The 21 Best Haircuts for Curly Hair

Whether you’d describe your hair as curly, wavy, coiled, or spiraled, it all boils down to the same thing: The cute cropped cuts that look seriously stylish on your friends with straight strands won’t necessarily work well for hair with more shape and texture. In other words, the struggle is real for those with curls. In order to appreciate curls for the blessing they should be, it’s a must to find a cut that matches your hair’s texture and length. Not exactly an easy task—but that’s why we’re sharing the best haircuts for curly hair (whether your curly mane is short, medium, or long!). Keep reading and have your pick from the following 21 best haircuts for curly hair.

Best haircut ideas for short curly hair

Prefer to keep your hair shorter? These are seven of the best short curly haircuts.

CURLY HAIRCUT IDEA #1: layered bob

One of the best ways to even out the volume distribution of your curls is with a layered haircut, and it doesn’t get much more classic than the layered bob. Best of all, this haircut works with just about any type of curls, from loose waves to the tightest of spirals.

CURLY HAIRCUT IDEA #2: shaggy bob

Just because you have curly hair doesn’t mean you can’t sport a shorter style! But if you do, consider adding in shaggy layers that will help evenly distribute the volume of your curls. Shaggy layers are basically a more boho version of the classic, more tapered layers you may be used to.

CURLY HAIRCUT IDEA #3: inverted bob

An inverted bob haircut involves longer hair around the chin that transitions into shorter strands in the back. This sophisticated version of the bob haircut is easy to maintain and ideal for those with curly strands.

CURLY HAIRCUT #4: classic pixie

Cropping your locks super-short may seem scary, but that doesn’t have to be the case. A pixie that’s left long on top makes for a feminine yet edgy style that’s low maintenance—isn’t that the dream?

Follow these simple steps to style your curly haircut:

Step 1: Cleanse and condition

Quench your curls while you wash using the L’Oréal Paris EverCurl HydraCharge Shampoo and the L’Oréal Paris EverCurl HydraCharge Conditioner.

Step 2: Shape with hair gel

Shape and sculpt short styles with a cream-gel, like the L’Oréal Paris EverCurl Sculpt & Hold Cream-Gel. The formula combines the care of a conditioning cream with a gel that shapes without weighing hair down.

CURLY HAIRCUT IDEA #5: sculpted pixie

A more tapered pixie cut leaves room for voluminous curls on top, while keeping the sides short and sweet.

CURLY HAIRCUT #6: afro

Cutting curly hair is all about embracing texture, which tends to differ from one person in possession of curls to another. If your curls are tight and coarse, an afro may be the perfect choice for your coils.

Follow these simple steps to style your curly haircut:

Step 1: Cleanse and condition

Before you start styling, clean your curls. Use the L’Oréal Paris Elvive Extraordinary Oil Curls Shampoo and the L’Oréal Paris Elvive Extraordinary Oil Curls Conditioner. For an added dose of hydration, use the L’Oréal Paris Elvive Extraordinary Oil Curls Re-Nourish Mask in place of conditioner once or twice a week.

Step 2: Air dry

Talk about a hassle-free curly hairstyle—once your curls are clean and conditioned, air drying is all you need to do.

CURLY HAIRCUT #7: layered afro

Those with super-tight coils that are eyeing an afro cut might consider also adding layers into the mix, which can help break up the bulk of the volume.

Best haircut ideas for medium curly hair

You can’t go wrong with a ‘do that’s not too short yet not too long. Consider one of the seven medium-length haircuts for curly hair to find the cut that’s just right for you.

CURLY HAIRCUT IDEA #8: lob

A mane marked by a mass of curls may rule out certain cuts and styles, but thankfully the lob is not among them. This trendy hairstyle suits just about anyone, including girls with curls. With the help of a few face-framing layers, the cut can also flatter just about any face shape.

Follow these simple steps to style your curly haircut:

Step 1: Spritz with heat protectant

Before you can begin to blow-dry your hair, it’s important to provide your hair with a line of defense against the heat. So, spray strands all over with the L'Oréal Paris Advanced Hairstyle SLEEK IT Iron Straight Heatspray for long-lasting volume and heat protection.

Step 2: Smooth on hair cream

While hair is still damp, apply a generous amount of the L’Oréal Paris Advanced Hairstyle CURVE IT Elastic Curl Mousse. Scrunch hair gently to soften and tame curls from roots to ends.

Step 3. Blow-dry

Now you’re ready to heat style your hair! Break out your blow-dryer and blast your strands until completely dry.

CURLY HAIRCUT #9: asymmetrical lob

If a regular lob is too basic for your taste, why not make it asymmetrical? In other words: A lob that’s longer in the front and slightly shorter in the back. This super chic cut gives off sophisticated vibes.

CURLY HAIRCUT #10: feathered lob

This feathered take on the lob includes wispy layers that are perfect for showing off loose waves. If your hair is more wavy than curly, this is still an option worth considering—especially if your hair is on the thinner side. Curly-hair can be thin, too, and a feathered lob might be just the right cut to add a boost of volume.

CURLY HAIRCUT #11: face-framing layers

Layers of all types are ideal for curly locks, but we particularly love pairing face-framing layers with a mid-length cut. Something about this look is both timeless and romantic, because what could be better than beautiful curls framing your beautiful face?

CURLY HAIRCUT #12: stacked layers

Another type of layered cut that’s super flattering on curly hair is a medium-length, stacked cut. Stacked layers are just what they sound like—layers that are stacked vertically on top of one another. Why would you want them? Well, they work to pump up the volume at the back of the head while also creating definition around the face.

CURLY HAIRCUT #13: grown-out bob

If we’re getting specific, the grown-out bob falls right in between the bob and the lob. This cut sits just below the chin and looks particularly chic with loose waves and a deep side part.

CURLY HAIRCUT #14: blunt cut

The blunt cut is always in style, and it involves a straight-edge cut across the bottom of your strands—making for hair that’s all one length. For this reason, this cut is best for those with loose curls or waves. 

Best haircut ideas for long curly hair

How should you cut and style your long, lustrous curls? We have ideas—seven of them, to be exact.

CURLY HAIRCUT #15: shaggy all over

Forcing your curls into an extremely curated cut isn’t always the best option. Sometimes, it’s better to embrace the fact that curls can be messy and unruly. A shag style is fitting for the lived-in, undone texture that tends to come with spiral-shaped strands.

Follow these simple steps to style your curly haircut:

Step 1: Air dry

For beautiful-looking curls, don’t use heat on your hair every day. After hopping out of the shower, allow your hair to start air drying.

Step 2: Apply mousse

Before hair dries completely, work a bit of mousse through your shaggy strands. Scrunch to enhance your hair’s natural shape, then let your locks dry the rest of the way.

Step 3: Pull your hair into a half-up style

A half-up style offers the best of both worlds—it gets your hair out of your eyes while still allowing you to enjoy the look of wearing your hair down. Pull the top section of your hair into a top knot and secure it with a hair tie. Leave the rest of your length down and you’re good to go.

CURLY HAIRCUT #16: swoopy layers

To maintain the dimension of your longer curls, layers are almost always a good idea. Layers of the swoopy variety provide instant volume and look particularly fabulous on those with looser curls.

CURLY HAIRCUT #17: long layers

Taking risks with your tresses can be fun, but it’s not always necessary. Playing it safe can actually lead you to a pretty sweet style. Opt for a sure-fire style with long layers; your extra-long locks will help hold down your curls, while the layers are flattering on any face shape. Seriously, you can’t get more foolproof than that.

Follow these simple steps to style your curly haircut:

Step 1: Use texturizing spray

Spritz towel-dried tresses with the L’Oréal Paris Advanced Hairstyle BOOST IT Air-Blown Texture Mist, focusing at the roots for maximum lift.

Step 2: Pull into a ponytail

Once your hair is dry, secure it in a simple ponytail.

Step 3: Finish with hairspray

If you want your style to stay put—and who doesn’t—use the L’Oréal Paris Advanced Hairstyle LOCK IT Bold Control Hairspray to help lock your look in place.

CURLY HAIRCUT #18: steep layers

If traditional, romantic layers aren’t your thing, go for a more dramatic look. Steep layers are just the thing to break up volume on tight spirals, but also work for looser waves.

CURLY HAIRCUT IDEA #19: blunt bangs

Straight, right-across-your-forehead bangs can be the perfect contrast to bouncy curls—and they pair well with just about any haircut, both long and short!

CURLY HAIRCUT IDEA #20: long bangs

Longer bangs, which are just slightly shorter than face-framing layers, can be just the thing to show off your gorgeous curls!

CURLY HAIRCUT IDEA #21: side bangs

Side-swept bangs look amazing with long hair and pair well with any type of curl, just remember that they will require daily styling (a bit of hair gel or hair spray will do the trick).

Next up: For more curly hair tips, check out our article on Our Best Curly Hair Products.