Curly Hairstyles Explained: Which Hairstyle Actually Suits Your Type of Curls?
Before I became a hairstylist, I had no idea how many different types of curly hairstyles there were. It turns out that, just as there has been a veritable explosion of products for curly hair on the market, some experienced hairstylists have also decided to develop their own unique techniques for cutting textured hair. That’s great, of course! But it also means that we—people with curls—are more confused than ever.
So how do you know which hairstyle for curly hair suits you best? And is it really worth it?
As a certified (curly hair) stylist, my honest answer is: it depends.
How often do you actually wear your hair curly? Is that your everyday look, or do you straighten it every now and then? These questions are more important than you might think, because they’ll help you determine which hairstyle for curly hair suits you best and whether it’s worth the investment.
But first: what exactly is a curly hairstyle?
Essentially, a curly haircut requires a technique specifically designed for textured hair. Instead of cutting your hair the same way all over, an experienced hairstylist examines the texture and curl pattern in different areas of your head and determines the length, layers, and shape based on how your curls actually behave. The goal is to avoid loose layers or shapes that fall apart once your hair is dry. Most curly haircuts are done on dry hair, so your stylist can see exactly how your curls naturally behave.
That’s why a curly hairstyle is so much more than just a regular haircut. Your hairstylist needs to have real expertise, the right training, and a solid understanding of the science behind curls to achieve the best results for you. It’s not just about picking up a pair of scissors.
These are the most popular hairstyles for curly hair.
1. The Rezo Cut
This is the technique I learned as a hairstylist. I traveled to Madrid, Spain, to take lessons from the founder herself, Nubia Rezo, and that completely changed the way I cut hair using texture.
My Rezo Certificate
What I like best about the Rezo Cut is how personalized this haircut is. The technique varies depending on the type of curl, so the way I cut wavy hair is really different from how I cut curly or frizzy hair. There’s no one-size-fits-all approach here.
Wavy, curly hairstyle using Rezo techniques, cut and styled by Lala
The Rezo Cut is all about striking a balance between length, shape, and volume. If you want to keep your length while still creating beautiful volume and movement, this is the hairstyle for you. The Rezo Cut also looks gorgeous when you blow-dry your hair, so it’s ideal for days when you want to try something different.
If you'd like to sit in my chair, please here make an appointment here at my salon.
2. The Deva Cut
The Deva Cut was developed by the team behind DevaCurl, and despite the controversy surrounding the brand in recent years, this cutting technique itself has had a major impact on the world of curly hair.
Before and after the deva cut, in which the curls are cut one by one
The Deva Cut is performed on dry hair, curl by curl. Your stylist shapes each curl individually rather than cutting in sections, allowing him or her to work with your natural curl pattern rather than against it. The idea is that each curl falls exactly as intended, without you having to guess how it will shrink or spring back once the hair is dry.
This technique usually works well if you have a fairly even curl pattern and are looking for a sleek, well-defined shape. The result is very clearly visible, which means that a skilled, Deva-trained stylist can create exactly the shape you have in mind while cutting your hair.
3. The Cadō Cut
The name comes from Latin and means “to fall or to fall in waves,” which is exactly the idea behind this technique. It’s a dry-cutting method that focuses on creating wavy layers with volume and movement, tailored to your curl pattern and hair density.
Cadō Cut Transformation by @colaurencuts
Like most curly hairstyles, this cut is done on dry hair so the stylist can work with your natural curl pattern. This is usually a good choice if you’re primarily looking for flowing, seamless layers rather than volume and shape; in the latter case, I’d personally recommend the Rezo Cut instead. But every haircut is different, and the best haircut is always the one that best suits your specific hair texture and preferences.
4. The Ouidad Cut
Before and After: The Transformation Thanks to an Ouidad Cut
Ouidad is known as one of the first experts in the field of curly hair, and her signature technique, the “rake and shake cut,” is designed to reduce volume and create movement without sacrificing length.
The Ouidad Cut uses a technique in which the hair is thinned and cut from the inside out, rather than just trimming the ends. This is especially helpful if your curls tend to feel heavy, lose their shape by midday, or feel heavy at the roots. The result is a lighter, more bouncy curl that retains its shape all day long.
If frizzy hair and managing your hair's volume are your biggest concerns, the Ouidad Cut is definitely worth considering.
So which one should you choose?
Here's the thing: the best hairstyle for curly hair is one cut by a stylist who really understands your hair. Technique is important, but the expertise behind it is even more important.
My advice? Start by thinking about your lifestyle. If you often wear your hair curly, your goal is volume, and you blow-dry it every now and then, then the Rezo Cut is my personal recommendation. If you want more definition and control, check out the Deva Cut or the Ouidad Cut. But again: you have to make sure your stylist really understands YOUR HAIR, no matter which technique he or she uses.
A good haircut for curly hair is an investment in your hair, and if it's cut right, you'll notice it every time you wash your hair.
Have you ever had your curls trimmed? Let me know in the comments which technique you've tried, or feel free to ask any questions before you make an appointment.
