The 21 Best Haircuts for Curly Hair, According to Top Celebrity Hairstylists

This natural haircut is all about tapering the sides and the back of the head, so that your curls or coils sit nicely on top (and show off your striking bone structure like Taraji P. Henson). "This cut became very popular with the rise and acceptance of natural hair," says Stephen. "It works well with coarse, 4C hair." The stylist recommends using a pomade and a curling sponge to further define your curls. 

"This is an amazing way to get body and movement into long loose curls since they can get a bit flat if left to their own devices," says Sears. It's all about point cutting layers before working the diffuser on the ends to create more texture and shape. Sears suggests using a combination of a Denman brush and the finger-coiling technique to really define your flowing strands. 

Touchably soft waves that are frizz-free, defined and structured? Basically, what dreams are made of. "This cut is best for someone who wants to enhance their naturally wavy texture," says Potempa. It starts with sectioning hair off, lifting each section 90 degrees before slide cutting into it at a vertical angle. To style the cut, Potempa recommends using a volumizing mousse and a curling tool to enhance any straighter strands. 

This stacked haircut is all about height. Think: the bigger the ‘fro, the better. How's it done? It's tapered at the nape of the neck, leaving the rest of your hair wide around the ears and long on top. "I think we’re seeing many more women become more experimental and have fun with their coils. This is such a fun and creative way to add body to curls," says Leon. Moisturizing is key, so Leon suggests a protein-based treatment to prevent dry, dull strands. 

Do you see a big chop in your future? Well, here's an example of Tiffany Haddish’s cut that you can show your hairstylist. "This classic clipper cut is gorgeous when you add a design like a deep side part or abstract lines," says James. "It also gives the look a fresh, more fashionable feel with a feminine touch." If you really want your hair to pop, James suggests adding a nourishing oil to your strands for moisture and shine. 

If you're looking to give your curls shape and bounce, try this layered style, as seen on Leona Lewis above. "This cut helps create volume and gives the illusion of thicker, fuller hair on textures that are not as dense or defined," Stephen explains. To keep the cut fresh, the stylist suggests a weekly wash and go and a curly cream to hydrate your swirls. 

A blunt cut (in a bold triangular shape) is just the thing your curls need to make a statement. "The trick is not over-layering it, as you still want to keep a blunt vibe overall," Sears says. Her tip? Ask your stylist to cut it at or below the jawline. Anything longer than that takes away from the style. After getting the cut, she says to focus on managing frizz and adding definition with a curl cream.

Some curly gals may be searching for shorter, low-maintenance styles that don’t require a lot of handling. Enter the lob: the long curly bob version. "It's a really popular style because it doesn’t weigh down the curls," says Potempa. "It works well for someone who wants a lightweight feeling, while maintaining [their] length." 

Yes, looser curl patterns can get on the lob train, too. If you have 2A to 2C hair, consider adding layers that bring out fullness and flexibility. "This lob is perfect for anyone wanting to do a chop to get rid of dry and damaged ends," Leon explains. Incorporate a leave-in mask into your routine to maintain volume and moisture between washes. 

The pixie is a classic among all hair types, so it's no surprise curly gals might want to join in on the fun. This look features short to medium layers (with more length around the sides and nape of the neck). "This cut works well with 2B to 3A hair, showcasing the curls in a beautiful way and creating volume," says Stephen. She suggests a styling cream (or a pomade) to maintain the cut at home.

This is a popular haircut because the upkeep offers low commitment for those who only want to get haircuts/trims every 10-12 weeks," James explains. "It will keep the split ends at bay and your hair in a healthy state, so you’re able to maintain the current length or grow it out."

"This haircut gained popularity post-quarantine. Many women started to really embrace their natural texture and realized life is too short to not do something fun with your curls," Leon says. Plus, adding a curly bang like Kerry Washington above is a nice touch, too. We recommend applying texturizing spray and using hair pick at the roots for even fluffier curls.

The dry cutting technique works on any length for defined, frizz-free curls. "With a dry cut, you look at how someone's hair naturally dries before you take each curl and cut it at an angle and blend it with the rest of the hair," Potempa explains. Your wash routine is crucial to get the most out of this style, so use a sulfate-free shampoo and make sure to detangle your curls while you condition. Then, dry your hair using a diffuser (or let it air dry completely) before heading to your appointment. 

The shag cut will always be in. From London to New York, everyone is constantly trying out the look. "Each curl type gives different results. [It's] one of the reasons I love this cut," Sears says. "I love a longer fringe for this haircut. I feel it's where it gets that little bit of a flirty [shape]. Plus, the eyes peeking through a fringe is mad cool." This style requires intense moisture, so Sears suggests adding a treatment or styling cream to your routine. 

Yes, this is your sign to get bangs. The layered bob frames your face and layers your curls, which is incredibly flattering. "It has more style when you add a fringe!" Potempa adds. "Anytime you add bangs or face-framing pieces, it can be really trendy!"

Sometimes it's not all about layers. This cut calls for a straight uniform trim with curls sitting at the same length at your shoulders. "This is the go-to cut for most curls. It’s easy and low-maintenance and can easily be pulled into a cool top knot," Stephen adds.

Another shag haircut on the list, this one factors in your face shape and hair type (especially if you fall into the 2A to 3C category). As Lopez explains, this cut is all about the layers. “It gives volume on top with slightly more tapered ends, which makes it a perfect choice for those who want movement and personality,” he says. “Your face shape helps the stylist dictate how short the layers should be.” If you have an oval face like Sandra Oh, Lopez says this haircut will enhance your natural features with its layers. On the other hand, those with a round face will get definition and angles that will elongate the face and have a slimming effect on the sides. Regardless of face shape, Lopez recommends a defining mousse for moisture and hold.

If you’re looking for a shortcut, a bob is the way to go. “A bob for curly hair is tailored to fit your natural curl pattern and incorporates a variety of lengths throughout the hair to reduce bulking and give curls a more defined shape,” says Lopez. If you have a rounder face shape like Rihanna, this cut will add structure to your features. It will also “add volume and texture to your hair, which can elongate the face, especially if the bob is cut just below the chin,” says Lopez. A lightweight gel is a great option to define curls without being weighed down by products. 

It doesn’t get any sweeter than this cut worn by curl queen Yara Shahidi. “This cut has a round silhouette that frames the face nicely and has even layers throughout the hair for volume. Whereas a mullet or wolf cut has choppy layers, these layers are more even and blend together seamlessly,” says O’Connor. A stylist will establish a weight line, where the hair sits at its longest point, which is usually right at the collarbone. (Anything longer and you may lose the rounded shape, notes O’Connor.) Once you get your cut, O’Connor suggests a styling gel that hydrates and defines your curls—minus the crunch and flakes.