Some individuals think curly hair has very few options. This is entirely untrue. Curly hair is actually one of the most flexible hair types because of how many different styles you can create with it. Regardless of your hair type or length, there is guaranteed to be a trending hairstyle that will look amazing on you. Check out these inspirational curly hairstyles ideas for your upcoming sit at the salon!
To the unobservant person, it might seem like a stylist has no control over a curly cut because a lot of people think the hair texture does all the work. This is false. Hair is just the material and it’s the cut that is going to stipulate how intentional the style is. Not long ago, one of my clients shared a story from a previous appointment with a stylist who, in her words, had done what she called ‘a long hair trim’. I truly could not understand how she took so long to find a stylist who could style the hair to achieve the look she was hoping to get. This explains why curly cuts can be more essential than you think.
What I enjoy the most about these styles is the contrast. Some of the styles are bold and adventurous while others are more subdued and calm. Some are cuts that seem simple until you find the perfect person and then the hairstyle just elevates the entire look.
Even if every single curly cut won’t grab your attention, learning about the ones that do can be helpful. It’s helpful to know what can be done with a curly cut, even if you’re only thinking about going shorter or adding some layers. An intentional curly cut has lots of room to play with all kinds of different styles. I’m sure you’ll find something in this collection that speaks to you.
#1: Long Curls with Sun-Kissed Caramel Ends
I can’t help but come back to this one. The dark roots seamlessly melting into caramel and honey-like color at the ends is stunning. The color works especially well because the curls are tight enough that the color transition isn’t a straight line. It’s broken up in a way that looks like hair actually lightens in the sun. That’s the goal with balayage on curly hair. It should look like a summer’s worth of sun instead of something that was done in a chair and way too structured. The cut has long layers starting from about the chin all the way to the ends, so the curls can be different sizes and shapes at all those levels. The added color only enhances all of that instead of flattening it. This is honestly one of my favorites from the entire collection.
#2: Chin-Length Curly Bob with Side Part
The deep side part on this chin-length bob offers a subtle A-line effect due to the forward placement of one side and backward placement of the other side. In the case of curly hair, this adds a unique asymmetry that varies based on the placement of the part. Given the fairly loose curly texture on the order of a 2C to 3A grade, the dark brown shade looks shiny and uniform which makes it appear expensive while demanding minimal upkeep. This length is ideal for a person who wants to go shorter without making a complete commitment to a significantly shorter hairstyle. It can be tucked and pinned behind the ears to keep it out of the way. However, it also has sufficient length to look nice and be seen when worn down. It’s a great haircut when you leave the salon and can’t stop checking yourself out in the mirrors.
#3: Curly Tapered Fade with Texture on Top
For this style, the top curls should defintely be doing something, especially with that amount of spacing on the sides versus the crown. With the plate, tight tapering around the ears and nape, and with the length in the curls on top, it is structured to be perfect, but not sloppily so. All this needs is that natural black color. This is a barbershop-curl-specialist cut, and those are some of the most difficult to execute well. You really need someone with an eye for precision-fading and an understanding of how curls behave. When both come together, good things happen.
#4: Platinum Blonde Curly Bob
I have platinum curly hair too and while I haven’t gone platinum more than once a month I do talk people out of that decision more often than not. With curly hair, a lot of compromising has to be made with texture, elasticity and looseness of the actual curls. It is stunning when done right. The process has to be undertaken correctly and not every head of hair can handle the way the stylist did. Similar to the previous example, the bounce and definition of the curls shows that this was done over a few sessions (or this person has really strong hair). With curly hair, warm tones are better than too ashy of a tone to reduce the appearance of dryness, even if you know the hair is moisturized. This look requires a lot of maintenance and weekly deep conditioning hair masks. If you want the look but don’t want the maintenance, this look will be a disaster.
#5: Long Waist-Length Curls with Face-Framing Layers
It takes a real commitment to grow long hair, which is why I am struck by this. With layered curls framing the face, it adds some depth, so it doesn’t look like a wall of curls. The focus is on the person and not just the hair. The color is a natural dark brown with bits of light brown scattered throughout, which looks great. It’s either old highlights growing out or just natural sun exposure. It adds visual interest to the hair that looks like it was done without purpose. The only downside about long hair is the effort put in to maintain it, although, it is more important to get regular trims because split ends will change the curl pattern. Getting a trim every 10 – 12 weeks maintains the curl pattern.
#6: Casual Shoulder-Length Curls with a Shag Shape
It’s awesome that this cut looks so authentic. Its not some sort of photoshoot type of cut or poor ring light cut with curls doing who knows what. The shag shape gives a mullet vibe at the neck, and the shorter layers around the face, and the light brown color variation, well that’s just hair doing what it does. I guess people just don’t get the distinct difference of what’s on IG vs what beautiful real curls look like midweek. But this is the really good version of the cut. The shape is there, the curls have a nice bounce, and it doesn’t have to be perfect to look good.
#7: Side-Swept Long Curls with Depth
Shifting everything to one side creates an effect that alters the entire vibe of a haircut. This works particularly well here because the curls are long and defined enough to stay in place without sliding back. The color is a rich deep brunette with some contrast and natural variation throughout the lengths as warmer tones peek through. That’s dimension that occurs with time sun exposure and natural wear and not from a salon. The cut looks to have some face framing layers because the curls in the front are shorter and more open while the majority of the length sits behind the shoulder. It’s pretty without being fussy.
#8: Warm Blonde Curly Bob with Bangs
This warm golden blonde color with a root shadow is stunning on curly hair! Curls really break up the root shadow, meaning you won’t see obvious regrowth that you would on straight hair. I think a lot of people don’t realize this, but curly hair can actually have color done less frequently, as the maintenance is much easier. This chin-length bob with full curly bangs is so French, very effortless and almost paradoxically so with how precise the cut is. She could use a purple shampoo to keep that blonde from getting too warm, but to be honest even if it lifted brassy, it would probably look good on her.
#9: Curly Lob with Curtain Bangs
This is an amazing look! Curtain bangs and face framing curls add a softness and vintage touch to the look. It’s modern and on-trend. The lob length is ideal because it’s long enough to have movement and weight, but short enough to keep the shape of the curls. The dark brunette balayage is warm and light, especially around the tops of the curls. It looks effortless but I can tell a lot of work went into it. Curtain bangs are very forgiving so don’t worry if you are considering bangs with curly hair. If they are out of place they will just blend into the curls and look great.
#10 Long Wavy Layers with Dark Chocolate Shine
The first thing I noticed about her hairstyle was the glossiness that ran the length of the dark chocolate brown hair, and I have to say it’s nearly as good as the cut, or perhaps even better, and I believe that is a fair statement. The hairstyle consists of long layers, a center part, and romantic, loose waves. These types of waves tend to look better as the day progresses and the hair settles. The hair color is also rich and full of depth—not flat black and not a standard medium brown—bathing in the richness of dark warm brunette without any synthetic highlights. To keep that salon shine on hair this long where the ends tend to look duller, I would specifically recommend a gloss treatment to maintain that kind of shine especially between salon visits.
#11: Natural Brown Spirals with Volume
I appreciate how you managed the density, and the cut is obviously designed to eliminate unnecessary thinning that leads to frizz or awkward puffs. I can see layering on the crown that is elevating the roots, keeping the triangular shape at bay that many with this density of hair tend to get when they grow it out unshaped. The medium warm brown is pleasingly consistent from root to tip, which looks clean and intentional. There is nothing wrong about having virgin hair as it is, especially when the cut does this much. I think the urge to add color is often to try and make the haircut appear more interesting, but with this good texture, the cut really doesn’t need it.
#12: Soft Waves with a Lived-In Part
This style offers waves on the more relaxed end of the curl spectrum which is important to include as not everyone has ringlet curls. The waves are shoulder length with jaw length layered waves. The color is deep brunette, healthy, warm undertone and subtle in the light. This is literally a wash-and-go cut: right out the door with probably some mousse or light gel, a little scrunch, and go. It’s not glamorous but it’s good.
#13: Curly Shag with Wispy Bangs
When clients bring in photos of hairstyles, stylists have to explain that different hair textures will lead to different results. I say this with love because this unique combination of curl pattern, density, and shag shape is tough to pull off if you don’t have loose to medium curls. The bangs are cut to just the right length to blend with the surrounding curls so that the bangs don’t sit as a distinct piece. That is what differentiates curly bangs that look purposeful from the rest that look as though they are about to flee. The warm brunette shade adds dimension, but with all the color variation, the addition of any heaviness is eliminated. If you’re thinking of getting a shag but have gone back and forth, this is perfect for clients who are a bit anxious. The cut is quite forgiving so it is suited to a more relaxed styling approach. It looks like you’ve made a choice on a day where you don’t feel like styling your hair but gives that effortless vibe. The shag look is fabulous because the layers are generous, yet they aren’t too aggressive.
#14: Copper Tapered Curly Crop
This cut stands out because of the color. The warm copper-caramel color on this short tapered cut is super bold and I love it. With warm tones on tight curls, they just look better than cool ones. With copper color, every curl looks like it has been highlighted. The cut is super clean with a slight taper on the sides and more length and curls on top which is really flattering. If you are considering going short and adding color, warm colors are always the right choice. On really short curly cuts, cool tones can wash you out and look flat. Warm tones give the eye something to follow.
#15: Bouncy Dark Curls with Body
I could give up dying my hair for the sake of recognizing the beauty of natural curls. The volume comes from the cut and it truly is amazing hair. The layers are hugging the curls as they spring from the roots and ends, and are tight and springy. The shine on this hair tells me the cuticle is well maintained. Most people do not realize that healthy hair curls reflect light instead of scattering it, so it’s great that she is doing something right. The color looks like a natural, dark brown-black and honestly, I wouldn’t touch it.
#16: Textured Curly Pixie
The difference between an amazing curly pixie cut and an awful one is incredibly thin. In this case, the stylist has left enough room on top for the curl to fully express itself and has kept the sides and back close. The softness combined with the slight piece-y quality at the temples makes it feminine and effortless. Just keep in mind that this style will require maintenance every four to five weeks. With more growth, the shape begins to disappear and you get stuck in that weird in-between that doesn’t look like anything at all. When it’s fresh, a pixie cut like this is really like nothing else, but it is unfortunate that it won’t stay like this for long.
#17: Chin-Length Coily Crop
Her new haircut is inspiring a lot of confidence, and it is easy to see why. The rounded shape of her cut looks nice and with just a hint of asymmetry, it keeps the style from looking overdone. This style is designed for maximum impact with almost no upkeep required. I’ve got to think that wash day is going to be super easy and that the style will only get better as the days go by. By day three or four, I imagine her curls will have settled perfectly. Short hair isn’t for everyone. However, for those who have smaller, tighter curls, this cut could be a game changer.
#18: Defined Shoulder-Length Coils
To achieve curls that are shoulder length, here are some ideas of what curls to focus on. They are easy, well defined and well moisturized. While this haircut may not be the most thrilling in pictures, it is most likely the haircut that will receive the greatest amount of compliments in real life and will result in people stopping you to ask who does your hair! The definition in these curls and coils is giving me leave-in conditioner and gel with a strong hold, and then the hold was scrunched out AFTER it was dry! Looking good doesn’t always have to be about an expensive haircut, sometimes all it takes is a haircut that highlights how healthy your hair is.
#19: Long Curls with Golden Balayage
This is the balayage I would want to see on curly hair. The golden blonde ends and mid lengths are bright enough to create contrast with the darker natural base that is left at the roots and crown. The cascading effect in this curly balayage captures color at various levels in the spiral of longer and tighter curls. I appreciate the fact that the stylist went less blonde at the start of the balayage. It means that the hair won’t look brassy in two weeks and the pieces won’t be too harsh against the model’s skin tone. The color on curly hair ages beautifully, and this is a perfect example. As the roots come in, the absence of hard lines is a result of the curls absorbing the transition. This look is exactly what anyone would want for color on hair this length and it is designed to be low maintenance.
#20: Voluminous Curly Bob in Warm Chestnut
The warm chestnut color is gorgeous and has so much depth. For example, the way the light hits different curls shows how much light is hitting some curls and not others. The richness of the color is like nothing else. It looks like a special choice and not like it was just grabbed from the bowl. The cut is a short bob with a full crown that takes a lot of bravery to do this short with this much curl because there is no hiding behind length. Everything is close to the face. It’s nice that the asymmetry in the falling curls adds a lot of appeal and one side may fall differently than the other, but that is just fine. It doesn’t lose any intention. It just gets better.
#21: Long Cascading Curls with a Smooth Crown
The root area going from smooth to more defined curls is more of a styling choice than a haircut choice and is worth mentioning since a lot of people with this curl pattern feel like they have to pick between the two. You don’t. The length here gives the hair enough weight to lie flatter at the crown and the curls start to pick up where the weight gets distributed more toward the end of the shaft. A bit of curl cream from the middle to the ends would maintain this much definition without extra weight added to the top. The hair color, a naturally deep black-brown, is doing exactly what it should; getting out of the way and letting the texture take center stage.
#22: Tight Coils with Warm Highlights
The conversation between curl and color is evident here. The base color is dark brown to black, and warm chestnut and copper tones are woven through the mid-lengths and ends. Coiling and light capture those tones, so it creates a beautiful color setup. If you did this color on straight hair, it would look like an ombré, but on these curls, it gives a sun-kissed warmth that feels natural. I’ve had similar clients with 3C curl patterns, and the key is painting the color on stretched curls to predict how much the curl is going to shrink. If you do that, you create too much concentration at the bottom and nothing through the body. The cut is a clean mid-length rounded shape; nothing fussy—and that’s the right call because the color is doing enough storytelling.
#23: Rounded Coily Bob with Full Bangs
I admire the craftsmanship most of all. The shaping of the piece looks pristine and the roundness of the form is and the black color way is a showstopper. The way it captures light is mesmerizing, creating a dance of light all over the piece. The total absence of color is such a good call. No highlights, no tricks, just the curl pattern. The curls create all the motion, dimension and texture. Whoever shaped this knew that with coils this tight, the silhouette is everything. You can’t go too flat or too much on the crown, otherwise this will fall apart. The bangs are blunt and dense, which makes it solid. It is easy to see that this color is doing more than a balayage ever could.
#24: Full, Face-Framing Shoulder-Length Curls
It’s great how the haircut makes everything fall into place. The curls can move without being clumped together, and the length is perfect. It means the hair frames the face without creating bulk. If your hair is very voluminous, don’t try to fight it. Let a good cut do the organizing. It works for a Tuesday morning run for chores, and it works for a dinner you want to dress up for.
#25: Layered Curls with Real Movement
The shape is produced from the layers. You can see how every layer supports the curls under neath and allows them to bounce up, and that’s no coincidence. That is someone who knows how to balance weight and its removal. For this type of cut, a diffuser would an ideal choice, as it provides just the right amount of heat to set the shape without disturbing the curls.
#26 Defined Shoulder-Length Curls with Easy Volume
I love how hydrated and bouncy the curls look. They look very light which can be hard to achieve with this length. The soft layers look like they support the natural curl pattern rather than fight against it. So even two weeks after the haircut, this will still look like it belongs to you. If your hair tends to be dryer, a good leave-in conditioner is a must here. Other than that, this is not a style that will require too much effort in the mornings.
#27 Soft, Shaped Curls with a Modern Feel
I like the restraint shown with this cut. The curls are defined without excessive manipulation and the shape is modern and effortless. It’s a cut that ages gracefully over the weeks between appointments. To fully commit to a curl cream you’ll want to actually like it, as without it, the definition will loosen faster than you’d prefer.
#28 Mid-Length Curls with Natural Warmth
The highlights are placed where the curls will catch the light for a more natural effect. They look more like a fun trip than a work job. The cut is simple, nice, decent, and something I would not overthink, but when combined with the warmth of the color, it adds a more personal touch. It is a nice case of color and cut coming together as one instead of two.
#29 Warm-Toned Shoulder Curls with Dimension
The highlights bring warmth and create a three-dimensional shape to the curls instead of sitting flat. There is a subtle layering technique that gives some lift at the crown and also keeps the fullness through to the ends. What I think makes this one successful is that it seems effortless and like it’s not trying to do too many things at once. The color and the cut do a great job of complementing one another.
#30 Bouncy Curly Bob with Real Presence
This bob has its own character. The curls have the right amount of tightness to hold their shape and not lose the overall shape of the bob, and that balance relies completely on how the layers fall. If you’ve stayed on the fence about going shorter with your curls, this is the type of cut that could sway you. I’d say this one rewards you the most on day two or three, when the curls have relaxed just a touch and the whole thing settles into itself.
#31 Long Curls with Caramel Running Through Them
Your curls are going to look amazing with that length! The caramel highlights will give each spiral a lovely little gradient which really works with textured hair. This is definitely not a wash and go situation. Long, textured hair requires a commitment. This means a good curl cream, regular trims and more patience on wash day than most. If you’re that person the result is going to speak for itself!
#32 A-Line Curly Cut with Structure
I enjoy how an A-line looks on curly hair because there is an interesting interaction between the geometry of the cut and the shapes of the curls. When it works, like it does here, it really works. The longer pieces in the front soften the jaw line, and the shorter pieces in the back create a nice clean and intentional look. This style says something about the person wearing it, and in this case it says that you put thought and consideration into it, and not in a way that you were super rushed that morning.
#33 Defined Curls at Shoulder Length with Layered Texture
As you mentioned, subtle layers are ideal, and I appreciate you recognizing that. With a curly cut, movement is important, and it should be hard to pinpoint where the cut is. If your curls tend to clump together, or grow out into a triangle, this cutting technique is essential. To maintain the definition until your next wash, a hydrating leave-in will do the trick.
#34 Curly Bob with Quiet Volume
This bob feels so soft which is amazing! It has a fullness to it, but it is not obnoxious, and the curls have such great looseness which makes for a nice chill vibe. Everything about this bob is super non aggressive, and that makes for a style that is going to be so versatile and look great on so many people. This is a great option to go for thicker hair, or for the people who have been a little more hesitant to make a big change.
#35 Mid-Length Curls with Warm, Sun-Touched Color
The warm tones running through this cut add a gorgeous glow for photos and, more importantly, a nice glow for the skin in person. The layers create enough movement so the hair will never look static, which is ideal at this length. I would love to see this cut on someone with finer curls because here the volume relies on having enough density to hold the shape. So, it’s worth being honest with yourself about whether your hair can deliver this without a lot of coaxing.
#36 Mid-Length Curls with Effortless Shape
The cut and the curls are nice together here. The length being shoulder length gives a tidiness that longer looser curls may not have. A client telling me she wants something cute and easy for her not to think about it in the morning? I would send her this photo. It’s the perfect cut for that.
#37 Short Curly Cut Just Above the Jaw
It does take a lot of confidence to get a haircut as short as this one, but it is definitely worth the risk. The shape is clean and the length won’t feel too harsh because of the texture. That is one of the tricks to making short curly haircuts work! A little word of caution, this cut can get very personal. I love inspiration pictures as much as the next person, but this haircut is quite intricate and there are a lot of things I consider when making decisions. So please let me analyze your face before cutting. When it is right, it is really right!
#38 Textured Bob in Rich Chocolate Tones
More is happening here than meets the eye. Each curl is defined by a rich shade of brown, and the way light reflects off the curls is quite striking, compared to the flatter areas. This bob is a great example of a classic curly bob, and the length gives it added volume. It may not be the most daring choice in the bunch, but often the best hairstyles are the ones that always look great and don’t require any effort.
#39 Layered Curls with Tonal Warmth
The warm tones blend through the layers adding depth to the curls which almost appear to be glowing. The way the layers are done makes me want to come back. They are excellent at producing natural movement without going so far as to lose volume. This is the kind of cut a truly great stylist gives you when they really understand how your curls will behave once they dry and shrink. That kind of expertise is evident in the result.
#40 Soft Waves at Mid-Length
The cut focuses on creating more waves than curls, which is important since different cutting techniques apply to each. Unlike curls, waves don’t need as much layering with the hair as that will disrupt their natural pattern. It’s clear the stylist understood this, as the movement of the hair does not feel forced. If your curl pattern looks a bit wavish or curly and you don’t know how to cut for it, this is a good example to take with you to the appointment.
#41 Defined Mid-Length Curls with Soft Body
My example for discussing shrinkage is the hair. When this hair is wet, it is probably about 4 inches longer than what you see here, and if your stylist doesn’t factor that in, you are going to be shorter than either of you intended. The curls are very tight and the volume is evenly distributed, so that tells me the cutter went to great lengths to control how each section was going to spring. A hint of color through here would give even more dimension to it, but it’s stunning just as it is.
#42 Soft Layers on Shoulder-Length Curls
You can tell a lot from a disheveled look. It says lived-in, layered, and painterly. With soft layers that accentuate the hair’s natural fall, and control, you enjoy all these benefits. It’s a subtle change; it’s not a bold reinvention. It inspires people to say “something feels different,” and, not being able to pinpoint it, brings one of the best compliments a cut can get.
#43 Playful Bob with Spring in the Curls
I enjoy these curls since they provide the bob hairstyle more movement. It keeps the appearance young, yet adds a classic touch. The length is practical and the shape is forgiving so there’s no way it’ll lose its shape after two weeks. A lightweight mousse will do the trick and keep the style from losing its liveliness since that’s the whole appeal of this cut.
#44 Shoulder-Length Curls with Natural Texture
There is a lot of skill in the execution of this haircut for curly hair. The layering creates a nice modern shape that works well with the client’s features. I appreciate that this haircut is simple and does the job. If you have a good density of curls and want something deliberate that isn’t too exaggerated, then this is the cut for you. I think some highlights would be a nice touch if you’re interested in going a bit further.
#45 Voluminous Curls with Highlights That Pop
If the highlights are positioned on the top of the curls, then these will reflect the most light. A foiling pattern that ignores your curl pattern will never do that. You also got someone who painted your hair to fall. The cut gives the hair enough volume without losing shape, which is an achievement at this length. Moisture will be imperative here because both the color and the texture will need it to look this good. Deep conditioning is going to be crucial.
#46 Curly Lob with Defined, Bouncy Shape
A good thing about cutting curly hair is that when you cut it into a lob, there is enough weight to keep it grounded, but the curls still get to move freely as they want to. This cut has been done well, and the definition looks consistent from root to end. This proves to me that the product was applied as intentionally as the cut looks. Having a good deep conditioning treatment done every few weeks will help keep the curls cooperative as well, especially in the middle lengths where the dryness often tends to creep in first.
#47 Curly Shag with Warm Highlights
I really love curly shags because they really exude a certain old school rock and roll energy when done properly. The sort of wild warmth of these highlights and layers flowing through them really gives the appearance of motion to the hairstyle, even if the hair is completely still. It takes a specific type of stylist to make sure that the hair won’t be controlled and tamed into something that is just boring and bland. If that is the goal, this is the end result.
#48 Soft Curls at Shoulder Length with Easy Volume
This curly hairstyle is low maintenance and high reward. It gains volume through natural texture instead of heavy layering. Because of this, it allows hair to grow out naturally and not look odd around week six. For those looking for an easy hairstyle, this is my top recommend. On wash days, just put in some light mousse and you’re all set.
#49 Curly Pixie with Personality
I love that this pixie cut embraces each individual curl. At this length, every curl is free to be seen, and so the cut must be deliberate, or else it’s going to show. The tousled look provides the right amount of softness so that it doesn’t come off as overly structured, which is a bad tendency curly hair can have where it looks like the hair is fighting itself. I think with pixies, regular trims are even more important than with almost any other style because once it starts growing unevenly, the shape goes fast. However, as long as it’s still fresh, this is nothing short of pure delight.
#50 Curly Bob with Well-Placed Layers
This bob is layered which creates lift in the shape, unlike most bobs worn on thicker curly hair which are often seen as boxy. The overall shape is very clean and the curls well defined allowing the cut to appear more polished without needing a lot of effort. For medium to thick hair, this style will create the most naturally optimal results. In the case of finer hair, we would likely need to discuss how this shape can hold and whether we would need to readjust our expectations. But with the right hair type, this is a style I would be very happy to create before sending it out of my chair.
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