The Best Haircuts for Curly Hair

Curly hair is a beautiful and versatile texture that offers a world of styling possibilities. This article is dedicated to helping women with curly hair find the perfect haircut to enhance their natural beauty and make the most of their luscious locks. 

We'll explore a variety of cutting techniques, styling options, and maintenance tips specifically tailored for curly hair. Whether you have loose waves, tight coils, or anything in between, we'll guide you through 20 stunning haircut ideas that can transform your look and boost your confidence. 

From short and sassy to long and flowing, these cuts are designed to work with your curl pattern, not against it. We'll also discuss how to communicate effectively with your stylist to ensure you get the cut you want and provide advice on caring for your curls to keep them healthy and vibrant. Get ready to fall in love with your curls all over again as we dive into the world of fabulous haircuts for curly-haired women.

The Curly Bob

A classic bob with a curly twist is a timeless and chic option for women with curly hair. This versatile cut typically falls between the chin and shoulders, framing the face beautifully. The key to a successful curly bob is layering, which helps to remove bulk and allow curls to spring up naturally. 

This cut works well for all curl types, from loose waves to tight coils. It's low-maintenance and can be styled in various ways, from sleek and polished to wild and voluminous. To keep your curly bob looking its best, use a diffuser when drying and scrunch in some curl-enhancing product. 

This cut is perfect for those who want a sophisticated look that's still playful and easy to manage. The curly bob is a great way to show off your natural texture while maintaining a polished appearance.

The Pixie Cut

Don't be afraid to go short with your curls! A pixie cut can be an incredibly flattering option for curly-haired women. This daring style showcases your facial features and neck while emphasizing your curl pattern. The key to a successful curly pixie is to keep some length on top to allow your curls to shine. 

Your stylist should cut the hair dry to see how the curls naturally fall. The sides and back can be kept short and tapered for a clean look. This cut is perfect for those with tight curls or coils, as it allows the texture to really stand out. Styling is a breeze – just use a small amount of curl-defining cream and let your curls do their thing. The pixie cut is ideal for confident women who want a low-maintenance style that makes a bold statement.

The Shag

The shag haircut is making a comeback, and it's perfect for curly hair. This '70s-inspired style features lots of layers throughout the hair, creating a textured, rock-and-roll vibe. The shag works well for all curl types but is particularly flattering for those with looser waves or medium curls. The cut typically includes choppy layers and face-framing pieces, which help to enhance natural curl patterns and add volume. 

One of the best things about the curly shag is its versatility – it can be styled messy and tousled for a casual look or more defined for a polished appearance. To style, use a curl-enhancing mousse and scrunch your hair while air-drying or diffusing. The shag is perfect for those who want a trendy, effortless look that embraces their natural texture.

The Lob (Long Bob)

The lob, or long bob, is a fantastic option for curly-haired women who want to maintain some length while still enjoying a structured cut. This versatile style typically falls between the chin and collarbone, offering the best of both worlds – the polish of a bob with the flexibility of longer hair. For curly hair, the lob should be cut with long layers to encourage curl formation and reduce bulk. 

This cut works well for all curl types and face shapes. It's particularly flattering for those with oval or heart-shaped faces. The curly lob can be styled in numerous ways – wear it down for a bouncy, voluminous look, or pull it back into a cute half-up style. To maintain the shape, use a combination of curl cream and light-hold gel to define your curls without weighing them down.

The Curly Mullet

For the bold and adventurous, the curly mullet is a trendy and edgy option that's gaining popularity. This modern take on the classic mullet features shorter layers on top and at the sides, with longer lengths at the back. The curly texture adds a soft, feminine touch to this otherwise punk-inspired cut. The key to pulling off a curly mullet is to keep the transition between the short and long sections soft and gradual. 

This cut works particularly well for those with tight curls or coils, as the natural texture helps to blend the different lengths. Styling a curly mullet is all about embracing your natural texture – use a curl-defining cream and let your curls air dry for a cool, effortless look. This cut is perfect for those who want to make a statement and aren't afraid to stand out.

The Curly Fringe

Adding a fringe (or bangs) to curly hair can create a playful and romantic look. The curly fringe works well with various hair lengths and can be customized to suit different face shapes. For the best results, the fringe should be cut dry and styled to sit just above the eyebrows. The key is to keep the fringe light and wispy, avoiding a heavy, curtain-like effect. This style works particularly well for those with loose to medium curls. 

When styling, use a small round brush to gently shape the fringe, and define the curls with a lightweight curl cream. The curly fringe is perfect for those who want to add some personality to their look without committing to a full haircut. It's also a great way to disguise a high forehead or add balance to longer face shapes.

The Deva Cut

The Deva Cut is a specialized cutting technique designed specifically for curly hair. This method involves cutting the hair while it's dry and in its natural state, allowing the stylist to see how each curl falls and behaves. The result is a customized cut that enhances your natural curl pattern and creates shape and volume where needed. 

The Deva Cut typically incorporates long layers and can be adapted to any length. It's particularly beneficial for those with tight curls or coils, as it helps to reduce bulk and promote definition. After the cut, your stylist will likely use the "rake and shake" method to style your curls, which involves applying product and shaking out each curl to encourage formation. The Deva Cut is ideal for those who want to embrace their natural texture and achieve maximum curl definition.

The Curly Updo

While not a specific cut, the curly updo is a versatile style that works well with various curly haircuts. This elegant look involves gathering your curls into a loose, textured bun or chignon, leaving some face-framing pieces for a soft, romantic effect. The key to a successful curly updo is to work with your natural texture rather than trying to smooth it out. This style is particularly flattering for those with medium to long hair and works with all curl types. 

To achieve this look, start with second-day hair for better grip, use bobby pins that match your hair color, and don't be afraid of a little messiness – it adds to the charm. The curly updo is perfect for special occasions or when you want to keep your hair off your neck while still looking polished.

The Curly Mohawk

For those looking to make a bold statement, the curly mohawk is an edgy and eye-catching option. This cut features closely cropped sides with a strip of longer hair down the center of the head. The curly texture adds a unique twist to the traditional mohawk, softening the look while maintaining its rebellious spirit. This style works best for those with tight curls or coils, as the natural texture helps to create height and volume. 

The length of the center strip can be adjusted to suit your preference, from a short, spiky look to a longer, more dramatic style. To maintain this cut, regular trims are essential to keep the sides short. When styling, use a strong-hold gel to define your curls and create the desired shape.

The Curly Layers

Long, layered curls are a classic and versatile option for those who love their length but want to add shape and movement to their hair. This cut involves adding layers throughout the hair, with the shortest layers typically starting around the chin or shoulders. The layers help to remove bulk, encourage curl formation, and create a beautiful, cascading effect. This style works well for all curl types but is particularly flattering for those with loose to medium curls. 

The key to success with this cut is to ensure the layers are long enough to allow the curls to form properly – too-short layers can lead to frizz and loss of definition. 

To style, use a curl-defining cream and scrunch your hair while diffusing or air-drying. This cut is perfect for those who want to maintain their length while adding volume and shape to their curls.

The Asymmetrical Curly Cut

An asymmetrical cut can add a modern, edgy twist to curly hair. This style features one side of the hair longer than the other, creating an interesting and eye-catching silhouette. The asymmetry can be subtle or dramatic, depending on your preference. This cut works well for all curl types and can be adapted to various lengths, from a short asymmetrical bob to longer, layered styles. 

The key to a successful asymmetrical curly cut is to ensure that the longer side has enough weight to hang properly, while the shorter side is layered to encourage curl formation. This style is particularly flattering for those with oval or heart-shaped faces, as it helps to balance facial features. To style, use a curl-defining product and diffuse or air-dry your hair, embracing the natural texture and movement of your curls.

The Curly Faux Hawk

For those who love the edgy look of a mohawk but aren't ready to commit to shaving the sides of their head, the curly faux hawk is an excellent alternative. This style involves keeping the sides of the hair longer than a traditional mohawk but shorter than the center strip, creating the illusion of a mohawk without the dramatic undercut. The natural volume of curly hair lends itself perfectly to this style, allowing for height and drama through the center. 

This cut works well for all curl types but is particularly striking on those with tight curls or coils. To style, use a strong-hold gel or mousse to define your curls and create height through the center of your head. The curly faux hawk is perfect for those who want to make a statement with their hair while still maintaining versatility in their styling options.

The Curly Undercut

The curly undercut is a bold and stylish option that combines the best of both worlds – the edginess of an undercut with the softness of curly hair. This cut involves shaving or closely cropping the hair on the sides and back of the head while leaving the top longer to showcase your curls. The contrast between the short sides and the voluminous curly top creates a striking visual effect. 

This style works well for all curl types but is particularly effective for those with tight curls or coils, as the natural volume on top creates a dramatic look. The curly undercut can be customized to your preference – you can opt for a subtle undercut that's only visible when the hair is pulled back, or go for a more dramatic look with a higher undercut. To style, focus on defining and enhancing the curls on top using your favorite curl products.

The Curly Shag with Curtain Bangs

This modern take on the shag haircut incorporates curtain bangs for a trendy, '70s-inspired look. The shag cut features lots of choppy layers throughout the hair, creating texture and movement, while the curtain bangs frame the face beautifully. This style works particularly well for those with loose waves to medium curls, as it enhances the natural texture and adds volume. 

The curtain bangs should be cut dry and styled to part in the middle, gently framing the face. This cut is incredibly versatile – it can be worn messy and tousled for a casual look, or more defined for a polished appearance. To style, use a curl-enhancing mousse and scrunch your hair while diffusing. The curly shag with curtain bangs is perfect for those who want a low-maintenance cut that still looks effortlessly cool.

The Curly Angled Bob

The angled bob is a chic and sophisticated option for curly-haired women. This cut is shorter at the back and gradually gets longer towards the front, creating a sleek, angled line. When adapted for curly hair, the angled bob takes on a softer, more textured appearance while still maintaining its structured shape. This style works well for all curl types but is particularly flattering for those with loose waves to medium curls. 

The key to a successful curly angled bob is to cut the hair dry and follow the natural curl pattern to ensure the angle is visible even when the hair is curly. To style, use a curl-defining cream and scrunch your hair while diffusing to enhance your natural texture. The curly angled bob is perfect for those who want a polished, professional look that still showcases their curls.

The Curly Tapered Cut

The curly tapered cut is a stylish and low-maintenance option that works particularly well for those with tight curls or coils. This cut features closely cropped sides and back that gradually increase in length towards the top of the head. The top is left longer to showcase your natural curl pattern. 

The tapered cut is versatile and can be customized to your preference – you can opt for a subtle taper or a more dramatic contrast between the short and long sections. This style is excellent for highlighting your facial features and creating a sleek silhouette. To maintain this cut, regular trims are necessary to keep the taper fresh. 

When styling, use a curl-defining cream or gel to enhance your natural texture and create definition. The curly tapered cut is perfect for those who want a low-maintenance style that still looks polished and put-together.

The Curly Wolf Cut

The wolf cut is a trendy style that combines elements of a shag and a mullet, and it works beautifully with curly hair. This cut features short, choppy layers on top that gradually transition to longer layers at the back. The curly texture adds volume and movement to this already dynamic cut. 

The wolf cut works well for all curl types but is particularly striking on those with medium to tight curls. This style is highly customizable – you can adjust the length and intensity of the layers to suit your preferences. 

To style a curly wolf cut, use a volumizing mousse and scrunch your hair while diffusing to enhance your natural texture. This cut is perfect for those who want an edgy, rock-and-roll inspired look that embraces their natural curls.

The Curly Inverted Bob

The inverted bob is a chic and sophisticated cut that can be adapted beautifully for curly hair. This style is characterized by longer lengths in the front that gradually become shorter towards the back of the head, creating a subtle angle. When cut for curly hair, the inverted bob takes on a softer, more textured appearance while still maintaining its structured shape.

This cut works well for all curl types but is particularly flattering for those with loose waves to medium curls. The key to a successful curly inverted bob is to cut the hair dry and follow the natural curl pattern to ensure the inverted shape is visible even when the hair is curly. 

To style, use a curl-defining cream and scrunch your hair while diffusing to enhance your natural texture. The curly inverted bob is perfect for those who want a polished, professional look that still showcases their curls.

The Curly Pixie with Long Bangs

This variation of the pixie cut features longer bangs that can be styled in various ways, adding versatility to the short cut. The sides and back are kept short, while the top and bangs are left longer to showcase your curl pattern. This style works well for all curl types but is particularly striking on those with tight curls or coils. 

The long bangs can be swept to the side for a softer look or styled up and back for a more edgy appearance. To maintain this cut, regular trims are essential to keep the short sections neat. When styling, use a small amount of curl-defining cream or pomade to enhance your natural texture and shape the longer sections. The curly pixie with long bangs is perfect for those who want a low-maintenance cut that still offers styling flexibility.

The Curly Layered U-Cut

The U-cut is a classic shape that works beautifully with curly hair. This cut features a U-shaped outline when viewed from the back, with the hair at the center back being slightly longer than the sides. When adapted for curly hair, layers are added throughout to remove bulk and enhance the natural curl pattern. This style works well for all curl types and is particularly flattering for those with medium to long hair. 

The U-shape helps to create a flattering frame around the face and shoulders, while the layers add movement and dimension. To style, use a curl-enhancing cream or gel and scrunch your hair while diffusing to encourage curl formation. The curly layered U-cut is perfect for those who want to maintain length while adding shape and movement to their curls.

We hope this extensive guide to haircuts for curly hair has inspired you to embrace your natural texture and explore new styling possibilities. Remember, the key to a great curly haircut is working with a stylist who understands and appreciates curly hair. Don't be afraid to communicate your needs and preferences clearly. 

Whether you opt for a bold pixie, a classic bob, or long, flowing layers, the right cut can enhance your curls and boost your confidence. Experiment with different styles and products to find what works best for your unique curl pattern and lifestyle. 

With the right cut and care, your curls can be your crowning glory, turning heads and inspiring curl envy wherever you go. Embrace your curls, celebrate your texture, and rock your perfect curly haircut with pride!