If you’ve got curly hair, it can be tricky to find the right haircuts. But with a little styling inspo, you can show off your bouncy curls to their best advantage. We’ve rounded up curly hairstyles that are perfect for every length, from long wavy layers to short curly bobs and even a cute curly pixie cut.
Whether you have ringlets, loose waves, a voluminous head of bouncy curls, or tight spirals, the right hairstyle will highlight your natural texture and give your look just the right amount of personality. The plethora of options is endless, too—from perfectly polished and sculpted looks to natural unkempt styles. Whether you want a face-framing side part, a layered asymmetrical cut, or an off-the-shoulder style like Sandra Oh, we’ve got your back (and your hair).
Curly Hairtypes: How Do You Know Your Hair Is Curly?
Curly hair is characterized by a combination of textures, density, and pattern. You’ll find that you either have wavy, kinky, or curly hair, which is further broken down into categories A, B, and C based on the width and density of your strands. If you’re unsure of your curl type, run your fingers through your strands to see how they feel. If they’re voluminous and wavy, you have 3A hair; if your strands are more compact, you have 3B curls; and if your strands are tightly packed in a defined coil, then you have 3C hair.
A bob is one of the most classic hairstyles for curly hair, and it’s great if you have an asymmetrical face. A bob with face-framing layers accentuates your eyes and helps your curly hair to stand out. Ask your stylist for a layering cut that starts near the ear, where the bottom section of your strands will be shorter than the top. That way, you can easily style your hair curly or straight by simply adjusting the level of the layers.
If you have thin textured curls, you can create volume by wrapping each strand around a curling wand to give them a rounded shape, as shown by Emma Rossum. You can also add definition and lift your roots by sprinkling your hair with a volumizing powder or texturizing spray.
The man bun has been a big trend in the fashion world, and it’s ideal for curly hair because it allows you to keep your hair out of your face while also maintaining some sort of structure. This look works well with a fade, and you can dress it up with a flower crown to make it more fun.
A shag is a great option for medium curly hair because it gives your strands a soft, flowing shape and frames your face beautifully. It’s a great look for those who don’t want to spend a lot of time styling their hair, and it can be worn curly or blown dry straight. If you have thick curly hair that is longer than your shoulders, a shag can be used to create volume, and you can also ask your stylist for a layering cut that begins at the nape of your neck to add dimension to your look.