Curly Hair Styles, Okay curly-haired friend, can we talk? Remember all those mornings you stood in front of the bathroom mirror fighting your curls with an arsenal of brushes, straighteners, and prayers? Yeah, me too. And I’m here to tell you—we’ve been doing it all wrong.
Those spirals, coils, and waves aren’t your enemy. They’re your superpower! I spent half my life at war with my curls before finally waving the white flag and learning to work with what my mama gave me. Game. Changer.
So put down that straightening brush (seriously, step away), grab a cup of something delicious, and let’s chat about curly hair hairstyles that’ll have you falling head over heels for your natural texture. Because life’s too short for bad hair days and heat damage!
Trendy Curly Hair styles to Try
1. Pineapple Updo 💫
The “I woke up like this but actually look cute” style that will change your life.
Real talk on how to do it:
- Flip your head upside down (hello instant volume, my old friend!)
- Gather all those gorgeous curls right at the top of your head
- Loosely secure with a scrunchie—not those tiny elastics that eat hair for breakfast
- Don’t pull it tight! The messier, the better
- Leave the ends free to do their wild thing
I literally sleep in this style and then just refresh in the morning. Five-minute hair routine? Yes, please! Plus, it keeps your curls from getting crushed while you’re tossing and turning, dreaming about Idris Elba (just me?).
2. Half-Up Curly Bun 🌸 (Curly Hair Styles)
For when you hit snooze three times and have exactly 7 minutes to look human.
Real talk on how to do it:
- Grab the top section of your hair—don’t overthink it, just scoop and go
- Twist it into what I like to call a “whatever bun” at your crown
- Secure with a couple of pins that won’t slip out by lunch
- Pull gently at the bun to make it fuller (flat buns are sad buns)
- Let a few curly tendrils escape around your face because that’s just plain pretty
This style is my Monday morning savior. It says “I’m put together” while secretly being the easiest thing ever. Win-win!
3. Curly Space Buns ✨ (Curly Hair Styles)
Channel your inner Zenon: Girl of the 21st Century with this playful style that screams “fun human alert!”
Real talk on how to do it:
- Part your hair down the middle (using fingers is fine—we’re not performing surgery)
- Make two high ponytails—think Scary Spice energy
- Twist each pony and wrap it around itself to form a bun
- Pin those babies down and don’t stress if they’re not twins—fraternal buns have character
- Pull out some curly bits around your face because perfectly slicked edges are overrated
I wear this to farmers’ markets, brunch, or anytime I want strangers to compliment my hair (which is always, let’s be honest).
4. Defined Wash & Go 💁 (Curly Hair Styles)
The holy grail of curly hairstyles: looking like you just stepped out of a curl commercial with minimal effort.
Real talk on how to do it:
- Start with soaking wet hair—not damp, not mostly wet—SOAKING
- Apply your curl cream/gel/mousse while your hair is practically dripping
- Scrunch upward like you’re trying to accordion your hair (because you kind of are)
- DON’T TOUCH IT while it dries unless you want to look like you stuck your finger in an electrical socket
- When it’s 100% dry, scrunch out the crunch and fluff at the roots
The key is patience (ugh, I know). But trust me—those 45 minutes of not touching your hair will give you 3-4 days of glorious definition. Worth it!
5. Side Part with Volume 🎀 (Curly Hair Styles)
When you need to feel like the main character in your own life story.
Real talk on how to do it:
- While hair is still damp, flip your part to the opposite side of where it usually lives
- Apply styling products as normal
- Once dry, use a pick at the roots—just at the roots!—for height
- Flip, shake, and go about your day making dramatic entrances everywhere
This is my go-to “I have a job interview/first date/ex to impress” style. Nothing says confidence like curls with altitude!
6. Curly Bangs with Layers 🐚
Not a day-to-day style but a life-changing haircut that does the styling for you.
Why you might want to try it:
- Curly bangs frame your face in a way that screams “I know what I’m doing with my hair”
- Layers give your curls room to breathe instead of hanging there like a sad curtain
- It actually looks better on day 3 than day 1 (a true miracle)
- Grows out beautifully without that awkward “growing out” phase
Finding a stylist who knows curly hair is like finding a good avocado at the grocery store—rare but worth the search. Ask specifically for someone who cuts curly hair DRY, not wet. Your curls will thank you.
7. Twisted Crown Braid 🧵
Feel like royalty without the responsibility.
Real talk on how to do it:
- Take a chunk of hair from above one ear (precision not required)
- Twist it away from your face—no actual braiding skills needed!
- Pin it at the back, then do the same on the other side
- Join the twists together with a few strategic pins
- Let the rest of your curls cascade like you’re in a shampoo commercial
This style got me through my cousin’s wedding when it was 95 degrees and humid. If it can survive that, it can survive anything.
8. Afro Puff with Edge Styling 🔥
Embrace your texture with this bold statement style that turns heads for all the right reasons.
Real talk on how to do it:
- Get your edges slightly damp (water or aloe vera gel works great)
- Brush all your glory up into a high puff
- Secure with a thick band or puff cuff that won’t give you a headache
- Use a small brush or edge tool to swirl those baby hairs into miniature works of art
- Set with edge control that actually holds (we all have that one brand that actually works)
This style says “I love my texture and you should too.” It’s powerful, beautiful, and uniquely you.
9. Curly Ponytail with a Scarf 🌟
Elevate the humble ponytail from gym basic to street style with one simple accessory.
Real talk on how to do it:
- Pull your curls into a ponytail wherever feels good (high, low, side—you do you)
- Wrap a silk scarf around the base—bonus points if it’s a fun pattern
- Leave the scarf ends hanging for extra swish factor
- Fluff that ponytail until it’s as big as your personality
- For extra sass, pull out some face-framing pieces
This has saved me from so many bad hair days. Plus, the scarf hides the fact that I haven’t washed my hair in… well, let’s not talk about that.
10. Loose Curls with a Headband 🎉
The “I have important meetings but also haven’t washed my hair” solution.
Real talk on how to do it:
- Choose a soft, wide headband—those skinny ones just give you headaches
- Place it about an inch back from your hairline
- Push forward slightly for volume (the “Brigitte Bardot” effect)
- Let your curls do whatever they want behind the band
- Bonus: match your headband to your outfit and suddenly you look “coordinated”
This style has gotten me through countless video calls where only the front of my hair needed to look presentable. The back could be hosting its own party and no one would know!
Real Curly Hair Care Tips From Someone Who’s Made All The Mistakes
Let’s get real about what your curls actually need to thrive:
Hydration isn’t optional
- Your curls are thirstier than you after hot yoga—never skip leave-in conditioner
- Deep condition regularly (I put on a face mask, hair mask, and watch an episode of whatever I’m binging—self-care trifecta!)
- Water is the first ingredient in any good curl product for a reason
Be gentle, for crying out loud
- Detangle only when your hair is wetter than a swimming pool and slippery with conditioner
- Wide-tooth comb or fingers only—regular brushes are curl enemy #1
- Start from the bottom like your hair is a particularly difficult Jenga tower
Protect those curls like they’re your firstborn
- Heat is the devil unless absolutely necessary
- Silk pillowcases aren’t just bougie, they’re functional (or wear a bonnet—less glamorous but just as effective)
- Pineapple your hair before workouts, sleep, or anytime you might normally use a regular hair tie
Product application is an art form
- More is not always better (learned that one the hard way)
- Apply to soaking wet hair—like, “still in the shower” wet
- Prayer hands method = even distribution without disrupting curl patterns
Embracing The Real You
Remember when you used to apologize when someone saw your natural hair? “Sorry, it’s so frizzy today” or “I didn’t have time to straighten it”?
Can we make a pact? No more apologies for our curls. They’re not unprofessional, they’re not messy, and they’re certainly not something to hide. Your curly hair hairstyles should celebrate the real you—texture and all.
The best compliment I ever got wasn’t “your hair looks so pretty straight” but “your curls are so YOU.” Because they are. They’re vibrant and unpredictable and full of life—just like you.
So rock those space buns to the grocery store. Wear that defined wash and go to your job interview. Show up to your high school reunion with your afro puff on full display. Your curls tell your story—let them speak!
https://slimfitstories.com/category/hairstyles/👉 Want more curly girl realness? Check out our full curly hair care & style guide here »