What Are the Best Haircuts for Curly Hair?

Curly hair is a gift, and the right cut lets it shine. The best haircuts for curly hair keep enough length on top for your curls to form, keep the sides clean with a taper or fade, and remove bulk so your hair doesn't turn into a triangle. At Undercover Barbershop in Moreno Valley, we cut curls, waves, and coily hair every day, and we'll shape it to work with your natural pattern, not against it.

Here's the short version:

• Leave length on top. Curls need room to form. Cut too short and they turn into frizz.
• Keep the sides tight. A taper or fade keeps your head shape clean and makes the curls the star.
• Take out bulk, not length. Thinning the weight inside the curls stops the puffy look.
• Moisture is everything. Curly hair gets dry fast. A leave-in conditioner makes a huge difference.

Why Does Curly Hair Need a Different Cut?

Curls shrink up when they dry, sometimes by half their length or more. That means a cut that looks right when your hair is wet can end up way shorter once it dries. Curly hair also grows out and up instead of down, so without the right shape, the sides get wide and puffy.

A good curly cut plans for both. We look at how your curls sit, cut with your pattern, and often use scissors on top so each curl keeps its shape. Don't worry if you're not sure what your curl type is. We'll figure it out together in the chair.

The Best Haircuts for Curly Hair

1. Curly Top with a Taper

Curls on top with the sides and back tapered short. It's clean, easy to wear, and the most popular curly cut we do. Ask for our Fade/Taper ($50).

2. Curly Fringe with a Fade

Curls pushed forward over the forehead with a mid or high fade on the sides. It has lots of style and works great on tighter curls.

3. Shaped Scissor Cut

For guys who want more length all around. We shape the curls with scissors so they fall evenly without the sides getting wide. Our Scissor Haircut ($55) is made for this.

4. Short Curly Crop

Short on top but still long enough for the curl to show, with a low taper. Perfect if you want something low-maintenance that still has texture.

5. Twists or Sponge Curls with a Taper

For coily hair, twists or sponge curls on top with a clean taper and lineup look sharp and keep the hair defined between visits.

6. Textured Cut for Wavy Hair

Wavy hair looks best with medium length on top so the waves can show, and a taper on the sides to keep it neat.

Good to know: If your curls always feel puffy on the sides, the fix is usually tighter sides and less bulk, not cutting everything shorter.

Easy Care Tips for Curly Hair

1. Don't shampoo every day. Two or three times a week is plenty. Rinse with water in between.
2. Use conditioner every time you wash. Curly hair is naturally dry and loves moisture.
3. Add a leave-in conditioner or curl cream while your hair is still damp. This is the biggest game-changer for soft, defined curls.
4. Skip the towel rub. Squeeze water out with an old T-shirt or a microfiber towel to keep curls from frizzing.
5. Don't brush dry curls. Use your fingers or a wide-tooth comb while your hair is wet.
6. Sleep on a satin pillowcase or wear a durag to keep curls from flattening and frizzing overnight.

How Often Should I Cut Curly Hair?

• Curly top with a taper or fade: every 3 to 4 weeks to keep the sides sharp.
• Longer curly styles: every 6 to 8 weeks to clean up the shape and ends.

What Should I Tell My Barber?

• How long you'd like your curls to look once they're dry.
• Whether you like a taper (softer) or a fade (sharper) on the sides.
• What your morning routine looks like.
• A photo of a curly style you like. We'll let you know how it'll look with your curl pattern.

Have kids with curly hair? Check out our kids haircut recommendations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should curly hair be cut wet or dry?

It depends on the cut. Many barbers shape curls dry so they can see exactly how they'll sit. Either way, a good barber plans for how much your curls shrink when they dry.

What's the best fade for curly hair?

A low or mid taper is a great place to start. It keeps the sides clean and lets the curls on top stand out. A high fade gives a bolder look.

How do I stop my curly hair from frizzing?

Use a leave-in conditioner on damp hair, skip rubbing with a towel, don't brush dry curls, and sleep on satin or in a durag.

Why do my curls get puffy on the sides?

Curly hair grows out instead of down. Tapering the sides and removing bulk keeps the shape clean.

Where can I get a curly haircut in Moreno Valley?

Undercover Barbershop at 13027 Perris Blvd in Moreno Valley. Our barbers cut curly, wavy, and coily hair and will shape it to fit your natural pattern.