Why the cut works: As with a curly pixie cut, Francis notes that this short style offers a lower-maintenance alternative for curly hair — making it one of the best curly haircuts around, in our book. As he puts it, "They're flirty, feminine and have a flattering shape that really makes the eyes stand out."
Step 1: Once again, Francis recommends prepping clean hair with a styling spray and salt spray to help add texture and shine.
Step 2: Style and shape hair to liking with hands.
Step 4: You can either air dry, or blow dry with a diffuser to further define your curl pattern.
Image via Imaxtree
Photo 9/13
Best Haircuts for Curly Hair: Layered Bob
Why the cut works: If you have fine-to-medium hair with a mix of waves and curls, a layered bob accentuates your features exquisitely. Plus, if you're looking to build a little volume, this is one of the best curly haircuts for you. "There's a strong line with lots of layering, which is what's keeping the curls full and soft, but not looking like a pyramid which is unflattering," says Mancuso. "If it was one length, it would be too heavy at the bottom." So, layering is imperative with a bob. Here are Mancuso's tips on how to achieve this spirited style:
Step 1: Apply a mousse at the roots for some added volume, (try Joico JoiWhip Firm Hold Design Foam, $16.99) and scrunch some into the length of your strands to help accentuate texture and waves. Blow-dry hair using a diffuser.
Step 2: To accentuate curls, once your hair is dry, take 1-inch sections of hair and wrap around a 1-inch curling iron, alternating directions as you work your way around your head. If you curl too tight (we're talking Shirley Temple tight), lightly tug on the end of the section to create a looser curl. Continue to do this until you've curled your whole head.
Step 3: Once your whole head is successfully curled, lightly spritz some texture spray onto your strands, and separate curls using your fingers for that playful, messy look.
Image via Imaxtree
Photo 10/13
Best Haircuts for Curly Hair: Voluminous Mane
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
Photo 11/13
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
Photo 12/13
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
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.