Ask a Hairstylist: The Best Haircuts for a Long Face and Curly Hair
Q: Hi Bill! I have fair to medium skin, hazel eyes and very curly hair. I've tried many different colours—currently it is auburn—but my main issue is finding the right cut.
Marie wants to find the right cut for her curly hair.
I have a long face with a larger forehead. I know bangs are flattering for my face, but with naturally curly hair, they're very problematic, time-consuming, and make my forehead oily.
Marie finds that bangs flatter her long face, but are a challenge to work with.
In addition, when my hair is curly, I don't love the look of straight bangs.
Marie doesn't like the look of straight bangs with curly hair.
Lastly, I would really love to have long, Kim Kardashian-length hair, but I always hear how this is against the "rules" for long faces.
Marie loves the look of long hair, but isn't sure it will suit her face shape.
Quite a few conundrums! Any suggestions for a hairstyle that can look great both straight and curly, and flatter my face? Thank you! — Marie
A: Marie, thank you for your consultation request.
You seem to be on the right track with most of your cutting and styling decisions. However, it seems to me that you never quite get there and leave it for a while.
Here are a few examples of a side-swept bang that is fairly non-committal compared to a strong bang:
Jennifer Lawrence at the 2012 Oscars nominations announcement.
ACE Pictures
Jennifer Garner at the 2009 Los Angeles premiere of 'Ghosts of Girlfriends Past.'
Popular Images
Debby Ryan at the 2013 Elton John AIDS Foundation Academy Awards Viewing Party.
S. Bukley/ImageCollect
Notice the longer length of these bangs, which fall at the cheekbones. The reason you haven't been happy with your side-swept bangs is because they are too short and don't blend into the rest of your hair.
If you were to grow out your bangs, a centre part would look so beautiful on you:
Jessica Biel at the 2007 MTV Movie Awards.
David Longendyke/Globe Photos
This is also the colour I feel you should work towards, and then leave it and grow your hair:
Jessica Biel at the 2007 Los Angeles premiere of 'I Now Pronounce You Chuck and Larry.'
NPX/Star Max
With or without a bang, I would consider growing your hair to this length:
Gisele Bündchen at the 2007 launch of Dolce & Gabbana The One.
John B. Zissel/Ipol/Globe Photos
I love this looser, less controlled wave for you. This voluminous style will also help to create the illusion of a wider face shape.
You seem to be able to handle your bangs quite well, even if it can be a nuisance keeping them straight. If you were to want a full bang again, then I would suggest making it more narrow and wispy:
Lea Michele at the 2014 Teen Choice Awards.
Byron Purvis/AdMedia
This way, there is less bang to control, and the wispiness gives the hair some movement that would be pretty. It will also be easier to blend them in with the rest of your hair on a non-bang day.
I hope this helps you, Marie.
billyxoxo
