The 4 Best Haircuts for Curly Hair, Stylists Say (2024)

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Embrace your natural texture with these four flattering cuts.

By Lauren Gray

February 15, 2024

ByLauren Gray

February 15, 2024

The 4 Best Haircuts for Curly Hair, Stylists Say (2)

If you've got curls, coils, or kinks, we've got some great news: If you haven't already, now is the time to embrace your natural hair texture. Even better? The effortless, unprocessed styles we're seeing on runways and red carpets don't seem to be a passing fad. The beauty world is finally reflecting all kinds of curly hair and finding a wider range of looks to love.

The key to mastering your curls, experts say, is to pair a flattering cut with a consistent care routine. "For styling and maintenance, it's important to use products specifically designed for curly hair to enhance and define the curls," explains Linda Miller, a beauty and haircare expert at Inspiring Hairstyles. "Regular trims are also vital to prevent split ends and maintain the shape of the haircut. Additionally, using a wide-tooth comb instead of a brush can help detangle the hair without disrupting the natural curl pattern."

Ready to find the right cut for your curly hair? These are the four best looks, according to stylists and beauty experts.

RELATED:7 Best Women's Hairstyles That Will Never Go Out of Style.

1

Pixie cut

The 4 Best Haircuts for Curly Hair, Stylists Say (3)

Oftentimes, people with curly hair feel pressure to keep their tresses long. However, a pixie cut with some length preserved on top—sometimes called a "mixie cut"—can show off your natural texture while minimizing maintenance.

"A pixie cut can be a bold choice for curly hair, but it's incredibly stylish. The short length makes it easy to manage and style, while the curls provide texture and volume, making the pixie cut lively and dynamic," says Miller.

Ghanima Abdullah, a cosmetologist at The Right Hairstyles, agrees that curly pixie cuts are both fashion-forward and low maintenance. "With an undercut, longer top, and faded back, all you have to do is wash and add gel or a curl-holding product and you're out the door," she says.

2

Long layers

The 4 Best Haircuts for Curly Hair, Stylists Say (4)

Miller says that adding long layers is ideal for curly hair as it reduces the volume at the bottom and gives your tresses a more balanced look and a defined shape. "Plus, it's a versatile look that can be styled for both casual and formal occasions," she says.

Abdullah notes that if you struggle with frizz in your long layers, there's a simple solution. "While your hair is still wet from washing, try adding leave-in conditioner or a curl product to your hair, raking it through with your fingers. Then hold your head upside down and accordion it into a t-shirt. Tie the shirt completely covering your curls," she recommends.

After that, you can go about your morning as most of the moisture is absorbed by the t-shirt. "After about twenty minutes to a half hour, when your hair is mostly dry, you can release the t-shirt. Your curls should be completely formed," she says. As long as you keep your hands off of your hair, the style should remain intact, Abdullah adds.

RELATED: The 5 Best Haircuts for Fine Hair, Stylists Say.

3

Naturally textured bangs

The 4 Best Haircuts for Curly Hair, Stylists Say (5)

If you're going to go for a layered style, consider adding bangs and giving a nod to the curly shag. Though naturally textured bangs were long off-limits—at least since the '80s—they've come to represent the ultimate freedom in curly girl styling.

"Adding a fringe to curly hair can frame the face beautifully, especially for those with round or oval face shapes," Miller tells Best Life. "The key is to have a soft, side-swept fringe that blends into the curls, which adds a touch of elegance and whimsy to the overall look."

4

Curly bob

The 4 Best Haircuts for Curly Hair, Stylists Say (6)

Going in for a big chop and trying a curly bob can be another way to accentuate your coils, the experts say.

"A curly bob can be a chic and playful option. It works well with the natural volume of curly hair, giving a bouncy and voluminous look," says Miller. "This style is especially flattering for those with tighter curls, as it accentuates the hair's natural texture," she adds.

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Lauren Gray

Lauren Gray is a New York-based writer, editor, and consultant.Readmore

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HairStyle Advice

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The 4 Best Haircuts for Curly Hair, Stylists Say (2024)

FAQs

The 4 Best Haircuts for Curly Hair, Stylists Say? ›

Ask for layers, but avoid razors, thinning scissors or sliding scissors. UNLESS you're looking for a textured, choppy look. Or your going for a shag cut, which is very on trend for 2021. And only ask for bangs, aka a fringe, if you're absolutely 100% sure you want them!

What to tell a stylist when cutting curly hair? ›

Ask for layers, but avoid razors, thinning scissors or sliding scissors. UNLESS you're looking for a textured, choppy look. Or your going for a shag cut, which is very on trend for 2021. And only ask for bangs, aka a fringe, if you're absolutely 100% sure you want them!

What is the perfect haircut for curly hair? ›

Recommended short haircuts for curly hair include pixie cut, shaggy cut, choppy cut, asymmetrical bob, undercut, and layered bob. 2. Suggest haircuts for long curly hair. Recommended haircuts for long curly hair include long curls with bangs, layered curls, foundation cut, and A-line lob.

What is the special cut for curly hair? ›

How to Cut Curly Hair
  • The Deva Cut. The Deva Cut is a dry cutting technique designed specifically for curly hair and the goal is to have your curls frame your face. ...
  • The Ouidad Cut. The specific Ouidad Carve and Slice technique is one style of cutting curly hair when it is wet. ...
  • The Rezo Cut.
Apr 18, 2023

How should a hairdresser cut curly hair? ›

Our experts agree that most curl types should be cut on an angle. For tight curls, uneven layering works best. Make certain your cut doesn't flatten your crown. To avoid a flat top, try a short layer under a longer layer to pump up the volume.

What should I ask my hairdresser for curly hair? ›

Kick-off your consultation by asking whether or not the stylist has cut curly hair before. From there, you can get even more specific by asking if they've cut hair as curly or wavy as yours. What's most helpful is asking your stylist to see photos of curly looks they've done.

Should curly hair be layered? ›

Embracing layers can enhance your natural curls, reduce bulk and weight, and make your hair more manageable. Moreover, layered cuts add volume, create a stylish look, and reduce frizz, all while promoting the overall health of your due to the shorter lengths that will be regularly shaped.

Which cut is best for frizzy curly hair? ›

What to ask for: A wavy bob works so well with frizzy hair because it takes advantage of its natural curly texture. To make sure your stylist knows that you want a tousled look, "Ask for a deconstructed bob with loose layers," Dave Stanwell says.

Should naturally curly hair be cut in layers? ›

Curly hair layers are a great way to define and enhance all curl types – coils, waves, ringlets, etc. Layered hair allows curls to gain movement and retain bounce. Adding layers to naturally curl hair can promote definition, add texture, and help shape your hair.

Should curly hair be layered or all one length? ›

Curly hair requires layers to highlight your existing curl pattern and define any natural texture you already have. Designed to add volume and reduce the 'bulk' that can weigh down your curls, especially if you have long hair. 'Layers reduce bulk without taking away from the length'.

What are the 4 types of haircuts? ›

Did You Know That There Are Four Basic Haircuts?
  • The 0-degree haircut, which is also known as the “blunt” or “bob”.
  • The 45-degree haircut, better known as the “wedge”.
  • The 90-degree haircut, called the super popular “layered” haircut.
  • The 180-degree haircut, known as the “shag”.
Jun 29, 2022

Why curly hair must be cut differently? ›

Curly hair is very different from other hair types and needs to be cut and treated differently than non-textured hair. From the way layers are cut, the angle of the shears, specialized techniques and determining where curls are cut are key factors which need to be performed for specific types of wavy and curly hair.

Why are curly cuts so expensive? ›

Highly experienced stylists who specialize in curly hair often command higher prices due to their in-depth knowledge of cutting techniques and product recommendations that cater to different curl patterns. With this knowledge the stylist will also educate the what/why/how of curls.

How often should curly hair be cut? ›

How often should you cut curly hair? Curly hair should typically be trimmed every 6 to 12 weeks, depending on your hair's specific needs and the severity of split ends.

Are curly haircuts worth it? ›

Absolutely! A well-executed curly cut can work well for your curls. It helps to eliminate split ends and uneven lengths, making your curls appear healthier and more vibrant. A skilled stylist specializing in curly hair can create a customized cut that enhances the natural beauty of your curls.

Should curly hair be cut while straight? ›

Whether it's a trim or a complete restyle we recommend cutting those curls when the hair is curly and of course wet if possible - better yet, freshly shampooed with conditioner.

What should I tell my stylist for a haircut? ›

Talk about yourself

Or down and styled? What colour or cut will be appropriate for your workplace? Talk it all out, so your stylist clearly understands what not to do, so you are able to fully relax when they start snipping.

Do all hair stylists know how do you cut curly hair? ›

Find a Stylist Who Specializes in Curls

“Every pro hairstylist should know how to deal with curls, but you should always ask a new hairstylist if they're familiar with Curly Girl, Ouidad or Sahag cutting techniques and have a set of salon products formulated especially for curly hair,” Davis advises.

Should curly hair be cut differently? ›

Curly hair is very different from other hair types and needs to be cut and treated differently than non-textured hair. From the way layers are cut, the angle of the shears, specialized techniques and determining where curls are cut are key factors which need to be performed for specific types of wavy and curly hair.

What do I need to know before cutting curly hair? ›

DON'T
  • Don't add tension when cutting curly hair.
  • Don't cut curls when they're wet.
  • Don't texturize curly hair when cutting.
  • Don't cut curly hair with any product in it.
  • Don't cut curly hair to the side the client wears it on. ...
  • A razor should never be used to cut curls.
Jul 14, 2022

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