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

Curly hair hairstyles: Singer Raye with light pink naturally curly hair in high scrunchie ponytail on red carpet wearing sunglasses
How high will you go? Credit: Rex by Shutterstock

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!

Curly hair hairstyles: Janelle Monae natural hair in halo braid updo on the red carpet wearing a strapless black and white dress
Look like a goddess with this halo braid. Credit: Rex by Shutterstock

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.

Curly hair hairstyles: Yara Shahidi with naturally curly bob length hair with curly side fringe wearing light blue suit on MTV red carpet
Save this curly hairstyle to your camera roll now! Credit: Rex by Shutterstock

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.

Curly hair hairstyles: Jhené Aiko dark brown long naturally curly wet look hair on red carpet wearing a teal coloured lace bralet top
Looking for the easiest style update yet? We think it’s wet look curls. Credit: Rex by Shutterstock

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.

Curly hair hairstyles: woman with curly hair swept up in '80s style standing against a black backdrop wearing pattern jacket
Swept up and stylish. Credit: indigitalimages.com

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!

Curly hair hairstyles: back view of woman with light brown curly hair with hair in french braid half-up style in outdoor photoshoot
Ooh la la.

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.

Curly hair hairstyles: Tracee Ellis Ross with dark brown shoulder length naturally curly hair with short micro fringe wearing red satin dress on red carpet
Naturalistas take note. Credit: Rex by Shutterstock

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.

Back view of woman with medium length brown naturally wavy hair styled in a ponytail tuck in backstage runway picture
The tucked ponytail has the runway seal of approval. Credit: indigitalimages.com

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.

Curly hair hairstyles: Dascha Polanco long curly brown ombre hair styled in a half-up, half-down bun
Hey hun. Credit: Rex by Shutterstock

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.

Curly hair hairstyles: Side profile of a black woman with natural hair styled in a high bun in street style picture wearing a black leather jacket.
The sophisticated and practical high bun is a fan fave.

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.

Close up picture of a woman with naturally curly brown hair in twist out curls wearing a white vest.
Retain the definition of your curl pattern with a twist out.

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.

Woman with golden brown naturally curly hair styled in a side fishtail braid wearing a white top standing against a wall backdrop.
Keep your curls in check with a fishtail braid.

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!

Curly hair hairstyles: Amanda Seyfried long golden blonde naturally curly hair with gold tiara headband wearing a one shoulder yellow dress
Mamma Mia we are totally in love with this look. Credit: Rex by Shutterstock

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!

Curly hair hairstyles: Leona Lewis with long golden blonde bronde naturally curly hair styled in a textured low ponytail standing against a yellow backdrop at the Black Panther premiere in London
It’s time to reach for the texturising spray. Credit: Rex by Shutterstock

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

Curly hair hairstyles: Rihanna with golden brown curly hair in high pineapple ponytail updo on red carpet wearing a pearl necklace
As if we need another excuse to emulate Rihanna. Credit: Rex by Shutterstock

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.

Curly hair hairstyles: Model Dilone with short dark brown curly pixie cut at Victoria's Secret event
Short hair curls you can actually wear. Credit: Rex by Shutterstock

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.

Curly hair hairstyles: Thandie Newton with dark brown naturally curly hair styled in a frohawk
Yass to this look on Thandie Newton. Credit: Rex by Shutterstock

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.

Curly hair hairstyles: Vanessa Hudgens with long dark brown wavy hair styled in a half-up halo braid on red carpet
Calling all boho babes. Credit: Rex by Shutterstock

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.

Curly hair hairstyles: Zazie Beerz with naturally afro curly hair styled pinned back with a quiff on red carpet wearing a black tank top
Quiff it up for a rock’n’roll finish. Credit: Rex by Shutterstock

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.

Curly hair hairstyles: AnnaLynne McCord tousled golden blonde wavy hair swept across one shoulder wearing a strapless black dress
Add in layers to boost your curls. Credit: Rex by Shutterstock

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?

Curly hair hairstyles: Salma Hayek dark brown hair in romantic and ethereal updo on the red carpet wearing a light purple dress
Ethereal updos work a treat for a formal occasion. Credit: Rex by Shutterstock

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.

Curly hair hairstyles: side profile of woman with naturally curly hair in ponytail with braids at the front of the hair standing against a light blue backdrop wearing a white tshirt.
You can’t beat a classic ponytail.

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.

 

 

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