Curly hair is a crown of natural beauty, versatility, and endless possibilities. Whether your curls are tight coils, loose waves, or somewhere in between, there’s a curly hairstyle out there that’s perfect for you. From bold and voluminous looks to elegant and polished styles, curly hairstyles can transform your appearance and boost your confidence. The best part? Curly hair is incredibly adaptable, making it suitable for any occasion—whether you’re heading to work, a wedding, or a casual day out.
In this article, we’ve curated 19 unforgettable curly hairstyles that will help you make a statement. These styles cater to all curl types, face shapes, and personalities, ensuring there’s something for everyone. So, whether you’re looking for the best curly hairstyles to try this season or simply want to embrace your natural texture, keep reading for some serious hair inspiration!
1. Voluminous Curly Bob
The voluminous curly bob is a timeless classic that never goes out of style. This chic cut sits just above the shoulders, allowing your curls to bounce and shine with every movement. It’s ideal for anyone seeking a stylish yet easy-to-manage hairstyle.
Why it works: The bob’s length enhances the natural volume of curly hair, creating a balanced and flattering shape.
Best for: Oval and heart-shaped faces, medium to thick hair textures.
Styling tips: Use a curl-defining cream to enhance your natural pattern and a diffuser to dry your hair without losing volume.
Celebrity inspiration: Tracee Ellis Ross rocks this look with effortless elegance.
2. Curly Shag with Bangs
The curly shag is a playful and edgy hairstyle that combines layers with a fringe for a retro-meets-modern vibe. This style adds movement and texture to your curls, making it perfect for those who love a bold look.
Why it works: The layers and bangs frame the face beautifully, adding dimension to curly hair.
Best for: Round and square face shapes, all curl types.
Styling tips: Apply a lightweight gel to define your curls and scrunch them gently for a tousled finish.
Celebrity inspiration: Zendaya has been spotted rocking a curly shag with bangs, proving it’s a red-carpet-worthy style.
3. Long Curly Layers
Long curly layers are the epitome of effortless glamour. This style allows your curls to cascade down your back in a stunning, natural way. It’s perfect for those who want to embrace their length while adding definition and movement.
Why it works: Layers reduce bulk and enhance the shape of your curls, making them look more defined.
Best for: All face shapes, especially oval and oblong.
Styling tips: Use a leave-in conditioner to keep your curls hydrated and a curl-enhancing mousse for extra bounce.
Celebrity inspiration: Beyoncé’s long, layered curls are iconic and always turn heads.
4. Tight Coily Afro
The tight coily afro is a celebration of natural texture and volume. This bold and beautiful style is perfect for those who want to embrace their coils in their most natural state.
Why it works: The afro showcases the beauty of tight coils, creating a striking and powerful look.
Best for: Round and square face shapes, Type 4 hair.
Styling tips: Keep your coils moisturized with a rich butter or oil and use a pick to fluff out your afro for maximum volume.
Celebrity inspiration: Lupita Nyong’o often rocks a stunning coily afro on the red carpet.
5. Curly Pixie Cut
The curly pixie cut is a daring and stylish choice for those who want to make a bold statement. This short hairstyle highlights your facial features and lets your curls take center stage.
Why it works: The pixie cut emphasizes your curls’ texture and adds a touch of sophistication.
Best for: Oval and heart-shaped faces, all curl types.
Styling tips: Use a curl-defining gel to sculpt your curls and keep them in place throughout the day.
Celebrity inspiration: Halle Berry’s curly pixie cut is a timeless example of this style.
6. Half-Up Curly Crown
The half-up curly crown is a romantic and elegant hairstyle that’s perfect for special occasions. This style involves pulling the top half of your hair into a small bun or ponytail while leaving the rest of your curls loose.
Why it works: It keeps your hair out of your face while showcasing your curls’ natural beauty.
Best for: All face shapes, medium to long curly hair.
Styling tips: Use bobby pins to secure the crown and a light-hold spray to keep your curls intact.
Celebrity inspiration: Yara Shahidi often wears this style with a regal touch.
7. Side-Swept Curly Bangs
Side-swept curly bangs add a touch of softness and sophistication to any curly hairstyle. This style works well with both short and long hair, making it a versatile choice.
Why it works: The bangs frame the face beautifully, adding a playful yet polished element to your look.
Best for: Oval, heart, and square face shapes.
Styling tips: Use a curl cream to define your bangs and a flat iron to gently shape them if needed.
Celebrity inspiration: Rihanna has rocked side-swept curly bangs with effortless style.
8. Curly High Ponytail
The curly high ponytail is a chic and practical hairstyle that’s perfect for both casual and formal occasions. This style involves gathering your curls into a high ponytail, allowing them to cascade down your back.
Why it works: It keeps your hair off your face while showcasing your curls’ volume and texture.
Best for: All face shapes, medium to long curly hair.
Styling tips: Use a silk scrunchie to secure your ponytail and a edge control gel to smooth down any flyaways.
Celebrity inspiration: Cardi B often rocks a voluminous curly high ponytail.
9. Braided Curly Updo
The braided curly updo is a stunning and intricate hairstyle that’s perfect for weddings or formal events. This style combines braids with loose curls for a romantic and elegant look.
Why it works: The combination of braids and curls adds texture and visual interest to your hairstyle.
Best for: All face shapes, long curly hair.
Styling tips: Use a strong-hold gel to keep your braids in place and a shine spray to add a glossy finish.
Celebrity inspiration: Janelle Monáe has worn this style with a modern twist.
10. Curly Faux Hawk
The curly faux hawk is a bold and edgy hairstyle that’s perfect for those who want to stand out. This style involves styling the sides of your hair flat while letting the middle section of your curls stand tall.
Why it works: It adds height and drama to your look, making it perfect for a night out.
Best for: Oval and heart-shaped faces, all curl types.
Styling tips: Use a strong-hold gel to sculpt your curls and keep them in place.
Celebrity inspiration: Cassie has rocked a curly faux hawk with confidence.
11. Curly Lob (Long Bob)
The curly lob is a modern and versatile hairstyle that sits just above the shoulders. It’s a perfect blend of sophistication and playfulness, making it ideal for both casual and formal settings.
Why it works: The lob’s length adds structure to curly hair while maintaining its natural bounce and movement.
Best for: Oval, square, and heart-shaped faces, medium to thick hair textures.
Styling tips: Use a curl-defining cream to enhance your curls and a diffuser to dry your hair for maximum volume.
Celebrity inspiration: Kerry Washington’s curly lob is a perfect example of this chic style.
12. Twist-Out Curls
Twist-out curls are a stunning way to redefine your natural curl pattern. This style involves twisting sections of damp hair and unraveling them once dry to reveal defined, bouncy curls.
Why it works: It creates uniform, defined curls that last for days, making it a great protective style.
Best for: All face shapes, Type 3 and Type 4 hair.
Styling tips: Apply a twisting cream to damp hair, twist small sections, and let them air dry or sit under a hooded dryer.
Celebrity inspiration: Issa Rae often rocks twist-out curls with effortless flair.
13. Curly Side Part
The curly side part is a simple yet elegant way to style your curls. By parting your hair to one side, you create a soft, asymmetrical look that frames your face beautifully.
Why it works: It adds a touch of sophistication and highlights your facial features.
Best for: All face shapes, especially round and square.
Styling tips: Use a wide-tooth comb to create a clean part and a light-hold gel to keep your curls in place.
Celebrity inspiration: Gabrielle Union’s curly side part is always on point.
14. Curly Top Knot
The curly top knot is a fun and practical hairstyle that’s perfect for busy days. This style involves gathering your curls into a high bun, leaving a few tendrils loose for a relaxed vibe.
Why it works: It keeps your hair off your face while showcasing your curls’ texture.
Best for: All face shapes, medium to long curly hair.
Styling tips: Use a silk scrunchie to secure your bun and a curl-refreshing spray to revive any loose tendrils.
Celebrity inspiration: Solange Knowles often rocks a curly top knot with artistic flair.
15. Wet-Look Curly Hair
The wet-look curly hairstyle is a sleek and modern trend that’s perfect for a night out or a fashion-forward event. This style involves using gel or styling cream to create a glossy, wet appearance.
Why it works: It emphasizes your curls’ definition and adds a high-fashion edge to your look.
Best for: All face shapes, all curl types.
Styling tips: Apply a strong-hold gel to damp hair and scrunch your curls for a defined, wet finish.
Celebrity inspiration: Taraji P. Henson has rocked this look on the red carpet.
16. Curly Mohawk
The curly mohawk is a bold and edgy hairstyle that’s perfect for those who want to make a statement. This style involves shaving or closely cropping the sides of your hair while leaving the middle section long and curly.
Why it works: It adds height and drama to your look, making it perfect for a night out.
Best for: Oval and heart-shaped faces, all curl types.
Styling tips: Use a strong-hold gel to sculpt your curls and keep them in place.
Celebrity inspiration: Cassie has rocked a curly mohawk with confidence.
17. Curly Bangs with Layers
Curly bangs paired with layers create a playful and youthful hairstyle that’s perfect for adding dimension to your look. This versatile style complements both short and long hair beautifully.
Why it works: The bangs and layers add movement and frame your face beautifully.
Best for: Oval, heart, and square face shapes.
Styling tips: Use a curl-defining cream to enhance your bangs and a diffuser to dry your hair for maximum volume.
Celebrity inspiration: Zooey Deschanel’s curly bangs are iconic and full of charm.
18. Curly Space Buns
Curly space buns are a fun and whimsical hairstyle that’s perfect for festivals or casual outings. This style involves dividing your hair into two sections and twisting them into buns on top of your head.
Why it works: It’s a playful and creative way to style your curls while keeping your hair off your face.
Best for: All face shapes, medium to long curly hair.
Styling tips: Use bobby pins to secure your buns and a light-hold spray to keep your curls intact.
Celebrity inspiration: Willow Smith has rocked curly space buns with a cool, bohemian vibe.
19. Curly Undercut
The curly undercut is a bold and modern hairstyle that combines shaved sides with long, voluminous curls on top. This bold style is ideal for anyone looking to turn heads and make a striking impression.
Why it works: The contrast between the shaved sides and curly top creates a striking and edgy look.
Best for: Oval and heart-shaped faces, all curl types.
Styling tips: Use a curl-defining cream to enhance your curls and a strong-hold gel to keep them in place.
Celebrity inspiration: Halsey has rocked a curly undercut with confidence and style.
Styling & Maintenance Tips for Curly Hairstyles
Keeping your curly hairstyles looking their best requires a little extra care and attention. Here are some helpful tips to keep your curls looking their best:
- Hydration is key: Curly hair often lacks moisture, so it’s essential to use a hydrating shampoo and conditioner. For extra nourishment, follow up with a leave-in conditioner or a deep conditioning hair mask.
- Define your curls: Use curl creams, gels, or mousses to enhance your natural pattern and reduce frizz.
- Avoid heat damage: To protect your curls, minimize the use of heat styling tools and always apply a heat protectant before styling.
- Sleep on silk: Use a silk pillowcase or wrap your hair in a silk scarf to prevent breakage and frizz.
- Refresh your curls: Spritz your hair with a water and conditioner mix to revive your curls between washes.
Conclusion
Curly hairstyles are a celebration of individuality, texture, and versatility. Whether you’re rocking a voluminous bob, a chic pixie cut, or an elegant updo, there’s no limit to the ways you can style your curls. The key is to embrace your natural texture and have fun experimenting with different looks.
We hope this list of 19 unforgettable curly hairstyles has inspired you to try something new. Don’t forget to share your favorite curly hairstyles in the comments below or tag us on Instagram with your stunning looks. Remember, your curls are your crown—wear them proudly!
