20 Face Framing Curly Hairstyles That Make Your Curls Shine

Curly hair is beautiful, but finding the right cut for it can feel like a puzzle. One wrong snip and your curls shrink, puff out, or sit in all the wrong places.

Maybe you have had a salon visit where the stylist cut your curls like straight hair. Or your curls look great in the back but flat around your face. You might also be unsure which bangs, layers, or length will work with your face shape.

Here is the good news. Face framing curly hairstyles can fix all of this. A few well placed curls around your cheeks, forehead, and jaw can brighten your eyes, soften your features, and make your whole cut look balanced.

In this guide, you will find 20 face framing curly hairstyles, from short curly bobs and fluffy bangs to long, loose spirals. Each idea comes with a simple description, a reason it works, and a pro tip you can use right away. Save your favorites and show them to your stylist.

I also share tips on face shapes, curl care, humidity, and the best products for each curl type. By the end, you will know exactly what to ask for and how to style it. Let’s get your curls looking their best.

What Are Face Framing Curly Hairstyles?

Face framing means cutting or styling the hair around your face so it highlights your best features. On curly hair, this usually means shorter curls or bangs near the front that curve around your cheeks and jaw.

These curls act like a natural frame around a picture. They draw attention to your eyes, soften sharp angles, and add shape where you want it.

Face framing also helps the whole cut look more balanced. Curly hair tends to grow outward, and without any shape at the front, the style can look wide or heavy. Framing curls guide the eye toward your face instead.

The best part is that face framing works on every curl type, from loose waves to tight coils. It also works on every length, so you do not need to cut off your hair to try it.

Types of Face Framing Curls and Bangs to Know

Salon words can be confusing, so here is a quick guide to the terms you will see in this post.

• Curly bangs: Short curls that sit above the brows. They are fun, playful, and full of personality.
• Curly curtain bangs: Longer bangs that part in the middle and curve to each side. They blend into your layers and grow out easily.
• Side swept curls: Curls that sweep across the forehead from a deep part. They add height and softness.
• Money piece: Bright color around the front strands. It draws the eye to your face and shows off your curl pattern.
• Face framing layers: Shorter curls that start near the cheekbone or chin. They add shape without losing length.
• Curly shag: A cut with layers all over for a rounded, textured shape. It removes bulk and adds bounce.
• Tapered curls: Shorter sides and nape with fuller curls on top. This gives a neat, rounded outline.

How to Talk to Your Stylist About Curly Hair

A great curly cut starts with a good conversation. Come to your appointment with clean, product free curls so your stylist can see your true pattern.

Bring two or three photos and tell your stylist what you like about each. Mention the length, the bangs, and how much volume you want. Also talk about how much time you spend on styling each morning.

Ask for a dry cut or a “curl by curl” cut. Curly hair shrinks when it dries, and a stylist who sees your curls in their natural shape can place each layer where you want it.

Always ask for the bangs to be cut longer at first. Curls can spring up two or three inches when they dry, and you can always trim them shorter later.

Curly Bangs and Bold Face Framing Pieces

If you want an instant change, start with the front. These five looks use bangs, wisps, and color to frame the face in a big way.

1. (Medium Curly Shag with Tight Spiral Bangs)

Tight black spirals form a rounded shag with short, curly bangs. A curl cream and gel hold each coil in place. Gold hoops add a bold, retro feel.

Why It Works: Tight curls gain shape and lightness from the layers. Oval and heart faces look striking with the cropped bangs.

Pro Tip: Ask for a dry cut so your stylist can see how each curl springs up. Have the bangs cut longer first, since curls shrink.

2. (Bouncy Curly Bob with Wispy Front Curls)

A short, round curly bob has loose pieces that curl across the forehead and cheeks. The spirals are defined and shiny with a bit of gel. The look is playful and fresh.

Why It Works: The front curls soften a strong jaw and highlight the eyes. It suits round and square faces and takes little time to style.

Pro Tip: Leave a few small curls loose when you style. Fluff them with your fingers after the gel dries.

3. (Long Sun Kissed Curls with a Side Sweep)

Long, voluminous chestnut curls sweep to one side, with soft face framing curls near the cheeks. Light diffusing keeps the shape full and airy.

Why It Works: Loose to medium curls look balanced on oval and heart faces. The length helps the curls hang with bounce instead of flattening.

Pro Tip: Flip your head over while diffusing for extra lift at the roots. Wait until your hair is fully dry before you scrunch out any stiffness.

4. (Auburn Curls with Curly Curtain Bangs)

Medium length auburn curls part in the middle and fall into curtain bangs that curve around the face. Caramel tones add warmth. A leave in cream keeps the curls soft.

Why It Works: The bangs blend into the layers, so there are no hard lines. Round and long faces look balanced, and the cut grows out well.

Pro Tip: Ask your stylist to cut the curtain bangs when your hair is dry. A tiny bit of gel holds the curl pattern at the front.

5. (Black Curls with a Blonde Money Piece and Curly Bangs)

Voluminous black curls have bright blonde pieces right at the front. Curly bangs sit above the brows. Gold framed glasses and hoops complete the playful look.

Why It Works: The money piece pulls the eye to your face. It suits most face shapes and gives bold style without coloring all your hair.

Pro Tip: Ask your colorist to use a bond builder, since lightening can dry out curls. Add a deep conditioner to your routine every week.

Big, Voluminous Long Curls with Face Framing Layers

If you love big hair, this group is for you. These four looks use long layers and bangs to give curls room to shine.

6. (Big Curls with Curly Bangs and Caramel Highlights)

Huge, bouncy dark brown curls fall around soft, curly bangs. Caramel highlights add depth. A diffuser and a good gel create the full, round shape.

Why It Works: Thick, tight curls love this big shape. Oval and heart faces look glamorous, and the bangs balance a longer forehead.

Pro Tip: Use your fingers or a pick at the roots to lift the curls. Never brush your curls when they are dry.

7. (Honey Spiral Curls with Full Curly Bangs)

Medium length honey blonde spirals fall around full, curly bangs. Each curl is bouncy and well defined. Mousse and a light gel hold the shape.

Why It Works: Spiral curls look great with layers that keep the weight light. Heart and oval faces look sweet with the full fringe.

Pro Tip: Apply your products with the praying hands method on wet hair to help curls clump. Diffuse on low heat, then let them air dry the rest of the way.

8. (Long Loose Curls with Caramel Highlights and a Side Sweep)

Long, dark brown curls with caramel highlights fall in loose, romantic spirals. A deep side part sweeps hair across the forehead. A bit of curl cream keeps it soft.

Why It Works: Looser curls are great for fine to medium hair that needs bounce. Square and round faces look softer with the side sweep.

Pro Tip: Sleep with a silk scrunchie or a silk wrap. This keeps your curls from flattening overnight.

9. (Tousled Honey Waves with Face Framing Layers)

Long, wavy honey brown curls look tousled, with sun kissed highlights. Short layers frame the face. A sea salt spray gives extra texture.

Why It Works: Wavy to loose curly hair gains volume from layers. Oval, round, and heart faces all look great.

Pro Tip: Scrunch in a light mousse, then air dry. Twist a few front strands around your finger to boost the frame.

Shaggy, Beachy, and Sun Kissed Curls

These five looks are relaxed, fun, and perfect for everyday wear. They use shaggy layers and soft color to add movement around the face.

10. (Curly Lob with Caramel Highlights and Side Bangs)

A shoulder skimming curly lob has caramel highlights and soft side bangs. Layers keep the shape airy and round. Light gel and a diffuser define each curl.

Why It Works: A lob balances medium to thick curls without extra weight. It looks best on oval and long faces.

Pro Tip: Ask for layers that start at the chin so the shape does not turn into a triangle. Dry your hair upside down to build volume.

11. (Dark Curly Shag with Wispy Bangs)

A shaggy dark brown cut has layers throughout and soft, wispy curly bangs. Face framing curls bounce past the cheeks. Curl cream and light gel bring the movement.

Why It Works: Shag layers remove bulk from thick curls and add lift to flat ones. It suits round and square faces well.

Pro Tip: Ask for a curl by curl cut to shape the layers around your natural pattern. Refresh with a spritz of water and a little cream.

12. (Beachy Waves with Blonde Highlights and a Center Part)

Long, tousled waves with dark roots melt into golden blonde highlights. A center part and loose face framing pieces create a surfer vibe. Sea salt spray and a diffuser help.

Why It Works: It is low maintenance and good for fine or wavy hair. Oval, heart, and long faces look relaxed and glowing.

Pro Tip: Mist your hair with sea salt spray and scrunch upward. Let it air dry for the best texture.

13. (Honey Ombre Curls with Side Swept Volume)

Long curls fade from deep brown at the roots to honey blonde ends. Volume at the root sweeps to one side. A few ringlets frame the cheek.

Why It Works: Ombre adds dimension to tight curls without needing heavy highlights. Square and round faces look softer with the sweep.

Pro Tip: Wash with a color safe, sulfate free shampoo. Deep condition every week to keep the blonde ends soft.

14. (Copper Curly Shag with Curtain Bangs)

Medium length copper and caramel curls come with wispy curtain bangs. The layers are rounded and bouncy. Curl cream and diffusing keep them soft.

Why It Works: Warm tones glow against many skin tones. The curtain bangs open up the face and suit heart and long faces.

Pro Tip: Trim the bangs every four to six weeks so they do not fall into your eyes. Ask for them to be cut dry.

Glam and Romantic Face Framing Curls

Ready for a night out or a special event? These four looks bring polish and drama while still showing off your natural curl.

15. (Black Curly Cut with a Full Fringe)

Dark curly hair has a full, rounded fringe and layers that hug the face. The curls are glossy and defined. It feels warm, friendly, and easy to wear.

Why It Works: The fringe focuses attention on the eyes, and the layers give shape. It suits round and oval faces.

Pro Tip: Style your fringe first, then the rest of your hair. Hold the diffuser low and move it gently around the bangs.

16. (Glam Retro Curls with a Center Part)

Glossy chocolate brown curls are bouncy and full of shape. A center part and soft face framing curls give a retro glam look. A curling wand and light hairspray polish the style.

Why It Works: Looser, defined curls are perfect for medium to long hair. Oval and heart faces look elegant, and the shape works for events.

Pro Tip: Wrap sections around a 1.25 inch wand, then let them cool. Brush lightly with your fingers, not a brush.

17. (Boho Platinum Blonde Curls)

Long platinum blonde curls fall loose and soft, with a middle part and face framing curls. The look is dreamy and boho. A curl cream and diffuser give the soft shape.

Why It Works: Light color highlights every curl and adds volume to fine hair. It suits oval, heart, and round faces.

Pro Tip: Use purple shampoo once a week to keep the platinum tone. Seal your ends with a light leave in conditioner.

18. (Auburn Glam Waves with Face Framing Layers)

Long auburn waves with golden highlights are brushed into big, glamorous curls. Face framing layers swoop around the cheeks. A wand and light spray hold the shape.

Why It Works: This cut is great for medium to thick hair with a loose wave. Oval and heart faces look romantic.

Pro Tip: Curl the front sections away from your face with a wand. Let them cool, then fluff with your fingers.

Short and Big Coily Curls with Face Framing

Short cuts and big coils can look just as stunning with face framing. These last two looks prove it.

19. (Short Rounded Curly Cut with a Curly Fringe)

A short, rounded curly cut has a soft fringe and tapered sides. Brown highlights add shine. A curl cream and a quick diffuse bring the bounce.

Why It Works: It is low maintenance and keeps tight curls light. Oval and round faces look youthful and balanced.

Pro Tip: Ask for gentle tapering around the ears. Fluff the crown with a pick to keep the shape round.

20. (Big Coily Curls with a Side Swept Bang)

Voluminous dark brown spirals form a big, round shape. A side swept curly bang falls across the forehead. Gel and a diffuser lock in the pattern.

Why It Works: Tight curls look full and bouncy with this cut, and the side bang softens the face. It works on oval, heart, and square faces.

Pro Tip: Try the shingle method by smoothing gel over each small section to help the curls clump. Diffuse until fully dry, then scrunch out the crunch.

Best Face Framing Curly Hairstyles by Face Shape

Your face shape can help you choose where to place your framing curls. Use this guide as a starting point and trust your own taste.

Oval faces suit almost any curly style. Try looks 3, 16, or 18 for a soft, balanced shape.

Round faces look best with height at the crown and length in the layers. Looks 4, 8, and 15 add vertical lines that make the face look longer.

Square faces love softness near the jaw. Wispy curls and loose waves, as in looks 2, 9, and 11, round out strong angles.

Heart shaped faces do well with fullness below the chin. Try looks 1, 7, or 14, where bangs and curls balance a wider forehead.

Long faces look great with width and bangs. Looks 6, 10, and 19 add fullness at the sides and make the face look shorter.

Face Framing Tips for Every Curl Type

Curls come in many patterns. The right framing depends on how tight or loose yours are.

Wavy Hair

Waves are soft and easy to frame. Light layers and longer face framing pieces, like looks 9 and 12, show off the S shape without too much volume.

Use a light mousse or sea salt spray, and skip heavy creams. Heavy products can pull waves flat.

Loose and Medium Curls

These curls bounce well and hold shape. Curtain bangs and side swept pieces, like looks 4 and 8, look great.

A curl cream plus a light gel keeps them defined. Diffuse on low heat for the best bounce.

Tight Curls and Coils

Tight curls shrink a lot when they dry. That is why it is smart to cut bangs longer and ask for a dry cut, as in looks 1, 19, and 20.

Moisture is the key. Use a rich leave in conditioner, then seal with a gel to lock in definition.

Fine Curly Hair

Fine curls can look flat at the roots. Choose lighter products and add lift with a diffuser or a pick.

Layers help, but do not cut too many. A few face framing pieces are enough to add shape without losing fullness.

Your Simple Wash Day Routine for Face Framing Curls

Healthy curls are easier to frame. Here is a simple routine you can use every week.

• Cleanse gently. Use a sulfate free shampoo on your scalp. Let the suds run down the lengths instead of scrubbing them.
• Condition well. Work conditioner through your hair with a wide tooth comb or your fingers. Rinse most of it out, but keep a little in your ends.
• Add a leave in. Apply it to soaking wet hair, while the curls are still clumped.
• Style with gel or mousse. Scrunch upward, and use the praying hands method for extra definition.
• Dry with care. Use a diffuser on low heat, or air dry. Do not touch your curls until they are fully dry.
• Scrunch out the crunch. Once dry, gently scrunch your curls to release the gel cast and add softness.

Tools and Products for Face Framing Curly Hairstyles

You do not need a bathroom full of products. A few smart choices can make a big difference.

• Wide tooth comb: Detangles without breaking curls.
• Leave in conditioner: Adds moisture and softness.
• Curl cream: Defines curls and tames frizz.
• Gel or mousse: Holds the shape. Mousse is lighter, and gel is stronger.
• Diffuser: Dries curls without blowing them out of shape.
• Microfiber towel or old t-shirt: Reduces frizz when you remove water.
• Silk pillowcase or scrunchie: Protects curls while you sleep.
• Curl pick: Adds lift at the roots without breaking up the curls.

How to Handle Humidity and Frizz

Humidity is the biggest enemy of many curly heads. Moist air makes curls swell and frizz up.

Start with a good leave in conditioner, since moisturized curls are less likely to grab water from the air. Then lock the style with a strong hold gel.

Avoid touching your curls as they dry. Every touch breaks up the clumps and adds frizz.

On very humid days, choose a style that likes texture. Beachy looks, like looks 9 and 12, are perfect, because they look good with a little extra volume.

Common Mistakes with Curly Face Framing

• Cutting bangs too short. Curls shrink as they dry. Always have your bangs cut longer than you think you need.
• Brushing dry curls. This breaks up the pattern and creates frizz. Use your fingers or a wide tooth comb on wet hair.
• Skipping moisture. Dry curls look dull and puffy. Deep condition once a week.
• Using too much product. Heavy layers of product can weigh down the front curls. Start with a small amount and add more if needed.
• Waiting too long between trims. Framing pieces lose their shape quickly. Plan a trim every eight to twelve weeks.

How to Refresh Your Curls Between Wash Days

You do not have to wash your hair every day. A quick refresh can bring your face framing curls back to life.

Mix water and a little leave in conditioner in a spray bottle. Mist your curls lightly, then scrunch them with your hands.

For flat roots, lift with a pick or clip them up for a few minutes. For frizzy bangs, add a small drop of gel and smooth it over the curls.

At night, try the pineapple method. Loosely gather your hair on top of your head with a silk scrunchie to keep the curls fluffy.

Frequently Asked Questions About Face Framing Curly Hairstyles

Do face framing layers work on curly hair?

Yes, they work beautifully. They add shape and bounce around the face and help the cut look balanced.

Are curly bangs hard to maintain?

They need a little care, but they are easy once you know the routine. Style them first, and trim them every four to six weeks.

What is the best length for face framing curls?

Any length works. For a soft frame, start the shortest curl near your cheekbone or chin.

Can I get face framing with fine curly hair?

Absolutely. Choose a few light layers and use lightweight products so your curls keep their volume.

How often should I trim curly layers?

Every eight to twelve weeks is a good rule. Short styles and bangs may need a trim sooner.

Final Thoughts on Face Framing Curly Hairstyles

Your curls are special, and the right frame can make them shine even more. A few curly bangs, soft layers, or a pop of color can change your whole look.

Whether you want short spirals, big coils, loose waves, or glam curls, there is a face framing curly hairstyle on this list for you. Pick your favorites, save the photos, and take them to your next salon visit.

Most of all, remember to be patient and gentle with your curls. Healthy curls look their best, and a great cut is only the start. Which of these 20 face framing curly hairstyles will you try first?