With its countless curls, coils, and waves, curly hair is a beautiful and versatile hair type. However, it can also be challenging to style. If you’re looking for inspiration for your next curly hairstyle, look no further! We’ve compiled a list of 50 stunning styles that will turn heads.
Short Styles
Pixie Cut: A short and sassy cut that’s perfect for showing off your curls.
Bob with Bangs: A chic and trendy style that frames the face and adds volume to fine hair.
Asymmetrical Bob: A modern twist on the classic bob, with one side longer than the other.
Shaggy Bob: A layered and textured cut that adds movement and volume to curly hair.
Curly Mullet: A retro-inspired style that’s back in fashion, with short sides and long, curly hair on top.
Medium Styles
Shoulder-Length Layers: Layers add movement and volume to curly hair, making it easier to style.
Curly Lob: A long bob that’s perfect for those who want to keep their length but still have a stylish cut.
Asymmetrical Lob: A trendy and edgy style that adds interest to medium-length curls.
Half-Up, Half-Down: A versatile style that can be dressed up or down, and keeps the hair out of the face.
Pineapple Updo: A protective style that’s perfect for keeping curls moisturized and defined overnight.
Long Styles
Long Layers: Layers create movement and volume in long curly hair, making it easier to manage.
Curly Bangs: Bangs can add a touch of drama to long curly hair, and can be styled in a variety of ways.
Side-Swept Curls: A glamorous style that sweeps the hair to one side, showing off the curls and creating volume.
Curly Ponytail: A classic and elegant style that can be dressed up or down, and is perfect for special occasions.
Half-Up, Half-Down with Braids: A bohemian and romantic style that combines braids with a half-up, half-down look.
Updos
Curly Bun: A chic and sophisticated updo that’s perfect for weddings and other special events.
Messy Bun: A more casual and relaxed updo that’s perfect for everyday wear.
Twisted Updo: A creative and elegant updo that combines twists and braids.
French Braid Updo: A classic and timeless updo that’s perfect for all occasions.
Milkmaid Braid: A playful and romantic updo that’s perfect for summer weddings and festivals.
Protective Styles
Box Braids: A protective style that involves braiding the hair into small, square-shaped braids.
Cornrows: A protective style that involves braiding the hair into tight, raised rows.
Twists: A protective style that involves twisting the hair into small, two-strand sections.
Locs: A protective style that involves locking the hair together, creating long, rope-like strands.
Knotless Braids: A protective style that involves braiding the hair without using hair ties or extensions.
Styling Tips
Use the right products. Curly hair needs products that are designed to hydrate and define curls. Avoid products that contain harsh sulfates or alcohols, which can strip the hair of its natural oils.
Deep condition your hair regularly. Deep conditioning treatments help to hydrate and repair curly hair, making it more manageable and less prone to breakage. Aim to deep condition your hair every 1-2 weeks.
Detangle your hair gently. Curly hair is prone to tangles, so it’s important to detangle it gently to avoid breakage. Use a wide-toothed comb or a detangling brush, and start detangling from the ends and work your way up.
Avoid heat styling. Heat styling can damage curly hair, making it dry and frizzy. If you must use heat styling tools, use them on a low setting and apply a heat protectant spray to your hair first.
Embrace your curls. Curly hair is beautiful and unique, so don’t try to change it. Embrace your curls and style them in a way that makes you feel confident and beautiful.
Type
Characteristics
2A
Loose, S-shaped curls
2B
More defined, S-shaped curls
2C
Tight, S-shaped curls
3A
Loose, spiral curls
3B
More defined, spiral curls
3C
Tight, spiral curls
4A
Coily, tightly curled hair
4B
Zigzag-shaped, tightly curled hair
4C
Coiled, tightly curled hair that is difficult to comb
Strategy
Benefits
Use a wide-toothed comb or detangling brush
Prevents breakage and keeps curls defined
Deep condition your hair regularly
Hydrates and repairs curly hair, making it more manageable
Apply a leave-in conditioner
Provides moisture and helps to define curls
Use a curl cream or mousse
Adds definition and hold to curls
Avoid heat styling
Prevents damage and keeps curls looking healthy
Wet your hair and apply a leave-in conditioner.
Detangle your hair gently with a wide-toothed comb or detangling brush.
Apply a curl cream or mousse to your hair, scrunching it in to distribute the product evenly.
Air dry your hair or use a diffuser on a low setting.
Once your hair is dry, use your fingers to separate and define the curls.
Style
Pros
Cons
Short
Easy to manage, stylish
Can be difficult to grow out
Medium
Versatile, can be styled in a variety of ways
Can be time-consuming to style
Long
Dramatic, glamorous
Can be difficult to manage, prone to tangles
Updos
Elegant, sophisticated
Can be difficult to do, can put stress on the hair
Protective Styles
Protective, can help to prevent damage
Can be time-consuming to install and remove, can be expensive