding the most flattering curly haircut. It's very essential. Common face shapes include:
Round Face: Soft, curved lines and a similar width and length characterize round faces.
Oval Face: Oval faces have balanced proportions, with slightly wider cheekbones than the forehead and a gently rounded chin.
Square Face: Square faces feature strong angles, with a broad forehead and jawline of similar width.
Heart Face: Individuals with heart-shaped faces have a wider forehead that tapers down to a narrower chin, resembling the shape of a heart.
Diamond Face: Narrow foreheads and jawlines with wider cheekbones define diamond faces.
How To Choose the Right Layer Type for Your Curl Pattern?
Your face shape isn’t the only factor — curl type also plays a role in how layers will look and behave.
Loose Curls (Type 3A): The loosest curly hair type, with a bouncy texture and silky textured curls to create natural movement.
Spiral Curls (Type 3B): A springy and spiraled curl, which is more prone to frizz without creating excessive volume.
Tight Coils (Type 3C): The tightest curl of category 3, with a lot of volume and texture. Well-defined layers can help shape the hair, making it easier to style, especially in wash-and-go looks.
Curly Layered Hairstyles for Different Face Shapes
The Round Face
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Significant Crown Volume
Concentrate layers and volume at the very top of the head. This lifts the eye upward, visually elongating the face. Think "volume on top, softer on sides."
Longer, Cascading Face-Framing Layers
Layers should start below the chin, ideally at collarbone length or longer. These longer layers gently graze the jawline and neck, drawing the eye down and creating vertical lines that counterbalance width. Avoid layers hitting at the cheekbones, which emphasizes roundness.
Asymmetry & Deep Side Parts
An off-center part combined with longer, sweeping layers on one side breaks symmetry and adds angles. Shorter layers can be cut into one side near the temple for extra definition.
The Oval Face
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Long, Face-Framing Layers
Starting around the cheekbones or jawline, these soft layers gently contour the face, highlighting cheekbones without narrowing the face excessively. They add movement around the features.
Uniform Layers Throughout
Maintaining relatively consistent length with subtle layering from mid-shaft to ends preserves the oval's symmetry while maximizing bounce and definition. Avoid excessive top volume that can elongate the face.
The Square Face
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Softening Face-Framing Layers
Layers should start at the jawline or just below, gently curving around the jaw to diffuse its sharpness. Wispy, piecey ends work wonders.
Volume at the Crown & Sides
Balanced volume on top and through the mid-lengths adds softness and draws attention upwards, away from the jaw. Avoid flat tops.
Side-Swept Bangs
Long, curly side-swept bangs can soften a strong forehead and temple area beautifully.
Longer Lengths
Shoulder-length or longer hair often works best, allowing layers to cascade and soften the jawline effectively. Shorter curls can sometimes emphasize the jaw angle.
The Heart Face (Inverted Triangle)
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Volume at the Jawline/Chin
Concentrate layers and fullness around the lower third of the face – the jawline and chin. Chin-length or shoulder-length cuts with layers starting here add needed width and balance.
Softer Crown Layers
While volume is good, avoid excessive height at the very top of the head, which can emphasize a wide forehead. Opt for blended volume through the mid-lengths instead.
Side-Swept Bangs & Face Framers
Long, side-swept bangs and layers starting at the cheekbones or lower help to narrow the appearance of the forehead and temple area. These layers should gently curve inward towards the face.
Soft, Blended Crown Layers
Light layering at the crown lifts roots for volume, complementing the face's proportions.
Diamond Face
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Volume at the Sides
Layers should be cut to encourage horizontal movement and fullness across the cheekbones and jawline. Shorter layers incorporated around the face at the cheekbone level add crucial width.
Full Bangs (Curly Style)
Curly fringe (bangs) cut to hit between the eyebrows and lashes are incredibly flattering. They break up the length of the face instantly. Ensure they are cut dry and styled for maximum curl definition within the fringe.
Shorter Layers cuts
More uniform layering from top to bottom helps create a rounder, fuller overall shape that counteracts length.
Curly Layered Hair Styling and Maintenance Tips
How do you keep your curly hair in shape? Here are some helpful tips.
Moisturization
Use moisturizing shampoo, curly conditioner, hair masks, and leave-in conditioners to keep your curls moisturized, structured, and defined, preventing frizz. Curly hair is often drier than straight hair, so regular hydration is crucial for maintaining healthy curls.
Use the Right Products
Invest in styling products designed for curly hair, such as curl creams, mousses, and gels, to enhance volume, help tame frizz, and create curls without weighing them down. Choose sulfate-free products, as these ingredients can strip hair of its natural oils and dry it out.
Use a Diffuser Instead of a Blow-dryer
When blow-drying curly hair, if you use heat, choose a low setting to maintain curl shape and prevent excessive frizz. A diffuser helps distribute heat and airflow evenly, allowing curls to dry more naturally and retain their bounce and volume.
Get Regular Trims
Get regular trims to keep your curls looking fresh, prevent split ends, and maintain your hairstyle's shape and vitality. Since curly hair tends to lose shape more easily than straight hair, a trim every 8-12 weeks is recommended to help maintain your style and remove damaged or dry ends, promoting healthy hair growth.
Nighttime Protection
Use a silk pillowcase or satin bonnet before bed to reduce frizz and tangles.
