21 Of The Prettiest Curly Hairstyles Direct From The Red Carpet

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 the 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 considering 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