Curly haircuts can feel like a high-stakes game. One wrong snip and suddenly you’re starring in a rom-com reboot… as the “before” picture.
Been there. I’ve walked into salons with Pinterest dreams and walked out looking like a cotton ball in a wind tunnel. But here’s the good news: when done right, a great curly haircut doesn’t just transform your hair—it upgrades your whole vibe.
So, what exactly makes a curly haircut work? It’s all about shape, balance, and letting your natural texture shine without turning your head into a frizz fiesta. I’ve tried everything from pixies to shoulder-length cuts, and I’ve learned that the right style can literally cut your styling time in half (yes, even on Monday mornings).
I’m breaking down 30 curly haircuts—from bold curly mohawks to soft spiral cuts—so you can find the perfect match for your curl type, face shape, and lifestyle.
1. Curly Pixie Cut
Okay, let’s talk bold. I once chopped my shoulder-length curls into a pixie on a total whim—and honestly? No regrets.
The curly pixie cut is fearless, low-maintenance, and perfect for showing off your curl pattern without dealing with heavy hair.
It works best for people with tighter curls who want volume up top and freedom around the neck.
Want to learn more about pixie cuts for all face shapes? Check out our Pixie Cuts for All Face Shapes.
2. Curly Bob Cut
The curly bob cut is a classic for a reason—it frames the face, adds bounce, and gives major retro-chic vibes.
I wore this for about a year, and the compliments never stopped.
It’s the kind of haircut that feels put-together even when you’ve only had coffee for breakfast.
Trust me—wet cuts lie. For more inspiration, check out our Easy Bob Hairstyles.
3. Layered Curly Haircut
Let’s be honest—without layers, my hair looked like a bell. But the layered curly haircut fixed that real quick.
This style adds volume in the right places and stops curls from forming that dreaded triangle.
It’s perfect for all curl types and adds that “effortlessly wild” vibe without being unkempt.
For more layered styles, check out Layered Haircuts for Volume.
4. Curly Shag Haircut
I lived my ‘70s fantasy with a curly shag haircut, and it was everything.
This cut is full of attitude—think volume at the crown, layers for days, and a little rock-and-roll energy in every curl.
Best for loose to medium curls, this cut adds instant personality and edge.
5. Shoulder-Length Curly Cut
There’s something magical about a shoulder-length curly cut—long enough to feel feminine, short enough to avoid tangles in your jacket.
I wore this cut through most of college, and it worked for everything from lazy days to job interviews.
It flatters nearly every face shape and curl pattern.
6. Curly Hair with Bangs
I used to think curly bangs were a one-way ticket to regret-ville… until I tried them.
Spoiler: they’re a vibe. Curly hair with bangs adds a fun, youthful edge and frames the face beautifully—especially if you’ve got big eyes or cheekbones you want to highlight.
This cut works best with soft to medium curls and looks amazing with a bit of shrinkage.
I style mine with a diffuser and a touch of gel for definition. Learn more about wolf cut witb bangs.
7. Round Cut for Curly Hair
I call the round cut the “halo effect.” It creates a soft, balanced shape all around your head that makes your curls pop especially when the layers are even.
I rocked this one during my “low-effort, high-impact” phase, and it totally delivered.
Best for tighter curls and coils, this cut gives you a fuller, fluffier silhouette.
For more about achieving that perfect curl, check out our Curly Mullet Styles.
8. Tapered Curly Cut
Now this cut? It’s edgy and chic. The tapered curly cut is shorter at the sides and longer at the top, giving your curls a cool, structured shape.
I tried this one right before summer, and I swear—it felt like my hair could finally breathe.
It’s great for tighter curl types and perfect if you’re looking for a stylish way to manage thicker hair.
9. Long Curls with Face-Framing Layers
When I grew my curls long again, I learned this trick: face-framing layers change everything.
Without them, my hair looked heavy and pulled down. With them? Instant movement and softness.
This style flatters all face shapes and gives long curly hair some much-needed shape.
10. Chin-Length Curly Bob
Ah yes—the chin-length curly bob. Short, sassy, and unexpectedly powerful.
I went for this cut right before a big career change, and honestly? It gave me main-character energy.
It’s best for looser curls or waves, especially if you want definition without a ton of length.
11. Asymmetrical Curly Cut
If symmetry is overrated, the asymmetrical curly cut is here to shake things up.
I tried this look during my “I need a change, but not bangs” phase, and it delivered just the right amount of edge.
This style is longer on one side, which gives off artsy, confident vibes—great for looser curls or wavy textures.
12. Voluminous Curly Lob
I’m obsessed with the curly lob—aka the long bob.
It’s that sweet spot between short and long hair, with just enough length to feel flowy and enough layers to avoid the dreaded poof pyramid.
It’s perfect for medium to thick curls and works wonders if you want volume and control.
13. Deva Cut for Curly Hair
Let’s take a moment to appreciate the holy grail: the Deva cut.
This one changed my life.
Seriously. It’s a curl-by-curl dry cut specifically designed for curly hair—and if you haven’t tried it yet, you’re missing out.
14. Curly Undercut
The first time I got a curly undercut, my mom gasped—and I loved every second of it.
This cut is bold, fun, and gives your curls a seriously cool contrast by shaving or clipping the sides or back.
It’s best for tighter curls or coils, and it’s an awesome choice if you want less bulk or just want to turn heads.
15. Curly Mohawk Cut
Ready to bring the drama? The curly mohawk cut is all about high volume and fearless style.
I tried it once for a music festival, and it had main character energy written all over it.
This look works best with tighter curls and shaved or tapered sides.
For more daring cuts, check out our Curly Mullet Styles.
16. Short Curly Hair with Tapered Sides
This cut is a personal favorite for when I’m in my “less is more” mood.
Short curly hair with tapered sides gives you a clean, modern shape while keeping just enough curl up top for volume and fun.
It’s especially great for tighter curls or anyone wanting a fresh, low-maintenance look.
17. Curly Haircut with Curtain Bangs
Curtain bangs + curls = pure magic.
I didn’t expect to love this look so much, but it brought out my cheekbones and gave my curls a romantic, effortless vibe.
This curly haircut with curtain bangs works wonders for medium curls and longer styles.
18. Curly Mullet Cut
Okay, hear me out—the curly mullet is having a serious moment, and it’s way cooler than the one from the ’80s.
I tried it for fun and ended up keeping it way longer than planned because it’s edgy and surprisingly flattering.
With volume up front and longer length in the back, it’s ideal for curl types that want movement without too much styling fuss.
19. Mid-Length Curly Cut with Layers
When you’re not ready for a chop but need a refresh, the mid-length curly cut with layers is your best friend.
I went for this during a seasonal change, and it gave my curls bounce without losing any drama.
This cut works for all curl types and is perfect if your hair tends to get weighed down.
20. Curly Afro
The curly afro is iconic. Powerful. Unapologetically bold.
I wore mine out for the first time after years of hiding behind ponytails, and let me tell you—I felt seen.
It works best with tight curls or coils, especially if you love volume and shape.
21. Curly Bowl Cut
Alright, don’t run—hear me out. The curly bowl cut is not the same tragic haircut we got as kids.
I tried a modern version recently, and it was sleek, fashion-forward, and surprisingly flattering.
This look works best with defined curls and a bold sense of style.
22. Long Curly Hair with Step Layers
I didn’t think my long curls could look lighter until I got step layers—and boom, instant bounce.
This cut adds definition and airiness without sacrificing length, which is a win-win in my book.
Great for medium to long curls that need shape and lift.
23. Curly Bob with Blunt Ends
The curly bob with blunt ends is drama in the best way.
I went for this cut during a “new year, new me” moment, and it gave me a sleek, bold look without needing daily heat styling.
It’s ideal for looser curl types or waves that hold shape well.
24. High-Volume Curly Crop
Volume lovers, this one’s for you. The high-volume curly crop brings the drama right to the crown.
I tried this when I wanted a big change without losing my curl identity—and it made me feel instantly more stylish.
Perfect for tight curls or coils, this haircut is about shaping upwards instead of outwards.
25. Soft Spiral Cut
Ahh, the soft spiral cut—the cut that made me feel like a shampoo commercial model.
This look is flowy, defined, and just the right amount of romantic.
It’s one of those styles that moves with you and catches the light in all the right ways.
It works best on looser spirals or well-moisturized curls.
26. Triangle Cut for Defined Curls
Okay, before you panic—this triangle cut is not the nightmare version from middle school.
This is a modern triangle cut, designed to enhance volume up top and create a balanced shape that flatters your curls.
It’s perfect for tighter curl patterns that crave definition without bulk at the ends.
27. Bob Cut with Loose Ringlets
There’s something so effortlessly chic about a bob with loose ringlets.
It’s playful, bouncy, and makes you look like the lead in a feel-good rom-com.
I wore this during a European summer trip—and yes, my curls had their own passport-worthy moment.
Great for looser curls or 2B–3A textures, this cut falls just below the jawline and moves with grace.
28. Layered Curls with Rounded Shape
Think soft volume, bouncy shape, and effortless elegance that’s the layered curls with rounded shape vibe.
It’s my go-to when I want something flattering that doesn’t scream “I spent an hour on my hair.”
This look works well on medium to tight curls and gives that signature “cloud of curls” look without making your head look too wide.
29. Inverted Bob for Curly Hair
Feeling a little edgy but still into elegance? Try the inverted bob.
I gave this cut a shot last fall, and it had just the right balance of business in the front and sass in the back.
This cut is shorter in the back and gradually longer in the front, which helps curls stack beautifully and keep their shape..
30. Side-Parted Curly Cut
Last but not least: the side-parted curly cut. It’s not just a part—it’s a whole mood.
I switch to this style whenever I need a quick refresh without changing the length, and it always gives me more volume and drama on one side.
This look works with any curly haircut—it’s all about where you position your part.
