In the future, curly hair is taking over and I couldn’t be more excited. Because these curls? They’re not just a texture, they’re a whole mood. Regardless of the waves’ tightness, level of curliness, or texture, the perfect style is just waiting for you to find it. There’s something very special about finally styling your hair in ways that compliment your curls. This list? It’s a love letter to your natural texture. For everything from sport to special occasions, these 20 hairstyles in between ponytails and updos look fantastic on ladies with curly hair. Get ready for those curls to sweep you off your feet again!
1. Romantic Curly Updo with Soft Tendrils
These soft curled spirals around the face make this look fresh and feminine—like something from a modern fairy tale. Having your hair in a big curly updo stands the test of time, especially when mixed with a lovely neckline and the right radiance. It’s a hairstyle that can make anyone instantly happy and also look their best.
When you need something special for a wedding, a formal gathering, or work, this is for you. It is most suitable for people with naturally curly or coily hair and won’t weigh your hair down, yet adds lots of volume. Use a product like a curl cream for definition and pull your hair back into a loose updo, pinning only lightly so a few strands hang down.
2. Glossy Defined Ringlets
This style makes you feel like running your hands through it, but you won’t, because it’s too pretty and perfect. The extremely defined ringlets have a goddess vibe, while still remaining soft and stylish. It’s the kind of look that stops people mid-sentence.
If you have naturally thick, spiraled curls, this style is your secret weapon. Apply a strong hold product to your hair when it is wet, and let it air dry or use a diffuser after that. The trick? Don’t touch it until fully dry. Styling your curls this way allows you to have smooth, frizz-free locks all day (and all night too).
3. Braided Crown with Flowing Curls
The way this updo looks dreamy and natural, it’s perfect for garden parties or any story of romantic love. Braids are tied securely around the head, and curls fall gracefully down the length of the hair. You can almost imaging a string quartet playing as you walk along the street.
If you have medium to long curly hair or want to look elegant and natural, this look is ideal for you. Fix any uneven sections with a curling wand, and then loosely braid them and secure the braid with small, discrete pins. You can try it at a wedding, homecoming, or just when you want to look your most ethereal.
4. Voluminous Curly High Ponytail
There’s something special about a curly ponytail that shows how strong you are but how relaxed you are, too. If you want your outfits to look full of energy, this style can add just what you need. It’s a flirty style that can take you from a bite to eat to work out at the gym.
People with curly or coily hair and an active lifestyle will find this style perfect for keeping their curls intact yet on view. Tip your head upside down, pull all the hair to the crown, and tie it all with a strong scrunchie or spiral tie. The edges of the hair are controlled to help it look polished, while the back and sides are left to be fun and free.
5. Half-Up Curly Hair with a Bold Bow
It’s still playful enough to catch your eye, but it looks polished at the same time — the red velvet bow just confirms that. It helps give off coquette charm while infusing a dash of attitude. Defined curls and easy-to-touch hair make the accessory get you the attention you want.
Fun for parties, school events, or times you want a tasty and speedy sweet. Pick up just your top curls, wrap them with a ribbon made from satin or velvet, and leave the other curls to hang down naturally. Works beautifully on natural or heat-curled textures alike.
6. Sleek Double Braids with Curly Ends
The neat, thick braids help manage curls while not masking them in any way. I love the look because it brings together clean order and loose, wavy ends. It is both simple and rough, reined in and unrestrained, and it brings out the best of each element.
This style is perfect for those with kids, those with natural black hair, or for people who want hair they can workout in but still show their style. Apply gel or edge control on your roots before you start to braid, and leave the last pieces loose. It stands the test of time during dance class, playing soccer, or a busy day at work.
7. Bridal High Bun with Tousled Curls
If a fairytale could have a hairstyle, this is exactly what it would look like. With high and regal hair pulled into a bun, this style brings a sense of drama while still remaining soft. Face-framing strands make the style romantic, and the volume at the top shows off that you are confident and the focus of the night.
The high coiffure style suits formal and special event like weddings, homecoming, or school dances, especially if your hair is curly or coily and long enough to tease and pile. First, spray in some texturizer for grip, gather your hair into a shaped bun, and set free some of your curls. Add sparkle with statement earrings and a confident smile.
8. Soft Shoulder-Length Curls with Caramel Lights
Sunshine on your shoulders. That’s how these bouncy, shoulder-length curls will make you feel — warm, friendly, and quietly certain of yourself. The caramel accents enhance the hairstyle, but they don’t cover up the original look. It’s the hairstyle version of your favorite cozy sweater.
This cut makes naturally wavy or curly hair look full by removing some of the heaviness. Scrunch in a light amount of curl cream or mousse with the help of your stylist if you want more shape. Allow it to air dry for a gentle, easy-to-care-for look.
9. Curly Bob with Side Volume
This cut is a little wild and stylish. A side part makes things more special, and the amount of volume in the curls shows just how adventurous you are. The style looks stylish and interesting in both a tangle or when straightened.
It works great for natural curls that you want to add some style to. A little curl cream and twisting your hair with your fingers on wet hair is a quick and easy solution. It’s a good choice if you’re bored with long hairstyles or just want a new cut suited for both your job and leisure time.
10. Messy Curly Updo with Loose Spiral Ends
The softness of this updo makes it look like you rolled out of bed looking great. When you pull the tendrils like this, it helps the hair look as if it was done that way on purpose. It’s at the same time both effortless and stylish, and it looks great in a photo!
Best for curly or frizzy hair that loves volume. It isn’t necessary to be precise. Just twist your hair randomly and pin them up at the top of your head. Spray a bit of light-hold hairspray over a few loose spirals. It suits Fridays when you’re in the mood for something smart but cozy, as well as fancy meals on weekends.
11. Waterfall Braid with Long Natural Curls
It’s the sort of look that’s softer than most things and is almost poetic in its effect. The waterfall braid adds a hint of style to your hair while the rest of your curly hair falls down in a relaxed manner. It lets you come across as well-considered, consistent, and just quietly impressive, much like someone who has the right words in any situation.
This works well for people with long curly hair that wants a little shape near the face. Braiding the hair makes it stand out without diminishing its fullness. If you’re looking for something for school, weddings, or spending your weekends at a coffee shop, this would be a great pick.
12. Textured Shoulder-Length Shag
Soft waves, gently layered hair, and a charming “I had fun on vacation” appearance are the key elements of this hairstyle. It is carefully relaxed, which is what gives it such a fashionable look. Going easy on the styling is the perfect balance.
Ideal for women hoping to style wavy or fine curls without needing a lot of effort. By adding only a little mousse with some scrunching, the style is complete. No fuss, no overthinking — just easy charm.
13. Curly Ponytail with 80s Fringe
A ponytail with a lot of curls, along with long fringe, brings back memories of the 80s — but this time with a classy and modern twist. It looks sassy with the curls and the retro-flirty touch of the fringe.
Among those who are sporty, do workouts, or play volleyball, this ponytail is sure to keep your hair tidy and stylish. This method works wonderfully on curly hair that is not too thin, and you can finish styling it promptly with hair gel and a durable rubber band. Add hoops and a cropped tank for full effect.
14. Sleek High Bun with Spiral Ends
The overall appearance is plain, but once you get close you see all the texture. An updo with a neat bun decorated with spiral pieces on the side looks very playful. It combines complexity and simplicity, showing just the right kind of charm.
If your hair is coily or natural black, this style will look great for any occasion where you need an elegant, unmoveable look. It is also a great choice for the office or for special occasions — it looks strong but remains feminine.
15. Curly Updo with Scarf Accent
Add a scarf, and suddenly your curls are poetry. Tying this curly updo with a silk scarf gives it a classic French-girl style that’s been updated for now. It’s playful, stylish, and a little rebellious.
This style is suited to curly locks that have plenty of volume to maintain their shape. Ideal for times when you want to look nice without making extra effort. Pair it with hoops, lipstick, and attitude.
16. Loose Half-Up Bun with Defined Ends
This bun leaves your hair seemingly undone and gives your curls lots of height. It may seem easy to do, but it still looks lovely, much better than just throwing hair on your head.
Suitable for curly hair that wants some body without wanting a perfect shape. Brush the top section forward, twist it into a high pony and secure it loosely. It looks great for homecoming, going on a date, or just a casual Friday your job.
17. Long Defined Curls in High Ponytail
A ponytail like this is powerful, with its boldness, smoothness, and bounce. When you wear the high style, you can admire the gorgeous spirals and feel taller and more self-assured.
Perfect for curly hair that looks fantastic when shaped and formed. After applying a crafting cream for curls, brush the base of your hair and pull it up into a pony. If you play soccer or hit the gym, this is a great choice for turning a few heads.
18. Soft Half-Up Style with Middle Part
This style is as sweet as a Sunday morning. A centered part helps the style look tidy, while the cool twists ease any sharpness on her face. It feels light, breezy, and quietly confident.
Anyone with abundant, tight curls, including youngsters and teens, will find this cream helpful. Straighten the hair along the center, twist the top crown section, and allow your curls to occur naturally. A winner for everything from brunch to back-to-school nights.
19. Wavy Angled Bob with Volume
This is the perfect style for grown-ups who still like a bit of edginess. All the curves end up where they should, leaving behind wonderful volume and shape that’s never too rigid.
Best for hair with a bit of wave or curl that needs some body. When you shape your hair on the side, it creates more height, and dry shampoo in your roots gives it a happy lift. The newer style is more stylish than the older ones and is truly classy.
20. Glam Curls Updo with Pearl Accents
Full of drama, flair, and feminine vibes, this updo turns every head it appears in front of. The look of these pearl pins is perfect for big events.
Formulated to work with curly or coily hair that retains a lot of volume. First, pick through your curls to fluff them, and secure the top layer with loose pins while including some pearl or gold pins to finish the look. The result is pure elegant drama, minus the fuss.
Regardless if you’re dressing up nice or just wearing a floppy hat, your lovely curls should not have to stay out of sight. The styles confirm that curly hair is not just flexible, but also very strong. Give the high pony, a pearl-decorated hairstyle, or that simple half-bun a shot. Curly hairstyles can work for anyone and allow you to express yourself with style. This coming year, be proud of your curls and enjoy them with a bounce in your steps.
