Translation guide
Describes hair that forms curls or waves. Japanese has several common words depending on curl tightness, style, and nuance.
Describing hair with curls or waves in a neutral or positive way.
General term for curly hair. Can be used for natural curls or styled curls.
彼女は巻き毛がきれいだ。
She has beautiful curly hair.
Loanword from English 'curl'. Often used for styled curls or specific curl patterns.
I put curls in my hair.
Loanword from English 'wave'. Refers to wavy hair, looser than tight curls.
He has naturally wavy hair.
Describing very tight, small curls, often associated with African-textured hair.
Describing someone as having curly hair using adjectives.
Describing hair that has been intentionally curled, e.g., with a perm or curling iron.
巻き毛 (makige) is a general term for curly hair, often with a positive or neutral nuance. 縮れ毛 (chijirege) implies very tight, kinky curls and can sometimes carry a negative connotation if not used carefully. くせ毛 (kusege) refers to hair that is not straight, often slightly wavy or frizzy, and is considered a natural hair type rather than a style.
The direct translation 'カールした髪' is understandable but sounds like 'hair that has been curled' (as with an iron). For natural curly hair, use 巻き毛 or くせ毛.
She looks good with an afro.
I have unruly wavy/curly hair that's hard to manage.