See yourself with a curly haircut before the scissors
Curls change a cut completely. Preview shapes, layers and bangs on your own photo, then take the ones you like to a stylist who knows curls. Free to try.
What haircut looks best on curly hair?
Curly hair usually looks best in a shaped cut with layers placed to balance volume, so curls stack instead of spreading wide at the bottom. A bob or a longer layered cut can both work well. The best choice depends on how loose or tight your curl is and how much density you have.
Curly cuts, and what each one does
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Shaped cut with layers
Layers let curls sit on top of each other instead of forming a heavy triangle. Longer layers keep length, while shorter ones add lift. The placement matters more than the number, so a stylist who works with curls is worth finding.
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Layers for curls
Curls shrink when they dry, so a cut can look much shorter than it did straight. Layers around the crown add shape, but too many can cause frizz. Ask for them to be placed to follow your natural curl pattern.
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Bob for curls
A curly bob can be playful and easy, with curls framing the jaw. It can look wider at the sides, so the length and layers matter. Chin length may spring up higher once curls dry, so many go slightly longer.
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Bangs on curls
Curly bangs bounce up when they dry, so they are often cut longer than you would expect. They suit some curl patterns and take more daily work on others. Try them in the preview before you commit to a fringe.
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Dry cut or wet cut
Some stylists cut curls dry, so they see how each curl springs. Others cut wet, which can be easier to control but harder to judge. Both can work. Ask your stylist how they approach it and why.
- Best for
- Natural curls and waves, from loose to tight, whether you want a bob, a layered shape or bangs. Curly cuts can bring out your curl pattern and make styling simpler.
- Upkeep
- Curls tend to be drier than straight hair, so moisture and a gentle hand help. Regular trims keep the shape from going heavy. Definition usually comes from products and how you dry, not just the cut.
- Watch out for
- A preview cannot show how your own curl pattern will spring, shrink or frizz. Use it to judge shape and length, and let a curl-savvy stylist decide how it behaves on your hair.
More looks to try
Try curly looks in the app
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Add a photo of your hair as it is
Choose a clear, front-facing photo. If your natural hair is curly, a photo with your curls visible gives a more useful starting point.
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Pick a curly or wavy cut
Browse the catalogue by category for curly shapes, layered cuts and curly bobs. Pick one and see it on you in seconds.
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Test the color too
Keep your color with No changes, or try another. A warm tone can make curls read very differently, so compare.
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Compare, then save
Toggle See original, regenerate for another version, and download your favorites to show your stylist.
Take it to your stylist
Show your curl type
Bring a photo of your natural, undone curls as well as your preview. It lets your stylist see what the cut has to work with.
Talk about shrinkage
Ask how much shorter the curls will look once they dry. A cut that looks right straight can sit much higher on curls.
Ask how they cut curls
Ask if they cut dry or wet, and how they place layers. A stylist who works with curls will usually be glad to explain.
Good to know.
Something else on your mind?
Write to us
Can I see myself with curly hair if my hair is straight?
Yes. Pick a curly cut from the catalogue and the app shows it on your photo. Remember that real curls, or a perm, behave differently from a preview, so treat it as an idea of the shape and volume.
Will the preview show how my curls will really look?
Not exactly. It shows a shape and length on your face, but it cannot know your curl pattern, how it shrinks or how it handles humidity. Your stylist can tell you how a cut will behave on your hair.
Is it better to cut curly hair dry or wet?
There is no single answer. Dry cutting lets a stylist see each curl in its natural shape, while wet cutting offers more control. Ask your stylist how they work, and show how you usually wear your hair.
How do I get definition without frizz?
Definition usually comes from moisture, gentle handling and not brushing curls when dry. A good cut helps by removing weight so curls can form. Frizz is also affected by humidity and dryness, so there is no perfect fix.
Can curly hair have bangs?
Yes, and they can look great. Curly bangs spring up as they dry, so they are usually cut longer than straight bangs. Try them in the preview, then ask your stylist whether your curl pattern suits them.
Keep exploring
- Layered Haircut Simulator See yourself with layers before you book the cut
- Bob Haircut Simulator See yourself with a bob before you cut it
- Bangs Simulator Would bangs suit you? See them on your own photo
Ready for your new look?
See it on you before you cut. Free to try.