Example 1 · ranked by the engine
Men: coily 4C hair, high density, coarse strands, average proportions
A full run of our engine for this example, open to any length and style, so only the hair and the concern decide the order. Scores are the engine’s 0–100 fit for this example, never a rating of anyone’s looks. Confidence: high.
01
Best on coily hair · 2–5 in (5–12.5 cm) on top · recut every 2–4 weeks
Why it ranks here
- Made for 4C coils: the shape holds and allows for natural shrinkage.How hair behaves
- A widely worn, easy-to-like cut, so it's a low-risk choice.Barbers agree
Needs a recut every 2–4 weeks to stay sharp (about $390/yr at $30 a cut).
When it doesn’t work
- Few; needs regular moisture.
- Straight to curly hair: the shape needs a texture it can't hold, so we rule it out.
- A receding hairline and a thinning crown or more: we flag it one step past its limit and stop suggesting it after that.
Tell your barber
“Temple and nape taper (burst optional); shape the top 2–5 in rounded; sponge or pick.”
Upkeep: a trim every 2–4 weeks, about $390–$780 a year at $30 a cut.
AI references on synthetic models, not real people
02
Best on curly to coily hair · 0.1–0.3 in (0.5 cm) on top · recut every 2–3 weeks
Why it ranks here
- Made for 4C coils: the shape holds and allows for natural shrinkage.How hair behaves
- A widely worn, easy-to-like cut, so it's a low-risk choice.Barbers agree
When it doesn’t work
- Needs daily brushing and a durag.
- Straight to curly hair: the shape needs a texture it can't hold, so we rule it out.
- A receding hairline and a thinning crown or more: we flag it one step past its limit and stop suggesting it after that.
Tell your barber
“Top #1–2 with the grain; low taper; crisp line-up.”
Upkeep: a trim every 2–3 weeks, about $510–$780 a year at $30 a cut.
AI references on synthetic models, not real people
03
Best on any texture hair · 0.3–0.4 in (0.5–1 cm) on top · recut every 2–3 weeks
Why it ranks here
- Made for 4C coils: the shape holds and allows for natural shrinkage.How hair behaves
When it doesn’t work
- Puts bumps, a flat back of the head and prominent ears on show.
- Scores lower if you have prominent ears.
Tell your barber
“#2 (6 mm) all over, or #3 top / #1 sides blended; tapered neckline; edge up.”
Upkeep: a trim every 2–3 weeks, about $510–$780 a year at $30 a cut.
AI references on synthetic models, not real people
04
Best on coily hair · 2–6 in (5–15 cm) on top · recut every 3–6 weeks
Why it ranks here
- Made for 4C coils: the shape holds and allows for natural shrinkage.How hair behaves
You'd need to grow into it first — roughly 5 months at typical growth of about 1.25 cm a month.
When it doesn’t work
- A round face with wide volume (shape it taller).
- Straight to curly hair: the shape needs a texture it can't hold, so we rule it out.
- Low-density hair: the cut relies on bulk that thin hair doesn't have.
Tell your barber
“Tapered sides; 2–6 in on top for two-strand or comb coils; even parting grid.”
Upkeep: a trim every 3–6 weeks, about $270–$510 a year at $30 a cut.
AI references on synthetic models, not real people
05
Best on any texture hair · 0–0.1 in (0 cm) on top · recut every 2–3 weeks
Why it ranks here
- Made for 4C coils: the shape holds and allows for natural shrinkage.How hair behaves
When it doesn’t work
- Shows an irregular skull shape or scars. Trade-off from a US study (Mannes 2013): a shaved head reads as more dominant and about 4 years older, and scored lower on looks than a full head of hair.
- Scores lower if you have prominent ears.
Tell your barber
“Bald fade from 0 on sides; top foil or #0.5; blend into beard.”
Upkeep: a trim every 2–3 weeks, about $510–$780 a year at $30 a cut.
AI references on synthetic models, not real people
06
Best on any texture hair · 0.5–1 in (1.5–2.5 cm) on top · recut every 2–3 weeks
Why it ranks here
- Made for 4C coils: the shape holds and allows for natural shrinkage.How hair behaves
When it doesn’t work
- A very round face (add fade contrast).
- A receding hairline and a thin crown or more: we flag it one step past its limit and stop suggesting it after that.
- Scores lower if you have a front cowlick.
Tell your barber
“Short horizontal fringe ~0.5–1 in; #1–3 sides; straight front line.”
Upkeep: a trim every 2–3 weeks, about $510–$780 a year at $30 a cut.
AI references on synthetic models, not real people
Popular cuts this example should skip
- Edgar cut: is cut for looser textures (1A–3A); 4C hair shrinks into tighter coils, so the shape doesn't hold. Closer fit: Afro taper.
- Classic taper (short back & sides): is cut for looser textures (1A–3A); 4C hair shrinks into tighter coils, so the shape doesn't hold. Closer fit: Afro taper.
- Textured crop: is cut for looser textures (1A–3C); 4C hair shrinks into tighter coils, so the shape doesn't hold. Closer fit: Afro taper.
Example 2 · ranked by the engine
Women: coily 4B hair, medium density, average proportions
A full run of our engine for this example, open to any length and style, so only the hair and the concern decide the order. Scores are the engine’s 0–100 fit for this example, never a rating of anyone’s looks. Confidence: high.
01
Best on coily hair · 1–3 in (2.5–7.5 cm) on top · recut every 3–6 weeks
Why it ranks here
- Made for 4B coils: the shape holds and allows for natural shrinkage.How hair behaves
Needs a recut every 3–6 weeks to stay sharp (about $270/yr at $30 a cut).
When it doesn’t work
- A very long face (keep the sides fuller).
- Straight to curly hair: the shape needs a texture it can't hold, so we rule it out.
- A receding hairline and a thinning crown or more: we flag it one step past its limit and stop suggesting it after that.
Tell your barber
“Top 1–3 in shaped; tapered sides and nape; define with coils.”
Upkeep: a trim every 3–6 weeks, about $270–$510 a year at $30 a cut.
AI references on synthetic models, not real people
02
Best on straight, wavy and coily hair · 1–3 in (2.5–7.5 cm) on top · recut every 4–6 weeks
Why it ranks here
- Made for 4B coils: the shape holds and allows for natural shrinkage.How hair behaves
Needs a recut every 4–6 weeks to stay sharp (about $270/yr at $30 a cut). Coily version: shape the top and taper the sides
When it doesn’t work
- A short neck, a jaw-heavy lower third, prominent ears, a crown cowlick, thick coarse hair (needs debulking); grows out awkwardly.
- Curly hair: the shape needs a texture it can't hold, so we rule it out.
- A receding hairline and a thinning crown or more: we flag it one step past its limit and stop suggesting it after that.
Tell your barber
“Top 1–3 in; tapered sides and nape; soft side fringe; debulk if thick.”
Upkeep: a trim every 4–6 weeks, about $270–$390 a year at $30 a cut.
AI references on synthetic models, not real people
03
Best on any texture hair · 0.3–0.5 in (0.5–1.5 cm) on top · recut every 2–4 weeks
Why it ranks here
- Made for 4B coils: the shape holds and allows for natural shrinkage.How hair behaves
- A bolder look — great if you want to stand out.Barbers agree
Needs a recut every 2–4 weeks to stay sharp (about $390/yr at $30 a cut).
When it doesn’t work
- An irregular head shape, prominent ears, or wanting a soft look.
- Scores lower if you have prominent ears.
Tell your barber
“#2–4 all over or a textured crop; soft tapered neckline.”
Upkeep: a trim every 2–4 weeks, about $390–$780 a year at $30 a cut.
AI references on synthetic models, not real people
04
Best on curly hair · 4–8 in (10–20.5 cm) on top · recut every 10–12 weeks
Why it ranks here
- A widely worn, easy-to-like cut, so it's a low-risk choice.Barbers agree
4B hair sits just outside this cut's range (3A–4A), so it works as an adapted coily version — show your stylist the reference. Coily version: shape it dry and allow for shrinkage
When it doesn’t work
- Round or wide faces (keep volume on top, not at the sides); if you often straighten, the curly shag suits better.
- Straight, wavy and coily hair: the shape needs a texture it can't hold, so we rule it out.
- Low-density hair: the cut relies on bulk that thin hair doesn't have.
Tell your barber
“Dry cut curl by curl; rounded shape; face framing; no thinning shears.”
Upkeep: a trim every 10–12 weeks, about $120–$150 a year at $30 a cut.
AI references on synthetic models, not real people
Popular cuts this example should skip
- Wolf cut: is cut for looser textures (2A–3B); 4B hair shrinks into tighter coils, so the shape doesn't hold.
- Butterfly cut: depends on hair that lies flat or blow-dries smooth (1B–2C); 4B hair curls up and shrinks out of that shape.
- Shag: is cut for looser textures (1B, 2A–3B); 4B hair shrinks into tighter coils, so the shape doesn't hold.
What fits your hair?
The free analysis reads your hair type, thickness and hairline from one selfie, measures your face on your phone, and applies every rule on this page. Your #1 is free, with its top reason; members see the whole list.
