Curly Hairstyles for Black Women

35 Curly Hairstyles for Black Women to Show Off Your Unique Style

Curly hairstyles for Black women offer endless possibilities to express personality, style, and creativity. Whether you’re looking for something low-maintenance for busy days or a bold look for a special event, there’s a style for every occasion. With a variety of textures and lengths to play with, these 35 curly hairstyles celebrate the beauty of natural curls and give you fresh ideas to highlight your unique look.

Show Off Your Unique Style with These Curly Hairstyles

1. Bold and Bouncy Curls for Every Occasion

Woman with side-swept voluminous curls, adding asymmetrical flair to her natural style.

Bold, bouncy curls are perfect for making a statement wherever you go. This style brings out the full volume of natural curls, creating a look that’s both eye-catching and easy to maintain. Use a curl-defining cream to enhance each curl, making sure they stay lively and full throughout the day.

2. The Classic Twist Out

Woman with twist-out curls in a cozy room, showcasing soft, defined curls with natural texture.

The twist-out is a timeless curly hairstyle for Black women, offering beautiful definition with minimal effort. Simply twist small sections of damp hair, let them dry, and then gently unravel the twists. This technique creates defined, soft curls and is a great way to change up your everyday style without heat.

3. Defined Afro

Woman with a round, defined Afro against a cityscape, celebrating natural texture with a bold look.

The defined Afro celebrates natural texture, making it a standout choice for curly hairstyles for Black women. To achieve this look, use a curl enhancer and pick to shape your curls and add volume. This style is ideal for those who love to embrace their natural hair in a bold way.

4. Half-Up Half-Down Curly Look

Woman with a half-up, half-down curly hairstyle, standing in a garden, curls left loose and bouncy.

The half-up, half-down style is an easy way to showcase your curls while keeping hair out of your face. This look works for both casual outings and special occasions. All you need is a simple hair tie or clip to pull the top half up, leaving the rest of your curls free to bounce.

5. Elegant Curly Updo

Woman with a sophisticated curly updo, posing in an indoor setting, styled for a formal look.

An elegant curly updo is perfect for special events, weddings, or formal gatherings. Gather your curls into a loose bun at the nape of your neck or pin them higher for a chic updo. This style lets you enjoy the beauty of your curls in an elegant, put-together look.

6. Loose Curls with a Middle Part

Woman with soft, loose curls and a middle part at a beach, showing an effortless, balanced style.

Loose curls with a middle part create a balanced and effortless look. This style is perfect for days when you want to keep things simple yet stylish. Use a lightweight styling cream to keep curls soft and frizz-free while defining the middle part for a polished appearance.

7. Curly Hairstyles for Black Women Wash and Go

woman with a natural wash-and-go curly hairstyle in a city, featuring defined and moisturized curls.

The wash-and-go is a go-to option for busy days when you need an easy curly hairstyle for Black women. With the right curl cream or gel, you can achieve defined, moisturized curls in no time. Just wash, apply product, and let your curls dry naturally or with a diffuser.

8. Protective Style Curly Crochet Braids

Crochet braids are a great way to protect natural hair while enjoying the look of curls. Curly crochet braids allow you to experiment with different curl patterns, and they’re low-maintenance. This style lets you keep your natural curls protected and gives you versatility in length and volume.

9. Crown Braids with Loose Curls

Woman with crown braids and loose curls in a park, combining braided details with natural curls.

Crown braids combined with loose curls create a boho-inspired look that’s stylish and easy to wear. Braid two small sections on each side of your head, securing them at the back, while leaving the rest of your curls loose. This style is both romantic and practical.

10. Side-Swept Curls for Added Flair

Woman with side-swept voluminous curlss, adding asymmetrical flair to her natural style.

Side-swept curls give a unique twist to your natural style. Simply part your curls deeply to one side for an asymmetrical look that adds volume and interest. This style is perfect for highlighting your curl pattern and adds a bit of flair to any look.

11. Curly Hairstyles for Black Women Defined Ringlets

Woman with tight, defined ringlets in a cozy cafe, showing a polished and structured curly look.

Defined ringlets bring out the full beauty of natural curls in a structured, polished look. Use a curl-enhancing gel or mousse to shape individual ringlets, creating a style that’s neat and full of personality. This curly hairstyle for Black women is perfect for any occasion.

12. The Curly Pixie Cut

Woman with a short curly pixie cut outdoors, highlighting natural texture in a chic, low-maintenance style.

A curly pixie cut is ideal for anyone seeking a fresh, low-maintenance style. This short, textured cut highlights natural curls in a fun, chic way. With regular trims and minimal styling, the curly pixie stays defined and easy to manage.

13. Natural Curls with Bangs

Woman with curly bangs framing her face in a garden, showcasing a youthful, playful look.

Adding bangs to your curls is a great way to frame the face while keeping a playful, youthful vibe. Curls with bangs can be worn in many ways, from defined to loose and fluffy. This style is especially flattering on all face shapes, giving an effortless look with lots of character.

14. Curly Faux Hawk

A faux hawk with curls creates an edgy, bold appearance while allowing you to keep your natural texture. Simply gather curls upward along the center of the head, pinning the sides flat. This style is a fun way to experiment with different shapes while showing off your curls.

15. Curly Hairstyles for Black Women High Volume Ponytail

Woman with a high, voluminous curly ponytail, adding drama and height to her look.

A high-volume ponytail is an easy way to add drama to your look, making it a favorite curly hairstyle for Black women. Gather your curls high on top of your head and secure with a hair tie, letting the curls cascade. This ponytail style highlights volume and is great for both casual and formal events.

16. The Fluffy Curly Frohawk

A frohawk is a fun way to shape natural curls while keeping them voluminous and playful. Gather curls toward the center of your head, creating a mohawk-like shape that’s full of texture. This look is ideal for adding height and making a statement.

17. Loose and Romantic Curls with a Side Part

Woman with loose curls and a side part in an evening garden, creating a soft, romantic style.

Loose curls with a side part give a soft, romantic look that’s perfect for date nights or special occasions. Create a deep side part, letting the curls fall naturally. Use a light curl cream to keep them defined yet soft, enhancing their natural beauty.

18. Short Curly Bob with Layers

Woman with a short, layered curly bob near the waterfront, showing added dimension and bounce.

A short curly bob with layers adds dimension and shape to natural curls. The layers help keep the bob lightweight while giving the curls more definition and bounce. This look is ideal for anyone wanting a shorter style without losing the charm of curls.

19. Curly Hairstyles for Black Women Finger Coils

Woman with structured finger coils indoors, displaying uniform curls with a polished look.

Finger coils are a beautiful way to achieve uniform curls with a defined shape. Simply coil small sections of hair around your finger and let them set for a structured, polished look. This curly hairstyle for Black women works well for both short and medium-length hair.

20. The Slicked-Back Curly Look

A slicked-back look with curls is chic and sophisticated. Apply a gel or styling cream to the roots to smooth them down, leaving the curls free and voluminous at the back. This style gives a sleek front with the contrast of natural curls, perfect for a night out or special event.

21. Tapered Cut with Curly Top

Woman with a tapered cut and full curly top on a bridge, highlighting volume at the crown with short sides.

A tapered cut with a curly top is a trendy, low-maintenance option that emphasizes volume at the crown while keeping the sides short. This style draws attention to your curls and gives a modern, clean look. It’s perfect for those who want a bold shape that’s easy to care for.

22. High Puff for Maximum Impact

Woman with a high puff hairstyle, showcasing her natural curl pattern in an easy updo.

A high puff showcases natural curls beautifully and is perfect for hot days or when you want an easy, pulled-back look. Simply gather your curls at the crown and secure them with a hair tie. This style is quick and highlights the volume and texture of your curls.

23. Curly Hairstyles for Black Women Side Braids with Curls

Woman with side braids and loose curls at an outdoor market, blending braids with natural curl texture.

Side braids with curls add an extra flair to your look by combining braids with loose curls. Braid one or both sides of your hair, letting the rest of your curls flow freely. This style is both playful and unique, ideal for anyone looking to add variety to their curly hairstyle.

24. Asymmetrical Curly Bob

Woman with an asymmetrical curly bob near a modern building, adding character and dimension to her style.

An asymmetrical bob is a stylish way to wear a short curly cut with an edge. The uneven lengths add character and dimension to your curls, creating a distinctive shape that works well for all face shapes. It’s a fresh, modern twist on the classic bob.

25. Loose Curls with a Headwrap

Portrait of a woman with a low curly ponytail wrapped at the base, providing a polished look for work.

Loose curls with a headwrap are perfect for days when you want to accessorize while showing off your texture. Simply place the headwrap over the front of your hairline, letting your curls cascade around it. This look is both protective and stylish, allowing you to showcase your curls with flair.

26. Chunky Twists with Curly Ends

Chunky twists with curly ends combine the structure of twists with the beauty of curls. This style keeps the hair protected while adding a touch of natural curl at the ends for a unique finish. It’s ideal for those who want a style that’s both protective and playful.

27. Curly Hairstyles for Black Women Curly Space Buns

Woman with curly space buns at an outdoor festival, displaying a playful, youthful curly style.

Curly space buns are a fun and youthful style that works for any occasion. Divide your curls into two sections, creating buns on each side of your head. This look is versatile and highlights your curls in a playful way.

28. Defined Curls with a Deep Side Part

Woman with deeply parted, defined curls by a beach, creating a dramatic, sophisticated look.

Defined curls with a deep side part add elegance and sophistication to your style. The side part brings volume to one side, creating a dramatic look. Use a defining cream to keep curls structured and in place throughout the day.

29. The Messy Curly Bun

Woman with a loose, messy curly bun, showing a relaxed, effortless curly style.

A messy curly bun is a simple, relaxed style perfect for casual days. Gather your curls into a loose bun, allowing a few tendrils to fall naturally. This look is effortlessly stylish and emphasizes your natural curl pattern.

30. Curly Bob with Shaved Sides

A curly bob with shaved sides is an edgy, modern look that combines the classic bob shape with shaved details. This style keeps the curls on top full and voluminous, creating contrast with the shaved sides. It’s perfect for anyone looking for a bold and unique look.

31. Voluminous Curly Mohawk

Woman with a voluminous curly mohawk near a concert stage, emphasizing height and texture in her curls.

A voluminous curly mohawk is a bold choice that emphasizes the height and fullness of your curls. This style gathers curls at the top of your head, leaving the sides sleek or pinned down. It’s ideal for those looking to make a statement while showcasing their natural texture.

32. Pineapple Updo for Curls

The pineapple updo is a simple way to highlight curls while keeping them protected. Gather your curls at the top of your head, securing them with a loose tie or scrunchie. This look keeps curls defined and is perfect for sleeping or showing off your texture during the day.

33. Curly Hairstyles for Black Women Faux Locs

Woman with curly faux locs in a cafe, blending the look of locs with curly texture.

Faux locs are a protective style that mimics the look of natural locs, adding a curly twist at the ends for extra texture. This style allows you to experiment with locs while keeping your natural curls safe. It’s a great option for those seeking a protective, versatile style.

34. Layered Curly Shag

Woman with a layered curly shag in a bookstore, adding movement and volume to her medium-length curls.

A layered curly shag is a trendy style that adds movement and volume to your curls. The layers create a soft, feathered look that works well with all curl types. This look is perfect for adding dimension and bounce to medium-length hair.

35. Twisted Headband with Natural Curls

Woman with natural curls styled with a twisted headband at a street market, keeping hair off her face while highlighting curls.

A twisted headband with loose curls is a stylish way to keep hair off your face while highlighting your texture. Simply twist a headband into the front section of your hair, leaving the rest of your curls to fall naturally. This look is both practical and eye-catching.

Curly Hairstyles for Black Women to Show Off Your Unique Style

Curly hairstyles for Black women offer endless ways to express yourself and celebrate your natural curls. From bold mohawks to soft shags, there’s a style for every mood, occasion, and personality. Try experimenting with these looks to find the ones that suit you best.

For even more inspiration, check out 30 Wig Hairstyles for Black Women That Are Easy to Maintain and discover versatile, easy-to-style options that will keep you looking fabulous.

Our website is supported by our users. This site contains affiliate links. If you click such a link and make a purchase, we may earn a commission for our endorsement, recommendation, testimonial, and/or link to any products or services from this website. Contact us for Questions