21 Seriously Cute Hairstyles for Curly Hair
It might not seem it 24/7 (see: constant and unrelenting frizz), but curly hair is a blessing. Times have never been better, thanks to new styles and hair products designed for curly hair and curly hair only. So, if you've been gifted with natural curls (lucky you!)—whether big waves, tight ringlets, kinky coils, or something in between—you officially have no more excuses not to change up your hairstyle. You've got options, and they don't involve submitting your curls to harsh, heated styling tools. We've searched for the coolest hairstyles for folks with curls of all kinds. So go on, unplug that hair-dryer and click through to see your newest go-to.
Matt Cowan/Getty Images for Coachella1/22Cropped Curls
Short hair, don't care! If you have looser curls, like this, you may think that a cropped cut would be more of a headache to style than a showstopping look, but that's not the case. Clearly.
Christian Vierig2/22Cropped Curls
Something to keep in mind if you're considering this crop: "Having a short cut with curly hair often means a strict defrizzing regimen to avoid puffy or frizzy tufts," says hairstylist Nick Arrojo, founder of Arrojo hair line and his eponymous salon in NYC. He recommends working a generous amount of antifrizz product, like American Wave Elixir Defrizzing Gel ($28), onto damp hair. The gel formula offers the hydration of oil, but it doesn't feel heavy.
Melodie Jeng/Getty Image3/22Cropped Curls
Let natural curls grow a little longer to create a small, fluffy Afro. Bonus! It's easier to wear than styles cropped closer to your scalp.
Edward Berthelot5/22The Curly Ponytail
If you have a very tight, fuzzy curl pattern, don't bother fighting it. Instead, let it work for you (and make your ponytail look like a look in the process) by brushing out your curls, which creates a fluffy texture and enhances the volume. No one will mistake this for a gym ponytail—trust us.
Jerod Harris/Getty Images for Converse6/22The Curly Ponytail
If frizz isn't what you're after, no sweat. For a sleeker version of the ponytail—as seen on singer Aluna Francis—rub a bit of pomade between your palms to smooth the sides of your hair, then pull it up tight. Mahisha Dellinger, founder of Curls hair care line, recommends styling products with moisturizing ingredients like jojoba oil. "A lot of curly girls use alcohol-based gels, which further dries out your hair, causing frizz," she says. Try DevaCurl Beautiful Mess Pomade ($20).
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Christian Vierig/GC Images7/22Thick Topknot
The topknot is always helpful to have on hand in a hair emergency. But with purposeful height and shape, you can make it look like your first choice instead of a backup hairstyle. "Your hair should not be squeaky clean, as a little grit helps topknots stand tall," says Arrojo. If you have to wash your hair—say, you're fresh (or, technically, not so fresh) from a workout—use a co-wash like Joico Curl Co+Wash Whipped Cleansing Conditioner ($24) instead.
8/22Thick Topknot
On the flip side, if you love a more taut look, prep natural hair with a smoothing cream first to help hold edges down and keep curls in place.
Kevin Mazur9/22Thick Topknot
Who knew a topknot could look so elegant—and not as though you threw your hair into one after hitting snooze seven times? Yara Shahidi, that's who. First, part your hair deep at one side. "Gather the rest of your hair into a tight pony at the very top of your head," says hairstylist and Ouidad curl expert Chadwick Pendley. "Then wrap the length of the pony around the base, forming a loose bun or topknot."
Mauricio Santana/Getty Images10/22Volumized Curls
Supersoft curls may feel great (and healthy), but they can get limp and lifeless quickly. That's where a diffuser comes in. After prepping your hair with a volumizing spray that offers heat protection, like Kenra Professional Root Lifting Spray 13 ($16), blast your hair with a diffuser. Then, once hair is fully dry, flip your hair over and shake it at the roots.
Melodie Jeng11/22Volumized Curls
Craving volume that might not come naturally? No problem. For big waves like these, apply a definer like Bumble and Bumble Bb. Curl (Style) Defining Creme ($31) to damp hair and twirl sections around your fingers while you diffuse it. To protect curls while you're sleeping, use a satin pillowcase. "Cotton sheets can rob your hair of moisture," says Dellinger.
Spencer C. Amonwatvorakul12/22Volumized Curls
Size matters—when it comes to your natural hair. To give it extra fullness, apply a body-boosting product like Madam C.J. Walker Beauty Culture Coconut & Moringa Oils Curl Whip Styling Souffle ($26) to damp roots before diffusing or air-drying. When your hair is dry, use a rattail comb to lift up your roots even more.
Edward Berthelot13/22Half-Up Half-Down Curls
If you have loose curls, they still count—and just need a little definition. "It’s not only those with big, thick curls that benefit from skipping the sudsy buildup and extra weight of too much shampoo in favor of a nonfoaming cleanser," says Arrojo. Incorporating co-washing into your routine can give loose curls an imperfect, undone look that still qualifies as curly.
Daniel Sims14/22Half-Up Half-Down Curls
Any curly-haired woman can pull off this low-maintenance look. Another big plus: It doesn't hide your face! To DIY this miniature topknot, just grab the top half of your hair and pull it back as you smooth it with your hands. Secure it with a barrette or an elastic that matches your hair color.
Timur Emek15/22Half-Up Half-Down Curls
This look's a little more defined but just as foolproof. First, "build height in the top with a volume spray," says Pendley. "Pull back the left and right sides of your hair tightly and fasten them with a hair pin or elastic." Then, to keep those sides sleek, he recommends smoothing Ouidad Clear Control Pomade ($26) over them with your hands.
Jeffrey Mayer16/22Curly Updo
A piled-high topknot—along with wispy bangs—gives us serious nineties Mariah vibes. "The two key elements needed to create the ultimate disheveled bun is volume and texture," says Arrojo. A noncrunchy texturizer like Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray ($46) offers both texture and hold, so your bun will only look messy.
Mauricio Santana/Getty Images17/22Curly Updo
The trick with puffs is to make sure they get thick and fuzzy. "Work a curl cream from roots to ends and then diffuse your hair for maximum texture expansion," says Arrojo, who swears by American Wave Hypnotiq Curl Calmer ($30). Once you've pulled your hair back, tease the roots and tousle your curls to add separation and expand their shape.
Christian Vierig18/22Curly Updo
You don't even need actual bangs for this one, so long as you have some long layers cut into your hair (and, if you have curly hair, you probably do). Simply use your fingers to pull it back into an updo of your choice and leave some strands loose in the front.
Claudio Lavenia/Getty Images19/22Au Naturel
There's nothing better than just embracing your curly hair as is. To keep it looking this fresh (and defined and soft) on a regular basis, check out the best hair products for your curls.
Christian Vierig20/22Au Naturel
One thing to remember about born-with-‘em curls: The less you do to them, the better they look. After washing, apply a lightweight leave-in conditioner like Living Proof Restore Perfecting Spray ($28) to damp hair, then comb it through with a wide-toothed comb. Once your hair is dry, hands off. "The more you touch it while it's dry, the more frizz you're going to get," says Dellinger.
Melodie Jeng21/22Au Naturel
One common cause of frizz: dryness. If you want to prevent it, don't wash your hair every day. "If you're using a sulfate-based shampoo, wash your hair one to two times a week max. If you're using a sulfate-free cleanser, you can wash every other day if needed," says Dellinger. Curls Blueberry Hair Wash ($14) is a good option.
