HAIRCUT GUIDE
Long Curly Hair With Layers Around the Face: Matching Length to Texture
Explore these hairstyle portfolio references. Open a photo to view the style and available contact options.
Accounting for Shrinkage and Curl Pattern
Adding face-framing layers to long curly hair creates shape, prevents the hair from looking heavy at the bottom, and highlights facial features. However, the most common pitfall when choosing a haircut is bringing reference photos that feature a completely different curl pattern than your own. Because curly hair shrinks significantly as it dries, a piece cut to the collarbone while wet might bounce up to the cheekbones once styled. To get accurate results, focus on finding inspiration photos of hair in its dry, naturally styled state that closely matches your texture.
Enhancing Natural Coils and Curls
For prominent curl patterns, layers remove bulk from the perimeter and encourage individual curls to spring to life. When looking at these examples, note where the shortest face-framing pieces sit when the hair is fully dry and defined. If you want face-framing layers that start at your chin, your stylist will likely need to cut them longer to account for shrinkage. Using photos with similar density and curl tightness helps set realistic expectations for the final silhouette.
Compare portfolio photos and discuss your goals with a stylist.
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