Curly hair is naturally full of movement, texture, and body, but the right haircut can enhance volume, define curls, and reduce bulk in the right places. Whether you have loose waves, bouncy ringlets, or tight coils, a well-designed haircut can bring out the best in your curls!
Here are 16 of the best haircuts for curly hair that maximize volume and shape.
1. Curly Shag (Trendy & Effortless)
A curly shag is one of the most volume-boosting cuts, featuring choppy layers that enhance bounce and movement.
✨ Why It Works:
✔️ Removes excess weight while keeping length
✔️ Adds fullness at the crown and mid-lengths
✔️ Works for all curl types
💡 Best for: Loose curls, ringlets, and voluminous waves
2. Layered Shoulder-Length Cut
A shoulder-length cut with layers balances volume while allowing curls to maintain their natural shape.
✨ Why It Works:
✔️ Layers add dimension and body
✔️ Prevents curls from looking heavy or weighed down
✔️ Works well for medium to thick curls
💡 Best for: Medium curls and wavy textures
3. Curly Bob (Short & Bouncy)
A curly bob sits just above or at the shoulders, giving a voluminous, lightweight effect.
✨ Why It Works:
✔️ Creates lift and definition without bulk
✔️ Perfect for low-maintenance styling
✔️ Looks great with or without bangs
💡 Best for: Soft curls and ringlets
4. Deva Cut (Custom for Your Curls)
The Deva Cut is a dry-cutting technique designed specifically for curly hair, shaping each curl individually.
✨ Why It Works:
✔️ Enhances natural curl patterns
✔️ Prevents uneven shrinkage
✔️ Customized to your unique curl shape
💡 Best for: All curl types, from waves to coils
5. Round Curly Cut (Big, Bouncy Volume)
A rounded curly cut keeps the length but adds layers throughout the entire head, creating an even, voluminous shape.
✨ Why It Works:
✔️ Avoids the dreaded “triangle hair” effect
✔️ Encourages a balanced, natural lift
✔️ Works well for medium to thick curls
💡 Best for: Ringlets and coily textures
6. Tapered Cut (Short & Edgy)
A tapered cut features shorter sides and longer curls on top, creating an ultra-defined, voluminous shape.
✨ Why It Works:
✔️ Adds height and fullness to the crown
✔️ Easy to style and maintain
✔️ Highlights your curl pattern beautifully
💡 Best for: Tight curls and coily hair
7. Long Layers with Face-Framing Curls
For those who love their length, long layers help enhance movement without making curls look flat.
✨ Why It Works:
✔️ Keeps the weight off the ends
✔️ Face-framing layers highlight facial features
✔️ Prevents curls from looking lifeless or weighed down
💡 Best for: Long, loose curls and waves
8. Wolf Cut for Curly Hair
A wolf cut is a mix between a shag and a mullet, featuring choppy layers and tons of movement.
✨ Why It Works:
✔️ Creates a bold, wild shape
✔️ Adds volume to the top and middle sections
✔️ Works best with medium to thick curls
💡 Best for: Trendy, high-volume styles
9. Asymmetrical Curly Cut
An asymmetrical cut keeps one side longer than the other, adding instant shape and volume.
✨ Why It Works:
✔️ Creates a unique, modern look
✔️ Perfect for those who love creative hairstyles
✔️ Works well with bangs or side parts
💡 Best for: Loose curls and wavy textures
10. Pixie Cut for Curly Hair
A curly pixie cut is cropped short but still maintains bouncy, voluminous curls.
✨ Why It Works:
✔️ Super easy to style
✔️ Adds height and dimension
✔️ Ideal for thicker curls that need shape
💡 Best for: Tight curls and bold, short styles
11. Layered Lob (Long Bob)
A layered lob is a slightly longer bob that adds volume and movement while keeping some length.
✨ Why It Works:
✔️ Avoids flatness by adding subtle layers
✔️ Looks great with loose waves or tight curls
✔️ Perfect for medium-length curls
💡 Best for: Versatile, everyday styling
12. Blunt Cut for Curls
A blunt cut keeps all the ends even, making curls appear thicker and fuller.
✨ Why It Works:
✔️ Adds density to finer curls
✔️ Helps curls spring up more evenly
✔️ Works well with or without bangs
💡 Best for: Loose curls and medium-thickness hair
13. Curly Hair with Curtain Bangs
Adding curtain bangs to curly hair frames the face and adds height to the crown.
✨ Why It Works:
✔️ Bangs create soft, effortless volume
✔️ Blends beautifully into long or layered hair
✔️ Gives a boho, chic vibe
💡 Best for: Medium to long curls
14. Curly Mullet (Retro & Edgy)
A curly mullet features shorter layers on top and longer curls in the back, giving a rockstar-inspired look.
✨ Why It Works:
✔️ Adds tons of height and volume at the top
✔️ Works well with looser or tighter curl patterns
✔️ Fun, edgy, and bold
💡 Best for: Confidence & unique styling
15. Short Bob with Bangs
A short curly bob with bangs is chic, easy to maintain, and effortlessly stylish.
✨ Why It Works:
✔️ Volume-enhancing shape
✔️ Bangs frame the face and add extra curl definition
✔️ Great for shorter curls that need movement
💡 Best for: Classic & sophisticated curly styles
16. Shoulder-Length Cut with Wispy Layers
Wispy layers add movement and volume while keeping a soft, effortless look.
✨ Why It Works:
✔️ Softens bulkiness in thick curls
✔️ Keeps hair lightweight and bouncy
✔️ Works well with natural curl patterns
💡 Best for: Low-maintenance curls with natural volume
Final Thoughts
The right haircut can enhance volume, define curls, and make styling easier. Whether you prefer long, flowing curls or bold, short styles, these 16 volume-boosting haircuts are perfect for showcasing your natural curls.
💇♀️ Which curly haircut are you excited to try? Let us know in the comments! ✨