Thanksgiving is a time for gratitude, family, and, of course, incredible food. But it is also the perfect opportunity to debut a stunning look that makes you feel as festive as the season itself. For those blessed with natural curls, coils, or waves, your hair is your best accessory. The right hairstyle doesn’t just manage your texture; it highlights your bone structure and draws attention to your eyes while you’re laughing over pumpkin pie.
Whether you are hosting a formal dinner or keeping it casual on the sofa, these 18 face-framing curly hairstyles will ensure you look radiant from the first appetizer to the final slice of cake.
1. Pineapple Updo
The “pineapple” isn’t just for sleeping. When styled for a holiday event, this high-volume look pulls your curls to the crown of your head, allowing them to cascade forward. This naturally creates a “faux bang” effect that frames the upper half of your face perfectly. It’s an ideal choice if you want to show off statement earrings or a high-neck autumnal sweater. To keep it polished for Thanksgiving, use a silk scrunchie and a bit of edge control for a sleek finish around the perimeter.
2. Side Part
A deep side part is the quickest way to add instant drama and sophistication to your curls. By shifting your hair to one side, you create an asymmetrical frame that elongates the neck and highlights the eyes. This style works across all curl patterns. To achieve the best look, part your hair while it’s damp and apply a light-hold gel to ensure the part stays crisp throughout the long day of festivities.
3. Face-Framing Tendrils
If you prefer an updo but don’t want your face to feel “exposed,” tendrils are your best friend. By leaving out two or three strategic curls near the temples, you soften the entire look. These “accent curls” act as a frame, drawing the eye toward your features rather than the hairstyle itself. It’s a romantic, effortless vibe that pairs beautifully with a velvet dress or a cozy cardigan.
4. Braided Crown
The braided crown is a timeless Thanksgiving classic. It keeps your hair out of the gravy while still looking incredibly intricate. By keeping the braid close to the hairline, it acts as a literal frame for your face. For a more modern, face-framing version, don’t pull the hair too tight. Instead, “pancake” the braid by gently pulling on the loops to give it volume and allow a few curly “baby hairs” to peek out.
5. Half-Up Topknot
This style offers the best of both worlds. You get the height and face-lifting effect of an updo with the length and framing of a down-style. By gathering the hair from the temples upward, you pull back the hair that might otherwise hide your eyes, while the bottom curls frame your jawline and shoulders. It’s the ultimate “cool girl” Thanksgiving look.
6. Curly Bangs
If you’re ready for a change, Thanksgiving is a great time to commit to curly bangs. Unlike straight bangs, curly fringe has movement and texture that adds softness to your forehead. When cut correctly to follow the curve of your brow, they create an immediate frame that emphasizes your eyes. Even if you don’t have permanent bangs, you can “fake” them by pinning the ends of a high ponytail forward.
7. Pinned Back
Sometimes, the most effective way to frame your face is to open it up. By pinning back the hair at the temples—either on one side or both—you highlight your cheekbones. Using festive accessories like gold clips, pearl pins, or autumnal floral slides adds a touch of holiday spirit. This keeps the hair out of your face while you eat, without sacrificing the beauty of your natural length.
8. Space Buns
For a playful and youthful Thanksgiving look, double space buns are a fantastic choice. The key to making this style “face-framing” is the placement and the “leave-outs.” By positioning the buns high, you create a lifting effect for your facial features. Leaving a few curls free at the front ensures the look remains soft and flattering rather than too severe.
9. Low Ponytail
A low ponytail can be very chic and professional for a formal family gathering. To ensure it frames your face, avoid the “slicked back” look. Instead, create a soft middle part and allow the hair to drape slightly over the ears before securing it at the nape. This creates a gentle curve around the face that is incredibly flattering for heart-shaped or oval faces.
10. Scarf Wrap
Accessories are the secret weapon of the curly-haired community. A silk scarf in a rich fall color—like burgundy, mustard, or forest green—can be used as a headband. By placing the scarf just behind the hairline and pushing it forward slightly, you can “poof” your curls toward your face, creating a lush, textured frame that looks intentional and stylish.
11. Twisted Halo
Similar to the braided crown but much easier to achieve, the twisted halo involves taking two sections of hair from the front and twisting them back. This pulls the hair away from the eyes but leaves a soft, rounded silhouette around the temples. It’s a great way to manage second or third-day curls while still looking “done” for the holiday.
12. Asymmetrical Sweep
The asymmetrical sweep is old-Hollywood glamour at its finest. By pinning all your curls to one side, you create a dramatic frame on one side of your face while showing off your profile on the other. This look is perfect if you’re wearing an off-the-shoulder sweater or a beautiful necklace you want to highlight.
13. Tucked Behind Ears
Simple is often best. If you have a great curl day and want to show off your definition, simply parting your hair down the middle and tucking the front two sections behind your ears can do wonders. It creates a clean “V” shape that directs attention toward your smile and eyes. Add a pair of festive gold hoops to complete the look.
14. High Puff
The high puff is a celebration of volume. For those with Type 4 hair, this style is a Thanksgiving staple. To make it face-framing, focus on the “edges.” Softening the hairline with a bit of styling cream and allowing the puff to be as large and round as possible creates a halo effect that makes your facial features the star of the show.
15. Waterfall Braid
The waterfall braid is a beautiful, intricate look that keeps the top of your hair secure while letting the rest flow. Because the braid starts at the temple, it creates a structured line that frames the upper portion of the face before transitioning into soft, cascading curls that frame the jaw.
16. Voluminous Shag
The curly shag is all about layers. If your hair is cut into this trendy style, you don’t need much styling to frame your face—the haircut does it for you. The shorter layers at the top and sides naturally “hug” your face, drawing attention to your mid-face and jaw. On Thanksgiving, just add a bit of refreshing spray to keep the layers bouncy.
17. Headband Curls
A wide headband is a lifesaver during a busy holiday. It acts as a frame for the top of your face and helps manage volume. For a face-framing effect, don’t pull the headband all the way back. Stop it about an inch or two from your hairline and pull a few small curls forward in front of the band to keep the look soft and modern.
18. Messy Bun with Fringe
The messy bun is the ultimate “I’m helping in the kitchen” hairstyle that still looks incredible for photos. By keeping the bun loose and pulling out sections of hair around the entire perimeter of your face, you create a soft, “lived-in” frame. It’s effortless, comfortable, and perfectly highlights a warm, holiday glow.
