From soft bends to tight coils, the beauty of curly hair is that it exists on a spectrum. It's not uncommon for a single head of hair to be layered with different waves, curls and kinks of varying densities, structures and lengths. Everyone's curly hairstyle (and hair journey) is unique. The good news is that options for curly hairstyles are endless, particularly with stars like Zendaya, Gugu Mbatha-Raw and Simone Ashley taking to the red carpet to wear their glamorous curls loudly and proudly.
The question is, where do you start when it comes to choosing a curly haircut and how do you know what curl is right for you? From the bold and voluminous to sleek and glossy, these are the best long and short curly hairstyle ideas for 2024.
How to find the right curly hairstyle for you
SheaMoisture ambassador and afro and textured hair expert, Jennie Roberts, recommends starting with generous research and seeking out some inspiration. 'Consult with a stylist who specialises in curly and coily hair. Then consider factors such as face shape, hair texture and maintenance needs before making a decision,' she says.
As with any other haircut, length, texture and hair health all play a huge role in determining best curly hairstyle and haircut for your face, not to mention, understanding your curl pattern. 'Your curl pattern plays a significant role in determining which hairstyles will suit you best,' she says. 'For instance, tighter curls may look great in voluminous styles like afros or defined curls, and wash-and-go styles. Whereas, looser curls might be more suitable for beachy boho styles. Understanding your curl pattern helps in selecting hairstyles and styling products that complement your natural texture and enhance your overall look.'
'Wash n go' hairstyles (wearing your hair in a natural curl pattern without the use of styling tools, braids, or stretching) are a great option for naturally curly of afro hair, agrees The Steam Bar Head Stylist, Lauralyn Clinton, 'They're fantastic for adding hydration and locking in moisture, not to mention the definition that can be achieved if you get the right combination of products.'
How to ask your hairdresser for a curly hairstyle
When getting a haircut for curly hair types, Roberts recommends consider the following:
- Find a stylist experienced with curly hair to ensure they understand how to cut and style it properly.
- Communicate your desired length, shape, and style preferences, while also considering your curl pattern and face shape.
- If you have thick, curly hair, consider opting for a dry cut. This technique allows the stylist to see how your curls naturally sit, enabling them to select and shape each curl individually, thus preventing over-cutting. Alternatively, if you have fine, curly and coily hair, a wet cut might be more suitable. Keep in mind that curly hair shrinks when dry, so consider leaving some extra length to account for this.
As with any other hair appointment, it's always a good idea to take a moodboard of reference photos and be transparent about your hair's history, condition and routine. Then, you can determine the best course of action.
How often should you get your curly hair cut?
It's no secret that curly hairstyles require a lot of care and maintenance and that includes getting regular cuts and trims.
'Regular trims are essential as curly hair tends to be more prone to split ends and breakage, getting regular trims, I would say every 8-12 weeks will help get rid of damaged ends, helping maintain the shape of your haircut and keep your curls looking healthy and vibrant,' says Roberts. 'If you're trying to grow out your hair, you can stretch the time between haircuts a bit longer, but it's still important to trim your ends regularly to prevent damage from travelling up the hair shaft.'
The best curly hairstyle ideas for 2024
1
Zendaya
If you're looking to showcase your XXL (extra extra long) curls, Zendaya's latest red carpet appearances have ample inspiration.
2
Simone Ashley
Simone Ashley never shies away from showcasing her natural texture on the red carpet. If you're looking for ways to wear your fluffy curls and waves, look here first.
3
Lupita Nyong’o
This graphic cut from Lupita Nyong’o is the perfect short curly hairstyle for tight, textured afros. Not to mention, it makes a very convincing case for a side parting.
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4
Julia Roberts
Ever since Pretty Woman, Julia Roberts has been serving plentiful references for curly haired girls. Her latest styling is long, glossy and full of voluminous waves.
5
Gugu Mbatha-Raw
This sleek bob make a convincing case for short curly haircuts in 2024. Chin-grazing graphic cut, tight tidy curls and a shiny red carpet finish? What more could you ask for?
6
Juno Temple
Juno Temple's fluffy curls are at their very best when worn entirely natural. This half-up hairstyle makes the most of her coveted volume and it doesn't require any heated tools. Win, win, win.
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7
Nathalie Emmanuel
Who ever said a pixie cut couldn't be curly? Not to mention, this playful crop also makes a case for colouring your curls in 2024. Cowgirl copper? Not out yet.
8
Viola Davis
This free brushed-out finish serves as proof that natural afro stylings reign supreme on the red carpet. Viola Davis can simply do no wrong.
9
Ariana De Bose
Loose tendrils are the perfect way to bring life to an otherwise uniform up-do. Just look at these soft, romantic tendrils.
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10
Julia Garner
Julia Garner is a prime example of getting playful with your short curly hairstyle. This asymmetrical styling has so much character and we're obsessed with her warm butter blonde.
11
Tyla
This delicate single stranded up-do proves that a glamorous curly hairstyle doesn't need to be complicated. Loose and elegant, we'll be replicating this one time and time again.
12
Arsema Thomas
Adding embellishments to your afro is one of them most stylish ways to bring a touch of gilded glamour to your natural haircut.
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13
Vanessa Hudgens
This pinned back set of Botticelli waves is the epitome of goddess hair. With soft texture and volume, this is perfect for anyone with soft bends or flowing ringlets.
14
Blake Lively
The perm squad just gained a brand new A-list member in the form of Blake Lively. Swapping her usually super smooth hair for a mane of curls, the actress looks like a picture straight out of an 80s yearbook.
15
Whitney Peak
This pineapple ponytail is the perfect way to wear your curls and coils up in the day. Extra points for the curly fringe (you can fake if your hair is long enough).
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16
Nicola Kidman
A far cry from Nicola Kidman's go-to sleek blowdries, this effortless curly up-do is perfect for hair types on the wavier side.
17
Natasha Lyonne
This soft wavy texture may be one of Natasha Lyonne's more subtle red carpet hairstyles, but can we talk a curly micro-fringe? Perfection.
18
Alexandra Shipp
Half-up hairstyles look amazing on every hair texture and length, but they're especially great for full and defined curls.
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19
Imaan Hammam
When it comes to curls, sometimes more really is more. This free-flowing bouncy 'do is not only Met-approved, it's also perfect for parties.
20
Tracee Ellis Ross
This glorious bouncy bob shows that looser curls can also be voluminous. With a centre part and face framing pieces, we won't be forgetting about this red carpet look any time soon.
