As a hairstylist who’s spent years transforming frizzy disasters into head-turning masterpieces, I’ve seen firsthand how the right curl style can change not just your look, but your confidence. Curls aren’t just a hairstyle – they’re a statement, a personality booster, and honestly, they’re having quite the moment right now. Let me walk you through my top curl recommendations that have my clients coming back begging for more.
1. Vagues de plage
Nothing screams effortless beauty like perfectly tousled beach waves. They frame the face with that just-left-the-ocean vibe without actually requiring a swim.
My clients love how these waves bring dimension to even the flattest hair. The best part? They work on virtually any length beyond a pixie cut.
2. Bouncy Spiral Curls
Whenever a client wants to make a dramatic entrance, spiral curls are my go-to recommendation. These defined, springy curls create incredible volume and movement that photographs beautifully.
Though they require some maintenance, the wow factor is absolutely worth it. I’ve seen shy clients transform into confident divas with this style!
3. Loose Romantic Curls
For weddings and special occasions, loose romantic curls reign supreme in my styling chair. These elegant, soft waves cascade down with just enough structure to look intentional, never overdone.
My brides particularly adore how these curls hold up all day while still looking touchably soft. They’re the perfect balance between polished and natural.
4. Defined Finger Coils
Among my natural-haired clients, finger coils create that perfect definition that makes people stop and stare. The technique involves twisting small sections of damp hair around your finger.
What makes this style magical is how it enhances your natural curl pattern while adding incredible definition. Plus, they’re surprisingly low-maintenance once set!
5. Vintage Pin Curls
Whenever someone wants to channel their inner vintage vixen, I break out the pin curl technique. This throwback style creates the most gorgeous structured waves with incredible staying power.
Despite looking complex, pin curls are actually quite simple once you get the hang of it. They’re my secret weapon for clients attending retro-themed events.
6. Voluminous Curly Shag
The shag haircut has made a massive comeback, and pairing it with curls creates absolute magic! Layers upon layers create movement that seems to defy gravity itself.
My clients with naturally curly hair find this cut liberating. The shape grows out beautifully too, meaning fewer salon visits and more compliments between appointments.
7. Sleek Curly Bob
When clients want sophistication with a playful twist, the sleek curly bob delivers every time. The contrast between the structured cut and bouncy curls creates a perfect tension.
This style works wonders for framing the face and accentuating cheekbones. I’ve converted countless straight-hair devotees after showing them this versatile, head-turning look.
8. Coiffe montante en forme d'ananas
The pineapple isn’t just a delicious fruit – it’s also my favorite quick-fix style for clients with natural curls. Gathering curls high on the head creates a fun, carefree look that preserves curl pattern overnight.
Beyond being practical, this style showcases volume beautifully. It’s my most-requested second-day hairstyle for curly clients.
9. Curly Curtain Bangs
Bangs aren’t just for straight-haired folks! Curly curtain bangs frame the face with soft tendrils that enhance cheekbones and eyes magically.
The secret lies in cutting them dry and slightly longer than you think. I’ve watched clients’ entire face shapes transform with this simple addition to their curly cuts.
10. Curly Pixie Cut
Bold clients seeking maximum impact with minimum styling time fall head over heels for the curly pixie. This daring cut showcases facial features while the curls add softness and personality.
Though many fear going this short with curly hair, the results are consistently stunning. It’s my favorite recommendation for clients ready for a dramatic change.
11. Diffused Natural Curls
For clients blessed with natural curls, diffusing is the game-changing technique that transforms frizz into definition. The diffuser attachment distributes air evenly while maintaining curl integrity.
My naturally curly clients are often amazed at how different their hair looks with proper diffusing. It’s like discovering your hair’s hidden potential after years of fighting it!
12. Curly Half-Up Style
Half-up styles offer the best of both worlds – the elegance of an updo with the carefree vibe of loose curls. This versatile look transitions seamlessly from office to evening.
The trick is balancing volume between the top and bottom sections. My clients appreciate how this style keeps curls out of their face while still showcasing their gorgeous texture.
13. Curly Topknot with Tendrils
The topknot gets a romantic upgrade when paired with curly face-framing tendrils. This style balances the sleekness of an updo with the softness that only curls can provide.
I love recommending this for summer weddings or humid days. Those little wisps of curl around the face photograph beautifully and prevent the look from feeling too severe.
14. Brushed-Out Vintage Waves
Channeling Old Hollywood has never been easier than with brushed-out vintage waves. After creating tight curls, I gently brush through them to create that signature soft, unified wave pattern.
My clients are always amazed at the transformation. What starts as separate curls becomes a seamless wave that moves like liquid gold when they turn their heads.
15. Textured Curly Ponytail
Forget sleek ponytails – texture is where it’s at! A curly ponytail with volume at the crown and cascading curls creates a look that’s both playful and put-together.
My active clients particularly love this style. It keeps hair contained while still showing off their gorgeous curls. The height adjustment can completely change the vibe from casual to formal.
16. Ribbon Curl Technique
Whenever clients want that perfect spiral without heat damage, I introduce them to ribbon curling. This technique involves wrapping damp hair around fabric strips overnight for heat-free definition.
The results are these gorgeous, bouncy spirals that look incredibly natural. My clients with fine hair especially love how this method creates volume without breakage.
17. Curly Asymmetrical Bob
For my edgier clients, the asymmetrical curly bob delivers major impact. The uneven lengths create visual interest while the curls add softness that balances the geometric cut.
This style turns heads everywhere. I’ve had multiple clients report strangers stopping them to ask about their hair after getting this bold yet wearable cut.
18. Curly Faux Hawk
Who says edgy styles are only for straight hair? The curly faux hawk combines punk attitude with the softness of natural texture for a look that’s truly show-stopping.
By creating height down the center and keeping the sides flatter, we achieve that mohawk silhouette without any shaving. My bolder clients absolutely rock this conversation-starting style!
19. Plopping Technique Results
Among all the curl-enhancing methods I teach clients, plopping consistently delivers the most jaw-dropping before-and-afters. This technique involves wrapping wet hair in a t-shirt to enhance natural curl pattern.
The results speak for themselves – defined, frizz-free curls without heat damage. It’s especially miraculous for those who never knew their “wavy” hair could actually form perfect spirals!