22 quick and cute hairstyles for naturally curly hair
Time to get your curls popping with one of our top hairstyles for naturally curly hair!
Have you got a head full of big, bouncy curls? There are loads of ways you can work with the natural texture of your hair, allowing you to embrace your curls in a cool, stylish and interesting way.
So, if you need of some #hairinspo for your waves, curls or coils, all you have to do is take a look at our stylish hairstyles for curly hair, which are perfect to rock any day of the week! Trust us, these ‘dos really are the answer to all your hair prayers.
22 curly hair hairstyles that will help you embrace your natural hair texture
1. High ponytail
Kicking off our roundup of hairstyles for naturally curly hair is this super-simple high ponytail.
This style is perfect for those with long, curly hair that are in need of a quick and easy everyday look. And kudos to Raye for keeping her tresses secured with a scrunchie – AKA this year’s hottest hair must-have!
2. Halo braid
Want to show off your angelic side? Try out Janelle Monae’s halo braid for a stunning ethereal finish to any look. Whether it be a wedding, summer picnic or date night, you can wear this style to earn ultimate style points.
3. Blunt bob and bangs combo
You may have already heard, but blunt bobs are ruling social media right now, and we’re not mad about it.
Working the French-girl bob, Yara Shahidi works with her natural hair texture to help show off her chin-grazing cut, completing the popular look with a curly side fringe.
4. Wet look curls
When it comes to easy hairstyles for curly hair, it doesn’t get any simpler than wet-look curls.
As the name suggests, the aim with this hairstyle is to look like you have just stepped out of the shower with gorgeously glossy strands. Now, of course, even the most effortless looking styles require some work, which is why we recommend using a wet look gel to achieve Jhené Aiko’s look.
Editor’s tip: For high-shine looks, we’re obsessed with the VO5 Wet Look Styling Gel. With 24-hour hold and Aquascreen formula, this wet-look gel can be used on both damp or dry hair and can withstand high humidity.
5. Swept-up curls
If you are looking to give your mane a bit of a shake-up, why not opt for an updo? Not just reserved for straight or wavy hair types, there are plenty of updos out there that will work a treat for your curls.
To achieve this quick and easy swept-up style, simply pull the back section of your hair up into a ponytail and secure it in place with a non-snag hairband. Now, twist the ponytail upwards and anchor it to the back of your head using bobby pins. To finish this look, loosen a few curls from the front of your hair to help frame your face and give you an undone, carefree look!
6. Half-up French braid
Want a hairstyle that has it all? Then this half-up, half-down French braid is sure to tick all your hair boxes. Not only is this braiding technique absolutely perfect for taming curly hair, it also opens up a whole host of other hair possibilities.
So if you want to stay one step ahead of the fashion pack, this bohemian-inspired look is the way to go.
7. Fluffy curls
Tracee Ellis Ross is fully embracing her natural hair and the results are simply stunning.
The actress and comedian knows a thing or two about rocking hairstyles for naturally curly hair. From cornrows and top knots to this fluffy shoulder-length cut, Tracee isn’t a natural hair icon for no reason.
8. Tucked ponytail
Curly-haired ladies: don’t be afraid to work with your natural hair texture! There’s no need to smooth out your waves and curls just because you’re rocking a simple ponytail. We suggest keeping it loose and letting your curl pattern truly shine.
Editor’s tip: To define and hold your curls, reach for TONI&GUY Curl Sculpting Spray.
Simply spray lightly over towel-dried hair before styling and work through with your fingers, sculpting your curls into your desired style as you go.
9. Half-up bun hairstyle
It’s easy to see why many people become overwhelmed when they’re faced with a head full of thick curls to style – the sheer weight and volume of curly tresses can, at times, be more than one person can handle! But there is a solution to this problem: the half-up bun AKA the hun.
10. The high bun
Sophisticated and practical: what more could you ask for in an everyday hairstyle? There’s no denying that the high bun is one of our favourite easy hairstyles for curly hair.
It takes less than 5 minutes to do, and for curly-haired ladies that are looking for a hairstyle that keeps the ends of their tucked away, this is a really simple protective hairstyle to fall back on.
11. Braid out
Anyone with wavy or curly hair can attest to the constant struggle to retain the definition of their curl pattern, especially post-wash. This is where the braid-out can step in and save the day.
Style tip: After washing your curly tresses, apply some TRESemmé Botanique Nourish & Replenish Hydrating Mist, this spray is great for adding moisture to your hair first thing in the morning or on the go, and smells amazing.
12. Fishtail braids
Braids are a great way to keep your curly hair in check all day without the need for a touch-up. It gives plenty of interesting detail, and although the fishtail braid looks rather intricate, it’s actually quite simple to master!
Next read: Learn how to master fishtail braids in 8 easy steps!
13. Princess waves
Amanda Seyfried once again wowed us all with this wavy ‘do. With her golden blonde hair styled in big loose waves worn swept over one shoulder, Amanda had a gorgeously princess-worthy hair moment – she even had a tiara on!
14. Textured ponytail
Stuck for inspiration on curly hair? Hairstyles like this textured ponytail on Leona Lewis is not only super quick to create but effectively tames curls in a stylish way. #curlyhairgoals
15. Pineapple updo
Looking for an easy hairstyle that’ll help manage your curly tresses? Ladies, meet the pineapple. This super-easy updo can be a real saving grace if you‘re short on time, but also want to keep your strands out of your face.
To get the look, start by gathering your curly hair into a really high ponytail (bending or tipping your head forward can make this easier). Then secure your high ponytail with a snag-free hairband and pull the tail forward – and you’re done!
Style tip: Wrap a silk scarf around your head to help limit any frizz-inducing friction while you sleep.
16. Pixie
“I can’t have short hair, I have curls”, we have heard it said so many times but girls you are wrong! Girls with short, curly hair are popping up everywhere.
So if you are looking for haircuts for naturally curly hair, turn to the like of Carey Mulligan, Audrey Tautou and our fave, Dilone for major hair inspiration.
17. Frohawk
Hairstyles for naturally curly hair don’t always require fancy styling, but when it does, a frohawk is perfect.
Thandie Newton shows us how you can wear the frohawk for a special occasion, but you can also wear this style as an everyday look too!
Style tip: To jazz up your look, add an embellished hair slide for added glitz.
18. Half-up halo braid
If you want to be part-flower-child, part-boho-queen, make like Vanessa Hudgens and opt for a half-up, half-down halo braid.
Ideal for all hair types and lengths, we think this might just be the summer festival look you were waiting for!
Editor’s tip: For Vanessa’s effortless waves, spritz TONI&GUY Sea Salt Texturising Spray evenly over damp or dry hair to create rough texture and tousled waves.
19. Quiffed
Give your naturally curly hair a rock’n’roll vibe with a retro-inspired quiff. The best thing about this striking look is that it’s super quick to achieve.
Simply grab a few bobby pins and start securing the sides of the hair. Sweep back the front section and secure with a little hairspray if needed to secure it in place.
20. Layered waves
Adding in careful layers can be the secret weapon when it comes to boosting curly natural hair. Because they help to stop your cut looking bottom heavy or weighed down, and who doesn’t want more volume, right?
21. Romantic updo
If you have a wedding, graduation or like Salma Hayek, a red carpet event to attend (invite, please), a romantic updo is a perfect way to style your curly tresses.
Now, don’t go thinking this updo needs an army to create, you can easily get this look by simply twisting sections of your hair and securing with bobby pins, allowing any loose strands to fall at the front. For an added touch, add a single braid on either side like Salma.
22. Braids and pony
You really can’t go wrong with a ponytail when you’re pushed for time. We know, a ponytail may seem a bit underwhelming, but there are so many ways to spice up this classic look and give it an extra bit of interest! And a curly ponytail with 2 side braids is a perfect choice, ensuring that your curls remain under control from day to night.