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Photo 6/13
Best Haircuts for Curly Hair: Sassy Pixie
Why the cut works: Just because you've been blessed with a full head of curls doesn't mean you can't rock an edgy pixie cut (see also: Halle Berry). Coarse, wavy hair looks stunning in a pixie with long layers in the front — in fact, we'd name it as one of the best curly haircuts in town. "The cut creates texture without the fear of looking like a mess or too masculine," Dueñas says. "The bangs also give the illusion of length, despite the style's close crop, which helps to provide a feminine feel."

For this style, Mancuso recommends working with your natural curl and just use a blow dryer to smooth the front bangs:

Step 1: Apply a straightening cream to loosen the waves on damp hair.

Step 2: Using the force of the blow dryer, amp up the fluffy, natural texture of your hair.

Step 3: Blow dry your front layers with a flat paddle brush to smooth the bangs.

Step 4: Run your fingers through the back of your hair and lightly mist with a finishing spray.

Image via Dominique Charriau/Getty

Photo 7/13
Best Haircuts for Curly Hair: Wild Pixie

Why the cut works: "For those who have curly hair, the maintenance and time needed to stay on top of longer hair just isn't realistic," says Suave celebrity hairstylist Marcus Francis. "The curly pixie makes a great alternative option." He also notes that it works well for finer textures since the style "gives the hair more fullness than longer hair." Here's how to copy the look:

"For curly styles, I think it's really about using the right combination of products," he adds. "They all do something different, which is what curls need — hold, texture and shine, to name a few."

Step 1: Start off with clean, moisturized hair. Francis recommends Suave Professionals Almond + Shea Butter Shampoo and the accompanying conditioner, $2.94 each.

Step 2: Spritz a styling spray (like Leonor Greyl Algues Et Fleurs Curl Enhancer Styling Spray, $35) onto wet hair. "You can even combo it up with a little sea salt spray and rake through with your fingers," says Francis.

Step 3: "Using your fingers, style the hair how you'd want it to lay," advises Francis.

Step 4: Last but not least, Francis advises scrunching in a leave-in cream (such as Suave Professionals Firm Control Boosting Mousse, $2.94) to help define curls. Air dry, et voila!

Image via Imaxtree



Photo 8/13
Best Haircuts for Curly Hair: Curly Stacked Bob

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 3: Scrunch a leave-in cream (like MoroccanOil Curl Defining Cream, $13) into your curls.

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

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.

See the 13 best curly haircuts now.

Image via Imaxtree
BY SHARON J. YI, JESSICA AMARIS | SHARES
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