Some days your curls just won’t act right—and that’s exactly why messy curly styles are such a go-to. The trick is making it look effortless without it looking like you gave up. That comes down to the right cut, strategic layering, and how you apply your products. For example, scrunching in your cream with a microfiber towel instead of your hands can make all the difference in definition and frizz control. Ready for some styles that actually work with your curls instead of against them? Don’t miss these messy looks made just for you.
#1 Curly Messy Hairstyles with Root Lift
This short curly bob pops with root volume and defined ringlets, enhanced by a soft rounded fringe. The fringe frames the eyes while the rounded shape keeps everything lifted off the shoulders. It’s fantastic for heart or oval face shapes. Thick, coarse curls will hold this style beautifully, but it needs shape-enhancing products and a diffuser to get that lift.
#2 Long Curly Hair with Face Framing Layers
Long, layered curls fall past the shoulders with face-framing pieces and soft curtain bangs to break up the weight. This look works especially well on long faces or those with high foreheads. The fringe adds balance, while the natural curl pattern provides lift and shape. Best on medium to thick hair, though finer curls can make it work with the right cut.
#3 Simple Curly Hairstyles with Loose Twists
Loose twists on one side add a sweet, structured touch to this otherwise freeform curly cut. It’s short, dense, and great for natural coils. The length sits at the chin, making it flattering for round and square faces. Low maintenance and protective, this look works well for keeping curls defined without too much daily manipulation. Just keep it hydrated and let it be.
#4 Curly Hair with Soft Movement
This style blends soft curls and loose waves with minimal layers to keep a natural, flowing silhouette. The density is light to medium, making it easy to wear down without feeling bulky. Face-framing layers add movement around the cheekbones. Great for heart-shaped faces. A bit of mousse or curl cream is all you need—don’t over-style it, just scrunch and air-dry.
#5 Baddie Curly Hairstyles with Defined Edges
Sleek edges meet voluminous curls in this high curly updo with tendrils and bangs. The contrast between the smooth sides and messy curls adds drama and definition. This one’s a go-to for that “baddie” look—polished but still carefree. Ideal for thick hair and oval or diamond face shapes. Use edge control and a firm hold gel to sculpt while letting the curls speak.
#6 Cool Curly Hairstyles with Undone Finish
A mid-length shag with airy layers and fluffy bangs brings a cool, undone vibe to this look. The curls are mid-tight in texture and styled to look natural and a little wild, perfect for square or oval faces. The crown has extra lift, giving the illusion of more volume. Best for thick hair types. Use a mousse or volume spray to boost roots and skip over-styling.
#7 Cute Curly Hairstyles with Mini Space Buns
This playful look features two mini space buns on top with the rest of the curls left loose and wild. It’s great for tighter curls that naturally hold volume. A few face-framing tendrils make it feel soft and flirty. Ideal for younger clients or anyone going to a festival or fun event. You’ll want edge control on the hairline and curl cream on the loose ends.
#8 Short Curly Hairstyles with Spiral Ends
Defined spirals and a round shape make this short bob pop. Perfect for high-density, tighter curl types, this cut gives a balanced silhouette that hugs the jawline without overwhelming the face. The defined ends add polish, while the rest stays airy and lived-in. You’ll want to style with a strong-hold curl cream and use a pick at the roots to maintain the shape.
#9 Pretty Curly Hairstyles with Subtle Highlights
The soft brown highlights in this long, curly look add just the right amount of dimension without overpowering the natural pattern. The curls are tight and consistent, falling well past the shoulders, with long layers to avoid bulk. Ideal for medium to thick hair types, this style works beautifully on oval and longer face shapes. Lightweight gel helps keep definition without crunch.
#10 Shaggy Curly Hair with Bedhead Texture
Short, choppy layers create a modern shaggy look with intentional dishevelment that’s perfect for fine to medium curls. The micro fringe gives edge while enhancing cheekbones and shorter face shapes. This cut thrives on undone texture—think bedhead but cute. Great for low-maintenance folks who still want something artsy and current. Works best air-dried or scrunched with a curl balm.
#11 Curly Hairstyles Messy Shoulder Length Cut
This shoulder-length cut features tousled curls with minimal layering to keep the fullness throughout the ends. It’s great for medium-density curls that lean wavy but need help holding shape. The messiness feels intentional and flattering—ideal for someone who wants volume without bulk. A side part adds lift at the roots. Easy to style with a diffuser and lightweight mousse.
#12 Messy Wavy Hair with Loose Layers
Easygoing and soft, this long-length wavy cut uses long layers to keep body without the bulk. Great for looser curls or waves with medium density. The subtle layering enhances bounce while avoiding that triangle shape some folks fear. It’s perfect for those who want a low-key look with a romantic edge—just scrunch with mousse and go.
#13 Curly Hair Inspo with Natural Coils
Coils are celebrated here with a soft, rounded shape that enhances natural lift and volume. The density is high, and the curl pattern is tight, giving it that pillowy fullness. Best for someone who wants a no-fuss look that showcases curl health over precision. You’ll need hydration products to keep the coils happy, but minimal styling beyond that.
#14 Bouncy Messy Curls with Side Part
Classic and playful, this neck-length bob uses a side part and chunky curls to build shape around the jawline. It’s a fabulous option for finer curls looking for fullness. There’s some teasing and curl-defining cream involved to get this bounce, but it still feels undone. Great for round or oval faces that need framing without harsh lines.
#15 Frizzy Curly Hair Aesthetic with Natural Volume
Embracing frizz as part of the curl journey, this look is all about natural texture and personality. The curls are tight, springy, and layered to encourage that rounded, lived-in silhouette. Works best on high-density, coily textures. It’s bold, fun, and liberating, though you’ll want a leave-in conditioner and maybe a defining cream to tame just the outer halo.
#16 Layered Curly Hair with Windswept Finish
With layers cut to follow the curl’s natural spring, this style has an effortless, windswept quality. The side part adds softness and makes it flattering for longer face shapes. The curls are mid to tight in pattern, and the density is medium-high, so the shape holds well without going too bulky. A curl cream with hold is key to define without stiffness.
#17 Medium Curly Hair with Airy Texture
Soft, touchable curls fall just past the shoulders with light layering that encourages bounce without removing fullness. This length is incredibly versatile—easy to clip up or air dry—and works well on medium-density curls with a looser pattern. It’s flattering for oval faces and great for clients who don’t want the weight of long hair but aren’t ready to go short.
#18 Short Curly Hair with Tousled Volume
Big and bouncy with tousled definition, this short cut flatters round and oval face shapes by building width and lift around the crown. Perfect for dense, tightly coiled curls, the volume is all-natural, enhanced with subtle light-brown highlights for depth. It’s high on personality but requires moisturizing cream or gel to avoid frizz overload.
#19 Messy Curls with Choppy Short Layers
Choppy short layers and defined curls give this look movement and edgy texture, perfect for thick, wavy to curly hair. The deep side part creates asymmetry and volume at the crown, ideal for softening square or heart-shaped faces. It’s wash-and-go friendly but needs light styling cream to keep curls from clumping flat. Great for low-maintenance gals who still want shape.
#20 Curlfizz Haircut
This bold “Curlfizz” cut is all about texture and drama. The medium-length layers are sculpted to create maximum crown volume with a tousled, windswept finish. The piecey fringe enhances the eyes while the curl pattern—tight and bouncy—adds body throughout. This cut is great for square and heart-shaped faces. Use a styling foam and diffuser to build lift without crunch.
#21 Tanglelush Hairstyle
A full-bodied look with long layers and wild dimension, this Tanglelush style thrives on that perfectly undone, bedhead curl. It’s ideal for high-density hair with a looser curl pattern—those S-shaped curls that frizz just enough to look intentional. The layering prevents the curls from stacking too heavy at the bottom while keeping volume up top. A bit of lift at the roots and face-framing tendrils give it a sultry finish. Works beautifully on longer face shapes and coarse hair that needs movement. Downside? You’ll need to refresh often with a water spray and light mousse to revive those curls without stiffness.
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