42 of the Best Haircuts for Curly Hair of Every Length

The best haircut for curly hair is one that marries style and sustainability.

Eunice Lucero | July 11, 2019

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Girls love curls, and this season is no exception! We’ve seen a plethora of looks hit the streets that are both fashionable and flattering, now that everyone is finally starting to embrace their natural texture. Going with the flow has never been this chic, and we’ve got a whopping gallery featuring the best haircuts for curly hair to prove it.

One of the biggest variances curly hair types have to deal with—aside from their actual curl category, of course, something we’ve hopefully helped shed some light on here—is their lengths. Scroll on for a comprehensive list of pretty haircuts that best handle common issues that curly hair types usually face, such as shape, manageability and frizz vulnerability (not to mention look cute while doing so!):

This length has gotten a bad rap from the curly persuasion, and those who can relate know that there’s no trauma quite like bad-haircut-trauma brought about by a too-poufy look. If you’ve always yearned for a shorter length but have steered clear due to your ringlets, fear not: Today’s iterations feature more thoughtful lengths (think cuts that respect your curl type) and flatter your face shape. That said, it’s the best time yet to take the plunge!

1. Cropped

African-American hair or similarly textured locks look fabulous when cropped close to the head. This hair type stays pretty neat and structured (not to mention super chic) at this length.

2. Pixie

Finer, thinner curls can work a finger-waved or Flapper vibe with a curly pixie.

3. Faded

Who says fades are just for guys? If you have kinky or tightly coiled curls, your hair has the integrity to totally borrow from the boys with this sharply cut look.

4. Loose Bob

This wash-and-wear bob is one of the best hairstyles for curly hair with a bigger ringlet.

5. Wispy Crop

Soft, natural curls give thinning hair the illusion of density and fullness.

6. TWA

The Teeny Weeny Afro has been a knockout favorite in recent seasons due to its more manageable shape and a stylish tapered look.

7. Perfect ’Fro

Although when it comes to the best haircut for curly hair in an Afro style, nothing quite beats the classic sex appeal of a rounded, impeccably shaped ’fro.

8. High Top

Like a grown-out version of the faded haircut, with a trendy wet-look finish to boot.

9. Rounded with Bangs

3A and 3B girls can opt for this look, which marries a softly rounded shape with a runway-hot micro fringe.

10. Natural Bob

Natural hair types can work a sexy, well-shaped bob (ask for some slightly shorter layers near the top to lighten the load). A leave-in conditioner, such as Suave Professionals Honey Infusion 10-in-1 Leave-In Conditioner, helps keep ringlets hydrated and protected from frizz.

For Dry Hair

Suave Professionals Honey Infusion Strengthening Leave-In Conditioner

11. Chin-Length Bob

By the same token, those with 3A and 3B curls can also wear a blunt bob with ease, provided your tresses are moisturized and your jawline is softer or rounder.

12. Blunt with Bangs

Continuing the wet-look craze is another blunt rendition, this time in a shorter length with some killer rockstar bangs.

13. 4A Crop

Coarse curls can still retain shape and definition with a super-cute ear-length crop, and the help of some flexi-rods!

14. Moussed

Thick, full and slightly messy, this volumized ’do evokes early ’90s sass in the best way.

15. Short Shag

One of last year’s Greatest Hits continues its run this season, and with good reason: This soft, shaggy look is extremely versatile and fun to style.

16. Triangle Bob

Best for square-shaped and inverted-triangle faces, this quietly layered bob features a classic, balanced silhouette that softens an angular jaw.

17. Square Bob

A perfectly symmetrical haircut for a perfectly symmetrical face shape! Oval faces can rest assured knowing this haircut, which has a straight edge and minimal layering elsewhere does wonders for their features.

MEDIUM

Lobs, shags and wedge cuts, oh my! These hardworking styles are one of the best curly hair looks around: Their popularity has been well documented by street style stars the world over who can’t seem to get enough of their texture and movement, and the fact that they flatter virtually all face shapes. And as far as cost per wear goes, they certainly give major bang for the buck—one haircut can lend itself to a myriad of looks and vibes, depending on one’s ever-changing moods.

18. Curly Lob

Somewhat longer layers towards the front make this shiny, picture-perfect lob a hot pick amongst celebs.

19. Beachy Lob with Bangs

A soft, wispy fringe gives a romantic touch to this matte-textured lob.

20. Natural Lob

3C hair can also lend itself to the most graceful of lobs, provided they’re subtly layered at the ends in a gentle wedged shape.

21. Tightly Curled

A little bit country, a little bit rock ‘n roll is how we best see this sweet, tightly coiled mid-length ’do.

22. Side-Swept and Shiny

Side-parted looks are the best curly hairstyles for those with bigger waves and curls, as they provide a delicate, feminine touch.

23. Middle-Parted Shag

This retro-inspired look features curls that get tighter and more textured at the mid-length, making it a great foil for a curtained fringe.

24. Center-Parted Natural Lob

The perfect alignment of these shiny waves gives oval faces a bit of textural interest.

25. Permed Lob

A shaggy long bob gets some definition from root to tip with a curling mousse, such as Dove Style+Care Curls Defining Mousse.

For Styling

Dove Curls Defining Mousse

26. Wedged

The clean edges of this textbook wedge provide a flattering symmetry to a strong chin.

27. Short Lob

We see your not-quite-wavy, not-totally-curly hair and raise you a not-quite-a-bob for a look that’s totally wearable and haute couture.

28. Silky Natural Lob

Well-moisturized 3B/3C hair can look polished and frizz-free too, with a slightly longer length.

29. Chunky Lob

Zigzagged curls provide just the right touch of visual interest to a minimal aesthetic.

LONG

Length gives curly hair added weight and rudders down any pouf you might experience throughout the day, which is why long hair is a fave look among many with this hair type. Not to say you’re relegated to a few contrived looks though, as variations on this theme abound—everything from bumpy bangs to beachy texture or even a grown-out ’fro gives your look more personality and swing.

30. Lightly Layered

Delicate shorter layers at the sides and ends keep this adorable middle-parted sheath from looking too heavy.

31. ’70s

We totes envision this center-parted red hairstyle—which has a bang that acts as a palate cleanser for all that hair—as being all the rage during the groovy 1970s.

32. Dual-Textured

This two-tone look—straight bangs, curly lengths—are also another way to switch up one of the best haircuts for curly hair.

33. Fresh and Natural

Look closer, and you’ll see that this is actually 3B hair that’s been optimally cut and moisturized to maximize length without the weigh-down.

34. Airy

Looser curls get a light, airy feel with a somewhat shaggy shape.

35. Big Triangle

The best haircuts for curly hair work on longer lengths too and look particularly flattering with an off-center part.

36. Grown-Out Afro

Visit your stylist for regular trims to maintain a rounder shape.

37. Elbow-Length

A longer length gives curls opportunity to stretch, making for a wavier appearance. A contour cream, like Bed Head by TIGI On the Rebound Curl Recall Cream, ensures they don’t lose their shape entirely.