What Are Kiss Curls?
A kiss curl is usually a single (but can be more) curl sculpted around the face resting on the forehead or cheek. It’s an artistic element dating back to Josephine Baker in the 1920’s. Like laying edges, they’re mostly slicked down, but instead of the entire hairline being defined, only one to a couple pieces/sections are the focal point.
Who Do Kiss Curls Suit?
"Kiss curls are for anyone, everyone and all hair types," says Jon Wilsdon, TONI&GUY and North Western Hairdresser of the Year 2024. "Kiss curls aren’t specific to face shapes, they can be added as a detail to any hairstyle or take centre stage as the key feature. I think that’s what makes this look so fun."
What Looks and Hairstyles Do Kiss Curls Work Well With?
When it comes to creating kiss curls, all you need is a pintail comb or edge brush and comb and a product for control to hold the kiss curls in place, according to Jon. "Kiss curls look more prominent when paired with the rest of the hair off the face in a ponytail or wet look, but you can also have a bouncy blow dry and have the kiss curls to detail the front. Pair them with pixie cuts, bobs or ponytails and everything in between. We saw braided kiss curls at the Met Gala and will seeing plenty more of them. The bonus of styling with kiss curls is there is no damage to the hair as you don't need to use heat."
How to Sculpt and Style Kiss Curls
Anna Peters, Sam Villa ArTeam Member and owner of re:TREAT Color + Hair Design and Studio shares her method for fashioning kiss curls below…
How To: Kiss Curls
- Using a long tail comb, pick up a small section of hair at the front hairline.
- Saturate strands with a high hold styler like Redken Sculpting Curl Gel (or product of choice). Comb through the section removing tangles and smoothing hair.
- Wrap into a curl pattern either around finger or tail comb and lay down against the head to dry. To dry faster and set the shape, use a Sam Villa Pro Light Ionic Blow Dryer with the diffuser on to ensure curl does not get disrupted, simply hover over curl till dry.
- Once dry, spray with a medium hold hairspray for hold.
- Optional: Define the shape further by compressing with a flat iron and then set with spray.
“These small defined curls that sit close to the skin and adorn face can bring a soft romantic touch and a glamorous vintage feel to so many styles,” says Anna. “I think this look is going to catch on this summer as a fresh way to elevate sleek looks and ponytails.”
