23 Amazing Hairstyles For Curly Hair

Curly hair is wild, free, and beautiful. So, how could you not flaunt it! Show off your coily locks with some incredible hairstyles for curly hair.

Curly hair is undoubtedly beautiful, but it can be difficult to style and manage daily, unlike waves. In addition, everyday pollution and damage can leave your ringlets frizzy, tangled, unkempt, and dull. With the right hairstyles, you not only protect your curly locks but show them off to their maximum potential. Choosing the right hairstyle for your curls may help maintain their health. Because of the unique and beautiful texture of each curl type (from 2C to 4C hair), you should pick a hairstyle that complements your natural curl pattern.

Celebrity hair stylist Emilio Uribe says, “I personally think letting natural curly hair run loose and free is the most beautiful look when styled with the proper products. It’s what I recommend when my curly hair clients ask me for advice on how to style their mane.” He also stresses on the importance of hydrating your locks to maintain their health, bounce, and sheen.

But before that, it is important to select hairstyles that augment your face shape and features. Keep reading to learn which curly hairstyles will look better on your face shape. Then, scroll down to find some stunning hairstyles to style those curly tresses!

Before You Get Started

• Curly hair tends to get dry and is more prone to damage. Therefore, be gentle while styling your hair.
• Use combs sparingly. Unless sectioning or doing a cursory brush, use your fingers to comb through the hair to avoid straining them.
• Metal accessories pull at your hair. Avoid them. You may use bobby pins or U-pins.
• Use anti-frizz sprays. They will keep flyaways in place while providing your hair with some added moisture and bounce.

How To Pick A Curly Hairstyle According To Your Face Shape

• If you have a round face, the key is to make your face appear longer than it is. Try hairstyles that add height to your face, like top knots.
• Try layered hairstyles if you have a square face as they will soften the angles of your face.
• Short edgy hairstyles look great on diamond-shaped faces as they draw attention to your forehead and cheeks, rather than your jawline.
• Literally all hairstyles look great on oval faces.
• Try curly hairstyles with bangs – like arched side-swept bangs – if you have a heart-shaped face and want to make your forehead appear smaller.
• As the forehead is the widest part of the inverted triangle face shape, consider getting some bangs to draw focus away from it.
• Full long hair with thick curls will look stunning on triangle face shape. Try layered curly bob hairstyles, fringed bangs, choppy layers, and long hair with layers.
• Layered haircuts with side bangs look stunning on long faces.
• If you have a high forehead, full side-swept bangs is the way to go. Try hairstyles that take the focus away from your forehead. Focus on the cheekbones and jawline instead. A lob with thick bangs works well here.
• If you have a short forehead, consider long blunt hairstyles. You can also try side bangs that make the cheeks look smaller. Try hairstyles with bouffants as they will add height to the face.

Apart from your face shape, even your curl type plays a major role in the kinds of hairstyles you that will suit you. Here’s what you need to know about the different types of curls.

Types Of Curls

All people are not created the same, and the same can be said about curls. There are different types of curls, ranging from 2A (that is slightly wavy) all the way to 4C (tightly coiled curls).

It is truly important to understand what curl type you have. Understanding if you have a wavy, curly, or coily texture will make all the difference in your hairstyle choice and maintenance routine. Knowledge of your curl type also helps guide you along the lines of how to cut, color, and style your hair to keep them fresh and healthy-looking.

In this article, we will show you hairstyles that are suitable for curl types that range from soft waves to tight ringlets. And if you do not have curly hair, bring out those trusted curling irons, heat protectants, and styling products to try out these 23 best hairstyles for curly hair!

23 Amazing Hairstyles For Curly Hair For Girls

1. Braided Ponytail

What You Need

• Curling iron
• Elastic bands
• Comb
• Bobby pins

Procedure

1. Begin by curling your hair with a curling iron.
2. Comb and lightly loosen the curls and create a deep side part.
3. Take a section of hair a few inches away from the forehead on the heavier side and make a braid.
4. Then, tie it with an elastic band and pancake it.
5. Tease the hair behind the braid and pull it into a half ponytail.
6. Make a messy bun and use bobby pins to secure it.
7. Also, use bobby pins to secure the braid to the side of the messy bun. Let the hair drop from the bun to create a looped ponytail look.
8. Twist the hair from the front and secure that to the ponytail’s side as well.
9. Finally, gather up all of the loose sections of the hair under the messy bun and add it into the bun while letting the ends loose like that in a ponytail. Secure it with an elastic to complete the look.

2. Twisted Braided Updo

What You Need

• Elastic bands
• Comb
• Bobby pins
• Hair tie

Procedure

1. Begin by combing and detangling your hair.
2. Next, separate two sections of hair from the sides and twist them together, tying them up at the back with an elastic band
3. Loop the twisted hair through the elastic band to form a new twist.
4. Section the remaining hair into two equal parts and do the same to the ponytail to create two equal sections of hair at the back.
5. Braid each section until you reach the end, forming two braids at the back. Secure them with elastic bands.

Gently tug at the braid to give it a fuller appearance. Pull the braids through the twisted loop, creating a braided bun. Secure it with bobby pins to complete the look.

3. Khaleesi Braids

What You Need

• Hair pins
• Elastic bands
• Comb
• Small silver ring

Procedure

1. Take some hair from the front on one side of your head and weave it into a Dutch braid.
2. Repeat the same for the other side.
3. Pancake the braids.
4. Tie both the braids together at the back of your head as you would a half ponytail.
5. Pick up some hair from a little below the first braid and Dutch braid it in the same manner.
6. Repeat the same on the other side.
7. Pancake the braids.
8. Tie both braids together directly below the first braided half ponytail.
9. Accessorize the top braided ponytail with a silver ring.

4. The Long Side Braid

What You Need

• Curling iron
• Hair pins
• Elastic bands
• Comb

Procedure

1. Curl your hair using a curling iron.
2. You can try this style with a side parting or a middle parting – it depends on how you want it to look.
3. Take a section of hair on one side and Dutch braid that entire section of hair, leaving the rest of your curls untouched.
4. Secure the braid with a ribbon or an elastic band.
5. Pancake the braid to make it appear more voluminous.

5. Twisted Half Ponytail

What You Need

• Curling iron
• Hair clips
• Elastic bands
• Comb
• Ribbon

Procedure

1. Curl all your hair with a curling iron.
2. Take a section of hair from one side, twist it tightly and clip it.
3. Pick an identical section of hair from the other side and twist it tightly as well.
4. Using an elastic band, tie both the sections together to form a twisted half ponytail. You might also need to use pins to keep the twists intact.
5. Pancake the twists slowly and carefully.
6. Accessorize with some colorful ribbon.

6. Waterfall Braids

What You Need

• Hair pins
• Elastic bands
• Comb

Procedure

1. Try this hairstyle a day after washing your hair. Detangle your hair with a wide-toothed comb.
2. Part your hair as you would naturally do. Take some hair from the front of your hair on one side and divide it into three sections.
3. Weave about three stitches of a normal braid. This will secure the braid.
4. Now, drop the top section of the braid and add in a new section, making it the top section. Weave two stitches of the braid and repeat this.
5. While you continue to braid, make sure you weave it along the head like a halo.
6. Once it reaches the other side, pin the braid in place. If you have really long hair, you can either leave the rest of the hair loose or braid it till the end and allow the rest of the braid to fall.

Quick Tip

You can hide the pins by covering them with a few strands of hair where they naturally fall and adjusting them over the pins. You may also use flowers and hair accessories.

7. Half Up Crown Braid

What You Need

• Hair pins
• Comb

Procedure

1. Comb your hair to detangle it.
2. Take a section of hair from one side of your head and braid it till the end.
3. Repeat the same on the other side.
4. Lay the braids across the back of your head and pin them behind your ear on the opposite side.

8. Braided Low Ponytail

What You Need

• Hair pins
• Elastic bands
• Comb
• Fancy headband

Procedure

1. Detangle your hair and part it on one side.
2. Take some hair from the side that has more hair and French braid it along the curve of your head till the ear. After that, simply braid the rest of the way down and tie it with an elastic band.
3. Take the rest of your hair, including the braid, and tie it into a low side ponytail with another elastic band.
4. Accessorize with a headband.

9. Sock Bun

What You Need

• Hair pins
• Elastic bands
• Comb
• Hair donut

Procedure

1. Detangle your hair and tie it in a high ponytail using an elastic band.
2. Take the donut and insert it at the base of the ponytail.
3. Wrap and roll your ponytail around the donut until it is completely hidden from view and pin it in place.

10. Bantu Knot Out Curls

What You Need

• Hair pins
• Elastic bands
• Comb
• Silk scarf, a thin cotton pillowcase, or a T-shirt

Procedure

1. Divide your hair into small sections.
2. Twist one section of hair and then wrap it around itself to form a small bun. Pin it in place.
3. Repeat the same for all the other sections.
4. Take a silk scarf, a thin cotton pillowcase, or a T-shirt and wrap it around your head and leave it on overnight.
5. The next morning, after you remove your head covering, ensure your hair is completely dry before unpinning your Bantu knots. Shake your hair out and, if needed, run your fingers through it.
6. Add a light serum for additional sheen.

Uribe

offers expert advice on prepping your curls before styling them: “Apply your preferred curl products but don’t go too heavy as you want to embrace your curls and not let them hang. Add a leave-in conditioner, curl enhancer, or any type of hair serum for hydration that will also give it hold to maintain that beautiful bounce.”

11. Warrior Princess

What You Need

• Hair pins
• Elastic bands
• Wide-toothed comb
• Curl defining cream

Procedure

1. Detangle your hair with a wide-toothed comb.
2. Divide your hair into two parts – a top half and a bottom half.
3. Braid the top section of hair and secure it at the end with an elastic band.
4. Wrap the braid around itself to create a bun and pin it in place.
5. Apply a curl defining cream to the rest of your hair, and you are good to go.

12. Twisted Ponytail

What You Need

• Hair pins
• Elastic bands
• Comb

Procedure

1. Divide your hair into three sections – two side sections and one large center section.
2. Tie the center section into a ponytail using an elastic band.
3. Twist one side section, wrap it around the base of the ponytail, and pin it on the opposite side.
4. Repeat the previous step with the other side section.
5. Pancake the twists and fluff up your curls’ hairstyle before you head out.

13. The Boho Braid

What You Need

• Hair pins
• Elastic bands
• Comb

Procedure

1. Try this hairstyle out with hair that hasn’t been washed in two days. Pick up half your hair and tease it.
2. Braid the same section of hair into a fishtail braid and secure it at the end with an elastic band.
3. Pancake the braid to add dimension to it.
4. Braid the rest of your hair into a regular braid and secure it at the end with an elastic band.
5. Pancake this braid as well.
6. Wrap the fishtail braid around the regular braid and tie them both together at the end with an elastic band.

14. The Double Boho Braid

What You Need

• Hair pins
• Clips
• Elastic bands
• Comb

Procedure

1. Comb your hair to detangle it.
2. Divide your hair vertically into two halves.
3. Begin weaving one half in a Dutch braid just above the ear. Braid it until it reaches the nape of your neck. Clip it to your head.
4. Repeat the same on the other side.
5. Join the braids together and tie them in a low ponytail.
6. Fluff up the ponytail to make it messy.
7. Pancake both the braids nicely to create a boho chic vibe.
8. Take a small section of hair from the ponytail and wrap it around the elastic band to cover it. Tuck the ends within the elastic band.

15. Messy Twists

What You Need

• Hair pins
• Comb

Procedure

1. Depending on how you want the hairstyle to look, you can part your hair on one side, down the middle, or just leave it shaggy.
2. Take some hair from the crown and backcomb it to create volume. Neatly comb the top of that section and pin it in a pouf.
3. Take some hair from one side, twist it a little, and pin it at the back.
4. Repeat the same on the other side to complete this short curly hairstyle.

16. Twisted Fishtail Braid

What You Need

• Hair pins
• Elastic bands
• Comb

Procedure

1. Comb your hair to detangle it.
2. Take two small sections of hair on both sides of your head and twist them. Tie them together at the back of your head as you would a half ponytail.
3. Begin weaving the loose hair from the half ponytail into a fishtail braid.
4. Braid the half ponytail till the end and secure it with an elastic band.
5. Pancake the braid neatly and carefully to complete this curly blonde hairstyle.

17. The Fro Hawk

What You Need

• U-pins
• Bobby pins
• Elastic bands
• Comb

Procedure

1. This afro hairstyle works if you have short hair. Divide your hair into four sections in a line along the center of your head.
2. Tie each of these sections (except the first section which is right near the hairline) into ponytails with elastic bands.
3. Using U-pins, connect each section of hair with the other. Adjust your hair and fluff it up to make it look like a mohawk.
4. Using bobby pins, pin the sections of hair in place so that they stay intact. Pin up any loose strands of hair as well.
5. Adjust the front section of hair in such a way that some of it falls on your face, but the back is pinned to another section of hair.

18. The Sophisticated Ponytail

What You Need

• Elastic bands
• Comb

Procedure

1. This curly ponytail hairstyle is an amazing way to show off your hair’s natural texture and keep it out of your face. Detangle your hair with a wide-toothed comb.
2. Tie the top half of your hair into a high half ponytail.
3. Holding up the half ponytail, take the lower half of your hair and tie it into another ponytail right below the first one.
4. Make sure both the ponytails are in line with each other.
5. Drop the half ponytail over the lower ponytail and arrange your hair, so they look like one big voluminous ponytail.

19. The Scarf Pineapple

What You Need

• Head scarf
• Elastic bands
• Comb

Procedure

1. Tie all your hair into a high ponytail at the crown of your head using an elastic band. You’ll notice that your curls fall all over the place.
2. Take a scarf and tie it at the top of your head, near the base of the ponytail.
3. Spread the scarf out at the back, so it covers the back of your hair.
4. Now, take the loose ends of the scarf that are hanging in the front and tie them at the back, keeping the knot beneath the scarf.
5. Let your hair fall over the scarf.

20. The Voluminous Ponytail

What You Need

• Hair pins
• Elastic bands
• Comb

Procedure

1. This hairstyle can literally be done in a minute. Part your bangs on one side.
2. Comb the rest of your hair and tie it in a high ponytail using an elastic band.
3. Take a small section of hair from the ponytail and wrap it around the base of the ponytail to hide the elastic band from view.
4. Tuck the ends into the elastic band to secure it.

21. The Braid And Twist

What You Need

• Hair pins
• Elastic bands
• Comb

Procedure

1. Separate the front section of your hair and clip up the rest of the hair at the back. Part this front section on one side.
2. Braid all the hair in the front in two side French twisted braids. You can even try out other braid patterns. Pin the braids at the back.
3. Tie the hair at the back in a half ponytail to finish off the look.

22. The Sporty Braid

What You Need

• Elastic bands
• Sectioning clips
• Comb

Procedure

1. Divide your hair into two halves from the front hairline all the way down till the nape of your neck.
2. Clip off one side and begin Dutch braiding on the other side.
3. Once the Dutch braid has reached the nape of your neck, tie the rest of the hair in a ponytail.
4. Pancake the Dutch braid, so it appears big.
5. Repeat the same on the other side.
6. Take some hair from below the braid and wrap it around the elastic band to cover it. Secure this hair with the same elastic band. Repeat the same for the other braid.
7. Fluff up your curls, and you are good to go.

23. Loose Beachy Waves

What You Need

• Heat protectant
• Sectioning clips
• Comb
• Curling iron
• Texturizing spray

Procedure

1. The first thing is to make sure that your curly hair is clean and damp.
2. Spritz some heat protectant to protect your hair from heat damage.
3. Split your hair into sections using the sectioning clips to make it easier to work with.
4. Wrap small sections of hair around the curling wand, holding for a few seconds and then releasing. Alternate the direction of the curls for a more natural look.
5. After curling, gently run your fingers through your hair to loosen the curls.
6. Finish off with a spritz of texturizing spray and scrunch your hair to enhance the beachy effect.

Sophie Marie, a YouTube vlogger, preps her hair with a serum to prevent frizz and hair breakage and does this easy hairstyle with a banana clip. She explains, “The best hack I can give you is to actually tie it first so tying your hair up just in a loose scrunchie… Do not close the clip too far apart so go a little closer so there’s less hair that you’re pulling. Now clip at the top putting the tie around the ball (i).” This is an easy hairstyle for curly hair.

Curly hair is more prone to damage than any other hair texture due to its coily structure. It needs a lot of moisture to stay nourished and hydrated. For straight hair, it is easy for the oil to spread all over the hair. But it’s not the same for curly hair. Due to the shape of the coils, the ends don’t get enough oil. Here are a few tips to maintain your curly hair so that it always looks great.

Curly Hair Maintenance Tips

• Stop using heat styling tools. They will only damage your hair. Also, if you straighten your hair frequently, you will ruin your curl pattern.
• Apply some leave-in conditioner right after you wash your hair. Organic leave-in conditioners moisturize your hair and keep it thick.
• Apply gel on your hair if you have thick, curly hair and want to style it. The gel spreads more easily on curls than mousse.
• Try curling your hair without heat. Use rollers and a curl defining or curl enhancing cream instead.
• Spray a good amount of heat protectant on your hair if you do decide to heat style it.
• Rubbing your hair vigorously with a towel to dry it leads to hair breakage. Pat your hair dry instead. Use a microfiber or cotton towel preferably.
• When blow drying your hair, use a diffuser. It spreads the hot air evenly throughout your head and adds definition to your curls.
• Opt for protective styles as they limit exposure to environmental damages and tangling. Styles like braids, buns, and twists protect the hair from breakage, friction and also contribute to long-term health of your curls.

Infographic: 7 Uber Cool Hairstyles For Curls

The creative scope for styling your curls is limitless. They are a separate class, and styling only spices things up. Check out the infographic below for a list of curly hairstyles for women that will definitely turn heads.

Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

Quick Tip

Curly hair is often dry and brittle. So detangle it with a wide-toothed comb in the shower right after applying conditioner. This reduces breakage.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should curly hair be brushed?

Yes. When brushing curly hair, it is better to do so when it is still wet to prevent roughness and frizz. Since curly hair is dry and fragile, dry brushing or combing it can lead to breakage.

What color looks best on curly hair?

Usually, dark colors look best on curly hair. Before choosing a shade, you need to consider factors like your eye color, skin tone, and natural hair color. Consult a professional hair stylist and understand if highlights, lowlights, ombre, or balayage suit your skin tone and hair color.

What is the curly hair trend in 2024?

Natural afro curls and half updos with twists are set to be the biggest curly hair trends in 2024.

Are layers good for curly hair?

Yes. Layers give movement and bounce to the hair and enhance its natural curl pattern by adding dimension and definition.

Is curly hair still popular?

Yes, celebs like Zendaya, Rihanna, and Beyonce are embracing their curls and showcasing them at several events.

Is curly hair better long or short?

It depends on personal preference and other factors, such as face shape and hairstyle. Long curly hair looks good on a triangle face shape, while short-edgy curly hair looks good on a diamond face shape.

Is V cut good for curly hair?

Yes, a V cut can distribute the natural volume of the hair and give a lovely bounce.

Why is curly hair special?

It can be styled in numerous ways because of its unique texture and volume.

What is the curly girl method cut?

Also known as deva cut, it is when hair stylists cut curly hair in a dry and natural state. Each curl is shaped and defined for a more uniform and polished look.

What are some common mistakes to avoid when styling curly hair?

While styling curly hair, one of the crucial mistakes is using the wrong products that contain sulfates or alcohol that strip curls of their natural moisture. Additionally, over-brushing your curls can create frizz and disrupt its shape. You can instead detangle before shampoo by using a wide-tooth comb or fingers. While using hot styling tools, ensure to use heat protectants to avoid permanent damage to curls. These tips will surely keep the beauty of your curly hair while sporting some amazingly beautiful styles.

Illustration: Amazing Hairstyles For Curly Hair

Image: Stable Diffusion/StyleCraze Design Team

Manage your stubborn curly hair with ease! Watch this life-saving video with tips and tricks for 8 amazing hairstyles to tame your messy curly hair.

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Reviewer Author Editor Fact Checker

Emilio UribeCelebrity Hairstylist & Makeup Artist

   

Emilio Uribe is a renowned hairstylist and makeup artist who is hugely popular in the Hispanic and Anglo entertainment worlds. He has over 15 years of experience and has worked with many top artists, including Shakira, Gloria Estefan, Beyoncé, Charlize Theron, Alicia Keys, Anne Hathaway, Yanni, and Johnny Depp.

Read full bio of Emilio Uribe

Anjali SayeeAssociate Editor

 

Anjali is an associate editor at StyleCraze. She specializes in hairstyles and hair and skin care and has written over 200 articles in these domains. She has 7 years of experience, and her philosophy about hair and skin care is simple: if you love and care for it, it will be healthy.

Read full bio of Anjali Sayee

Madhumati ChowdhuryAssociate Editor

Madhumati is an associate editor with seven years of professional experience. She has previously worked as an editor, proofreader, and a writer with various organizations, helping her navigate through the various facets of content creation and refinement with ease.

Read full bio of Madhumati Chowdhury

Aparna HarryBeauty & Lifestyle Writer

Aparna Harry is a beauty and lifestyle content writer with over three years of experience in writing for different genres. She has a master’s degree in English Literature from The English And Foreign Languages University and a bachelor’s degree in education from the University of Mysore.

Read full bio of Aparna Harry