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The Best Haircuts for Extremely Curly Hair

 

If you have curly hair, you know that maintaining that stunning healthy texture is no easy task: Every shower presents the brutal choice of either spending a lot of time (and product) defining and styling each coil or taking a gamble and quite possibly ending up with a frizzy pouf on top of your head.

But when they behave, curls are a gift. And you already know at this point that the right haircut is probably the most important factor of manageable, pretty texture. The best haircuts for curly hair shape your mane in a way that allows your tendrils to naturally fall in the best way, with bouncy definition—and minimal styling time.

You'll need two things: a stylist experienced in curly cuts and an idea of the kind of looks that work best with your texture. We've got you covered on both—just take a look below for nine of the best haircuts for curly hair.

MEET THE EXPERT

Jenna Spino is a hairstylist at Maxine Salon in Chicago.
Annagjid “Kee” Taylor is a celebrity hairstylist and owner of Deeper Than Hair in Philadelphia.

 

Voluminous Bob

Spino loves the voluminous bob style on super curly hair. "If you’re looking to enhance your curls, the bob haircut will work with your curls, giving you big curly hair. To enhance them more, simply diffuse your hair. Adding layers to remove some weight with this cut is a great idea," she says.

Long Layers

First things first: It's essential to see a stylist who has experience with curls, since expertly cut layers ensure that your coils remain light and bouncy despite your overall length. "Layered curls are a simple look that gives your hair a light, airy shape while adding volume and movement to those curls, and can work for all hair types," Taylor explains.

When thinking about how your curls will look with a given cut, consider gravity. "Keeping your hair long will loosen your curls," Spino says. "If you are trying to elongate your curls, keeping it long will naturally use the weight of your hair to loosen up those tight curls, making air drying an option."

A Bob

A bob is a great style for curly hair, as it allows for the coils to frame your face effortlessly. We love how bangs add even more dimension to this already shapely chop. 

A Layered Lob

If you want a bit more length to your bob, a layered cut provides a beautiful shape that makes for more laissez-faire styling. This haircut is perfect for girls looking to painlessly grow out their bob into a lob or longer.

A Geometric Lob

For a more editorial look, lean into your natural volume to play with different shapes.

A Short Afro

A slightly grown-out crop is always chic and looks especially lovely with hydrated curls. Try a moisture-boosting conditioner, like the Shea Moisture Coconut & Hibiscus Curl Enhancing Smoothie Conditioner ($4).

A Medium-Length Afro

The good news: Your natural texture eliminates the awkwardness of transitioning from short hair to long. Opt for a shapely structure, or switch it up by brushing your coils out. Either way, make sure your hair is hydrated and healthy with regular leave-in treatments. We recommend the Cantu Shea Butter Deep Treatment Masque ($8).

A Curl-Enhancing Pixie Cut

The beauty of a textured pixie: It's minimal input for maximum output, as your natural beauty has nowhere to hide.

Curly Shag with Bangs

"Shags look best with some body, making it a great cut for curly girls," Spino says. "If you’re looking for a trendy cut but don’t want to spend all day styling, this is it. You might think bangs is a no-no for curly, hair but letting them be curly gives the look a little edge."