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Curly hair is NEVER boring and it is as versatile as it can get. The only problem is that curls tend to have a life of their own and if you think you can tame them like your straight or wavy counterparts – you’ve got it all wrong. Curls will never all look the same and there are way too many ways to style curly hair. Think messy bun, side-parted open hair, a wavy ponytail, and, so on. This practically leaves no room for conformity – and a lot of scope for experimentation. Besides, no hair brushes or combs are required. So, curly hair cannot, and shall not, be tamed.
To ensure you wake up with manageable locks, it’s crucial that you pick the right haircut for curly hair. Once you’ve picked the perfect haircut, we promise there will be no more bad hair days. Additionally, there’s so much more you can do with your locks once you have the right cut. Why? Well, the perfect haircuts for curly hair will leave the tresses with volume, definition, and minimal to no frizz. This means you can let your hair down, create updos, and experiment all you want. But before we dive into the perfect haircuts and trendy curly hairstyles you can try, let’s explore curly hair types and know exactly which category your hair falls under.
How To Identify Your Curl Type
Curly hair is generally categorised by numbers and letters to indicate the curl’s size (2, 3, 4) and the shape (A, B, C). You can identify your curl type after freshly washing it and waiting for it to air dry. Ensure your hair is free of styling products to get its true size and shape. Here’s a lowdown on the different types of curly hair.
1. Type 2 (Wavy Hair)
If your hair has a loose ‘S’ shape with no defined curl, it’s likely in the type 2 category. 2A has loose waves, 2B has more defined waves, and 2C has prominent wave patterns. This hair type also tends to be more frizzy.
2. Type 3 (Curly Hair)
Hair strands that form spiral shapes without any finger coiling or heat curling fall into the Type 3 category. 3A curls are large and loose, 3B curls are spring-like, and 3C girls resemble corkscrews. This hair type tends to be dense.
3. Type 4 (Coily Hair)
The super tight curls that spring back when pulled are categorised as Type 4. While 4A curls are defined coils, 4B curls are zig-zag shaped, and 4C hair has a tight curl pattern. This hair type tends to have more shrinkage.
The Best Haircuts For Curly Hair
Here’s a lowdown on the best haircuts for curly hair.
1. Shoulder Cut
If you have thicker or denser curls, the shoulder cut will allow your locks to beautifully frame the face. Keep it simple without any bangs or fringes and ensure each curl is well trimmed so it doesn’t sit on the one below it. This keeps your curls looking defined which is key to achieving this look.
Style With: L'Oreal Paris Extraordinary Oil Hair Serum, Anti-Frizz Serum With UV Protection
2. Bob Cut
Ideal for short hair, a bob cut plays with the natural texture of your hair to create a power statement look. The hair is cut just above the shoulder, and it can be shaped to partially embrace the forehead. It’s especially great for people with round faces who want to introduce the illusion of angles to their facial structure.
Style With: Bare Anatomy EXPERT Ultra Smoothing Serum
3. Medium Cut With Highlights
If you don’t want to compromise on the volume, opt for a medium cut. Highlighting the curls that fall over your shoulder will add life to dull locks. Use a volumizing spray or backcomb the hair on your crown area to keep it from looking flat. Mist a detangling spray to keep the curls from getting frizzy and collapsing on each other.
Style With: Fable & Mane MahaMane Detangling Leave-In Conditioner
The Best Hairstyles For Curly Hair
Here’s a lowdown on the best hairstyles for curly hair.
1. Layered Curls
Layered curls create a weightless shape while lending volume and movement to hair. It’s perfect if you don’t have defined curls and want to create the illusion of volume without bulkiness. Layered curls usually work great with medium to long-length hair.
Style With: True Frog Volumizing Mousse For Curls
2. Long Curls With Fringes
If you are aiming for the girl next door look, don’t think twice before opting for the long hair with fringes look. The front has a hint of long curls that will frame your cheeks and allow you to be playful with your curls. A regular trim every 3 months will keep the cut looking fresh and structured.
Style With: Vega R3- RB Round Hair Brush
3. Side Parted Short Curls
Show off your short curls with a side partition. It slightly opens up the face and draws attention to the eyes while making your other facial features more prominent and defined. Smooth a hydrating serum to keep your curls bouncy and soft.
Style With: Matrix Biolage Smoothproof Deep Smoothing 6-in-1 Serum
4. Stacked Curls
Stacked curls can give you the perfect runway-ready look. What’s it all about? The hair is cut to create graduated layers which creates the illusion of full-bodied and voluminous hair. When cut at the perfect angles, it allows room for more movement and looks uber-chic. You can never go wrong with this one especially if you’ve long hair.
Style With: Osmo Curl Spray Volumising Curl Enhancer
5. Basic Center-Parted Curls
Centre-parted cuts are ideal for highlighting facial features and framing the face. It might seem intimidating at first but if you style it right, you can definitely rock the middle part. Short or long, it works with any hair length and texture as well while still demanding low maintenance. When it comes to styling this look, lean onto a blast of sea salt spray for beachy waves.
Style With: Toni Guy Sea Salt Texturising Spray
6. Finger Coils
When pressed for time—and in the absence of styling tools—harness the magic in your fingers to give way to thick, dense curls. After applying a leave-in conditioner and detangling your knots with a wide-toothed comb, section your hair into two parts and slather on a dollop of curl-enhancing cream. Begin twisting and twirling your strands until they coil when you let go!
Style With: Curl Up Curl Defining Cream
7. Corkscrew Curls
Embrace your experimental side with corkscrew-esque ringlets that’ll make everyone do a double-take. Grab a curling wand and tightly wrap sections of your hair around the iron for bouncy corkscrew curls. Spritz hairspray to increase their shelf life, and avoid brushing your hair or running your fingers through the curls.
Style With: Wella Professionals EIMI Boost Bounce Curl Enhancing Mousse
8. Spiral Curls
Give your curling wand a rest and pick up the flat iron. After air-drying or blow-drying your hair, grab a thick strand and place a heated iron approximately 3/4 of the way up the strand. As you hold the flat iron vertically, with the tip pointing upwards, twist the closed iron, making your way towards the end of each strand. Repeat this process with all the sections of your hair and run your fingers through your mane for light, bouncy curls.
Style With: Moroccanoil Curl Defining Cream
9. Curly Crown Braid
Perfect for a casual brunch or when you’re looking to dress down, a curly halo braid exudes elegance and how. Part your hair in the middle and section each side into three strands, beginning at the nape of your neck. Make a reverse French braid or Dutch braid on each side, creating a halo on the crown of your head once done.
Style With: Schwarzkopf Professional Osis Thrill Fibre Gum
10. Curly Side-Swept Hair
A super-easy way to elevate your basic hairdo, sweep your hair to one side to flaunt thick, voluminous spiral curls. To invite a dash of glam to your overall look, add embellished hair pins and clips to the sleek side.
Style With: Fix My Curls Defining Hair Gel For Curly And Wavy Hair
11. Curly Updo
Get red-carpet-ready with a curly updo that brings your ringlets under the spotlight. A hairdo for a more manageable mane, accessorise your updo with bejewelled pins and headbands that’ll quickly take your look from drab to fab.
Style With: Arata Advanced Curl Care Hair Gel
12. Loose Curls
Perhaps, just let your curls run loose – wild, free, and untamed. However, bear in mind that caring for curly hair is no easy feat. Invest in a suitable curly hair shampoo and conditioner, and pamper your tresses with a curly hair-specific mask every once in a while.
Style With: Dove Beautiful Curls Defining Gel
13. Half-Up Twist
Flowers never fail to add an elegant touch to your hairstyles and this is the perfect way to flaunt your curls while sporting flowers. Why tie it up in a bun when you can let your curls loose? All you need is a curl-defining gel that will add shine and hold to your hair.
Style With: Moxie Beauty Flexi Styling Serum Gel
14. Braid Ponytails
This cute retro hairstyle for curly hair is sure to elevate your casual outfits and daytime looks. The best part is you really just need 5–10 minutes to put this together depending on your hair length. Simply begin creating a fishtail braid and end it right at the nape of your neck.
Style With: Fix My Curls Weightless Whip Volumizing Mousse
15. Bow Tie
For days when you just want to tie your hair up, using a simple bow clip or a piece of ribbon is the easy way out. All you need to do is use some serum to add shine back into your hair, tie it at the back, and attach your bow.
Style With: L'Oreal Paris Extraordinary Oil Hair Serum
16. Accessorised Side Part
Embellished alligator clips help add some much-needed bling to your casual outfits and elevate your overall look. These pearl clips are elegant and only enhance your hair texture. Simply create a side part and add a few clips to the shorter side.
Style With: Yellow Chimes White Pearl Studded Aligator Clips
Steps To Recreate Curly Hairstyles Based On Length
Curly Hairstyles for Short Hair
1. Crown Braid
Feeling flirty? This seductive curly hairstyle is exactly what you need to paint the (mane) city red. (Psst, we meant green with envy)
Step 1: Begin by taming the frizz with the BBLUNT High Definition Curl, Curl Defining Leave-In Cream for defined soft curls.
Step 2: Create a crown French braid and secure the end of the braid with an elastic.
Step 3: Seal the deal with bobby pins to keep the braid in place.
Step 4: For a braid that stays in its place, finish off with a few spritzes of Kevin.Murphy Session.Spray Strong Hold Styling Hair Spray. That’s it! Looking good, girl.
2. Loosely Swept Up
There is something about loosely swept-up hair that shouts out to all curly-haired women.
Step 1: Give your naturally loose curls a little boost by running the Schwarzkopf Osis+ Curl Honey Curl Cream from the roots to the tips.
Step 2: Swoop up and pin your hair at the back of your head with an oversized bow clip.
Step 3: Set your wild curls free. Nail this look by not aiming for perfection.
Step 4: Hairspray wizardry is key to ensuring that the glam quo of this coif stays intact through the night. Mist your hairdo with Enzo Red Hair Styling, Hard Hold & Set Spray so it can survive your long hours without breaking into a sweat.
3. Center Parted
You will realize how a single hair parting can really change the game. Opt for this romantic loose curls hairstyle for the long due date.
Step 1: Since you’ve chosen a basic centre-part style, adding character to your locks is a big first move. Scrunch your spiral curls with Osmo Curl Spray Volumising Curl Enhancer.
Step 2: Use the Gorgio Professional Carbon Pin Tail Comb to create a bold partition at the centre.
Step 3: For obedient tresses that stick to the side of the parting, control the sway with a spritz of hairspray along the parting line. (P.S. Spray it from a distance.)
Step 4: Up for a classified tip? Don’t overwork your hair, ruffle up the length of your hair and strut out the door.
Curly Hairstyles for Medium Hair
1. Man bun
While most men are still struggling to pull it off, why don’t you join the man bun camp and show ‘em how it’s done, eh? Swap your regular curly bun with the quirky man bun for wavy curls.
Step 1: Comb through your tresses and gather them on the crown of your head. We swear by the Filone Handle Comb for detangling your locks sans the usual stress.
Step 2: Create a half ponytail. Secure it with an elastic.
Step 3: Swirl the length of the ponytail around its root and fix it with a hair tie.
Step 4: Play up the drama by defining your curls with Aveda Be Curly Curl Enhancer .
2. Scarf Braid
Whoever said braids can get boring clearly never gave the humble scarf a chance. Try this variation of braids with curly hair and you will find yourself escaping a style rut.
Step 1: Swoop all your hair to one side and divide it into three sections. You will be weaving a regular French braid but with a quirky scarf as an addition.
Step 2: Tie one end of the scarf to the root of the middle section and begin braiding like how you would usually.
Step 3: When you reach the end, secure the braid with an elastic. Pancake your braid by tugging at the sections.
Step 4: Now wrap the braid into a bun and secure it in place with bobby pins. The Franck Provost Xpert Pro Assorted Bobby Hair Pins secures your bun without weighing it down.
3. Curly Space Buns
If offbeat could be your middle name, your tress choices should include space buns for sure. Life is too short for boring hair (read ordinary curly bun hairstyle) anyway.
Step 1: Part your hair in the middle and create two high ponytails. Secure them with elastics.
Step 2: Twist the length of a ponytail like a rope and wrap it around the base, mimicking a bun. Secure with a hair tie.
Step 3: Repeat on the other side.
Step 4: Once you’re done with your space buns, set them using a few quick spritzes of Schwarzkopf Professional Osis + Session Label Flexible Hold Hair Spray .
Curly Hairstyles for Long Hair
1. Fused Triple Braid
Please the braid buff in you with the fused triple braid hairdo. Don’t worry about how complicated this looks, this long curly hairstyle grows on you with time.
Step 1: Rub a few drops of L'Oreal Professionnel X-Tenso Care Serum between your palms and work it through your locks.
Step 2: Split your hair into three equal sections.
Step 3: Taking one section at a time, create basic three-section braids.
Step 4: Now take the three individual braids and loosely weave them into a thick, combined one.
2. Pineapple Updo
Take the #IWokeUpLikeThis look a notch higher with the pineapple updo and bless yourself with some spare me time in the AM. Also, not to forget, this updo is an ideal pick for curly hair with bangs.
Step 1: Use your fingers to run a dollop of Tresemme Curl Care Flawless Curls Extra Hold Mousse through the curls.
Step 2: Clip your bangs loosely for the time being so they don’t get in the way of your updo.
Step 3: Gather the rest of your locks at the back of your head and slip in a loose scrunchie. Add a feminine spin with the Toniq Earthen Treasure Scrunchies .
Step 4: Use bobby pins at the base of the ponytail to keep the hairdo in place. Let the loose tendrils be.
Step 5: Unclip your bangs and let them fall naturally along your forehead.
3. Side Ponytail
Flaunt those badass curls with this curly hair ponytail and your perm squad will be taking lessons from you in no time.
Step 1: Show your tight curls some love with the Curl Enhancing Weightless Lotion By Kevin Murphy . Use the formula to scrunch your curls effectively for greater definition.
Step 2: Swoop all your hair to one side and create a high ponytail. Secure it with an elastic.
Step 3: Managing all that volume on one side won’t be easy so the Osmo Extreme Xfirm Gel Spray to deal with the frizz.
Step 4: Set free a few curly hair fringes loose on either side for a more effortless vibe.
Tips For Managing Curly Hair
The underlying truth is that rebellious curls can be merciless at times. Fret not, we’ve got your locks covered. Here are a few tips to keep your mane sane.
- Skip frequent shampooing as it can dry out already-thirsty curls. Don’t follow suit just because the shampoo routine of your straight-haired friends is more intense. Instead, make the conditioner your shower time BFF.
- Wash your tight curls section by section. The result? Your hair scores more tangle-free points. Depending on the thickness of your mane, divide it into 2 or more sections and, shampoo and condition each section thoroughly.
- Want in on a secret? What you sleep on can make or break your soft curls. Replace cotton pillow covers with silk cases. If you don’t have one, you could simply wrap your curls in a satin scarf while you sleep.
- This is non-negotiable, no warm water rinses. We repeat, no. Don’t subject your tresses to the Frizz Gods because you’re craving warmth. Allow cold water to lock in moisture and reduce frizz.
- Make snag-free combs your tress mate. Detangle your hair section-wise with a wide-toothed comb. You don’t want to mess up your natural curl pattern. Nykaa Recommends: Vega Wide Tooth Wooden Comb
Tips For Maintaining Curly Hair
• From one curl friend to another: Lay off the shampoo. Stick to shampooing your hair just once a week, and focus more on conditioning if you don’t want to encourage more frizz.
• Ask your stylist to cut your hair dry and not wet. Dry cutting allows for a better understanding of the shape and the amount of coils present in hair. A clear picture of how the hair will look post-haircut is possible only with dry cutting.
• A hydrating mask may sound extra but trust us your curls could do with some hydration boost. It can give you shiny, bouncy and frizz-free curls until your next wash.
• It’s essential to close the cuticles and seal in moisture once your hair wash is complete. This can be made possible by ensuring the final rinse is with cold water. Warm water can be comforting but give the cold water treatment a try and you will notice the difference in your hair texture.
• This may sound like a controversial tip but trust us, it helps to use a brush when your hair is damp. Opt for a wide-toothed brush so you don’t end up ripping the hair from your head and detangle your hair before you section it and condition it.
• Thanks to the coils, curly hair tends to shrink and look shorter than it actually is. This is why it’s important to cut less than you intend so you don’t end up losing on the length.
• When styling curly hair, the easier and safer method is using fingers. Using combs to distribute products can lead to hair breakage and split ends.
• Do you brush your hair from roots to ends? It’s time to reverse the direction. Brushing the ends first helps detangle your hair from down. It then gets easier to move the brush from the roots and along the lengths to the ends without damaging or breaking strands.
• Give the blow dryer a break. Whenever possible, let your hair air dry as it really lets the products sink in and doesn’t cause the hair to frizz after drying. Regularly depending on the blow dryer for a quick dry can affect the texture of your hair and thereby rob your curls of their shine.
• Tend to leave your hair open when sleeping at night? Tie your hair into a pineapple updo by loosely tying your hair on top of your head. This will prevent the curls from lying flat on your pillow and losing their shape by morning. On that note, also get yourself a silk pillowcase if you’ve still been using a cotton one. Why? Unlike cotton, the silk case won’t cause friction a.k.a. Frizz.
Key Takeaways
To ensure your curly hair looks the best every time, it is important to identify your curl type and pick a haircut best suited to your hair texture and volume. The right haircut for curly hair will add definition and volume to your hair and ensure it is frizz-free. Regular haircuts are important to maintain curly hair, along with taking steps to manage curls like using products suited to curly hair types, using hydrating masks, and being gentle with your hair.
FAQs On Haircuts For Curly Hair
1. Suggest short haircuts 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.
3. Will haircuts for curly hair help the curls look better?
When done right, haircuts can enhance the natural curl pattern. It will help the curls appear springier and bouncier if they have been appearing flat of late.
4. Can hair go from straight to curly?
If the amount of androgens spikes in the body, it can alter the shape of hair follicles from round to flat which in turn may give rise to curly hair. A favourable combination of genetics, hormones and body chemistry can also change your hair texture and shape gradually and in such a case it’s possible to go from straight to curly hair.
5. How do you make your curly hair look the best?
Create a simple curly hair routine with curl-friendly products to make your hair look the best and ensure you follow the routine every week to maintain your curls.
