Choosing the best hairstyle or hair trend to suit your face is one thing, but finding one that pairs well with your glasses is an entirely different challenge. But I come bearing good news: no longer just a practical necessity, the most stylish people are now incorporating frames into their outfits as a sleek accessory. And with this comes a myriad of hair dos, all of which pair perfectly with the glasses of your choice.
What are these hairstyles, you may ask? Well, as someone who works in beauty, I decided to make use of my contact book of experts and reach out to a professional stylist for advice on the best hairstyles for glasses to take with you to your next salon visit (or try at home, of course), as well as to answer some burning questions I had about picking the perfect cut for your frames. Just keep scrolling…
Should I Wear My Glasses to My Hair Appointment?
“Absolutely. I’d always recommend bringing and wearing the glasses you use most often to your hair appointment, particularly if you wear them every day,” says celebrity and editorial hair stylist Pete Burkill. “They affect how the hair sits around your temples and ears, and they can change the way a fringe or face-framing layers fall. Wearing them during the consultation allows your stylist to see how the haircut and frames work together in real life, rather than relying on guesswork. If you wear contact lenses occasionally but glasses most days, it’s especially important that the cut works with your glasses.”
What Hairstyles Work Best With Glasses?
1. Curly/Afro Hair
Burkill says, “With curly and Afro-textured hair, I’d embrace the natural volume and texture rather than trying to work against it. A rounded shape, a layered curly cut or a beautifully shaped Afro can look incredible with glasses.”
“The key is creating balance between the hair’s silhouette and the frames. If someone wears oversized or bold glasses, a well-defined shape through the curls can help the whole look feel intentional. For finer frames, there’s plenty of room to embrace more volume. The cut should always be tailored to the individual’s curl pattern, density and preferred styling routine.”
Get the Look:
2. Long Hair
“With long hair, I love styles that create movement and frame the face without competing with the glasses. Soft layers, long face-framing pieces and a subtle curtain fringe can all work beautifully. Layers help prevent longer hair from feeling too heavy around the face, while adding softness around the frames,” explains Burkill.
“A sleek, straight finish can also look fantastic with a bolder, more architectural pair of glasses,” Burkill adds.
Get the Look:
3. Medium-Length Hair
Burkill states, “Medium-length hair is incredibly versatile with glasses. A shoulder-length cut with soft layers or a textured lob is a great option because it creates shape around the face without overwhelming it.”
“I’d look at adding movement through the ends and around the cheekbones, particularly if the glasses have a strong frame,” recommends Burkill. “For a more polished look, a blunt shoulder-length cut paired with fine, lightweight frames can look effortlessly chic.”
Get the Look:
4. Bob-Length Hair
“A bob and glasses can be a brilliant combination because both bring structure to the face. A classic jaw-length bob, a French bob or a slightly textured, undone bob can all work well. The important thing is considering where the bob sits in relation to the frames. A cut that finishes around the jaw can highlight the cheekbones, while a softer, less structured bob can balance out thicker or more angular glasses,” says Burkill.
“I’d always consider how the hair sits around the ears, too, so the overall shape feels comfortable and intentional,” Burkill adds.
Get the Look:
5. Pixie-Length Hair
Burkill says, “Pixie cuts work particularly well with glasses because they leave the face open and allow the frames to become part of the overall look. A textured pixie with a little height through the crown can create lovely balance, especially with larger frames.”
“Alternatively, a softer, side-swept pixie can complement rounder glasses and create a more delicate finish. I’d focus on keeping the cut tailored around the ears and temples so it sits comfortably with the arms of the glasses.”
Get the Look:
6. Fringes/Bangs
“A fringe can look fantastic with glasses, but the length and weight are important considerations. Curtain bangs are a particularly versatile option because they open up around the eyes and blend into the rest of the haircut,” says Burkhill.
“Wispy or textured fringes can also work beautifully, especially with smaller or lighter frames. If you prefer a full, blunt fringe, I’d pay attention to how it sits against the top of the glasses and make sure it doesn’t feel too heavy across the forehead. The aim is to create a frame around the eyes that complements, rather than competes with, the frames themselves,” Burkill states.
Get the Look:
Does Hair Colour Affect How My Glasses Look?
“Definitely. Hair colour can change the way your glasses stand out against your face, so it’s worth considering the two together,” says Burkill.
If you have warm, golden or copper tones in your hair, tortoiseshell, warm brown and gold frames can complement those tones beautifully.
Cooler blondes, ash browns and silver-toned hair can work particularly well with silver, charcoal or cooler-toned frames. That said, contrast can be just as effective as coordination.
Dark hair paired with light frames, for example, can create a striking look, while bold black frames can add definition to lighter hair.
There are no hard rules; it’s about deciding whether you want your glasses to blend harmoniously with your overall look or become a statement feature.
How Do I Stop My Hair From Puffing Out Behind My Glasses?
“If your hair tends to puff out around the arms of your glasses, it often comes down to a combination of the haircut, the natural texture of your hair and the way the frames sit,” explains Burkill.
“I’d start by asking your stylist to check the shape and weight around the temples and ears, as removing a little bulk in the right place can make a real difference,” he says. “Lightweight smoothing products can help manage frizz, while curls and waves may benefit from a suitable leave-in conditioner or styling cream.”
“It’s also worth checking that the arms of your glasses fit comfortably and aren’t pushing the hair outward. With textured hair, I’d work with the natural pattern rather than trying to flatten it unnecessarily,” Burkill adds.
Why Trust Us
At Who What Wear UK, we know that beauty isn’t one-size-fits-all. Our editors have tested thousands of products, including some skincare, makeup, hair and nails, over the years and work closely with trusted experts—dermatologists, make-up artists and leading industry insiders—to ensure every guide is well-researched, inclusive and relevant to you.
We focus on formulas that deliver, whether they’re affordable favourites or luxury investments. Our product selection is based on tangible results, ingredient know-how and what we’d truly recommend to a friend.
