I remember when one of my clients who had been straightening her hair came into the salon for a haircut. It was my first time cutting her hair when it was curly, and I watched her feel all the emotions as she pulled her hair out of the tie and witnessed the curls come together in a beautiful shape. I do this all the time, and I feel people don’t understand the true beauty of a layered curly cut. It’s not just how great it will look, but how it will also feel great to get out of its own way. It’s like the hair has been waiting to fully express itself, and finally has the chance.
That’s the first major misunderstanding that a lot of people seem to have: the way layers work in straight hair vs. curly hair. There’s a lot of difference when it comes to sculpting or layering straight hair vs curly hair, and if that’s your expectation then that is setting yourself up for disappointment. There is potential for your hair to create a rounded shape instead of a triangle where everything springs to life. And if they all do come together, it will spur movement in all the curls. So trust me, no matter the size of your ringlets, there is a layered cut waiting to be discovered that will untap the truest version of you.
#1: Layered Curls with a Whole Lot of Personality
I love medium-length layered curly hairstyles because they always give off a happy vibe! The combination of loose curls, layered curls, and natural volume is amazing. If you have thick, naturally curly hair, consider this hairstyle. You can literally walk out of the salon and style it, and that is the best part about this. The layers help to take off some of the weight, and avoid a too thin look, to create a lively frame around the face. If you’re feeling a little bold, some color would look nice here too.
#2: Soft Bangs on Layered Curls, One of My Favorites
Curly bangs are one of my favorite styles, and I love the way these are done! The softness of these bangs gives such an effortless vibe and how the bangs cuddle the curls is super satisfying. The added layers create nice movement without going overboard. I love the effortlessness! The only thing I will absolutely commit to is that keeping curly bangs from getting frizzy is a struggle so brace yourself to spend a good amount of money on a hydrating curl cream!
#3: Soft Volume That Doesn’t Try Too Hard
At first sight, simple looking haircuts often contain hidden complexity upon close inspection. The defined healthy curls, combined with the layered volumizing touch manage to avoid that full lion mane look – a more difficult balancing act than most would assume. At this length, the hair also frames the face nicely. Keeping layers intentionally on curly hair, unfortunately means that more frequent trims will be required, but with how polished this cut looks on a daily basis, it becomes worth the extra upkeep.
#4: Bouncy Layers with a Curly Fringe
I really love the fullness and richness of these curls. And the bangs really create a sweet and approachable look, which I love on the right person. The layers are doing a lot of the heavy lifting here in terms of giving the hair shape and movement especially through the sides. For medium to thick hair this is a super great choice. If you want to take this up a notch I’d suggest some highlights woven through the curls. The bangs might need the most work. A diffuser will help keep them from going flat or frizzy during drying.
#5: Face-Framing Highlights on Layered Curls
The face framing highlights are very well done. They light up the face and don’t look stripey, which I see happen a lot with highlighted curly hair. The shoulder length layers also help the curls to bounce up and with how much volume there is to the hair, the whole thing looks full and healthy. I would say however, if your hair is on the finer side, I’d be honest and say this look might not translate the same way without some volumizing products to help achieve that. It’s not impossible, just something to be realistic about.
#6: Big Defined Curls with Layered Shape
I am a huge fan of this look! It represents curly hair at its finest. The layered bouncy curls create a rounded look that beautifully compliments the face. If you are someone with thick curly hair that has been growing out without shape, this is the kind of transformation I would be excited to do for you! The length is medium to long so the curls will be able to show off. I won’t lie, the maintenance does take work, and so will your styling. But with hair that looks this incredible, the effort is worth it!
#7: Wavy Layers with Soft Pieces Around the Face
The curl pattern is distinct as it is looser and more relaxed. The front framing pieces definitely help elevate the look. The layers offer movement to the look without making it too busy. This style is really versatile as I believe it suits most face shapes. If you have finer hair that is wavy then I would suggest this style over some of the bigger curlier looks in here as the layers won’t be too thinning. As always with textured hair, frizz will be the biggest concern.
#8: Mid-Length Curls That Soften Everything
You can really see the jawline softening effects of face-framing curls in this style, and I feel like every time I do something like this on a client, it really elevates the overall look. I can tell this person puts time into their hair, and with the mid-length defined curls and layered curls, it gives a lot of movement and texture without losing fullness. I would agree that this looks like it could be a full cut, but in reality, it’s a lightweight cut, which is the sweet spot for curly hair. The effort to achieve this style will definitely be rewarded because that bounciness will be a joy to have, especially with a good curl cream to define it.
#9 Vibrant Curls with Real Shape
This cut gives off such wonderful energy and I love how lively and well-defined the curls are! The cut definitely adds some shape to the hair instead of just letting it hang there. You can really tell that this was done by someone who understands how to emphasize curly hair. The layering is done in a way that improves the curl pattern instead of working against it. This cut will help the hair a lot with medium to thick texture. I will say though that the layers will need maintenance and can’t just be left to grow out if you want a polished look. If you are good with a trim every couple of months, this is such a nice, flattering style to get!
#10: Natural Curls That Frame Without Fuss
This style looks great with natural curls and gives them a chance to shine. Soft layers give movement and bounce without feeling overly structured. The length is perfect for curly hair, just below the shoulders. It provides enough weight to avoid excessive shrinkage, but not so much that it’s going to weigh the curls down. I think this style would be one of the most flattering options for round and heart-shaped faces. Just be sure to keep those curls moisturized, that’s the most important thing with a cut like this.
#11: Long Loose Curls with Layered Movement
My heart jumps when a client with long curly hair asks for layers because I’ll get to create more movement! This is great example of that. With these layers, the curls bounce more and flow better. The soft bangs are a nice touch and add to the look just enough. This is the kind of cut that you just wear straight and it falls so nicely. This is a grown out, medium to thick hair style that will suit people who like to style their hair with products. It would require a bit more styling than a shorter cut, but the look is worth it.
#12: Curly Layers That Pop with Color
The bold accents in this haircut give it a lot of dimension. I also think the color makes the curls look almost three-dimensional in a way that single-tone color wouldn’t achieve. The medium-length layers give a nice bounce to the hair and keep it moving, and the shape is very flattering. This look is great for someone who wants their curls to be the real standout feature, but with color. If your hair is thick, the layers will lighten things up a lot. Just be ready for a bit of work – those defined curls don’t just happen by themselves.
#13: Curly Layers with a Defined Fringe
I have some mixed feelings about curly bangs. I think getting bangs is totally dependent on the curl pattern and how much you’re willing to commit. But this really works. The bangs are framing the face and the curls are really bouncy and playful looking which is really nice. I recommend some curl cream and to dry with a diffuser so that the bangs don’t go flat and the rest of the hair doesn’t get frizzy. I definitely recommend this for people with medium length hair and a round or oval face.
#14: Layered Volume with Real Definition
The face framing layers really do the magic. Most people don’t appreciate these details but they do a lot for the curly look instead of a bunch of unstyled curls. Starting at the shoulder, the tapering of the layers allows curls to move freely. The definition of the curls is phenomenal. It’s obvious that this is well maintained hair. This works best on hair that is medium to thick. Also this cut is best for oval and heart shaped faces.
#15: Long Layered Curls with a Soft Fringe
This style is so beautiful! You can tell how much time was spent on it, as each curl is thoughtfully placed to go down and outward. The layers give it some nice bounce and fluff, keeping it from looking heavy and stiff. This style is especially flattering on heart or oval shaped faces. This is a good style choice for medium and thick hair, especially if you want to keep your length. Just be careful about controlling frizz because it will occur with long curly layers if you don’t stay on top of your moisturizing and styling products.
#16: Full Volume Layered Curls
I like how the cut frames the face. It softens the look and prevents the overall style from being too heavy, which is important considering the amount of hair there is. The curls are bouncy and well defined, and the medium length promotes a lift so the style isn’t too weighted down. When the right person sits in my chair for this style, I get really excited. Those with medium to thick curly hair really need this cut because it is the perfect chance to add volume and movement to the cut without going wild. The shape of the cut is worth the effort to keep the curls so well defined.
#17: Bouncy Defined Curls with Layered Body
This definition of curls looks great! All the curls are really cute with that springy effect which makes the style so lively. The length is great above the shoulders, which compliments most people, and the layers add soft volume without being too poofy, which is more important than you may think. If you have medium to thick hair, this is about the only cut that will really work with your texture instead of against it. This is especially flattering for round or heart shaped faces. The curls will need some care to keep them this defined, but it won’t be too much.
#18: Copper Toned Curly Layers
This color is stunning copper with curly layered texture. The stunning copper color with curly layered texture is a combination that stands out. The warm tone adds a ton of dimension to the curls, allowing the color to do a lot of the work, even without highlights. The color is ideal for thick curly hair because the layers cut through the bulk while the color adds depth to every single curl. The upkeep for this look can be a bit challenging, so expect to use color safe products and possibly do a gloss every few weeks.
#19: Defined Curls with Strategic Layers
I like that this style has deliberate layers. This cut shows thought was taken to reduce bulk where the curls can form without limitation. The way the hair falls around the shoulders creates room for more pronounced curls. This style is great for fine to medium density hair as the layers are not thinned too far, providing the curl pattern plenty of room. Keeping the defined curls hydrated is essential, because without moisture, the curls can lose their bounce and look dry and crunchy.
#20: Lively Layered Curls with Highlighted Dimension
The curls in this style have different tones which makes the hair look as if it is shimmering. It is easy to see that this client has thick hair and the volume is perfect. The framing of the medium-length layers around the face is just lovely as well. A curl-defining cream will keep this style looking great from one day to the next. If your hair is straight and you have angular features, layered curls like this really soften up the look around your face.
#21: Textured Layers with Effortless Definition
This cut looks super cute and effortless, but it takes a lot of skill to get these elevated layers and bouncy curls. The highlights and curls give a lot of dimension to the texture and make it look rich. For thick, curly hair, this is a great way to add movement and shape to your hair while maintaining that fullness. Here, a good curl cream that is lightweight will be essential to avoiding a crunhy feeling, so find something that will enhance the curls without weighing them down.
#22: Balanced Volume with Natural Curl
I like that there is just enough volume to look full and healthy, but is not trying to be bigger than it needs to be. The way it frames the face is nice, even if your face shape is not something I can say that with every cut. The mid-length layers fit the natural curl pattern really well, and it all just works. This is going to be a nice and easy option if your hair is medium to thick. If your hair is fine, I would be a bit more cautious with this; with too many layers you run the risk of losing fullness, and that would be counterproductive.
#23: Bold Full Curls with Layered Shape
I absolutely adore this style with all of its curls. The layers are perfect to keep the defined, relaxed bounce of all the curls, and the mid-length really showcases the bounce for this style. I think this is a personality cut and would be a great choice for someone looking for an eye-catching style. I do think some more moisturizing products will likely be needed to prevent the curls from becoming frizzy. I think this style is a showstopper and requires a little more maintenance, but is really worth it.
#24: Layered Curls with Understated Highlights
The highlights are great from being discreet and looking natural, to giving enough depth so the curls look multi-dimensional and more interesting. As for the layers, they are past the shoulders, and there is a good amount of volume that is happening without going overboard. For medium to thick hair, this is a really good everyday curly cut, because it will look polished without the effort of spending an hour on it. Just keep in mind that if your hair is fine, this may look a little thin with this many layers.
#25: Effortless Volume on Layered Curls
The definition of the curls is great and the volume is not too big or too flat, it sits just right. I find the cut effective because the mid-length hair pairs well with layers that don’t start too high so that the hair has good movement and dimension without looking shapeless. The highlights give depth to these curls and I love how they light and catch the curls. If you have thick hair and have been hesitant about getting layers, this is the kind of result I would want you to see before you make your decision.
#26: Long Bouncy Curls with Soft Layers
Your example shows soft layers which I love for long curly hair. The curls are defined which gives the hair a bouncy and healthy look. When people grow their curls for a long time, keeping the length is important. These layers frame the face nicely without losing too much length. You’ll want a good moisturizing routine for your hair dry hair to look great. Long curly hair especially dries out fast from the ends so keeping on top of a moisturizing routine is key. It’s so important, trust me!
#27: Defined Natural Curls with Layered Volume
When a client asks me to make their curls look like their curls but better, I absolutely love that request! With defined curls that end just below the shoulders and a medium density, there is plenty of bounce without the weight. This will be particularly good for heart and oval shaped faces. The right amount of styling product will be key for this amount of curl definition though. You want to have just enough to keep it smooth and bouncy without it being heavy. Also, the layers will keep the shape and fullness looking really good, and the bounce will be great on this cut. The layers will help to reduce bulk in the right places. Curls are so fun!
#28: Wispy Bangs on Layered Curls
Let’s discuss wispy bangs on curly hair! I really love bangs done with this kind of restraint and appreciate how she’s executed this. With bangs this lightweight, they move with the curl pattern rather than sit as an odd separate entity on your forehead, which is often the case with curly bangs that are cut too thick or too blunt. Bang hairstyles can also benefit from soft layering like the rest of this style, which is also lovely and helps to show off the natural curl pattern. Overall, the entire result looks fresh and chic! This style is highly versatile and allows for a lot of change without being extreme. This is so valuable when you know you’re going to be living with textured hair every day like most curlies do.
#29: Shoulder-Length Curly Layers with Nice Definition
There are a lot of nice things happening with the shoulder length cut. Having it long enough to be able to move is great, but shortening it enough ensures the lengths of the curls won’t be weighed down and lose their bounce. The definition is good, and the layers create a more natural look while also adding volume. To keep the look smooth and defined, the use of a curl cream is highly recommended. Regular trims will also assist in keeping the shape intentional and not just grown out. If you have medium density curls, this is a great option for a low maintenance cut!
#30: Natural Movement with Subtle Layers
I like the way the layers around the front of the design soften the overall appearance, especially with thick and curly hair where the layers really stand out. The way curls look at this length is amazing because they can hold their bounce. I would recommend a light mousse to hold the style without stiffness. The overall design has an effortless ambience which I really like.
#31: Big Highlighted Curls with Generous Layers
A remarkable new hairstyle has recently been revealed. Amazing new highlights are bolder and look more striking than any other hair glow I’ve seen highlighting its depth and dimension, and the generous length is great too. Above all, if you want to catch people’s attention with your medium to thick curly hair, every one of your friends will want this style! The layers provide bounce to your curls, and the color enhances the curls’ layers adding to the wow factor of the hairstyle. Just keep in mind that this hairstyle requires a lot of commitment and hair maintenance. Moisture and styling are absolutely required in addition to regular color touch-ups. It’s a lot of work and you will not get great results if you’re not the ideal candidate to keep this look. The good news is your efforts will not go unnoticed! The hairstyle is highly versatile and will easily move from a day look to a chic night look.
#32: Highlighted Face-Framing on Textured Layers
The highlights open up and brighten the complexion, and add more dimension to the curls without the typical 2003 foils. The cut is layered textured style that falls just past the shoulders. I love that it has a more elegant and playful quality to it. This is especially flattering for oval and heart shape faces because of how the combination of the layers and the lighter pieces around the face really draw attention to your features. Defined curls do require their products, but you probably know that already.
#33: Bouncy Voluminous Layers on Long Curls
These long-layered curls look stunning and fun! The addition of layers helps to make sure that all of your hair doesn’t become a big wall of curls. This style is great for thick and curly hair because you still get to keep the length and volume, and the layers help to make the hair feel lighter and more manageable. It does take a bit of a commitment to maintain the length, but the shape and movement will really make the effort pay off! Frequent deep conditioning and moisturizing will be needed, but is essential for the best results.
#34: Sun-Kissed Highlights on Bold Curly Layers
Sun-kissed highlights are always warm and inviting. They give a relaxed look to your hair as if you had been outside in the sun, but they look more polished and professional. The bold, layered curls here fall just below the shoulder which makes for an impressive volume. This style works well in particular for round and oval faces because it helps to balance out and offset the shape of the face. Curls just like these along with the maintenance of the color will definitely require high amounts of effort but it will, without a doubt, be a rewarding style that will help you get the attention you deserve.
#35: Mid-Length Curly Layers with Intention
I genuinely appreciate this haircut’s longer layers at the front. It may not seem like a detail, but it really changes how the hair frames the face. It brings so much more softness to the style, as opposed to a more uniform look you get if all the layers are the same length. This length is ideal for curls, as it is long enough to give a lot of movement but short enough that it will still be easy to manage. With medium density, the hair will become much lighter and airier. This cut will suit you best if you have an oval or heart-shape face. With defined curls at this length, you may need to use specific products for it (but it’s nothing too complicated).
#36: Bouncy Layered Curls with Great Dimension
I love how defined these curls are because every curl is a little different. Curls of different lengths really add a lot to the haircut, giving it a layered look instead of just a straight across curly cut. The medium length is just enough density for volume without being too much. The framing layers are perfect for oval or round face shapes. If you have naturally curly hair and want to work with your curls instead of against them, this cut is a great option. The separate layers help control frizz and with spaced out layers, each curl gets the space it needs. To keep the hairstyle looking nice and sharp, make sure to get regular trims!
#37: A Curly Bob with Real Movement
I enjoy when clients ask for a curly bob because it can completely alter how someone feels about their hair. This style includes soft layers for movement and the shoulder length is perfect to show case the curl without the weight of longer hair dragging it all down. The curls are also well taken care of which is important with shorter curly cuts because there is no room to conceal dry or frizzy hair. Since these curls tell me you need a refresh, I suggest curl cream or mousse to keep your curls looking good between washes.
#38: Full-Bodied Layered Curls
The volume in this style is absolutely incredible! Each layer is created to contour the face while keeping a soft, bouncy look overall. It falls right below the shoulders which helps to keep the curls elevated without getting weighted at the bottom. This is a style that is best for medium to thick hair as finer textures may not be able to achieve the desired fullness with layers like this. The definition is great and while to maintain this look does require regular product and some styling, the outcome is an effortless chic style that makes you feel amazing!
#39: Layered Curly Afro with Great Shape
I appreciate layered curly afros, and this is an excellent example. The layers maintain volume while minimizing bulk, and keep the shape really nice. The medium cut allows the curls to showcase their full length, which is really nice. This style looks particularly good on round and oval shaped faces and is a nice youthful touch. I won’t pretend that an afro shape with defined curls is going to be low maintenance because it’s not. A good curl cream will help with that though as it will keep the curls defined and frizz free.
#40: Highlighted Curly Layers with a Playful Lift
I can see that the layers here appear to begin higher than most. This gives the entire style a rather playful lift, which I think is quite flattering. Instead of just the ends of the hair, this style creates more bounce and movement in the upper half of the hair, really changing the overall shape of the style. The softer highlights are still subtle, but add dimension and depth to the cut and style. The length of these layers falls at a medium length, so it provides good framing of the face for a variety of different face shapes. Of course, curl upkeep is always a factor, but if you’re already used to dealing with curls, this cut and style won’t change your routine much.
#41: The Curly Mullet, and I Mean That as a Compliment
I understand why curly mullets are currently popular. They give an amusing vibe and posses a retro feel when done correctly. This style has multiple defined layers which create more movement. The curls stop it from looking too rigid or harsh. If you have coarse hair which is medium in density, this style will work with your hair nicely. The layers will flatter round or oval face shapes. The shape will need regular maintenance to ensure it doesn’t look too grown out. If you prefer a more polished look, this style could work. It may feel a little wild, but that is part of the overall look. I would recommend using a curl cream for this style.
#42: Layered Curls with Bounce and Body
This style is nice because of the natural bounce it gives. The layers add volume and give dimension while allowing the curls to combine and create their own beautiful pattern. That is honestly a really great way to do it. The medium length of this style really does soften the look and frame the face very well. It also handles thickness nicely and does not chop the hair to look sparse at any point. This is the type of hairstyle I would recommend to people with medium to thick curly hair and want something classy but feels more subtle. It also has a great versatility because it’s suitable for many different face shapes.
#43: Curly Layers That Catch the Light
The highlights in this haircut add depth and dimension to the curls. Rather than getting a super obvious color job, they allow the curls to look richer and more interesting. In addition, the highlights paired with the mid-length layers visually frame the face, while the defined curls bounce beautifully. This will be especially great for people with an oval or heart-shaped face. It looks like it could be a low-maintenance cut for curls, but you will need a defining product to keep the curls looking intentional. Overall, I really like this haircut, and I think it really nicely combines casual and polished looks.
#44: Bouncy Defined Curls with Thoughtful Layers
These layers are designed to create and enhance the curl pattern and add volume where it’s needed. The face-framing pieces also add a nice youthful touch. The length of this cut is perfect for defined, bouncy curls that sit just above the shoulders. This will be a great option for medium and thick hair and is also pretty softening for oval and heart-shaped faces. To keep the definition up, a good curl cream and regular hydration are essential, but that’s just the curly hair life, right?
#45: Warm Highlighted Layers on Long Curls
The bouncy curls and warm highlights are super pretty! It looks like the added warm tones bring out the enrichment in the curls. If I had hair of this length I would wear this style so the curls could have so much room to cascade. Personally, I think maintaining this style would be a huge commitment because the curls look like they would need a lot of product to keep them defined, and the color would need to be touched up frequently. It would be a lot of work, but I think the result would be so pretty!
#46: Sunset Copper Tones on Layered Curls
Curls add warmth and depth to each broad sunset color hue and highlight. Even still, the color makes the hair interesting. The curls that sit just below the shoulders and are thick and medium should garner praise. The layers manage the bulk while offering the shape to remain full and bouncy. This cut works great for round faces because it helps to elongate the appearance. I won’t lie here, maintenance for vivid colors is hard and even tougher for curly hair that tends to be more dry. Expect to purchase color-safe everything and maybe even a leave in conditioner to maintain this lively look.
#47: Natural Curly Cascades with Layered Fullness
I appreciate the natural layering done with this cut; the layers are just soft enough to enhance volume and allow the curls to form without being weighed down. The medium length offers a nice frame to the face and the definition on these curls is superb. This cut gives a full and lively look for medium to thick hair without it being heavy or bulky. This cut will suit oval and heart-shaped faces it will suit best. The key with this cut is to use the right styling products; your curls will need moisture to maintain their definition and bounce.
#48: Full-Bodied Textured Curls with Soft Layers
The layers and bounce on this cut are exceptional. It lets the natural curl pattern come through beautifully, and gives the hair a healthy look. It looks super touchable. The length here is also very good for the hair’s manageability. This will look amazing on you if you have an oval or heart-shaped face, as it frames the face very nicely. The highlights are soft, and give the curls a more dimensional look. A hydrating curl cream will help keep the curls defined and soft, and will be a must-have in your hair care routine.
#49: Face-Framing Curls on a Layered Medium Cut
The soft bouncy face framing curls really enhance your look in a pretty way with just the right amount of overdone. The mid length adds extra volume without being too overwhelming, and the movement and structure of the layers give extra volume. It is really flattering for round and heart shaped faces. It adds structure to the face. I know I’m repeating myself when I say that maintaining clearly defined curls is a lot of work, and I’ll do it again because it is a fact. This cut isn’t overly high maintenance. It is really just a matter of having the right products and being consistent with rotation of those products.
#50: Soft Defined Curls with Face-Softening Layers
I suggest this cut if a client wants to build on their existing style instead of doing a full transformation. They offer a lot of flexibility since they work with your natural curl pattern, and the soft layers that are added around finish the style beautifully. I think the gentle face framing layers are such a nice touch, and for that reason, I often cut curly hair this way because it can really elevate the style. This cut works nicely with medium density naturally curly hair. If your curls tend to be on the drier side, having a leave-in conditioner for moisture is also a great idea, and you should be good to go!
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