Finding the perfect haircut when you have medium-length curly hair can feel like discovering a hidden treasure that transforms your entire look.
If you’ve been struggling to tame your curls or searching for a style that celebrates your natural texture instead of fighting against it, you’re in exactly the right place.
This comprehensive guide to 27 Gorgeous Haircuts for Medium Length Curly Hair That Define Your Curls will walk you through the most flattering cuts designed specifically for curly hair textures, from loose waves to tight coils.
Whether you want to add volume, reduce bulk, enhance your curl pattern, or simply refresh your current style, these carefully curated haircuts offer solutions for every curl type and face shape.
Each style has been selected to help you embrace your natural beauty while making your daily styling routine easier and more enjoyable.
Get ready to discover cuts that will make you fall in love with your curls all over again and give you the confidence to walk out the door feeling absolutely gorgeous.
1. Layered Shag Cut for Enhanced Curl Definition
The layered shag brings a beautiful blend of vintage charm and modern texture that works exceptionally well with curly hair.
This cut creates movement throughout your hair while preventing the dreaded triangle shape that many curly-haired individuals experience.
Key Benefits:
- The multiple layers throughout the cut help distribute weight evenly, which prevents your curls from being pulled down by heaviness at the bottom.
- Shorter layers around the crown add volume and lift where curly hair often falls flat.
- The shag’s choppy ends create a more relaxed, lived-in appearance that complements the natural texture of curls.
- This style works beautifully with both loose waves and tighter curl patterns, adapting to your unique texture.
- Styling becomes easier because the layers encourage curls to form in their natural pattern without requiring excessive manipulation.
2. Curly Lob (Long Bob) with Blunt Ends
The curly lob has become one of the most requested haircuts because it offers the perfect balance between manageability and styling versatility.
Keeping the ends relatively blunt while working with medium length creates a fuller, healthier appearance.
Why This Cut Works:
- The blunt ends create a solid perimeter that makes curly hair appear thicker and more uniform.
- At medium length, this cut sits beautifully at or just below the shoulders, which is the sweet spot for curl definition.
- The weight of the length helps stretch out curl patterns slightly, reducing excessive volume while maintaining beautiful shape.
- This versatile cut can be worn down for a polished look or easily pulled into updos for variety.
- Blunt ends minimize the appearance of split ends and damage, keeping your curls looking healthy.
3. Face-Framing Layers with Curtain Bangs
Incorporating face-framing layers with curtain bangs creates a soft, romantic look that draws attention to your best features.
This style works particularly well for those wanting to update their look without committing to a dramatic change.
Styling Advantages:
- The shorter pieces around your face create a flattering frame that highlights your eyes and cheekbones.
- Curtain bangs part in the middle and sweep to the sides, growing out gracefully without an awkward in-between phase.
- These layers add dimension and prevent the hair from looking too heavy or one-dimensional.
- The face-framing pieces can be adjusted in length to complement different face shapes, from oval to round to heart-shaped.
- This cut maintains length in the back while providing interest and movement in the front.
4. Butterfly Cut for Voluminous Curls
The butterfly cut has taken social media by storm, and for good reason—it creates incredible volume and a gorgeous silhouette.
This cut features shorter layers on top that gradually lengthen toward the bottom, creating a butterfly wing effect.
Volume-Boosting Features:
- The dramatically shorter crown layers create significant lift and height at the top of the head.
- Longer layers underneath provide length and weight that balances the volume on top.
- This cut is particularly flattering for those with fine to medium curl density who want their hair to appear fuller.
- The butterfly shape creates an hourglass silhouette that’s universally flattering.
- Curls spring up naturally with this cut, requiring minimal styling effort to achieve maximum impact.
5. Asymmetrical Angled Bob for Edgy Definition
For those who love a bold, fashion-forward look, the asymmetrical angled bob brings edge and sophistication to curly hair. One side is cut shorter than the other, creating visual interest and a contemporary vibe.
Distinctive Characteristics:
- The dramatic angle creates a statement-making silhouette that turns heads.
- Shorter sides help frame the face while the longer side adds femininity and balance.
- This cut works exceptionally well for those with thicker, denser curls that can support the structured shape.
- The asymmetry draws attention away from any facial features you may want to minimize.
- Styling can be varied by switching which side you part your hair on, creating different looks.
6. Rounded Shoulder-Length Cut with Internal Layers
This classic cut features internal layers that remove bulk from the inside while maintaining a rounded, uniform shape on the outside. It’s perfect for those who want definition without sacrificing fullness.
Internal Structure Benefits:
- Internal layers, also called invisible layers, remove weight without creating visible choppy ends.
- The rounded shape prevents the dreaded pyramid or triangle effect common with curly hair.
- This technique maintains density at the perimeter while reducing bulk throughout.
- The result is curls that bounce and move freely without being weighed down.
- This cut requires less frequent trims because the shape grows out gracefully.
7. Curly Wolf Cut for Textured Dimension
The wolf cut combines elements of the shag and mullet for a boldly textured look that celebrates the wild nature of curls. This cut features dramatic layers with shorter pieces on top and longer lengths in the back.
Textural Elements:
- The contrast between short and long sections creates incredible dimension and visual interest.
- Heavy layers throughout encourage curls to form distinct, separated ringlets rather than clumping together.
- This style embraces a more undone, effortless aesthetic that’s perfect for those who prefer low-maintenance styling.
- The wolf cut adds width at the sides while keeping the top manageable, flattering most face shapes.
- This trend-forward cut makes a statement while still being wearable for everyday life.
8. Classic V-Cut for Enhanced Length Perception
The V-cut creates a pointed shape at the back that elongates the appearance of your hair while maintaining fullness. This timeless cut is particularly flattering when you want to keep length while adding shape.
Shape-Enhancing Properties:
- The V-shape draws the eye downward, creating the illusion of longer hair.
- This cut distributes weight evenly, preventing the sides from appearing wider than the back.
- Curls naturally fall into the V-shape, enhancing the cut’s definition without requiring styling.
- The pointed back creates a feminine, romantic silhouette that complements curly texture.
- This shape is ideal for those who want to maintain maximum length while still having a defined style.
9. Stacked Layers for Maximum Bounce
Stacked layering throughout the back and crown creates a lifted, bouncy effect that’s full of life and movement. This technique is especially effective for those whose curls tend to fall flat or lack volume.
Volume-Creating Technique:
- Layers are cut shorter in the back and gradually lengthen toward the front, creating a stacked effect.
- This cutting method removes weight from underneath, allowing the top layers to spring up naturally.
- The result is a rounded, voluminous silhouette that doesn’t require teasing or excessive products.
- Stacked layers work particularly well for fine to medium curl types that need extra lift.
- This style maintains a polished appearance while celebrating the natural bounce of curls.
10. Deva Cut for Curl-by-Curl Customization
The Deva Cut is a specialized cutting technique where each curl is cut individually while dry. This method, popularized by the Devachan Salon, ensures that every curl falls exactly where it should for your unique pattern.
Personalized Cutting Approach:
- Cutting hair dry and curl-by-curl allows the stylist to see exactly how each section will behave.
- This technique eliminates the guesswork that comes with cutting curly hair wet, when curl patterns are stretched out.
- Each curl is sculpted to work with your natural texture rather than against it.
- The Deva Cut philosophy emphasizes curl health and definition over uniformity.
- This method typically results in longer-lasting styles because the cut is customized to your specific curl pattern.
11. Graduated Bob with Curl Emphasis
A graduated bob features shorter layers in the back that gradually lengthen toward the front, creating an angled silhouette. This structure works beautifully with curly hair by providing lift at the crown while maintaining length around the face.
Graduated Structure Advantages:
- The shorter back creates automatic volume and lift without requiring styling products.
- Longer front pieces frame the face beautifully and can be tucked behind the ears for versatility.
- This cut prevents bulk from accumulating at the nape of the neck, which can weigh down curls.
- The graduation creates a sleek silhouette that’s both professional and stylish.
- This structured cut grows out gracefully, maintaining its shape between salon visits.
12. Razor Cut for Soft, Feathered Ends
Using a razor instead of scissors creates softer, more feathered ends that blend seamlessly with curly texture. This technique reduces bulk while creating a more relaxed, organic appearance.
Razor Cutting Benefits:
- The razor creates points in the hair rather than blunt lines, which helps curls blend naturally.
- This technique is excellent for removing weight without creating harsh lines or steps.
- Feathered ends appear softer and more natural, complementing the organic nature of curls.
- Razor cutting can help reduce frizz by creating smoother transitions between curl sections.
- This method works particularly well for medium to thick curl densities that need thinning without losing volume.
13. Curly Mixie (Medium Pixie Hybrid)
The mixie combines elements of a pixie cut with medium length, creating a unique style that’s short around the sides and back but maintains length on top and in the front.
This bold cut is perfect for those wanting to go shorter while keeping some versatility.
Hybrid Style Features:
- The contrast between short and long sections creates dramatic visual interest and dimension.
- Longer top sections can be styled forward for texture or swept to the side for variety.
- This cut significantly reduces styling time while maintaining a fashion-forward appearance.
- The mixie flatters oval and heart-shaped faces particularly well by balancing proportions.
- This style embraces the natural texture of curls while creating a structured, intentional shape.
14. U-Shaped Cut for Rounded Fullness
Unlike the V-cut, the U-shaped cut creates a rounded perimeter that maintains fullness around the entire bottom section. This cut is ideal for those who want even distribution of weight and a softer overall appearance.
Rounded Perimeter Advantages:
- The U-shape creates a softer, more romantic silhouette compared to angular cuts.
- This cut maintains maximum fullness at the bottom, which is ideal for those with finer curls.
- The rounded shape complements the natural circular pattern of most curl types.
- This cut prevents pointed or thin-looking ends that can sometimes occur with layered cuts.
- The U-shape is universally flattering and works with virtually all curl patterns.
15. Disconnected Layers for Modern Texture
Disconnected layering creates intentional gaps between layer lengths rather than blending them smoothly. This modern technique creates a more textured, piecey appearance that showcases individual curl patterns.
Contemporary Layering Technique:
- The disconnection between layers creates distinct sections of curls that move independently.
- This technique adds significant dimension and visual interest to curly hair.
- Disconnected layers work particularly well for thick, coarse curl types that can support the structure.
- This cutting method creates a more editorial, fashion-forward appearance.
- The separated sections make styling easier because you can work with distinct curl clumps rather than the entire head at once.
16. Side-Swept Bangs with Medium Layers
Side-swept bangs create asymmetry and interest while remaining easy to manage with curly hair. Combined with medium layers throughout, this style is both flattering and functional.
Asymmetrical Bang Benefits:
- Side-swept bangs are more forgiving than straight-across bangs when it comes to curl patterns.
- The asymmetry draws attention to the eyes and creates a face-slimming effect.
- These bangs can be pinned back when desired, offering styling versatility.
- Medium layers throughout the rest of the hair create movement and prevent bulk.
- This style requires minimal maintenance compared to more structured bang styles.
17. Crown Layers with Blunt Perimeter
This cut combines the best of both worlds: layers at the crown for volume and a blunt perimeter for fullness. It’s an excellent choice for those who want lift without sacrificing density at the ends.
Dual-Technique Approach:
- Layers concentrated at the crown create lift exactly where curly hair needs it most.
- The blunt perimeter maintains weight and fullness at the bottom for a balanced look.
- This combination prevents the pyramid shape while ensuring the hair doesn’t look thin at the ends.
- Crown layers encourage root lift without requiring extensive styling.
- This cut is particularly flattering for round and square face shapes as it adds height and elongation.
18. Curly Jellyfish Cut for Trendy Volume
The jellyfish cut features distinct short layers on top with significantly longer lengths underneath, creating a two-tier effect reminiscent of a jellyfish. This bold, trendy cut creates incredible volume and a unique silhouette.
Two-Tier Structure:
- The dramatic difference between top and bottom layers creates a statement-making appearance.
- Short top layers provide maximum volume and lift at the crown.
- Longer bottom layers maintain length and femininity while supporting the voluminous top.
- This cut works best for those with medium to thick curl density who can support the structure.
- The jellyfish cut is perfect for those wanting to make a bold style statement while celebrating their curls.
19. Balayage-Enhanced Layered Cut
While balayage is a coloring technique, when combined with strategic layering, it creates incredible dimension that enhances curl definition. The placement of lighter pieces throughout a layered cut brings curls to life.
Color-Enhanced Dimension:
- Lighter pieces placed strategically throughout the layers create the illusion of even more texture and movement.
- Balayage highlights catch the light differently, making each curl spiral more visible and defined.
- The color variation adds depth without requiring a dramatic cut change.
- This technique works beautifully with any of the other cuts mentioned, adding an extra element of interest.
- The hand-painted nature of balayage complements the organic pattern of curls.
20. Tapered Ends with Internal Weight Removal
This technique involves tapering the very ends of the hair while removing internal weight throughout the mid-lengths. The result is a cut that maintains fullness while eliminating bulk and heaviness.
Weight Distribution Strategy:
- Tapering the ends creates softer, more natural-looking tips that blend seamlessly with curl patterns.
- Internal weight removal prevents the hair from being pulled down by its own density.
- This technique is particularly beneficial for coarse, thick curl types that tend to become heavy.
- The reduced weight allows curls to spring up more tightly and maintain their pattern longer.
- This cutting approach extends the time between necessary trims by reducing strain on the hair shaft.
21. Micro-Layered Cut for Coily Textures
Micro-layers involve taking very small sections and creating subtle length variations throughout. This technique is especially beneficial for tighter curl patterns and coily textures that need definition without losing volume.
Coil-Specific Technique:
- Tiny layer variations create definition without disrupting the natural curl clumping pattern.
- This method prevents the bulky appearance that can occur with tighter curl patterns.
- Micro-layers are virtually invisible but create significant impact in how curls behave.
- This technique works particularly well for Type 3C to 4C curl patterns.
- The subtle layering maintains density while allowing individual coils to shine.
22. Curly Midi Cut with Face-Framing Highlights
The midi length sits between the shoulders and mid-back, offering a perfect balance for curl definition. Combined with strategic face-framing highlights, this cut creates a polished, dimensional look.
Midi-Length Advantages:
- This length provides enough weight to stretch out curl patterns slightly for a more manageable result.
- The midi length is long enough for updos but short enough to maintain curl definition.
- Face-framing highlights draw attention to your best features while adding dimension.
- This length requires less product than longer hair while offering more versatility than shorter cuts.
- The midi cut grows out beautifully, making it a low-maintenance option between trims.
23. Point-Cut Layers for Natural Movement
Point-cutting involves cutting into the hair at an angle rather than straight across, creating texture and removing weight without sacrificing length. This technique creates soft, natural-looking layers that enhance curl movement.
Point-Cutting Technique Benefits:
- Cutting at an angle creates softer transitions between layers that blend seamlessly with curls.
- This method removes bulk while maintaining density, which is crucial for curly hair.
- Point-cutting creates a more organic, lived-in appearance that complements natural texture.
- The technique reduces the appearance of lines or steps that can sometimes occur with traditional layering.
- This cutting approach works with virtually all curl types and densities.
24. Curl-Specific Undercut with Medium Top
An undercut involves shaving or cutting very short underneath while maintaining medium length on top. This dramatic option significantly reduces bulk and styling time while creating a bold, modern look.
Undercut Advantages for Curls:
- Removing hair underneath eliminates significant weight and bulk, allowing top curls to spring freely.
- This cut dramatically reduces drying time and product usage.
- The undercut can be hidden when hair is worn down or revealed when styled up for versatility.
- This option is ideal for those with extremely thick, dense curls who struggle with volume.
- The contrast between short and long sections creates a fashion-forward, statement-making appearance.
25. Bouncy Curl Cut with Spring-Loaded Layers
This specialized cut focuses on maximizing curl spring and bounce through strategic layer placement. Each layer is cut to encourage the natural coil pattern to spring up rather than being weighed down.
Spring-Enhancement Strategy:
- Layers are placed specifically where curls need lift and encouragement to maintain their coil pattern.
- The stylist considers the natural shrinkage factor when cutting to ensure the desired finished length.
- This technique works with your hair’s natural tendency rather than trying to control or straighten it.
- The result is hair that appears to defy gravity with energetic, springy curls.
- This cut requires a stylist experienced with curly hair who understands curl behavior and spring patterns.
26. Elongated Shag for Relaxed Curls
The elongated shag takes the classic shag concept and adapts it for medium length with a more relaxed, bohemian vibe. This cut features long layers and textured ends that create effortless movement.
Bohemian Style Elements:
- Longer layers create a more laid-back appearance compared to traditional shorter shags.
- This cut embraces a more undone aesthetic that’s perfect for those who prefer minimal styling.
- The elongated version works particularly well for looser curl patterns and waves.
- Textured ends add interest without requiring precise styling or maintenance.
- This cut captures a carefree, effortless vibe while still maintaining structure and shape.
27. Customized Curly Cut with Personal Curl Pattern Analysis
The ultimate curly haircut involves a complete analysis of your unique curl pattern, density, porosity, and lifestyle needs. A skilled curl specialist creates a completely customized cut that addresses your specific hair goals.
Personalized Approach Benefits:
- A thorough consultation ensures the cut addresses your specific concerns and goals.
- Analysis of your curl pattern, including variation between different sections, informs the cutting strategy.
- Consideration of your lifestyle, styling preferences, and maintenance commitment creates a sustainable style.
- The stylist accounts for factors like cowlicks, growth patterns, and areas of different curl types.
- A truly customized cut evolves with your hair as it grows, requiring only minor adjustments over time.
Conclusion
Embracing your natural curls with the right haircut can be truly transformative for both your appearance and your confidence.
These 27 Gorgeous Haircuts for Medium Length Curly Hair That Define Your Curls offer solutions for every curl type, face shape, and personal style preference.
The key to finding your perfect cut lies in understanding your unique curl pattern, working with a stylist who specializes in curly hair, and choosing a style that fits your lifestyle and maintenance preferences.
Whether you’re drawn to the bold drama of a wolf cut, the classic elegance of a layered lob, or the personalized perfection of a customized Deva Cut, there’s a style here that will make your curls shine.
Remember that the best haircut is one that makes you feel beautiful, confident, and authentically yourself while celebrating the natural texture you were born with.
Take these ideas to your next salon appointment, communicate clearly with your stylist about your goals, and get ready to fall in love with your curls all over again.
Your journey to gorgeous, well-defined curls starts with choosing the right cut, and with these 27 options, you’re equipped to make an informed decision that will have you showing off your beautiful curly hair with pride.
