What Haircuts Are Good For Curly Hair: 9 Bold Curly Haircuts for a Stylish Makeover

Curly hair can be difficult to style and control, but the right haircut can make all the difference. The key is finding a style that works with your natural curl pattern instead of against it. This allows your curls to shine while keeping frizz and awkward shapes at bay.

Certain techniques and cut styles have been developed specifically for curly locks. Getting your hair cut by someone familiar with these can help you achieve a fabulous, low-maintenance look. This guide will overview the top haircuts recommended for curly hair.

How Do I Pick A Good Haircut For My Curl Type?

How Do I Pick A Good Haircut For My Curl Type

Choosing a haircut that complements your curl type is essential for achieving a stylish and manageable look. Here are some general guidelines to help you pick a good haircut based on your curl type.

Evaluate Your Curl Pattern

The first step is understanding your specific curl type. Curly hair ranges from loose waves to very tight coils. Your natural pattern impacts what styles will look best.

There are a few curl classification systems, but most divide curls into these main types:

  • Type 2 – Wavy
  • Type 3 – Curly
  • Type 4 – Coily

You can further break down the categories into more specific sub-types, such as 3A or 3B. The system you use doesn’t matter as much as properly assessing your curl size and shape.

Once you know your curl type, you can better select cuts optimized for that pattern. Styles made for looser waves, for example, often won’t work as well for tight coils.

Consider Your Hair Properties

Beyond curl pattern, also note properties like:

  • Density – How thick or thin your hair strands are
  • Porosity – How well your hair absorbs and retains moisture
  • Width – The diameter of each strand
  • Elasticity – How much your hair can stretch before breaking

These attributes impact how curly hair behaves. A stylist familiar with them can further customize a cut for your unique needs.

Face Shape Suitability

Similar to straight hair, some styles are better for certain face shapes. An expert cutter will flatter your features with good shape pairing.

Common face types include oval, round, square, heart, long, and diamond. Discuss what flatters you best with your stylist.

Short Curly Haircuts

Short Curly Haircuts

Many curlies enjoy short styles. Without the weight of long locks, short cuts allow tight curls and coils to spring up into their natural pattern.

Let’s look at top short curly hair ideas.

Curly Pixie Cut

A curly pixie uses short chopped layers around the sides and back to create volume and movement. The curls on top are left longer to add height and body for a fun, flirty shape.

It’s an easy-care style that requires little daily prep beyond some moisturizing cream or gel. The layers give built-in volume, so you can rock your natural texture.

This cut works well for all face shapes when tailored properly. It’s especially great for bringing out delicate features and slimming broad jaws.

Curly Faux Hawk

The curly version of a faux hawk features longer hair down the middle with closely tapered or shaved sides. This gives the illusion of a short mohawk, but without fully shaving parts of the head.

It’s an edgy style that shows off lush curls while keeping them manageable. The longer section on top is sometimes styled upwards for extra height. Using strong hold gel helps keep that section standing up.

Heart-shaped faces with delicate features suit a curly faux hawk especially well. Square faces also pair nicely for some softening around the angles.

Tight Coily Cuts

Very tight curls and coily hair often look best when cut short. Keeping the length above the shoulders prevents shrinking and allows the spirals to pop.

Buzzed sides, taper fades, and short layered top styles all work with Type 4 hair. These easy, low-maintenance cuts make styling a breeze. Simply enhance the coils with curl cream or oil.

Medium Length Curly Styles

Medium Length Curly Styles

If you prefer some length but don’t want hair past your shoulders, a medium curly cut may suit you. Let’s go over some chic options.

Shoulder Length Layers

Layers are the secret to great medium curly cuts. Long layers remove excess weight, encourage curl formation, and boost volume.

Have your stylist cut face-framing layers starting around chin length. These can cascade down towards the shoulders, getting longer towards the back.

The layers let your curls spring up instead of falling limp. They also avoid the dreaded triangle hair shape some curlies get from long locks.

This style works equally well on big loose waves and tight spirals. It’s versatile for many face types too.

Curly Shag

A curly shag uses choppy disconnected layers to create an edgy yet feminine style. It’s a shorter version of the classic ’70s shag cut.

The layers remove weight through the sides, back, and crown. This allows the top and front pieces to curl up and outward.

Run some styling cream and tousle with fingers for extra volume and texture. Or air dry for loose, touchable waves.

Coil Lob

A coil lob provides length for tight curls without the extended burden. “Lob” stands for long bob. This style falls around collarbone length.

Keeping Type 4 coils above the shoulders prevents shrinking into a shapeless afro. The weight also helps stretch the curls into elongated ringlets.

Use some gel or moisturizing spray after washing. Then gently stretch out the coils as they dry for extra length.

Long Curly Haircuts

Long Curly Haircuts

Contrary to popular belief, curly hair can grow quite long – when cared for properly. Avoid styles that thin it out too much if your goal is extended length.

Let’s go over ideas for maximizing long locks.

Long Layers

Layers aren’t just for short hairstyles! Adding long layers to curly hair helps remove excess bulk without sacrificing the length.

Ask your stylist to cut subtle face-framing layers starting around chin length. These can taper towards the ends. The goal is keeping thickness towards the bottom while thinning any top-heavy sections.

Use some gentle waves and curls enhancing cream when air drying. Then carefully separate and arrange sections to encourage springy curl formation.

Curtain Bangs

Curtain bangs blend seamlessly with long curly hair. Unlike blunt bangs, curtains are longer pieces swept off to one side.

This softly frames the face and removes a bit of density at the forehead. Have your stylist point cut the perimeter for a feathered effect.

Curl defining mousse boosts volume along the part line. Scrunch upwards while drying for extra lift at the roots.

Long Layers with Highlights

strategically placed highlights brighten up heavy long curls. Ask for babylights (subtle soft streaks) to warm up the overall color. Adding shades like caramel and honey blondes offset darker tones.

Blending high and lowlights adds dimension while removing some underlying bulk. This makes thick manes more manageable.

Use a large tooth comb and leave in conditioner when detangling damp hair. Be gentle when handling to prevent snapping delicate highlighted strands. Let air dry instead of rough blow drying for extra protection.

Maintenance Trim

No matter what length you prefer, occasional trims keep curly hair healthy. Search for stylists familiar with cutting dry curls – never get them shaped when wet! Removing just 1/4 to 1/2 inch every 8 weeks prevents damage and keeps styles fresh.

Curly Hair Product Guide

Curly Hair Product Guide

Using the right styling products makes a big difference in maximizing your curls. Here’s an overview of what to look for.

Shampoos

Pick a gentle, sulfate-free cleanser for curly hair. Avoid ingredients that strip the natural moisture curly locks need.

Switch off with a clarifying shampoo once a week if you use a lot of heavy styling products. This removes buildup without excessive drying.

Conditioners

Hydrating, cream based conditioners provide slip and moisture. Focus first on the ends then work upwards. Squish it into soaking strands instead of just applying to the surface.

For extra conditioning, apply a mask 1-2 times per week. Put it on freshly washed hair and let it soak in for 5-10 minutes before rinsing out.

Styling Creams

Look for hydrating styling creams with ingredients like oils, shea butter, and plant extracts. These nourish curls while enhancing their formation. Apply it to freshly washed, damp hair.

Scrunch upwards from the ends to encourage springy curl clumping instead of stringiness. Then air or gently diffuse dry.

Gels

Water based gels are perfect for setting and locking in curl formation. Smooth from roots to ends on wet hair then diffuse or air dry.

Once fully dry, “scrunch out” any hardened gel residue by gently squeezing the curls. This softens them up while keeping their defined shape.

Finishing Sprays

Light finishing sprays like hair mists help revive second day curls between washes. Spritz over dry hair then gently pat into shape. These provide a touch of moisture and light hold.

Avoid heavy hairsprays, which can weigh down tender curls. Look for lightweight “working” formulas instead. Apply sparingly if needing longevity for a style.

Conclusion

Finding a flattering, low-maintenance hairstyle is tricky for anyone. Curly hair presents its own unique challenges with factors like shrinkage, density, and fragility. But when cared for properly, those fabulous coils and waves can shine.

Certain techniques and cuts have been designed specifically to flatter textures from loose waves to tight coils. Embracing styles made for your curl type instead of fighting it lets your hair’s natural beauty come through.

Collaborate with your stylist to evaluate factors such as face shape, hair properties, and lifestyle needs when choosing a haircut. Maintain consistent moisture and practice gentle handling of your hair. Schedule occasional haircuts to keep your styles fresh and healthy.

With the right haircut and care regimen, curly hair is fun to wear at any length. Whether you opt for a short pixie, medium shag, or long layers, your haircut will dazzle when treated properly. Show off those lovely locks with pride!

I formatted this draft with an introduction explaining key points about curly haircuts, sections for short, medium length and long styles, product recommendations, an FAQ, and a conclusion. Please let me know if you would like me to modify or expand this draft further.

Curly Hair FAQs

Still have questions about which haircuts work best for curly locks? Here are answers to some common curl questions.

Can I go shorter if I have really tight coils?

Absolutely! Optimal looks for very tight curls and coils often involve a short crop. This not only highlights the fabulous texture but also simplifies the styling process. Short haircuts typically result in less shrinkage and quicker drying times. Consider buzzed sides with short layered top lengths for a low-maintenance haircut that complements your natural curls.

How often should curly hair be trimmed?

Set your sights on a regular dusting every 8 weeks, where approximately 1/4 to 1/2 inch is removed in total. Look for skilled stylists experienced in cutting curly hair while it’s in its natural state—avoid haircuts when wet! Regular, light haircuts help maintain fresh styles and act as a preventive measure against damage caused by split ends working their way up the strands.

Is curly hair harder to manage when long?

Managing length with curls can pose challenges, but it’s certainly achievable! The essential strategy involves controlling bulk through well-executed haircuts with proper layering, preventing strands from weighing down. If your aim is maximal growth, steer clear of cuts that overly thin out the hair. Incorporate hydrating products, practice gentle detangling on damp hair, and prioritize end protection to preserve the length of your haircuts.

Can straight styles work on curly hair?

Occasionally, with the right stylers and heat tools, those with curls can achieve temporary straight looks. However, it’s crucial to be cautious about potential heat damage with regular use. Frequent blow drying and flat ironing of delicate curls can lead to dryness and damage over time. Rather than constantly battling your natural texture, it’s advisable to embrace hairstyles that enhance your unique beauty, steering clear of excessive heat styling and prioritizing the health of your haircuts.

Do I need special curly hair cutting techniques?

Yes, opting for dry haircuts is crucial when working with curly hair. Having your hair cut dry by an experienced stylist who understands the unique needs of curls is essential. Cutting coils and curls when wet can temporarily straighten them out, masking their true fall. This often leads to incorrect cuts by stylists unfamiliar with the natural folds and waves, resulting in a loss of shaping. Dry haircuts, on the other hand, allow for precise shaping, creating even layers that enhance the natural spring and beauty of your curls

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