The right haircut can be life changing. For women with curly hair, choosing a haircut that compliments and highlights the natural curl pattern is essential. The right style can make everyday routines simple and ease on fight the frizz. The right haircut only enhances your natural curl pattern. In this article, we’ll touch base on the best haircuts for women with curly hair that want to keep their curls in check or add some height.
I had a client tell me, “I’ve spent twenty years fighting my hair, and I’m tired.” Curls are beautiful, and I completely understood what she meant. I think a lot of women with curly hair feel like they need to fight against their natural texture, and the haircuts they end up getting are a reflection of that. We’ve got to stop the straight hair cuts on curly heads, because it never works.
As a stylist, I have learned that maintaining curly hair is all about shaping rather than taming. There’s a huge distinction between the two. The ideal cut honors all the ‘rules’ of your curls, such as how and where they fall, springiness (tight or loose), and the placement of weight (light vs. heavy). When all of these elements are addressed, you are no longer battling your hair. Many of these shapes are meant to be visually appealing when curls are present rather than having to be modified to work around hair. There are numerous shapes that I will cover with varying levels of detail, and I will be upfront about that.
#1: Stylish Layered Curly Medium-Length Hair
This medium-length hairstyle features beautifully defined layers that enhance the natural curl pattern, ideal for those with medium-density, curly hair. The layers create movement and shape, making it suitable for various face shapes, especially oval and heart-shaped. Styling requires a curl-enhancing product and a diffuser for added volume. This look is distinctive due to its soft framing around the face, giving a fresh and lively appearance while offering versatility in styling options.
#2: Soft Espresso Layered Curly Cut
The hair colour and styling really suit this look. The colour of the hair is a gorgeous deep warm espresso that enhances the rich and healthy look of the curls. The layers enable movement of the hair and keep the fullness too. The mid length of the hair is perfect as it shows off the beautiful curl pattern without the weight of longer hair. It fits really well for medium to thick hair and the way it softy frames the face isn’t too over done. The dream hair is that you can just wake up, add some curl enhancing mousse to the hair, and off you go.
#3: Effortless Curly Shoulder-Length Shag
Choosing shags for curly hair can be hard because they can be hit or miss, but this one gets it right. The layers give hair so much bounce and volume, and the defined curls look polished when the overall vibe is easy and effortless. It pairs so well with medium to high-density hair because the shag cut avoids that dreaded triangle shape. I will say you should be diligent about trims because it can look uneven and bulky in some places. But the look is so versatile as long as you keep up with the maintenance.
#4: Dynamic Curly Shoulder-Length Cut with Soft Layers
The health and shine of the hair are what speak to me the most, even more than the cut. If curly hair has that shine, you know someone is taking care of it and putting in the work; maybe with good hydration and a solid deep conditioning routine. The cut is a shoulder length style with soft layers that let the curls bounce, and that style is super versatile to be worn with a lot of different face shapes, which is nice. If you’re prone to frizz you’re going to want to have your products locked in because those softer layers can start to puff if they are not getting the moisture, but when it is all working together like this, it is a really nice look.
#5: Charming Curly Mid-Length Cut with Textured Layers
I really appreciate how versatile this haircut is, and it has been amazing to see how great it looks on such a wide variety of people. With how the layers are cut, it looks very voluminous, and is very easy to style. The curls look soft and natural, and they really help the cut frame your face. Given how full and substantial the curls look, I would recommend that you continue doing your deep conditioning treatments as that is what will help the curls stay healthy long term. Also, this shape would take color really well, so you could absolutely add some highlights when you decide to!
#6: Dynamic Curly Mid-Length Cut with Defined Ringlets
The ringlets shown in the photo offer a lot of styling options. The mid-length haircut has enough layers to provide height at the roots and keep just the right amount of weight at the ends so the curls don’t spring up too short. This is a concern for many curly girls which is completely valid. The length is flattering, and the ringlets provide a nice touch to the overall style. I just want to be honest. If your curls don’t create ringlets like this, prepare to spend a lot of time achieving this look, along with a ton of product and good technique. Think long and hard about whether the style suits your hair type because this haircut is the type that looks very nice when it works with your hair and super frustrating when it doesn’t.
#7: Layered Curly Cut with Subtle Highlights
When I first looked at the highlights, I thought they looked lovely. These highlights look great because they give warmth and dimension and still let the curl pattern stand out. Most of the time I see highlights done on curly hair and they look harsh and stripy; however, these highlights were blended wonderfully. The style is a layered shoulder length cut which gives movement and keeps things feeling light and airy, and it helps to soften more angular features as well. I know you may have some work ahead of you when it comes to controlling frizz to keep those layers looking intentional, but it is still a well done look overall.
#8: Chic Curly Bob with Soft Highlights
I can see that this bob is adorable. I appreciate how the highlights are positioned to accentuate the facial features. The length is ideal for this framing effect and should be easier to manage than if it were longer. The curls are beneficial for just controlling volume and also provides the bounce that can be elusive. I can see that you’ve got defining cream, so you’ll be able to create shape and get lots of movement from the cut.
#9: Bouncy Curly Bob with Defined Curls
This curly bob is fun and adds a lot of volume! Thanks to the layers, the hair moves and bounces really nicely when you walk, which is a really nice touch. It works great for rounded and oval face shapes. The defined curls look great, even on the second day of wearing them. Just a heads up, this hairstyle will be affected by the humidity, so if you live somewhere that is really humid, it’s good to carry an anti-frizz serum. All in all, If you are looking for something new, this haircut is a great option.
#10: Chic Curly Cut with Soft Bangs
I want to talk to my clients about bangs on curly hair because it can get complicated. When they work like they do here, they look phenomenal. The soft fringe does a great job at framing the face and adds a youthful look that is hard to achieve. The problem is curly bangs will shrink up more than expected and will need to be trimmed more often than the rest of your hair (sometimes every 3-4 weeks depending on how fast your hair grows). If you don’t mind the maintenance, then do it! This look is so nice especially on round and heart shaped faces. Just be prepared for the maintenance.
#11: Bouncy Curly Mid-Length Shag with Defined Layers
This haircut is a tremendous shag. I love the bangs and how the shag works to create a cohesive style that gives off a vibe that is very structured but also free. The extra volume through the crown goes along with the curls that are defined and intentional. That is why it is essential with a shag, as it can more often than not look like you need a trim. It looks lovely on oval or heart face shapes. Of all the haircuts on this list, I’d say it is one of the more high maintenance options. You will need to keep up with trims and spend a few minutes styling it. If you want a fun hair cut to show off your curls, this is the style for you!
#12: Dynamic Curly Fringe with Defined Curls
I’ll keep this short; the bangs are nice, and I also like the curly fringe. It’s nice in a vintage retro, possibly even modern way. The shoulder length curls are nice and bouncy with great definition, and the layers help to keep it from feeling too heavy. I think this cut hits best on round and heart-shaped faces. I always say the same thing about curly bangs; it takes a lot of attention and very specific products to look nice. If your curls don’t look nice, they can create a frizzy forehead situation so be honest about how much you will style this. If the answer is yes, this is a beautiful option.
#13: Textured Curly Mid-Length Cut with Soft Bangs
I’m having a great time with this! The bangs here are more laidback which is great and the layers added through the middle section creates that nice fullness which isn’t over done. The length just sitting below the shoulders is great because it gives you a bunch of versatility with how you can wear it, whether that’s up, down, or half up and the curls are a good medium density which is nice because it looks a lot and still moves, and it. It’s a good cut for someone who wants to lift and enhance what they have without having to change a lot. You will have to be consistent with your products to keep the definition, but styling wise it’s pretty forgiving and doesn’t require a whole lot.
#14: Charming Curly Mid-Length Cut with Soft Layers
A curly cut doesn’t always have to be a statement making piece. Sometimes you just need a cut that is simple and looks nice. This cut does just that. The soft layers help to reduce and remove bulk and offer movement at the ends. The length that sits just above the shoulders is universally flattering for curls, and works particularly well for oval and round face shapes. If you want a hairstyle that is uncomplicated but sophisticated, this is the one. Don’t forget to maintain regular trims so that the shape remains fresh.
#15: Textured Curly Bob with Defined Curls
With this style, the natural gray highlights woven into the curls look absolutely stunning. Most people are quick to cover gray hair. But with well-defined curls like this, the blend of silver with dark colors is something that no colorist can replicate. The bob shape is also very nice, and the hair looks bouncy and full of volume. Products will be needed to keep curls defined, control frizz, and maintain the style. Although, I do believe that this is one of those styles where less is actually more.
#16: Voluminous Curly Mid-Length Cut with Face-Framing Layers
The face-framing layers really stand out. They elevate the style and add that purposeful touch that separates a great curly cut from one that’s just curly. The volume is generous but with the mid-length, it’s manageable, which is honestly why I think this would look good on most people. Face framing layers are very flattering on everyone. It does require some upkeep to maintain its shape, and you’ll have to keep those curls moisturized, but it gives you a lot of flexibility when it comes to style. It’s a versatile cut overall and good to dress up really nice or to just throw on something to run some errands.
#17: Chic Curly Layered Cut
This style has been executed perfectly! The layers take off enough bulk for the curls to really move and breathe, and that is critical with this much density. Without layers, it would just be a solid wall of hair. The medium length keeps it looking neat and tidy, and the overall shape of the hair is very complementary to oval and heart face shapes. One thing I will say though is that layers in thick curly hair can get a bit more frizz in between washes if you’re not careful with your drying and styling method, so keep that in consideration. However, when it’s just been done and the curls are behaving, it gives a very fresh and sophisticated appearance.
#18: Soft Curly Shag with Feathered Layers
I love how the layered feathers made the curls look almost weightless and created an otherworldly aesthetic. The elegance, playfulness, and casualness of this style is a blend that can only be properly achieved with a lot of time spent styling. An oval or heart-shaped face with medium or thick hair is needed to best achieve this style. If you want a strong look that isn’t too much, this is an excellent choice. Because a lot of shag hairstyles require upkeep, it’s a standard fact that you will need to trim your hair regularly to maintain an intentional shape.
#19: Playful Curly Shoulder-Length Cut with Soft Layers
The shine in the hair reflects that good moisture stops for curly hair has been done. The cut I’m seeing is a shoulder soft layer cut which gives movement and bounce and the framing seems to work with most face shapes, especially oval and heart. The curls look defined and healthy and will not look crunchy. The vibe is playful and youthful with this type of haircut where people ask if you did something different and you can just say no. It’s a more professional hair day even though we both know it’s the cut that is doing the work.
#20: Charming Curly Shag with Defined Curls
This hairstyle provides a light feel as it works well with the consistent curls. The shoulder length shag cut gives volume without being heavy. It uses soft layers that keep the haircut in motion. To help keep the curls bouncy and defined, a good hydrating curl cream should be used. If the curls are not maintained the hair could lose shape. This hairstyle works with a lot of different face shapes and is a great choice if you want a casual and young look, while still being structured.
#21: Charming Bouncy Curly Cut with Defined Curls
This look is an excellent example of a curly mid-length cut. The volume and bounce in the curls that frame the face is very complimentary! The curly texture, along with the full density, gives this style a really nice, solid look. This style works well with round or oval face shapes. As for the simplicity, it’s a nice touch, but it also gives a lot of dimension, which is balanced well with the cut. One suggestion I have is to go with a light balayage as it would ideal and add some dimension to the curls and won’t change the overall vibe of the cut. Just something to think about!
#22: Defined Curly Shoulder-Length Cut with Volume
This cut features excellent layering. They take out some weight from the ends so that you don’t get a heavy bottom look that can happen with shoulder length curly hair. Everything sits nicely and all of the curls are defined from top to bottom. This cut works best for medium to thick hair and is also great for oval or heart shape faces. This is a curly cut that is low maintenance all you have to do is keep the curls fresh and hydrated so that they don’t get frizzy and wild. Defined, healthy, curly hair is truly an accessory.
#23: Dynamic Curly Cut with Face-Framing Layers
Let me start off by talking about the color! The tone selected for the color blends so beautifully into the curls that it gives the style so much more depth! The length of this style looks good too as the shoulder length with the face framing layers is the most complimentary! This style works especially well for round and oval face shapes. The curls have the perfect amount of definition and bounce to keep the style looking fresh and fun! It is the type of haircut that looks effortless and easy to maintain, but I know that daily maintenance for those defined curls probably takes a lot of product and effort. If you love your curly hair routine and are looking for a shape that is more fun and youthful, I would definitely recommend this!
#24: Dynamic Curly Textured Cut with Defined Curls
We love this haircut because it keeps fullness, maintains length, and provides movement. All extremely important things to think about when working with curly hair. If you have medium to high density curls, this is a great option for you. This haircut is great for all different face shapes, and overall, it’s just a fantastic haircut. Not much more needs to be said other than this is a great curly haircut. It’s perfect for the easy, low maintenance, defined curl look. You’ll just have to use your regular styling products.
#25: Modern Curly Lob with Defined Curls
I like lobs on curly hair and this one is nice and modern. The defined curls create great volume and texture which help prevent the cut from looking too blunt or boxy, and the shoulder length hits at a great spot. Lobs like this are a great way to ease into medium length hair because it won’t feel like you’ve lost a ton of length. Just be sure to stay on top of your trims because split ends do show a lot at this length. If you were considering adding some subtle balayage to your hair, this shape is perfect as it would highlight the curls without going overboard.
#26: Soft Curly Shoulder-Length Layers
What a beautiful curly haircut! It is a very low-maintenance style. Soft layers help curls show their best without being too heavy or clumpy. Plus, this look is very convenient for pulling your hair into a ponytail. Round face shapes will especially benefit from this style as it frames the face without adding extra width. If your hair is curly, don’t forget to use some sort of leave-in conditioner to help keep your curls moisturized. This hairstyle has too many good characteristics to name but above all, it is the perfect low-maintenance style. This hairstyle is for you if you are a busy person! It looks great even when it has been a while since your last trip to the salon. With this cut, you will need to put very little effort into your hair. There is very little maintenance required, which is ideal for a busy lifestyle. This haircut is best for people who have a lot going on! It keeps its shape very well, and people will be impressed by how little effort you have put into it.
#27: Textured Curly Layers with Volume
I love this look. The length and volume are stunning! Bouncy, long curls that cascade look so healthy, and the layers are cut to fall perfectly with the natural curl. This type of curl layering is great for mid to thick hair with tighter curls to keep everything defined and bouncy, while reducing bulk. The subtle highlights add beautiful dimension that dances with the light in an eye-catching way, depending on how the curls fall. I have to say, this length and curl defintion takes time. You’ll need to use a lot of conditioning and styling products, because if you don’t keep up on maintaining your long curly hair, it quickly begins to look dirty and unprofessional. One of those hair styles that really shows the beauty and potential of curly hair when it is taken care of is this style, and if you put in the work, that potential is all yours!
Enter your email and get this picture and description straight to your inbox, and you'll also get new hair ideas ❤️
🔒 We don't spam or sell emails. See our Privacy Policy.