The fear of getting your hair cut is real. There’s even a name for it: tonsurephobia. It’s something that many of us have dealt with, but those with curly hair often experience stronger symptoms because of negative experiences. (We don’t want to bring up any bad memories involving wet curls shrinking into a style you weren’t cool with.) We’re here to help you move beyond those times and get a curly haircut that showcases every bouncy strand.
Arming yourself with the knowledge of what works with curly hair can help increase the chances of getting a gorgeous curly haircut that you can style at home with minimal frustration. Eric Barras Johnson, texture expert, salon owner and partner educator for Seven Haircare, says it takes an experienced stylist to know how to handle each head of curly hair. “Hair is like a fingerprint,” he says. “There are no two heads of hair that are exactly the same.” Celebrity stylist for Seven Haircare Cash Lawless adds that there are countless variables to consider, including diameter and texture of the hair shaft, wave pattern, density, color pattern and even where a client lives. (See why cutting curly hair can be difficult?)
Curly Haircut Tips
Communication is a big part of getting a hairstyle you love. Talk to your hairstylist while your hair is dry and curly because the shape of curls will be obvious. Some stylists might cut the outline of hair when it’s wet and fine-tune it when curls are dry.
Explain to your hairstylist what issues you have with your hair, how you wear it, whether you like to experiment with different parts and how much upkeep you’re prepared to do. Remember: Speak up if you’re not happy with your ‘do. This is your curly hair in question and it’s you that’s forking over cash for the look.
The hair experts we spoke to agree that layers are a great option. Chi Haircare global artist Anna Cantu says layered haircuts are best because they “showcase the volume and expansion of each curl.” To avoid the dreaded triangle hair shape, Bosley Professional Strength core educator Sara Caroline suggests rounded layers. It’s better to stick with solid-lined shapes as opposed to wispy ones, according to Barras Johnson. And don’t overdo it with textured cuts. When it comes to curly hair, he says less is more.
You might have heard that short hair and bangs don’t work for curly hair. Not so. Lawless says, “Short hair can get rid of weight and allow curls to dance and spring back to life.” Cantu points out that a trendy shag haircut is perfect for showing off curls as well as bone structure.
We’ve got the tips now it’s time for visual inspiration. Click through the gallery to see 19 stunning curly haircuts that show off kinks and coils.
[ Next: 45 Gorgeous Ways to Style Curly Hair Right Now ]
This article originally appeared on TotalBeauty.com
19 Gorgeous Curly Haircuts That Show Off Your Natural Texture
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Short Hair Don't Care
There's no triangle head here. The volume is dispersed evenly creating a halo of thick, full curls. The bangs seamlessly blend into the rest of the cut.
Image: Imaxtree
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Mega Volume
Talk about #curlscurlscurls. This is the perfect example of less is more when it comes to curly haircuts. Soft layers enhance each springy curl and the shorter pieces take the excess weight off. The ombre hair color enhances the cut with the light pieces bringing more depth.
Image: Imaxtree
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Soft Shape
The overall shape of the haircut is as important as the shape of each curl. This pretty short style is longer on top and tapers toward the chin. It flatters the face and makes hair look extra bouncy.
Image: Imaxtree
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Banging Bob
Yes, curly hair can be worn in a bob with bangs. You will still feel like you have a lot of hair (and you will look like you do) thanks to the soft layering. Talk to your hairstylist about wanting to concentrate the curls on the lengths as opposed to the crown of the head to achieve the same effect.
Image: Imaxtree
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Short and Sweet
This is another short curly hairstyle, but a completely different effect. Curls are cropped closer to the head with thick bangs. Strands have been cut in such a way where the definition of each coil is still evident.
Image: Imaxtree
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Shoulder-Skimming Style
Tight spirals, loose coils and stretchy corkscrews can all be worn long. It's about balancing hair's length and body. A hairstylist will be able to eliminate excess bulk so hair will cooperate but it won't look flat or patchy.
Image: Imaxtree
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Sleek Slides
Who said that curly-haired girls can't experiment with edgy shapes? Don't be afraid to think outside of the box — or head shape, in this case. This bold curly haircut with full crown and cropped sides is a great option for those considering faux hawk or buzzed styles.
Image: Imaxtree
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Longer in the Front
Keep curly strands under control with a cropped hairstyle. Making bangs longer softens the look and showcases hair's beautiful texture. Pro tip: Saturate tresses with hair gel or mousse to define spirals. Frizz? What frizz?
Image: Imaxtree
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Radiating Curls
Reveal every bouncy strand with a rounded haircut. This natural hairstyle has a uniform shape, but we can still appreciate individual corkscrews. You could count them if you felt so inclined.
Image: Imaxtree
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To the Sides
Curly hair can go in any direction, as we're sure you've discovered. A hairstylist can tame it. For a playful look, cut curls so the volume goes out to the sides in a thick bob with bangs. It's a clever hairstyle for those who have long faces because the fuller sides balance the oval shape of the face.
Image: Imaxtree
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Center Part
Tend to wear tresses parted down the center? Choose a curly haircut that complements the parting. These short layers and little side bangs have a distinct shape that offsets the part and face shape.
Image: Imaxtree
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Swinging Shag
All hail the shag haircut. Curly bangs and a few face-framing layers can transform a tired medium-length style into a springy shag.
Image: Imaxtree
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Rapunzel Curls
Now this is modern romance. It displays hair's movement without looking bulky or frazzled. Most importantly, the face isn't lost behind a sea of hair. We see the defined coils and the face. As fabulous as curls are, you don't want them to mask facial features.
Image: Imaxtree
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Full of Body
Big hair is back so don't be afraid of embracing hair's natural body. It will actually make it easier to manage. Combine face-framing short layers with bangs and midlengths for a fun twist on the shag.
Image: Imaxtree
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Gravity-Defying Crown
Fullness on the crown is a good thing. It makes hair look thicker and it helps to camouflage greasy roots. It's a brilliant curly hairstyle for short, natural hair because it makes wearers feel like they have plenty of length to experiment with. For a lifted effect keep the top longer than the back and sides.
Image: Imaxtree
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Off Center
Riff a classic shag haircut by experimenting with parting. Bringing the part to the side creates an asymmetrical effect that still frames the face. Speak to your stylist about the different ways you want to part your curly haircut so they can create a look that will sit right wherever it's combed.
Image: Imaxtree
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Luscious Long Bob
Meet the curly-haired version of the long bob. The shorter layers increase fullness at the crown then seamlessly blend with longer lengths. A few curly bangs help draw attention to eyes.
Image: Imaxtree
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Cropped Curls
A wash-and-go curly haircut? It's possible. The secret is getting a cut that works with the natural shape of curls instead of trying to make them go in a way they don't naturally bend. This short curly hairstyle has a flattering rounded shape with longer lengths that enable curl movement.
Image: Imaxtree
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Curly Bangs
Don't automatically come to the conclusion that curly bangs will be nothing but trouble. Hairstylists can cut them so the curls are defined and lay where they're supposed to. Try a few eye-grazing locks with a shoulder-grazing hairstyle for an effortless look.
Image: Imaxtree
