Best Haircuts for Heart Shaped Faces with Curly Hair
Jaw-to-collarbone cut, deep side part curls, avoid crown volume.
For a heart shaped face with curly hair, the key is to balance the wider forehead with the narrow chin. This means managing where the volume sits in your hairstyle. With curly hair, the volume can easily lift your features in unwanted ways. The goal is to keep the volume at or below the jawline and avoid adding height at the crown. Bangs require careful handling as curly fringe tends to spring up, which can emphasize the forehead width.
Hair type and lifestyle are equally important as your face shape when choosing a haircut. Curly hair has its own needs and behaviors, which interact with your face in unique ways. The right cut will complement your heart shaped face while also suiting your curl pattern and daily routine. Let's explore two hero cuts that work well for this combination, along with specific tips to enhance your natural curls.
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Visagism Reasoning for Heart Shaped Face and Curly Hair
The heart-shaped face is characterized by a wider forehead and a narrow chin, which creates a distinct facial contour. When it comes to curly hair, the key to a flattering haircut lies in the placement of volume. For heart-shaped faces, it's crucial to avoid excessive volume at the crown, as this can further emphasize the width of the forehead. Instead, the focus should be on keeping the volume at or below the jawline. This approach helps to balance the facial features and create a more harmonious silhouette.
Curly hair has a natural tendency to add volume, especially when it springs up at the roots. For those with a heart-shaped face, this can be both a blessing and a challenge. The lever in styling curly hair for this face shape is where the volume sits. By placing the volume at the jawline or below, you can elongate the face and draw attention away from the wider forehead. This is why cuts that maintain fullness at the jaw, like the jaw-to-collarbone curly cut, are particularly effective. They provide structure and definition without adding unwanted width at the top.
When considering bangs for a heart-shaped face with curly hair, it's important to handle them with care. Curly fringe has a tendency to spring up, which can accentuate the forehead's width. If you choose to have bangs, opt for a soft, side-swept style that falls just above the eyebrows. This will help to frame the face without drawing too much attention to the forehead. Additionally, regular trims every 6-8 weeks are essential to maintain the shape and prevent the curls from becoming too bulky. This consistent maintenance ensures that your hairstyle remains flattering and aligned with the principles of visagism.
Cuts that work
Jaw-to-collarbone curly cut with weight at the bottom
For a heart-shaped face, this cut is ideal because it keeps the volume at or below the jawline, which balances the wider forehead and narrow chin. The fuller volume at jaw level draws attention to the cheekbones, while the flatter, smoother crown avoids adding height where it's not needed. The length ending between the jaw and collarbone ensures that the curls frame the face without overwhelming it, creating a harmonious look.
What to ask your stylist: Request a cut that ends between 4 to 6 inches below your jawline, with the fullest part at the jaw. Ensure the crown is flatter and smoother to avoid adding unnecessary volume. Ask for layers starting at the jawline to enhance the curl pattern and movement.
Maintenance: Trim every 6-8 weeks to maintain the shape and prevent the curls from becoming too heavy at the ends.
Long curls with a deep side part
This style is particularly flattering for a heart-shaped face as it elongates the face and draws attention away from the wider forehead. The deep side part creates a sleek, polished look, while the long, defined curls add movement and texture. By sweeping the curls across one side of the forehead, you can soften the angles of the face and create a more balanced appearance.
What to ask your stylist: Ask for long curls that reach at least to your shoulders, with a deep side part. Ensure the curls are defined and the length is consistent to maintain the style. Request layers starting at the mid-lengths to enhance the curl pattern without adding too much volume at the crown.
Maintenance: Trim every 8-10 weeks to keep the length and curl definition. Use a curling wand or diffuser to refresh the curls between trims.
Curly bob with stacked layers
A curly bob with stacked layers is a fantastic choice for a heart-shaped face because it keeps the volume at the jawline, which helps to balance the forehead and chin. The stacked layers add texture and movement, preventing the hair from looking too heavy. This cut also frames the face nicely, drawing attention to the cheekbones and creating a more proportionate look.
What to ask your stylist: Request a bob cut that ends just below the jawline, with stacked layers starting at the cheekbones. Ensure the crown is kept flatter to avoid adding height. Ask for the layers to be cut at an angle to enhance the curl pattern and add volume where needed.
Maintenance: Trim every 6-8 weeks to maintain the stacked layers and prevent the bob from growing out unevenly. Use a light mousse or curl-enhancing product to define the curls and hold the style.
Cuts to avoid
- Crown volume. With a heart-shaped face and curly hair, crown volume can accentuate the width of your forehead, creating an imbalance. Instead, focus the volume at or below your jawline to maintain harmony with your facial structure. Crown volume can make your forehead appear even wider, which is not ideal for a heart-shaped face. By keeping the volume lower, you enhance the narrowness of your chin and create a more balanced look.
- Blunt bangs. Blunt bangs can draw more attention to the width of your forehead, which is the broader part of a heart-shaped face. Curly hair tends to spring up, making blunt bangs less effective and harder to style. Opt for side-swept or wispy bangs that can be styled away from your face, helping to elongate it and balance the width of your forehead with the narrowness of your chin.
- Overly layered cuts. While layers can add movement and texture to curly hair, too many layers can create unwanted volume around the face, especially if the layers start too high. This can emphasize the width of your forehead and disrupt the balance of your heart-shaped face. Aim for layers that start at or below your jawline to maintain a streamlined look that complements your facial features.
Styling tips
- Use a diffuser when drying your hair to enhance your natural curls without adding extra volume at the crown. Focus the diffuser on the lower half of your hair to keep the volume at or below your jawline.
- Apply a curl-enhancing cream or mousse to damp hair before styling to define your curls and reduce frizz. This will help maintain the shape of your curls and keep them looking polished.
- Consider using a silk or satin pillowcase to reduce friction while you sleep, which can help preserve your curls and reduce the need for frequent touch-ups.
- For a sleek look, use a shine serum on your ends to smooth out any frizz and add a glossy finish to your curls.
Frequently asked questions
How often should I get my haircut to maintain my style?
For medium-length curly hair, it's recommended to get a trim every 6 to 8 weeks. This helps maintain the shape of your cut and prevents split ends, which can be more noticeable in curly hair. Regular trims also allow your stylist to adjust the layers and volume to ensure they stay in the optimal position for your heart-shaped face.
Can I grow my hair out while maintaining this style?
Yes, you can grow your hair out while maintaining a style that flatters your heart-shaped face. As your hair grows, you may need to adjust the layers and volume to keep them at or below your jawline. Regular consultations with your stylist will help you make any necessary adjustments to your cut as your hair lengthens.
What products should I use to define my curls without adding volume at the crown?
Look for curl-defining products that provide hold without added weight. Gels and mousses designed for curly hair can help define your curls and reduce frizz without adding volume at the crown. Apply these products to damp hair, focusing on the mid-lengths and ends to enhance your natural curl pattern.
How can I style my hair to minimize the width of my forehead?
To minimize the appearance of a wide forehead, focus on styling techniques that draw attention away from the top of your face. Opt for side-swept bangs or wear your hair in a deep side part to create the illusion of a longer face. Additionally, keeping the volume at or below your jawline will help balance the width of your forehead with the narrowness of your chin.
Photos: the "before" image is a stock photo (Michelle Leman, Pexels); the "after" images are AI-generated edits of that photo, shown to illustrate the cut. Real results depend on your hair.