The best haircuts for curly hair: Stylish and curl-friendly hairstyles to try

The best haircuts for curly hair: Stylish and curl-friendly hairstyles to try

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Curly hair needs the right haircut to look its best. It’s not only about keeping the hair healthy but also about creating a shape that supports the curls. A poor cut can cause unwanted bulk or uneven layers, while the right one makes styling easier and highlights the natural movement of the curls.

In this guide, we take a closer look at the most curl-friendly hairstyles for 2025 – from timeless classics to newer trends – and share practical advice on how to choose a cut that suits your curl pattern, hair density, and length, as well as your face shape and daily routine.

Why the right haircut matters for curly hair

Curly hair behaves differently than straight hair, with each curl type responding in its own way to length, layers, and shaping. Shrinkage, frizz, and uneven volume can all influence the final look of your haircut, sometimes making styles look much shorter or fuller than expected.

A well-chosen cut enhances your curl definition, helps balance volume, and makes day-to-day styling easier, while also ensuring your hair frames your face beautifully and complements your personal style. The right haircut can even reduce your styling time, improve hair health by removing damaged ends, and bring out the natural bounce and movement in your curls.

Most popular curly hairstyles in 2025

In 2025, hairstyles for curly hair are all about embracing natural texture rather than trying to change or hide it. The latest trends highlight the natural movement of curls with haircuts that add shape, volume, and lightness to everyday styling. Curls are allowed to be free, vibrant, and personal, while haircuts are tailored to different face shapes and lifestyles.

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Bixie (Bob + pixie)

The bixie is a short hairstyle that combines the structure of the bob with the playful lightness of the pixie, creating a look with an edge. It highlights facial features and adds plenty of personality while being easy to style for both everyday and special occasions.

The haircut works well with different hair types and can be adapted with added volume, soft layers, or a sharper finish, depending on the desired expression. The bixie is therefore an ideal choice if you want a hairstyle that is trendy, stylish, and versatile – perfect for anyone looking for something fresh and modern.

Curly shag

The Curly Shag is a hairstyle inspired by retro trends that has made a strong comeback. With multiple layers, it creates both volume and movement, giving the haircut a lively and dynamic feel. The style blends a relaxed vibe with defined shapes that naturally highlight facial features. It works beautifully with different curl types, from soft waves to more defined spirals, and makes it easy to adapt the look for both everyday wear and special occasions. The curly shag is therefore perfect for anyone looking for a modern, personal, and easy-to-maintain hairstyle that allows curls to remain free and natural.

Luxe Bob

The luxe bob is an elegant hairstyle that combines shine and shape to highlight the natural fall and texture of curls. It works especially well for medium curls, where the length creates a beautiful balance between definition and movement. This cut can be styled in many different ways – from a relaxed everyday look to a polished and sophisticated style for festive occasions. With its timeless expression, it suits a variety of face shapes and is easy to maintain. The luxe bob is therefore an excellent choice for those who want a stylish haircut that blends elegance, functionality, and natural beauty.

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Curly pixie

The curly pixie is a short haircut that combines practicality with a fresh expression. Its short curls highlight the facial features and create a clean look that radiates energy and confidence.

This hairstyle is easy to maintain and requires minimal daily styling, making it a great choice for anyone with an active lifestyle. At the same time, it offers versatility – the curls can be styled in a more defined way for an elegant look or kept loose for a casual style. The curly pixie is therefore ideal for those who want a simple, stylish, and timeless haircut.

Layered lob

The layered lob is a longer version of the bob that is especially flattering on looser curls and soft waves. With its layers, it adds shape, volume, and movement, giving the hairstyle a natural flow. This makes it a versatile choice that can easily shift between a relaxed everyday look and a polished style for more formal occasions. The cut is also easy to adapt to different face shapes and hair types, making it a timeless option that blends elegance with practicality. The layered lob is perfect for those who want a modern yet effortless haircut.

Which curly hairstyle do you like the most in 2025?
Bixie (bob + pixie)
Curly shag
Luxe bob
Curly pixie
Layered lob

Finding the best haircut for your curl type and face shape

Curly hair ranges from waves to spirals, and the right cut can enhance both style and natural beauty. By matching haircut to curl type and face shape, you achieve balance, definition, or volume – creating a look that flatters and reflects personality.

Haircuts by curl type

Curly hair comes in many different forms, and the right haircut can make a significant difference in how it looks and feels each day. Small, tight curls often need structure to avoid appearing too compact or heavy, which is why layered cuts are a great choice. Layers reduce bulk, add definition, and create more movement, making the curls feel lighter and easier to style. For looser waves, the needs are different. These hair types are best complemented by blunt cuts or soft layers, which provide shape without overwhelming the natural texture.

This approach keeps the waves flowing freely while maintaining a clean, stylish look. By matching the haircut to the curl type, you can achieve a balance between volume, definition, and manageability. The right cut not only enhances the hair’s natural beauty but also ensures it frames the face in a flattering way and suits different lifestyles.

Haircuts by face shape

Face shape plays an important role when choosing the right hairstyle. A round face can be balanced with longer layers that visually elongate and create harmony. For square faces, softer details such as rounded contours or light bangs work well, as they provide a softer and more feminine look. Oval faces often offer the most versatility, while heart-shaped faces can be complemented by hairstyles that add volume around the chin. When curly hair is paired with a hairstyle that suits the face shape, the result is a look that highlights personality and enhances natural facial features.

Pre-salon preparation

Before your salon appointment, it is helpful to come prepared. Look for inspiration photos of hairstyles you love and bring them along to share with your hairdresser. This gives a clear picture of your preferences and makes it easier to achieve a look that suits you. Ask whether the hairdresser has experience with curl-friendly cuts and if they recommend cutting your hair wet or dry depending on your curl pattern and hair type. Also consider how layers, bangs, or face-framing pieces could enhance your curls and create a balanced, flattering result.

Maintenance and at-home styling tips

Healthy curls require regular care and trims, typically every 8–12 weeks depending on hair length and style. Regular trims remove split ends and help maintain a fresh, healthy look.

To preserve bounce and definition, it’s important to use products specifically designed for curls, such as leave-in conditioners, moisturizing creams, and defining gels. These reduce frizz and keep curls looking vibrant for longer. When drying, the best approach is to use a diffuser on low heat or allow the hair to air dry, which helps protect the natural curl pattern.

Gentle techniques such as scrunching product into the hair or drying with a microfiber towel further minimize friction and shield the strands from damage. With consistent care and the right styling methods, curls can stay naturally beautiful, well-defined, and full of energy.

The right haircut for curly hair

The best haircut for curly hair is one that enhances your natural texture while also fitting your lifestyle. By understanding your curl type, choosing a skilled hairdresser, and maintaining the haircut with the right products, you can enjoy beautiful and manageable curls every day.

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