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If you see a friend, coworker, or someone new rocking gorgeous curls, you might feel compelled to compliment her. But while your intentions might be good, sometimes a compliment could have the opposite effect. How do you make sure your words brighten her day instead of making her uncomfortable? Don't worry—it’s easier than you think! We've gathered expert-approved tips on what to say and what to avoid. Keep reading for the best way to compliment her curly locks.
Steps
What are some thoughtful compliments for a girl with curly hair?
"Your hair looks amazing!" Keep your compliment short, sweet, and genuine. When complimenting curly hair, avoid getting too specific. A simple, kind remark goes a long way. Just let her know how stunning her curls look—nothing more, nothing less. She'll surely appreciate it!
- “Your hair is beautiful!”
- “Those curls are stunning!”
- “Your hair is on point!”
"Your hair looks stunning." Use adjectives that are flattering but neutral. While terms like “sleek,” “professional,” “youthful,” or “exciting” may sound good to you, they can sometimes have unintended meanings that could be misinterpreted. Instead, stick to safe and simple descriptors that communicate your admiration without any risk of offense. Try these:
- “Your curls are so beautiful.”
- “Your hair looks amazing.”
- “Your curls are absolutely lovely.”
“Your hair looks amazing today!” If she switches between different hair styles, avoid comparing her curls to other looks. Compliment her current style and how fantastic she looks in it—without making any comparisons. Additionally, never tell her her hair looks better than someone else's as a compliment. Keep it simple and focus on how awesome she looks today. A compliment like this could really brighten her day!
- “Your hair looks fantastic today!”
- “Your hair always looks great, but today it’s especially amazing!”
- “Wow, this look is incredible. Your hair is stunning today!”
"Just so you know, your hair looks fantastic!" Give her an offhand compliment as you move on to another topic, creating a more casual and sincere moment of appreciation. This type of compliment doesn’t require her to react, allowing her to enjoy the praise without pressure. You're not expecting anything in return, which makes it feel even more genuine.
- “Passing by, I just had to say your hair looks great!”
- “Alright, catch you later! By the way, your hair looks amazing today!”
- “Wow, your hair looks fantastic. Anyway, I wanted to ask you something real quick...!”
Lorraine Massey, Renowned Hair Stylist
When complimenting curly hair, focus on the unique details — the perfectly coiled ringlets that elegantly frame her face, the voluminous texture and its captivating bounce. Praise the rich, radiant tones and depth of her hair that catch the light in a mesmerizing way. She'll feel truly seen and appreciated for one of her standout features.
What should you avoid saying to a girl with curly hair?
“Your hair looks great when it’s straightened!” When making this compliment, think about the message you're sending. Suggesting that her straight hair is nice can imply that her curls aren’t as flattering, which may not make her feel good. Instead, reassure her that she looks stunning no matter how she styles her hair. She'll be pleased to hear this kind of affirmation.
- “Your hair always looks amazing!”
“Your curls are actually fine.” This comment might unintentionally suggest there’s something wrong with her beautiful curly hair. Even if she’s shared how challenging curly haircare can be, it’s better to offer a compliment that appreciates her curls. Let her know that despite any struggles, her curls look amazing.
- “I know it can be tough, but honestly, your hair looks incredible no matter what!”
“You look so exotic.” While you may think you’re giving a compliment, this phrase can actually be seen as problematic. By calling her natural curls “wild” or “untamed,” you might unintentionally imply something negative. It’s always better to focus on the beauty of her natural hair without making it seem unusual. Avoid using this phrase in any setting or relationship.
“You really manage to pull that off. I’m impressed!” Although your intention may be to say that her curls suit her perfectly, this comment can come across as if you think curly hair is difficult to style. To leave her feeling complimented rather than misunderstood, avoid saying this, and simply praise her style instead.
“That look is definitely eye-catching.” Describing her hair as “striking,” “big,” or “attention-grabbing” doesn’t actually express that you like it—it just emphasizes that it stands out. This may make her feel self-conscious rather than flattered. Even if you plan to follow it up with a more direct compliment, it’s best to skip this phrase altogether.
“I don’t think I could pull that off.” While your intention may be to compliment her by saying she looks great with the style, this comment subtly suggests that curls may not look good on others. It’s always better to focus on how she looks amazing with her hair, without making comparisons. Avoid complimenting her by comparing her look to yours.
- If you want to flatter her more, emphasize how unique and amazing her look is without comparison.
- “You always look incredible. It’s next level—there’s no one like you!”
“Wow, did that take forever to do?” While you may want to acknowledge the effort she put into her look, this question can feel intrusive. Instead of focusing on the time or effort involved, compliment her appearance more directly. She’d probably prefer you to appreciate her style without making it about the effort.
- Try something like, "Your outfit is stunning. You’ve really nailed those patterns and colors!"
- Reader Poll: We asked 362 Mytour readers who have a girlfriend and 52% agreed that the best way to compliment her is by pointing out something specific about her outfit. [Take Poll]
“Your hair looks so different every day!” While you might think you're complimenting her versatility, this phrase can actually make her feel uncomfortable. She’s just expressing herself with her own unique style, and pointing out the differences could feel invasive. Instead, focus on how stylish or fashionable she looks in general.
- She’d probably prefer a compliment that speaks to her overall sense of style.
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“That hairstyle gives you such a free-spirited vibe!” While your intention may be to sound fun and friendly, this statement unintentionally creates an unnecessary and inaccurate comparison. Rather than suggesting her curls evoke a “hippie” or “laid-back” feel, try complimenting her general energy or style.
- Let her know that her presence lights up the room, "You really brighten up every space you walk into."
“What a bold hair choice!” This statement suggests that wearing her natural curls is an act of courage, but in reality, natural hair is a beautiful and natural part of who she is. Instead of positioning her hair as something that requires bravery, focus on highlighting her inner qualities instead.
- You could say something like, “You’re such a thoughtful person.”
“You must have used a lot of product!” While you may be curious about her haircare routine, this comment can come across as intrusive. Instead of focusing on her hair products or process, show an interest in her passions or hobbies.
- If you want to engage her in a meaningful conversation, ask about something she enjoys doing in her free time.
“Your weave looks amazing!” This compliment can be problematic because it assumes her hair is a weave or wig, which may not be the case. It's also intrusive, as you're commenting on the potential details of her appearance. As a general rule, it's best to avoid assumptions.
- To make her feel good, opt for a thoughtful gesture, like bringing her a coffee or asking how her day is going.
“Can I touch your hair?” Although you may mean well, asking to touch her hair is not a compliment, even in close relationships. Constantly being asked to touch her hair can be invasive and uncomfortable. Be mindful of her space and boundaries.
- If you want to make her laugh, try telling a funny joke instead—laughter is always a good way to brighten her day!
