31 Hairstyles for Curly Hair: Gorgeous Looks for Every Length and Occasion

Curly hair has always been a symbol of uniqueness, and embracing those natural curls can lead to stunning and creative hairstyle options. Whether you’re rocking short natural curls or flaunting luscious long hair, the world of curly hairstyles offers versatility, personality, and elegance for any occasion. In this article, we explore distinct hairstyle ideas that will enhance your natural curl pattern, from casual looks to chic, sophisticated styles.

Curly Pixie Cut

For those who prefer a short natural look, the curly pixie cut is both chic and easy to manage. This hairstyle, with its soft natural black curls, is ideal for women who want to frame their face while keeping things simple. A pixie cut works wonders for chin-length and shoulder-length hair, emphasizing facial features like high cheekbones or large eyes. This style pairs beautifully with bold accessories, making it ideal for both casual days and elegant evenings out.

To achieve the perfect curly pixie, start with a quality curl cream to define your curls without weighing them down. Use a diffuser to dry your hair, ensuring your curls maintain their bounce and volume. Maintenance involves a regular trim every 4-6 weeks to keep the cut fresh and a curl-enhancing conditioner like DevaCurl’s Original Conditioner.

Curly Bob with Bangs

A curly bob with bangs is a playful yet refined option for those with medium-length hair. This style brings volume and movement, perfect for showcasing the natural beauty of curly hair while framing the face with bangs. Whether you have natural black hair or highlights, the curly bob can be styled to suit various face shapes, especially oval or heart-shaped. It’s a fantastic hairstyle for those looking to keep their short hair fresh and modern, whether you’re heading to the office or a weekend brunch.

To style this look, apply a lightweight mousse to damp hair to enhance the curl structure. For the bangs, use a round brush while blow-drying to ensure they sit just right. A heat protectant is essential when using hot tools, and maintaining this look requires a sulfate-free shampoo like SheaMoisture’s Coconut & Hibiscus Curl & Shine Shampoo.

Defined Twist Out

The twist-out is a classic curly hairstyle that adds definition and depth to your long or medium-length curls. This versatile style can be worn at casual outings or even professional settings, and it looks stunning on natural black hair. The defined twist-out suits many face shapes, and it can enhance features like strong jawlines and expressive eyes. A twist-out gives curls a more structured look while still maintaining that effortless vibe.

To create this style, start with damp hair and apply a leave-in conditioner. Separate the hair into small sections and twist each section from root to tip. Let the twists air dry or use a hooded dryer, then unravel them for a gorgeous twist-out. To maintain this look, sleep with a satin bonnet and use a curl refresher spray in the morning.

Half-Up, Half-Down

For an easy updo that embraces your curls while keeping them under control, the half-up, half-down style is perfect. Whether you have short hair or long hair, this look is versatile and can transition from day to night. It’s an excellent choice for formal events or casual outings, and it suits all face shapes, making it universally flattering. Add a few accessories like a hairpin or scrunchie to elevate the look even more.

To style, gather the top section of your hair and secure it into a ponytail or small bun, leaving the rest of your curls to cascade down. Use a curl-defining cream like Ouidad’s Advanced Climate Control Heat & Humidity Gel to keep your curls frizz-free throughout the day.

Curly Frohawk

The curly frohawk is a bold and edgy hairstyle that celebrates the volume and texture of curly hair. Ideal for women with natural short or medium-length curls, this style works wonders for those looking to make a statement. The frohawk adds height and drama, making it perfect for an evening out or a special event. It’s especially flattering for round or square face shapes and pairs well with dramatic makeup or large earrings.

To achieve the frohawk, section off the sides of your hair and pin them back while allowing the curls at the crown to stand tall. Use a strong-hold gel to smooth the sides, and apply a curl-enhancing mousse to the curls on top for maximum volume. A nourishing curl cream, such as Cantu’s Coconut Curling Cream, will help maintain the health of your curls.

Curly Ponytail

A high or low curly ponytail is an easy and elegant way to show off your curls while keeping your hair neat. This style works for both short and long hair, making it suitable for a wide range of curl types and hair lengths. Perfect for casual settings or more formal events, the curly ponytail highlights your curls while also giving a polished look. It’s especially flattering for those with oval or oblong faces.

To create the look, gather your hair into a ponytail at the desired height, then use a curl cream to define the curls in the ponytail. For added volume, gently pull apart the curls once they are dry. A lightweight finishing spray can help keep the style intact all day.

Braided Crown

A braided crown is an elegant way to style natural black hair for formal events like weddings or special occasions. This style works best on medium-length to long hair, where the braids can wrap around the head like a crown, creating a romantic and ethereal look. It’s perfect for round or heart-shaped faces, and can be paired with floral accessories for a boho-chic vibe.

To create the braided crown, section off two pieces of hair from each side and braid them. Then, wrap each braid around the head and secure with bobby pins. A styling mousse can help hold the braids in place, and a curl-defining cream will keep your natural curls soft and shiny throughout the day.

Messy Bun with Curls

For a relaxed yet stylish look, a messy bun with curls is a go-to hairstyle. This updo works wonderfully on natural short to shoulder-length hair, adding a touch of effortless glam. The messy bun suits all face shapes and is perfect for casual days out or even an afternoon meeting. By letting some curls fall out naturally, this style offers a carefree, yet intentional look.

To style, gather your curls into a loose bun and allow some pieces to fall out naturally. Use a flexible hold hairspray to maintain the shape without making it too stiff. For maintenance, use a curl refreshing spray throughout the day to keep curls looking fresh.

Pineapple Updo

The pineapple updo is a fantastic protective hairstyle that keeps curls from frizzing while also giving you a fun and playful look. This style works best on medium-length to long hair, and it’s perfect for those with a round or oval face shape. The pineapple updo is ideal for lounging around at home or even for casual errands, keeping your curls high and out of the way.

To create this look, gather all your curls at the top of your head and secure them loosely with a scrunchie. Allow the curls to fan out naturally. A hydrating mist like Ouidad’s Botanical Boost Curl Energizing & Refreshing Spray can help maintain moisture throughout the day.

Voluminous Curls with Layers

If you want to go all out and showcase your curls in their full glory, voluminous curls with layers is the hairstyle for you. Ideal for long hair, this style adds dimension and volume, making it perfect for special occasions. Layers help define your curls and add movement, especially if your hair is thick or dense. This look is especially flattering for heart-shaped or oval faces and can be paired with bold accessories to make a statement.

To achieve this look, apply a volumizing mousse to damp hair and diffuse it to enhance the volume. Layers should be cut by a professional to ensure they frame your face correctly. Maintain your curls with a lightweight leave-in conditioner to keep them soft and bouncy throughout the day.

Curly Shag Cut

The curly shag cut is a trendy, retro-inspired hairstyle perfect for those with natural short or medium-length curls. This cut features layers that create volume and texture, giving your curls a dynamic and carefree look. It’s an ideal choice for casual outings and adds a bit of edge to your everyday style. The shag cut works best for heart-shaped and oval faces, enhancing features like high cheekbones and defined jawlines.

To style this look, apply a texturizing spray to damp hair and scrunch to bring out your natural curl pattern. Use a diffuser for drying and finish with a lightweight curl cream to maintain the style. Regular trims are necessary to keep the layers sharp and prevent the style from looking weighed down.

Curly Space Buns

Curly space buns offer a fun and playful look for those with medium-length or long hair. This style works particularly well for casual events like festivals or weekend outings. The space buns highlight your curls while adding a quirky, youthful vibe to your overall look. It’s a great option for those with round or oval faces and pairs well with colorful accessories.

To achieve this look, part your hair down the middle and gather each side into high buns. Secure with bobby pins and let some curls naturally fall around your face. Use a curl-defining mousse to ensure the curls retain their shape throughout the day.

Curly Low Ponytail with Tendrils

The low ponytail with tendrils is a chic yet simple hairstyle perfect for formal events or professional settings. This style highlights your natural black curls while keeping the overall look sleek and polished. The tendrils frame your face, adding a touch of elegance to the ponytail. This style is especially flattering for square or oval faces and works best with medium-length or long hair.

To style, gather your hair into a low ponytail, leaving out a few pieces in the front to frame your face. Use a curl cream to define the tendrils and a lightweight serum to keep the rest of the ponytail smooth. A shine spray can add a finishing touch to make the curls pop.

Curly Side-Swept Bun

The side-swept bun with curls is a sophisticated look that’s perfect for weddings, formal events, or date nights. It’s an easy updo that enhances your shoulder-length or long hair, creating an elegant yet approachable vibe. This style works best for those with round or heart-shaped faces, as it elongates the neck and frames the face beautifully.

To create this look, sweep your curls to one side and gather them into a loose bun. Use bobby pins to secure the bun and let a few curls fall naturally for a softer appearance. Finish with a flexible hold hairspray to keep everything in place without stiffness.

Curly Faux Hawk

For a bold and edgy look, the curly faux hawk is the perfect hairstyle. This style works for short natural or medium-length hair and is ideal for making a statement at a party or night out. The faux hawk accentuates your curls while keeping the sides of your hair sleek, creating a striking contrast. This hairstyle is especially flattering for heart-shaped or round faces, drawing attention to the cheekbones and eyes.

To style, slick the sides of your hair back with a strong-hold gel and pin them with bobby pins. Let the curls at the top stand tall for maximum volume. Maintain the look with a curl-defining mousse and a frizz-fighting serum.

Curly Half-Up Braided Crown

The half-up braided crown is an enchanting hairstyle that combines the beauty of natural curls with a delicate braid. This look is perfect for special occasions like weddings or romantic date nights. It’s ideal for long or medium-length hair and flatters heart-shaped or oval faces by framing the face and adding dimension.

To create this look, braid small sections from each side of your hair and bring them to the back to form a half-up style. Secure with pins and leave the rest of your curls loose. Use a curl cream to define the curls, and finish with a light-hold hairspray to keep everything in place.

Curly Afro Puff

The curly afro puff is a playful and bold style that showcases the full volume of your curls. This look is perfect for natural black hair and works well for short to shoulder-length hair. It’s ideal for casual outings, festivals, or days when you want your hair out of your face but still want to show off your curls. This style is especially flattering for round or square face shapes, adding height and drama.

To create the afro puff, gather your curls at the crown of your head and secure with a hair tie, allowing the curls to fan out. Use a curl-defining cream and a light-hold hairspray to keep the puff intact throughout the day.

Curly Fringe with Layers

A curly fringe with layers is a bold and stylish option for those looking to switch up their medium-length or long hair. This style adds volume and texture, with the fringe drawing attention to the eyes and cheekbones. It’s a fantastic option for heart-shaped or oval faces and can be styled for both casual and formal occasions.

To style, use a curl-enhancing mousse on damp hair and blow-dry with a diffuser. Trim the fringe regularly to keep it at the desired length, and use a curl refresher spray to keep the curls defined throughout the day.

Curly Top Knot

The curly top knot is an easy updo that’s perfect for busy days or when you want a chic yet effortless look. This style works for medium-length to long hair and is ideal for keeping your curls out of the way while still showcasing their volume. The top knot is especially flattering for round or oval faces, as it elongates the face and draws attention upward.

To create this look, gather your curls into a high ponytail and twist them into a loose bun at the top of your head. Secure with bobby pins and leave a few curls out for a softer finish. Use a curl-defining cream to keep the curls smooth and frizz-free throughout the day.

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