Why the cut works: If you have thick, very tight curls that tend to swell up more than you'd like, go with this shoulder-length style with long layers at the ends. It's not quite a lob (long bob), but the cut is a length that sits right on your shoulders, which makes Kerry Washington's beautiful curls short enough to maintain but long enough to prevent her hair from getting too big. This particular look is for the ladies who actually "woke up like this." To steal the style:
Why the cut works: Just because you've been blessed with a full head of curls doesn't mean you can't rock an edgy pixie cut (see also: Halle Berry). Coarse, wavy hair looks stunning in a pixie with long layers in the front — in fact, we'd name it as one of the best curly haircuts in town. "The cut creates texture without the fear of looking like a mess or too masculine," Dueñas says. "The bangs also give the illusion of length, despite the style's close crop, which helps to provide a feminine feel."
For this style, Mancuso recommends working with your natural curl and just use a blow dryer to smooth the front bangs:
Step 1: Apply a straightening cream to loosen the waves on damp hair.
Step 2: Using the force of the blow dryer, amp up the fluffy, natural texture of your hair.
Step 3: Blow dry your front layers with a flat paddle brush to smooth the bangs.
Step 4: Run your fingers through the back of your hair and lightly mist with a finishing spray.
Image via Dominique Charriau/Getty
Photo 7/13
Best Haircuts for Curly Hair: Wild Pixie
Why the cut works: "For those who have curly hair, the maintenance and time needed to stay on top of longer hair just isn't realistic," says Suave celebrity hairstylist Marcus Francis. "The curly pixie makes a great alternative option." He also notes that it works well for finer textures since the style "gives the hair more fullness than longer hair." Here's how to copy the look:
"For curly styles, I think it's really about using the right combination of products," he adds. "They all do something different, which is what curls need — hold, texture and shine, to name a few."
Why the cut works: As with a curly pixie cut, Francis notes that this short style offers a lower-maintenance alternative for curly hair — making it one of the best curly haircuts around, in our book. As he puts it, "They're flirty, feminine and have a flattering shape that really makes the eyes stand out."
Step 1: Once again, Francis recommends prepping clean hair with a styling spray and salt spray to help add texture and shine.
Step 2: Style and shape hair to liking with hands.
Step 4: You can either air dry, or blow dry with a diffuser to further define your curl pattern.
Image via Imaxtree
Photo 9/13
Best Haircuts for Curly Hair: Layered Bob
Why the cut works: If you have fine-to-medium hair with a mix of waves and curls, a layered bob accentuates your features exquisitely. Plus, if you're looking to build a little volume, this is one of the best curly haircuts for you. "There's a strong line with lots of layering, which is what's keeping the curls full and soft, but not looking like a pyramid which is unflattering," says Mancuso. "If it was one length, it would be too heavy at the bottom." So, layering is imperative with a bob. Here are Mancuso's tips on how to achieve this spirited style:
Step 1: Apply a mousse at the roots for some added volume, (try Joico JoiWhip Firm Hold Design Foam, $16.99) and scrunch some into the length of your strands to help accentuate texture and waves. Blow-dry hair using a diffuser.
Step 2: To accentuate curls, once your hair is dry, take 1-inch sections of hair and wrap around a 1-inch curling iron, alternating directions as you work your way around your head. If you curl too tight (we're talking Shirley Temple tight), lightly tug on the end of the section to create a looser curl. Continue to do this until you've curled your whole head.
Step 3: Once your whole head is successfully curled, lightly spritz some texture spray onto your strands, and separate curls using your fingers for that playful, messy look.
Image via Imaxtree
Finding the right haircut for curly hair can be a struggle — especially when you're working against, instead of with, your natural texture. We know — you've pressed, chemically straightened and probably even begged your curly hair to cooperate. Luckily, you don't have to straighten your curls into submission to flaunt gorgeous hair.
Textured hair, from tight spirals to beachy waves, is what's hot right now. So how do you pull off those looks? We spoke with the best stylists in the biz to find the best haircuts for curly hair — the ones that will let you embrace your natural curls and waves without wrestling every morning with a flat iron.
