Why the cut works: If you've been trying to grow out your curly hair, you know how painstakingly long the process can take. The good news is, this haircut for curly hair lets you fake longer and fuller curls. "Bouncy, round layers that can be styled in many different shapes helps create the illusion of longer and fuller locks," says Dueñas. "The bluntness of the cut at the bottom also helps to add some fullness to the ends." Wear it natural or, for a more polished look, add some definition with a curling iron. To recreate this style:
Step 1: Start by applying your favorite mousse and heat protector (Dueñas loves Unite 7Seconds Glossing Spray, $27), and rough dry your hair.
Step 2: Once dry, take 1/2-inch to 1-inch sections of hair near your face (depending on how thick your hair is), and wrap your hair around a 1/2-inch curling iron — holding the iron horizontally. Be sure to wrap your hair around your iron the same direction every time, and get as close to your scalp as possible. Do this to add some definition and framing around the face (though not necessary).
Step 3: Once you've curled some face framing strands, mist your mane with some texture spray (we suggest Garnier De-Constructed Texture Tease Dry Touch Finish Spray, $4.29) and shake your curls out with your head upside down. Lock in your wild look with hairspray, and be on your merry way.
Image via Imaxtree
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Best Haircuts for Curly Hair: Close-Cropped Curls
Why the cut works: "Ruth Negga's hair is a beautiful modern classic take on the 30s," says celebrity hairstylist Vernon François. "Bold features tend to really carry this style well." Best curly haircut ever, or best curly haircut ever?
Step 1: Francois recommends air-drying hair to achieve this look, though he notes that you should add a leave-in conditioner (such as Vernon Francois Leave~In Conditioner, $28) for added control and hydration.
Step 2: For added definition and finishing touches, use a curling iron, then finger comb out curls for the perfect look.
Image via Pascal Le Segretain/Getty
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Best Haircuts for Curly Hair: Curly Shag
Why the cut works: If you have tight ringlets or coarse wavy curls, this curly haircut is perfect for you. "This modern version is an airier adaptation of the '70s shag," Dueñas explains. "The face-framing layers help to define the jawline and cheek bones, and it doesn't round out the face." In other words, your face loses about ten pounds with this curly haircut — and who doesn't love that? To steal the look:
Step 1: Prep your wet strands with a hair cocktail of mousse and leave-in conditioner. Apply the mousse at the roots for volume, and the leave-in conditioner to the ends of your strands for added moisture.
Step 2: Flip your head upside down, and scrunch your strands to accentuate your gorgeous curls and reduce frizz. Once you've thoroughly scrunched your hair, flip your head back up and clip your roots with small clips to build volume in the crown.
Step 3: Using your favorite blow-dryer and diffuser (either a sock diffuser or finger diffuser), gently dry your hair without touching it. According to Dueñas, the less you touch your hair when it's wet, the less frizz you'll have when it's dry.
Step 4: Once your hair is dry, remove the clips from your roots, and spritz on some dry shampoo at the scalp to absorb any excess oils (try Batiste Dry Shampoo, $7.99). Finish the look by gently scrunching and shaking your strands with your fingers.
Image via Imaxtree
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Best Haircuts for Curly Hair: Beach Waves
Why the cut works:Beach waves are having a major moment right now. According to Dueñas, for that just-stepped-off-the-beach look, you want a haircut that incorporates plenty of texture. This layered style, perfect for ladies with fine to medium textured hair, holds volume and texture well. Follow Dueñas's step by step to recreate the look:
Step 2: Let your rope braid air dry, or if you're running short on time dry your twisted hair with the Conair Infiniti Pro 3Q Brushless Motor Dryer, $99.99, for a frizz-free look. Once dry, rake the sections apart with your fingers or a wide tooth comb.
Step 3: Tousle your beach waves a bit, and you're officially a beach babe.
Image via Stephanie Cardinale - Corbis/Getty
Finding the right haircut for curly hair can be a struggle — especially when you're working against, instead of with, your natural texture. We know — you've pressed, chemically straightened and probably even begged your curly hair to cooperate. Luckily, you don't have to straighten your curls into submission to flaunt gorgeous hair.
Textured hair, from tight spirals to beachy waves, is what's hot right now. So how do you pull off those looks? We spoke with the best stylists in the biz to find the best haircuts for curly hair — the ones that will let you embrace your natural curls and waves without wrestling every morning with a flat iron.