Curly healthy hair isn’t about the curls. It’s about what’s underneath, how it looks when the hair cuticles aren’t stripped of moisture and protein from their natural state, and when the hair cuticles aren’t damaged from using harsh sulfates or heat. I’ve had clients with amazing curl patterns, only to find hidden damage that they didn’t realize existed until their hair achieved the healthy state from using the right products and healthy hair was always theirs. What I love so much is the new narrative. Instead of fighting with textured hair, the new focus is working with the texture and not in an annoying, hashtag natural way but with actual skill to cut the hair and maintain the curls to do exactly what they were meant to do. For those I’ve worked with, you know this is common. It’s not about the imposing a shape that doesn’t fit, but about really reading the hair and giving it what it wants. I’ll be very honest and transparent about the commitment level of each look.
#1: Big Bouncy Curls with Soft Bangs That Actually Work
Be honest, bangs on curls are a big commitment, and most people rely on it. They start to regret it about three weeks in. But bangs are beautiful when done right. Like in this example, they have enough weight and softness so they don’t shrink into little poofs on your forehead. This warm blonde haircut is medium-length and the volume here is real. The curls are very well-hydrated and doing their thing. If your hair is fine, you may need to be more realistic about this kind of volume without a lot of help. For anyone with thick, naturally curly hair, this cut is ideal.
#2: Mid-Length Layers That Let Curls Actually Move
The results from this cut always seem to have their own personality due to each client’s unique natural texture which keeps the style refreshing and exciting. The layers here are doing exactly what they should, removing weight from the right spots so the curls can spring up instead of being pulled down. The light caramel highlights are also perfectly placed — just enough to provide depth without turning the entire thing into an overdone process. With a good curl cream scrunched in on wash day et voilà! You’re good to go.
#3: Full-Bodied Curls with That Effortless Shine
I can see the shine and that tells me the hair is healthy and not over styled. Most people love shoulder length curls with lots of volume because it’s long enough to feel like you have hair but not so long that the weight stretches everything. With thick curly hair, this shape will feel like you aren’t fighting it. The definition comes from the hair which is always the goal and I love it.
#4: Defined Mid-Length Curls with a Clean Shape
I like this style because the cut is so precise, the curls are so cohesive, and they don’t feel overworked or crunchy. It is a mid-length style that adds volume toward the crown, and then tapers out to keep everything polished. I would like to see a little bit of a deeper shade woven through the ends to add some more dimension, but it honestly looks really great. I would say the upkeep on this style is moderate, since you would have to keep moisture high so that the curls don’t get fuzzy before day 3.
#5: A Curly Bob That Actually Flatters
I don’t mean to be rude, but take a look at these two curly bobs that seem to go wrong. The people cutting the hair seem to just brush it and then get surprised when it curls up four inches or something. This one looks as though it was cut by a person who really understands about how curls shrink and behave, so the proportions are spot on. The definition is there without every curl looking like it was individually styled which is what gives it that nice modern look. To keep the shape looking fresh, you will need trims every 6-8 weeks, but there shouldn’t be too much daily styling needed.
#6: Long Layers That Don’t Sacrifice the Bounce
Looking for the length and the volume of curly hair can be difficult. The beauty of this style is that it achieves the ideal combination of both the volume and length, with layers cut at just the right spots so the curls aren’t weighed down at the roots, while still feeling long and luxurious. Low-maintenance as it appears, this type of curls requires a good wash day routine. Make sure to keep a hydrating leave-in and deep conditioning should not be missed. Length like this gets thirsty.
#7: Long Defined Curls with Real Dimension
This style is innovative in terms of working the layers with the curl pattern, rather than cutting against it. Because of this, the defintion of the layers looks more natural than anything else. The cut is more ideal on medium to thick hair because the density is needed for the layered look to show distinct shapes, rather than just thin everything out. If you have a finer curl pattern, be mindful that this cut could look quite sparse, so be honest with your stylist about what you have to work with. On the right hair type, this cut is stunning.
#8: Voluminous Textured Curls with Great Shape
I love the clear silhouette of this cut. I love the shape and the intention, even with all the texture going on. This cut could easily fall into the round/helmet shape that so many voluminous curly cuts do, but the slight asymmetry in the layers helps so much. When it comes to moisture, this cut is everything. The difference between looks intentional and looking like you just woke up is all about how well you’re hydrating those curls.
#9: Layered Curls That Show Off Your Bone Structure
The framing is perfect around the cheekbones. When I looked at the cut, the first thing I saw was the framing of the cheekbones. Not all stylists consider cheekbone framing on the cut when the client has curly hair. The humidity is going to change the curl pattern. In the summer this cut will get crazy, but if you are ready for a mental shift, then it’s fine.
#10: Full Volume Curls with Subtle Layering
This particular cut is not easy to recognize as having layers, and that is very much intentional. The purpose of layers is to add movement and break the triangle effect that can happen with one-length curly hair, and with this cut, the layers are intended to be undetectable. It’s worth mentioning that the hair’s natural curls, which are very healthy, are the focal point of this style. This cut is mostly a reward for consistency in your routine. This hair type improves with every wash day, and you will see this as soon as you figure out what it likes.
#11: Shoulder-Length Curls with Serious Body
The quality and texture of this cut is great. I can tell this is hair that looks as good as it feels. The layers are creating volume in the right places in the mid-lengths. This is where curly hair tends to go flat if you’re not careful. This is a style that requires regular trimming to keep the proportions right, and in between appointments, it should hold character well. A diffuser on wash days will help set the curl pattern without disturbing the shape.
#12: The Curly Shag, Done Correctly
I don’t think I’ll ever get tired of shag haircuts, especially with how much of an effortless look you get with curly hair. With this shag, I can see the definition at the ends that makes them look intentional as opposed to just grown out, which is where a lot of shags miss the mark. The layers create movement without the hair looking thin, and the overall shape is a bit undone in a way that will pair nicely with a lot of different style. Try to let it air dry and don’t think about it too much!
#13: Choppy Curly Shag in Rich Chocolate
The chocolate tone looks amazing, plus it does what color should do on curly hair: add dimension to the shape by highlighting each of the curls differently. The choppiness here is purposeful and adds edge to the silhouette while maintaining the softness of the curl pattern. If your hair is on the thicker side, make sure the person who does this cut removes enough weight so that it moves freely, otherwise, you’ll have more of a mushroom effect than a shag. A curl-boosting mousse will work well here to keep things defined without the added weight.
#14: Curly Lob with Caramel Dimension
I would recommend this style to someone who has not always liked their natural hair texture since it’s stylish and not bland in the slightest. This length in lobs is forgiving, and the layers are nice and soft. The subtle caramel highlights are an inexpensive way to elevate the look. This cut will definitely get you some vague but nice compliments, and those are always appreciated.
#15: Bouncy Medium Curls with a Clean Shape
This specific cut style helps give the overall look a neat and organized feel, while also being relaxed and easy going. The clear ends provide structure and avoid a look where the ends just fade out, which is a big plus. If your hair has this type of thickness, it means you are already more than halfway. Just a little product in the mid-length and ends on wash day and you’re done.
#16: Big Sun-Kissed Curls with Serious Volume
I truly mean this as a compliment: that is a LOT of hair! It’s voluminous, the curls are well defined, and the highlights are perfectly placed to look sun-kissed without being stripy or outdated. The highlights are great! Curly hair that is mid-chest length will actually have a considerable amount of length when stretched, so keep in mind, you are looking at someone who has grown their hair with intention for quite some time. I imagine a lot of effort has gone into maintaining it with deep conditioning, silk sleeping, and careful selective detangling, but it is all such a worthy investment!
#17: Copper Curls with Movement for Days
Copper looks amazing on curly hair! Each individual curl reflects the light differently, which straight hair just can’t do. The layers in this hairstyle are even more fun because they create more lengths for the light to bounce off of. I won’t lie, out of all the fashion colors, copper fades the quickest, which means it’s one of the highest maintenance looks. To keep the colors looking fresh, you will need to employ some special rinsing techniques (like washing your hair in cold water and using color safe products). However, the contrast while the color is fresh is absolutely amazing!
#18: Long Textured Layers with Defined Ends
This haircut is great because the ends are cut in a way that look nice and clean and finished. When long curly hair is a bit past the shoulders, it starts to look shapeless. But the layers and ends cut in a shape create a nice look. For most people, this is a wash-and-go haircut (assuming you have a good routine). For days 2 and 3, a hydrating gel would help hold definition.
#19: Cascading Curls with Soft, Lived-In Highlights
From what we can see in the images, the stylist seems to know what they are doing, especially when it comes to working with curled hair. Although, this should be the standard when doing hair, I can promise you it is not. The highlights are done and wrapped around each individual curl as opposed to done in flat sections. This means that when the hair dries and shrinks, the highlights will spring up, and the color looks more natural without harsh lines. The length and volume are gorgeous, and the texture is soft and touchable which is a sign that the moisture balance is perfect. It is clear that this hair has received a lot of care, and the result shows it.
#20: Warm Highlighted Curls at Shoulder Length
A cut like this one shows that shoulder length hair is one of the most universally flattering lengths for curly hair. The hair will have the appropriate weight and movement in the curls, but will also be short enough to have the shape of the cut maintained in between trims. With the warm highlights, there is added interest without needing to change the color completely. The hair has enough lift in the layers to feel light and not be weighed down, especially since the style is relaxed but polished. If you are trying to decide on a length and are feeling uncertain, this is a safe option that definitely will not look conservative.
#21: Golden-Highlighted Curls with Beautiful Density
Your hair’s density brings the look together beautifully, and the golden highlights complement the hair by keeping things warm and cohesive. The highlights are working with the hair rather than against it. The natural variation in the size of the curls is lovely, and it’s refreshing to see hair that looks real instead of just an edited magazine style. I think a decent diffuser would be good at keeping your curls looking great and it shouldn’t disrupt the pattern. After that, your hair should stay nice for a few days.
#22: Defined Layers with Color That Actually Enhances the Texture
Here, we can see how beautifully cut and colour go together. They each would be less without the other. Highlights catching on the raised surface of the curls make the hair look and feel more textured. The layers in the cut create more separation between the curls so that you can see the dimension more. Achieving this effect takes a stylist who really knows what they are doing in both cutting and colouring curly hair, and that is a rarer combination than you would think.
#23: Textured Curly Lob with Warmth
This is what I would describe as an everyday smart hairstyle. It is a cut and color that is appropriate for any occasion and need not be changed whether you are off to the office or out for dinner. The lob length means it is easy to manage and the warm highlights and texture add to the personality. This style does require regular moisture though. It is all too easy for a curly lob to look dry and undefined and for the curls to lack shape. This is simply because, with a shorter cut, there is less weight to pull the curl down and provide that shape. Keep up with your conditioning and you should have no problems.
#24: Clean Shoulder-Length Curls
Sometimes the easiest option is the best, and this cut really shows how that’s done. No color techniques, no over done layers just a really well done shoulder length cut that lets the natural curls show. The rounded shape is soft and flattering and the texture looks intentional enough to not look like a lot of product was used. To keep this as hydrated as it looks here, I would recommend a deep conditioning mask every week or two.
#25: Long Face-Framing Curls with Soft Highlights
Face-framing highlights create an illusion of breaking the jawline and draw our focus to the eyes. The length of the hair is beautiful, and the volume is just right. The highlights are very well placed, and i mean in fact that the technique used for the highlights is as important as the cut, since highlights in curly hair that are not placed well look terrible. So be sure to choose a good colorist who has worked with curly hair before.
#26: Warm-Toned Curly Layers with Natural Movement
The soft tones in the curls are nice and brighten the look without being too color heavy. I’m a fan of the medium length here as it hits that sweet shot when the curls have enough weight to elongate them slightly, but not so much that they lose their spring. The layered structure is allowing each curl to exist separately instead of clumping together creating that effortless, separated texture that so few cuts actually deliver.
#27: Curly Layers with Bangs and a Soft Ombre
Each feature of the style contributes to the overall look, including bangs, layers, and an ombre on curly hair. None of the bangs are blunt; the layers do not create excess bulk, and the ombre is still natural. This style provides an effortless look, though we all know effortless took a lot more work than it looks.
#28: Rich Dark Curls with Strategically Placed Highlights
The dark base mixed with curls provides great depth to the look. The highlights also add dimensions to the style, as they were placed to lighten specific parts instead of just lightening everything up. The curls are defnied from root to tip which means the right products are properly used. Long curly hair is hard to maintain and in this case a lot of effort is defnintely being spent.
#29: Half-Up Curls with Sleek Contrast
The way the upper part is sleek and smooth while the lower part is bouncy and curly really emphasizes the intention behind each individual part. If you want to keep your curls down. this would be a perfect option for you. You can also customize how much of the top section you have pulled back so this style is really versatile for different face shapes. The top part is the most important section to polish and smooth out so that everything looks intentional and cohesive. A good edge control and a boar bristle brush would help you a lot with this.
#30: Curly Bob with Braided Detail
The addition of a braid along the hairline elevates this curly bob from an average style to something with true character. The braid is a small detail, but it helps shape the style as a whole by providing some structure and intention to the front of the style while allowing the curls to be soft and voluminous everywhere else. This kind of style is fabulous for a special occasion, but it’s also ideal for everyday wear, if you’re the kind of person who doesn’t mind spending a few extra minutes styling in the morning. The bob cut itself is neat and well-proportioned, falling just above the shoulders where curls exhibit their fullest, most bouncy self.
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