Hair Styles for Natural Curly Hair

30 Effortless Hair Styles for Natural Curly Hair

Natural curls are beautiful, full of life, and easy to style when you have the right inspiration. Whether you want a quick look for a busy morning or something more polished for a night out, there are plenty of effortless options. This list covers 30 easy hair styles for natural curly hair, from casual looks to protective styles.

Best Hair Styles for Natural Curly Hair for Everyday Wear

1. Pineapple Updo

A woman with a high pineapple updo, showcasing voluminous curls piled on top of her head

The pineapple updo is a go-to for curly hair because it keeps curls defined and prevents frizz overnight. Gather your hair at the top of your head and secure it with a loose hair tie. Let the curls fall forward for a carefree yet stylish look.

2. Messy High Bun

A woman with a messy high bun, with loose curls framing her face for a relaxed, effortless look.

A messy high bun is a quick way to keep curls out of your face while still looking put together. Loosely twist your hair into a bun and pin it in place, allowing some curls to peek through for a relaxed finish.

3. Half-Up Half-Down Curls

A woman with a half-up half-down curly hairstyle

This style is perfect when you want the best of both worlds. Pull the top half of your curls into a ponytail or bun while letting the rest flow naturally. It works for all curl types and keeps hair off your face.

4. Space Buns

A woman with two space buns, each wrapped with curls

Space buns give a playful and youthful look while keeping curls in place. Part your hair down the middle and create two buns on either side. This style is perfect for casual days or festival looks.

5. Side-Swept Curls

A woman with soft, voluminous curls swept to one side, creating an elegant and stylish appearance.

For an effortless yet elegant style, sweep your curls to one side and secure them with a pin. This works beautifully for both short and long curly hair and adds a touch of glamour without much effort.

Chic and Simple Hair Styles for Natural Curly Hair

6. Loose Low Ponytail

A woman with a loose low ponytail, with curls cascading naturally over her shoulders.

A loose low ponytail is an easy style that keeps curls controlled while maintaining volume. Gather your hair at the nape of your neck and secure it with a hair tie. Let some curls frame your face for a softer look.

7. Defined Twist-Out

A woman with a defined twist-out, showing well-defined curls with a soft, bouncy finish.

A twist-out helps define curls while keeping them stretched and frizz-free. Divide damp hair into sections, twist each one tightly, and let them set overnight. When you unravel the twists in the morning, you’ll have beautifully defined curls.

8. Bantu Knots

Bantu knots work as both a protective style and a curly look when unraveled. Simply twist small sections of hair into knots and secure them with bobby pins. Wear them as is or take them down for bouncy curls.

9. Crown Braid

A woman with a crown braid wrapped around her head, creating an elegant and timeless hairstyle.

A crown braid is perfect for keeping hair off your face while still showing off your natural curls. Braid two sections on either side of your head and pin them together at the back for an elegant and effortless look.

10. Braided Headband

A woman with a braided headband securing her curls while keeping hair away from her face.

A braided headband adds a stylish touch while keeping curls away from your forehead. Take a small section of hair from behind your ear, braid it, and pin it across the top of your head like a headband.

Low-Maintenance Hair Styles for Natural Curly Hair

11. Wash-and-Go Curls

A woman with soft, defined wash-and-go curls, looking natural and full of volume.

A wash-and-go is one of the easiest styles for natural curls. Apply a curl-defining cream or leave-in conditioner to damp hair, scrunch, and let it air dry for soft, bouncy curls.

12. Sleek Low Bun

A woman with a sleek low bun, with smooth hair on top and curls tucked neatly at the nape.

A sleek low bun is a great way to keep curls neat with minimal effort. Use a bit of gel to smooth down the top, then twist your curls into a bun at the nape of your neck.

13. Claw Clip Updo

A woman with a loose claw clip updo, holding her curls in place while allowing some to cascade.

A claw clip updo is a quick fix for busy days. Gather your curls into a loose twist and secure them with a large claw clip. This keeps volume at the top while holding everything in place.

14. Double Puff Style

Double puffs add a fun touch to curly hair. Part your hair down the middle and secure two high puffs on either side for a cute and playful look.

15. Rolled and Tucked Updo

 A woman with a rolled and tucked updo, with curls elegantly pinned for a polished look.

For a timeless style, roll and tuck sections of your hair around the back of your head and pin them in place. This creates an elegant updo that works for any occasion.

Elegant Hair Styles for Natural Curly Hair for Special Occasions

16. Voluminous Curly Ponytail

A woman with a high voluminous curly ponytail, with thick curls bouncing down her back.

A curly ponytail with volume adds instant elegance to any look. Gather your hair into a high or mid-level ponytail, fluff out the curls, and use a small section of hair to wrap around the hair tie for a polished finish.

17. Curly Faux Hawk

A woman with a curly faux hawk, where the sides are pinned up and the curls cascade down the center.

The curly faux hawk gives an edgy yet stylish appearance. Pin the sides of your hair upwards, allowing the curls at the center to cascade down for a bold and eye-catching look.

18. Curly Top Knot

A woman with a high curly top knot, with soft curls framing her face for an elegant touch.

A curly top knot is a chic option for formal occasions. Gather your curls into a high bun, leaving a few tendrils out to soften the look. This style pairs well with elegant outfits and statement earrings.

19. Side-Parted Waves

A woman with deep side-parted waves, creating a glamorous and stylish appearance.

A deep side part with soft waves creates a sophisticated and timeless style. Add a little curl-defining cream for extra shine and definition, making the look perfect for a night out or special event.

20. Spiral Curls with Decorative Clips

A woman with long spiral curls decorated with hair clips, adding a stylish touch to her curls.

Enhance your natural curls by adding decorative hair clips along the sides or at the back. This simple touch elevates your style while keeping hair neatly in place.

Protective Hair Styles for Natural Curly Hair

21. Classic Box Braids

A woman with long classic box braids, styled neatly for a protective and versatile look.

Box braids are a great protective style that keeps curls tucked away while allowing for easy styling. They last for weeks and can be worn in different ways, such as buns, ponytails, or loose styles.

22. Two-Strand Twists

A woman with two-strand twists styled into a neat and defined protective hairstyle.

Two-strand twists help maintain moisture while giving a defined curl pattern. Wear them as is for a casual look, or unravel them after a few days for soft, stretched curls.

23. Halo Braid

A woman with a thick halo braid wrapped around her head, giving a regal and polished style.

A halo braid is a protective and elegant style that wraps around the head like a crown. This look keeps curls secured while creating a regal and polished effect.

24. Flat Twists with a Bun

A woman with flat twists leading into a low bun, creating a simple yet elegant style.

Flat twists are a great alternative to braids. Twist sections of your hair close to the scalp and gather the ends into a low bun for a neat and stylish finish.

25. Marley Twists

A woman with thick Marley twists, styled into a voluminous and protective curly hairstyle.

Marley twists add length and volume while protecting natural curls. This low-maintenance style allows for versatility and works well for different hair lengths.

Quick and Easy Hair Styles for Natural Curly Hair

26. Scarf-Wrapped Puff

A woman with a high curly puff wrapped in a colorful silk scarf for a stylish and effortless look.

A scarf-wrapped puff is a stylish way to keep curls contained while adding a pop of color. Gather your hair into a high puff and wrap a scarf around the base for an effortless and trendy look.

27. Mini Twists with a Side Part

A woman with mini twists styled with a deep side part, giving a defined and low-maintenance style.

Mini twists are easy to maintain and can be styled in different ways. Part your hair to the side and let the twists frame your face for a simple yet stylish appearance.

28. Curly Bob with Bangs

A woman with a short curly bob and bangs, creating a fresh and modern curly hairstyle.

A curly bob with bangs gives a youthful and fresh look. Whether your curls are short naturally or trimmed into a bob, this style highlights volume and texture beautifully.

29. Afro with Hair Accessories

A woman with a voluminous afro decorated with stylish hair accessories.

A well-shaped afro is always a statement, and adding accessories like clips, pins, or headbands makes it even more stylish. This is a perfect way to embrace your natural curls with flair.

30. Sleek Middle-Part Bun

A woman with a sleek middle-part low bun, with smooth edges and a neat curly finish.

A sleek middle-part bun is a great go-to when you need a polished look in minutes. Use a styling gel to smooth the top, then gather your curls into a low bun for a sleek, sophisticated style.

Embrace Your Curls With These Easy Hair Styles for Natural Curly Hair

Natural curls offer endless styling possibilities, from effortless everyday looks to elegant special occasion styles. Whether you prefer protective styles, quick updos, or bold statement curls, there is a look for every occasion. Experiment with different styles to find what works best for your hair type and lifestyle.

For more curly hair inspiration, check out 15 Low-Maintenance Dark Brown Curly Hair Styles for Busy Women.”

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