Haircuts for Curly Hair: 33 Styles for Natural Curls, Including Bob, Pixie, and Layered Looks

Curly hair, with its distinct texture and dynamic volume, offers a unique canvas for stylish and versatile haircuts. As we step into 2024, the trends in curly haircuts are as varied as they are exciting, promising something for every curl type and personal style. In this article, we’ll explore 33 fabulous haircut ideas tailored for those with natural curls, each described in detail to inspire and guide you through your next hair transformation.

The Modern Mullet

Best suited for those with medium length natural curls, the Modern Mullet is making a striking comeback. This isn’t the stark mullet of the 80s; it’s been refined and softened to blend seamlessly with today’s fashion sensibilities. Ideal for those with a round face, this cut enhances the facial features while allowing the curls at the back to provide a playful bounce. This cut is perfect for both casual outings and more formal events, adding a touch of edginess without sacrificing elegance.

To maintain the Modern Mullet, a curl-defining cream is crucial, as it enhances the natural texture while keeping the layers distinct and voluminous. Regular trims are also necessary to keep the style looking intentional and fresh.

The Layered Bob

A timeless choice, the Layered Bob is perfect for women with short to medium-length natural curls. The layers add volume and dimension, making it an excellent option for those looking to add body to their hair. This style works well for all face shapes, particularly enhancing oval and heart-shaped faces. It’s a versatile cut, ideal for both professional settings and more relaxed environments.

For upkeep, using a lightweight mousse can help maintain the definition of the curls without weighing them down. Regular hydration treatments will keep the curls bouncy and healthy.

The Classic Pixie Cut

For those who prefer keeping their curls short, the Classic Pixie Cut remains a chic and low-maintenance option. This style is particularly flattering for women with delicate facial features and works best with smaller, tighter curls. It’s a bold statement cut, perfect for those who want a hassle-free hairstyle that still looks styled and put-together.

To style a pixie cut, a strong hold gel can help define individual curls and keep them in place all day. The cut requires frequent trims to maintain its shape and style.

The Shaggy Cut

The Shaggy Cut is designed for long, loose curls and offers a bohemian, carefree look. It works well for all face shapes and is particularly flattering on longer face shapes as it adds width. This cut is ideal for casual gatherings or creative settings, providing a laid-back yet stylish look.

Maintenance involves using a curl-friendly shampoo and conditioner to enhance the natural texture, and a diffuser to dry the hair can help maintain its voluminous, tousled appearance.

The Curly Lob with Bangs

The Curly Lob with Bangs is a fresh take on the traditional bob. It’s perfect for medium-length hair and adds a playful twist with the inclusion of curly bangs. This hairstyle is flattering for wider face shapes as it helps to elongate the face. It’s suitable for both formal and casual environments, making it extremely versatile.

A good frizz-control serum and regular deep conditioning treatments are key to keeping this style looking polished and defined.

The Beachy Waves Bob

For those with natural loose curls, the Beachy Waves Bob offers a relaxed and summery vibe. This style is particularly flattering for those with a round face and lighter eye colors, as it brightens the face and adds softness to the overall look. It’s ideal for vacations and days out in the sun.

Sea salt spray is essential for maintaining this style, providing texture and volume while keeping the waves looking natural and effortless.

The Afro Pixie

The Afro Pixie is a bold, empowering cut that works best with very tight, natural curls. It’s a minimalistic style that highlights the natural beauty of Afro-textured hair. This cut is particularly flattering for round and square face shapes, offering a balanced, modern look.

To keep the Afro Pixie in top shape, regular conditioning with products tailored for Afro-textured hair is necessary. Additionally, a light pomade can help maintain shape and control frizz.

The Asymmetrical Undercut

For the daring at heart, the Asymmetrical Undercut combines boldness with the beauty of curls. One side is cut shorter than the other, offering a modern twist that showcases the curls’ volume and texture. This cut is suitable for those with bold personalities and works well with medium to long curls.

Styling gel and regular trims are essential to keep the asymmetry defined and the curls controlled.

The Spiral Curls Shag

This cut is all about embracing the volume and texture of natural spiral curls. The Spiral Curls Shag is layered to enhance the hair’s natural body, making it an excellent choice for those with thick, voluminous curls. It suits all face shapes and is perfect for those who wish to make a bold, stylish statement.

A curl-enhancing cream and occasional light trims will help maintain the lively look of this haircut.

The Romantic Tendrils Cut

Perfect for long, flowing curls, the Romantic Tendrils Cut is all about softness and grace. This style is particularly flattering for those with oval and heart-shaped faces and is ideal for formal events and romantic evenings. The layers are designed to create gentle, cascading curls that frame the face beautifully.

A lightweight leave-in conditioner and curl-refreshing spray are key to keeping this hairstyle soft and manageable.

The Voluminous Top Knot

For those who love to keep their hair out of their face but still want to flaunt their curls, the Voluminous Top Knot is a stylish and practical choice. This hairstyle works best with long natural curls, creating a full, lush knot at the top of the head. It’s ideal for both formal events and casual days, easily adapting to different styles and outfits.

To achieve this look, use a strong hold hair tie and a few bobby pins to secure the knot in place. A light misting of hairspray will help control any flyaways and maintain the style’s sleek appearance throughout the day.

The Curly Fringe

Adding a curly fringe to any haircut introduces a playful, youthful vibe. This style is particularly effective for those with medium-length hair and suits a variety of face shapes, especially those with more pronounced foreheads. It’s a versatile look that can swing from boho chic to sleek professionalism with just a few styling tweaks.

Styling this haircut involves scrunching a light curl cream into the fringe to keep it bouncy and fresh. Regular trims are crucial to keep the fringe from overpowering the face.

The Tapered Afro

For those embracing their natural curls with pride, the Tapered Afro offers a striking silhouette that tapers gracefully towards the nape. This style is particularly flattering for angular face shapes and showcases the rich texture of curly hair beautifully. It’s a powerful statement cut that emphasizes confidence and heritage.

Regular use of a hydrating curl activator cream will keep the curls defined and vibrant, while a monthly trim ensures the shape remains sharp and tailored.

The Slicked-Back Waves

For a dramatic, elegant look that works exceptionally well in formal settings, the Slicked-Back Waves style is a standout choice. This works best for medium to long curls and is ideal for showcasing both your hair’s natural texture and a striking makeup look. It’s particularly flattering for those with oval and longer face shapes.

To maintain this look, use a gel that provides both hold and shine, applying it evenly through damp hair and then gently combing the hair back.

The Boho Braids

Boho Braids incorporate small, delicate braids into loose curls, creating a whimsically textured style that’s perfect for festivals or everyday whimsy. This style works beautifully on long, natural curls and adds an element of interest with its intricate patterns.

Lightweight oil or spray can be used to keep the braids neat and prevent frizz, enhancing the overall softness and manageability of the curls.

The Soft Layered Cut

The Soft Layered Cut is designed to give natural curls of any length a flowing, graceful look. The layers are cut to create a gentle cascade of curls that frame the face softly, making it particularly suitable for those with square or more angular face shapes.

Using a diffuser when drying the hair can help to enhance the layers and bring out the natural volume and texture of the curls. Regular conditioning treatments are also recommended to keep the hair soft and healthy.

The Curly Pixie with Undercut

A bold variation of the classic pixie, this style features an undercut to add an edgy contrast to the soft curls on top. This cut is ideal for those who enjoy a low-maintenance hairstyle but still want a touch of flair. It works well with short, tight curls and adds a modern twist to the traditional pixie cut.

To style this haircut, use a pomade to define the curls and a light spray to keep the undercut neat and tidy.

The Waterfall Curls

Waterfall Curls are all about achieving a layered look that allows the curls to fall softly around the shoulders and back, creating a stunning visual effect like a cascading waterfall. This style is best suited for long curls and is incredibly flattering for all face shapes, especially those with a round face.

To keep the curls looking their best, a curl-enhancing mousse can be applied to wet hair, and a wide-tooth comb used to gently shape the curls as they dry naturally.

The Double Bun

Double the fun with The Double Bun, a playful and quirky style that works brilliantly for medium to long curly hair. It creates symmetry and balance, making it especially adorable on younger women or those with a playful personal style. This cut is a hit at casual gatherings and can also be dressed up with accessories for a more festive look.

To achieve and maintain the double buns, use hair ties and bobby pins that match your hair color. A light curl-refreshing spray will help keep the curls lively and voluminous.

The Curly Shag with Curtain Bangs

The Curly Shag with Curtain Bangs brings a retro flair back into the spotlight, perfectly blending the wild spirit of the shag cut with the softness of curtain bangs. This haircut is ideal for those with medium to long natural curls and works exceptionally well for individuals with oval or square face shapes, as the bangs soften the facial contours. This versatile look is suitable for both casual outings and more dressed-up events.

To maintain this hairstyle, a curl-enhancing spray is essential for keeping the bangs well-defined and the layers bouncy. Regular trims will help maintain the shape of the bangs and the dynamic layers of the shag.

The Spiral Frohawk

A bold expression of curly hair, the Spiral Frohawk concentrates curls into a striking mohawk while the sides are either closely cropped or sleekly styled. This daring style is best for those with tight, natural curls and suits a variety of face shapes, particularly highlighting angular features. It’s a standout choice for special occasions or artistic events where making a visual impact is desired.

Maintaining the Frohawk often requires a firm-hold gel to keep the curls in place vertically and routine side trims to keep the style sharp and defined.

The world of curly haircuts is rich with variety and creativity, offering something special for every curly-haired individual in 2024. Whether you prefer short and bold cuts or long, flowing styles, there’s a trendy option to suit your preferences. We encourage you to share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below. Have you tried any of these styles? Do you have any favorites? Let’s discuss and inspire each other with our curly hair journeys!