Curly hair looks effortlessly gorgeous, but only at the right length. The ideal length for your curly or wavy hair depends on what kind of curl you have. Professional stylist Andre Walker devised a curl classification system that’s handy for determining your best length. You might also see yourself in one of these Curly-haired celebrities.
We’ll skip the Type 1s, as they’re the gals with ruler-straight hair. Let’s start with:
Type 2: Wavy
Type 2 curls are loose waves. Although some people might not consider them curls at all, waves are just big curls and need the right cut to flatter, not fight them. Christina Hendricks, Scarlett Johansson, and Kate Winslet have Type 2 hair. (So do I, although mine isn’t as glamorous.)
Many Type 2s favor long hair. Waves lend themselves to length; hair’s weight pulls it into long, gentle sine waves. Depending on how heavy your hair is, anywhere from just below the shoulders to waist-length works. You can also get away with super-short cuts if you have delicate features; think of Emma Watson’s new short ‘do.
Wavy hair can go wrong at chin-length. At that length, hair has too little weight to keep waves loose, but enough weight to make it flat on top. If you’re wavy-haired and want to go chin-length, get an expert cut to avoid the Darth Vader helmet silhouette. (I had that hair in junior high and I still haven’t forgiven my parents for it.)
Type 3: Curly
Masses of spiraling curls define this type. Bernadette Peters is a quintessential Type 3, as are Taylor Swift, Alicia Keys, and Nicole Kidman (no, really–think back to when she had red hair and didn’t flat-iron her curls or her face).
Type 3 hair can go anywhere from a tight cap of short curls to a tumble that reaches the middle of the back. Be careful with your cut, though–too much hair can overwhelm your face, especially if you have delicate features.
If you’re a Type 3, avoid hair lengths that graze your shoulders. Curly hair that’s widest at your shoulders visually shortens the neck. Skip the Rosanne Rosannadanna blunt cut, too, unless you want pyramid hair.
Type 4: Super-Curly
Type 4 hair is so tightly curled that the spirals are a pencil-width or less in diameter. It typically grows out, not just down. Macy Gray, India.Arie, and Jill Scott look gorgeous in their Type 4 hair. Kelis has been known to straighten hers, but her natural Type 4 curls look great too.
If you love look-at-me hair, grow it out to the max; a dramatic halo of big curls looks sensational. So does a super-short cut, especially if you have the long neck for it. In fact, Type 4s can get away with just about any length as long as the volume of your hair is well-shaped.
If you’re a Type 4b, a medium volume all over could look dated. Leave that too-tame look back in the ’70s.
