25+ Curly Hairstyles That Are Taking Over This 2025

Cindy Marcus
Cindy Marcus Hairstylist, Editor-in-Chief

Got curls and not sure what to do with them? Trust me, I’ve been there! The beauty of curly hair is its versatility, but it can also feel like a full-time job figuring out how to style it. Whether you’re dealing with loose waves or tight coils, choosing the right hairstyle can make all the difference in how your curls behave throughout the day. And let’s not forget about the importance of using the right products and techniques to maintain definition and reduce frizz. From wash-and-go styles to protective updos, there are endless ways to make your curls pop while keeping them healthy. Ready to fall in love with your curls again? Check out these stunning curly hairstyle ideas that will have you embracing every twist and turn.

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Trendy short curly pixie cut for a woman

#1 Short Curly Pixie

This short curly pixie is perfect for those who want a low-maintenance, yet playful style. The curls are soft and natural, giving the cut plenty of volume and texture. It’s ideal for finer hair types since the curl adds fullness, but it could get a bit bulky for thicker hair without proper layering. The choppy fringe softens the forehead and works well for round or heart-shaped faces. A great option if you’re looking for something bold, yet easy to style!

Elegant half-up, half-down easy hairstyle for long hair with natural waves

#2 Layered Curly Hair Style

This look highlights one of the best hairstyles for layered curly hair. The layers add depth and dimension to the curls, creating a voluminous yet well-structured shape. It’s an excellent choice for those who want to enhance their natural curl pattern while maintaining a polished appearance.

Voluminous layered cut showcasing mixed curly hair in a sophisticated hairstyle

#3 Sophisticated Curly Hairstyle

This voluminous, layered cut is perfect for showcasing mixed curly hair while offering a touch of elegance. The layers help to distribute the curls evenly, creating a sophisticated hairstyle that’s also versatile enough for casual or formal settings. A leave-in conditioner will keep these curls soft and frizz-free.

Cute curly hairstyle with shoulder-length, layered curls for medium to thick hair

#4 Cute Curly Hairstyle

This cute curly hairstyle is perfect if you have naturally curly hair and want a low-maintenance yet stylish look. The neck-length cut with soft layers adds movement and volume without overwhelming your face. Ideal for medium to thick hair, this style works well for those looking to enhance their curls while keeping them defined. Be aware that humidity might cause frizz, so a good curl cream is essential.

Chin-length curly bob with side part and defined curls for a soft, voluminous curly hairstyle

#5 Curly Bob Hairstyle

This chin-length curly bob is a fantastic choice if you want something playful yet polished. It’s cut to encourage natural volume and showcases dense, coiled curls with a side part that adds asymmetry and movement. Great for oval or heart-shaped faces, it’s easy to style with a diffuser and curl cream. The main benefit here is the bounce and shape, though it may need more frequent shaping to maintain the silhouette if your curls grow quickly.

Mid-length curly lob with fluffy texture and angled layering for added body and shape

#6 Fluffed Up Curly Lob with Subtle Angles

This fluffy lob sits just above the shoulders with subtle angles along the bottom to create movement without harsh lines. The curls are soft but defined, and the volume is concentrated at the crown and sides. It’s best for fine to medium-density curls that benefit from extra lift. Because the angles are minimal, it’s a versatile cut that grows out nicely—but you may need a bit of curl refresher to keep the fullness from collapsing after a few days.

Shoulder-length curly hair with feathered fringe and soft layering for a relaxed curly style

#7 Loose Curly Layers with Feathered Fringe

Airy and effortless, this shoulder-length curly cut is shaped with soft layers and a feathered fringe that blends seamlessly into the face. Ideal for type 2C–3A curls with medium density, it’s low-effort but full of personality. The layered fringe opens up the face, making it a great pick for those with longer foreheads or oval faces. It can fall flat at the crown without some lift, so a bit of mousse at the roots helps boost body.

Tapered curly cut with tight curls and caramel highlights on top for a bold defined curly look

#8 Curly Taper Cut with Highlighted Tips

This tapered curly cut makes a statement with a fade on the sides and back, while the top is packed with bouncy, tight coils. The caramel-toned highlights add contrast and dimension to the defined curls, making this perfect for short hair lovers who still want texture. It suits round or oval faces beautifully and keeps styling time minimal. Just note that maintenance trims are essential to keep the taper clean and avoid losing shape.

Sleek long curly ponytail with wrapped base and defined ends for a polished curly hairstyle

#9 Long Curly Ponytail with Wrapped Base

This sleek, high curly ponytail is pulled tight at the crown, then wrapped at the base for a clean, polished finish. It’s ideal for long type 3 curls that hold definition well. The edges are slicked down with precision, giving it a sporty-glam feel—perfect for active days or casual nights out. It keeps hair off the face and neck, but keep in mind that tight styling like this can cause tension on the hairline if worn too often. Use a nourishing gel to protect your edges.

Natural curls with twisted crown braid detail and defined curls, perfect for protective curly styles

#10 Twisted Crown Braid on Natural Curls

This look features a twisted crown braid along the front hairline, merging into a cascade of defined natural curls in the back. It’s ideal for type 3C or 4A hair textures looking for a semi-protective style that still lets curls shine. The braid adds a creative, structured element while keeping hair off the face. Just be aware: keeping the braid neat may take some upkeep, but the rest of the style is refreshingly low-maintenance.

Side-swept curly hairstyle with layered volume and subtle copper highlights for added depth

#11 Side Swept Curly Layers with Volume Boost

With layers that build body and a soft side sweep, this curly cut is designed to maximize lift and movement. The subtle copper highlights accentuate the texture, especially at the ends, and give extra warmth to dark curls. It’s fantastic for round or square face shapes because of the diagonal line it creates. It does require a bit more styling effort to get that root volume daily—but mousse and a pick can work wonders here.

Shoulder-length curly haircut with voluminous curls and a natural bouncy texture

#12 Shoulder Length Curly Cut with Bouncy Texture

This shoulder-length cut showcases bouncy, well-shaped curls that create a rounded, full silhouette. It works beautifully on medium to high-density curls and gives plenty of shape without relying on layers that can get bulky. If your curls tend to fall flat at the roots, a quick diffusing session helps create that lift. One trade-off? The longer length can stretch curls out a bit more, so use a defining cream to maintain structure.

Tapered coily frohawk with tight curls and faded sides for a bold natural curly hairstyle

#13 Coily Frohawk with Tapered Edges

Edgy and full of personality, this frohawk uses tightly coiled curls styled upward with faded tapered sides for contrast. It’s a bold pick for type 4 curls and thrives with volume at the crown. The tapered edges make maintenance easier, but you’ll need regular trims to keep that shape crisp. It’s great for angular face shapes and women who love a low-manipulation style that still makes a big statement.

Short curly shag haircut with voluminous top and defined spiral ends for a playful curly style

#14 Short Curly Shag with Defined Ends

The short curly shag is a fun, full-bodied cut with lots of crown volume and tapered ends for a slightly retro, lived-in finish. What makes it stand out are the well-defined ends—perfect for showcasing tighter curl patterns. It’s especially flattering on petite faces or anyone wanting to emphasize cheekbones. However, be mindful: layering like this can shorten overall length significantly, so it’s best for those comfortable with cropped cuts.

Medium-length curly hairstyle with golden brown highlights and natural volume

#15 Medium Curly Hairstyle

If you love movement and dimension, this shoulder-length curly cut is a great mid-length option. The golden brown highlights enhance the curl pattern, especially under sunlight. It’s shaped to give fullness around the lower half of the face, which can balance longer or oval face shapes nicely. The downside is you’ll need regular hydration treatments to keep those highlights from drying out, especially if your curls are fine or porous.

Voluminous curly updo with pinned curls and decorative clips for formal curly hairstyles

#16 Curly Updo Hairstyle

Perfect for formal events, this curly updo uses pinned ringlets and volume at the crown to create drama and elegance. The look is detailed with small butterfly clips and tendrils framing the face, giving it a whimsical finish. Best for thick, dense curls—it can be a bit tricky for finer textures to hold this much structure without added pins or teasing. This style flatters most face shapes and works beautifully for weddings or proms.

Curly high ponytail with loose face-framing tendrils and bangs, ideal for school or casual wear

#17 Curly Hairstyle for School

Cute and functional, this high curly ponytail is ideal for school days or active lifestyles. The soft, wispy curls around the face and bangs give it that relaxed, youthful energy without looking unkempt. It suits high-density curls and longer lengths best, especially if you’ve got a natural curl pattern that needs control but not restriction. Just know, if your curls frizz easily, you’ll want a gel or mousse for hold throughout the day.

Short naturally curly hairstyle with side part and soft coils, ideal for Black women with type 3 hair

#18 Curly Hairstyle for Black Women

Soft and low-maintenance, this short curly hairstyle is perfect for type 3 curls with medium density. The side part gives it a flattering frame while keeping it casual and beach-ready. It works especially well on round or square face shapes by adding height and elongation. The downside? Humidity can shrink the length more than you’d expect, but a good leave-in conditioner helps fight frizz and boost definition.

Voluminous curly fro with tight spirals and rounded shape for a bold natural curly hairstyle

#19 Frolique Hairstyle

With springy coils and an even, rounded shape, this frolique style brings major volume and personality. It’s great for type 4 curls with high density and thrives when hydrated. What stands out is how defined and uniform the spirals are across the entire head, making it bold without looking wild. It’s flattering on square or angular faces and gives lots of structure, but be prepared—it takes patience to define each curl during styling.

Compact curly hairstyle with spiral definition and cropped shape for natural short curly hair

#20 Crispira Hairstyle

This Crispira hairstyle is cropped close with precise spiral curls that create a soft, rounded silhouette. Ideal for shorter type 3 curls, it offers a lot of shape without needing layers. What makes it stand out is how compact the style is—great for showcasing natural curl pattern without bulk. It’s low-maintenance and easy to refresh, but tight curl definition like this requires regular deep conditioning to keep the spirals bouncy and frizz-free.

Elegant half-up, half-down easy hairstyle for long hair with natural waves

#21 Easy Long Curly Hair Style

This elegant half-up, half-down style is one of the easiest hairstyles for long hair, especially if you want something that feels both polished and effortless. The twisted sections add a touch of sophistication while still letting the natural waves flow. Perfect for formal events or even a casual day out, it’s a versatile look that holds up well throughout the day.

Curly hairstyles black hair showcasing natural texture and volume in a stunning afro

#22 Black Curly Hair Style

This stunning afro showcases one of the best curly hairstyles for black hair, emphasizing natural texture and volume. It’s a powerful, bold look that embraces the full beauty of natural curls. To keep the afro looking its best, regular deep conditioning is recommended to maintain moisture and definition.

Curly hairstyles party half-up, half-down look with loose curls and jeweled accessory

#23 Curly Party Hairstyle

This chic half-up, half-down look is perfect for curly hairstyles party events. The loose, defined curls paired with a jeweled hair accessory add elegance and sparkle, making it an ideal choice for a festive occasion. The style is both sophisticated and playful, perfect for a night out.

Curly hairstyles with fringe featuring soft curls and full bangs for a youthful look

#24 Curly Hair with Fringe

This look showcases one of the most charming curly hairstyles with fringe. The soft curls and full fringe blend together seamlessly, adding texture and dimension to the haircut. It’s a versatile style that works beautifully for both casual and dressier occasions, giving a fresh and youthful appearance.

Curly hairstyles with hair charms adding color and flair to defined curls

#25 Curly Hairdo with Hair Charms

This fun and playful look is a great example of curly hairstyles with hair charms. The charms add a pop of color and a touch of whimsy to the bouncy, defined curls, making it perfect for anyone wanting to elevate their natural curls with a bit of flair. It’s a great style for special occasions or just adding some fun to your everyday look.

Curly updo showcasing curly hair styles easy for medium to long hair

#26 Easy Curly Hair Style

This curly updo is perfect if you’re looking for curly hair styles that are easy yet stylish. The high bun keeps your curls secure and off your neck, making it great for warmer weather or active days. The loose tendrils add a playful touch and keep the look from being too severe. Ideal for medium to long hair with natural curls, this style works best for those with medium to high hair density to maintain fullness.

Curly weave hairstyles sew in with tight, well-defined curls and an asymmetrical cut

#27 Curly Weave Sew-In Look

This glamorous look is an ideal example of curly weave hairstyles sew in. The tight, well-defined curls add volume and drama, while the asymmetrical cut brings a modern edge. Perfect for those who want a bold style with plenty of texture, this sew-in weave offers versatility and long-lasting hold.

Curly hairstyles bridal half-up, half-down style with romantic loose curls and delicate hair accessory

#28 Curly Bridal Hair Look

This half-up, half-down style is a beautiful choice for curly hairstyles bridal looks. The loose, romantic curls paired with the delicate hair accessory create an elegant and timeless feel. Perfect for brides looking for a style that combines softness with just the right amount of detail, it works best on medium to long hair with a natural wave.

Defined, soft curls as curly hairstyles for short curly hair

#29 Short Curly Hair Style

For those with short hair, this curly hairstyle is a perfect blend of cute and practical. The soft, defined curls frame the face beautifully, making it one of the best curly hairstyles for short curly hair. This style is easy to manage and keeps your curls looking lively and fresh all day.

Effortless curly hairstyles featuring a high curly bun with loose tendrils framing the face

#30 Effortless Curly Hair Style

This high curly bun is the epitome of effortless curly hairstyles, combining ease with elegance. The natural curls are loosely gathered into a bun, with a few tendrils left out to frame the face. It’s perfect for days when you want a quick and chic updo that still highlights the beauty of your curls.

Kawaii hairstyles short curly with tousled curls and soft bangs for a playful, cute look

#31 Kawaii Short Curly Hairdo

This adorable cut is a perfect example of kawaii hairstyles short curly. The short, tousled curls paired with soft bangs create a playful and cute look that’s effortlessly chic. This style is ideal for those who want a low-maintenance yet stylish haircut that brings a bit of whimsy to their everyday look.

Long, tousled curly hair styles easy to maintain for mixed curly hair

#32 Mixed Curly Hair Look

For those looking for curly hair styles easy to maintain, this long, tousled look is a fantastic option. The natural texture shines through, giving this mixed curly hair a relaxed yet polished finish. This style works well with minimal styling products, making it ideal for those who prefer a more natural, low-maintenance routine.

Messy bun curly hair style with loose, carefree curls and added volume

#33 Messy Bun Curly Hairdo

This messy bun curly hairstyle is ideal for those casual days when you need something quick and easy. The loose, carefree curls give it a laid-back vibe, while the volume on top adds a bit of height, flattering for most face shapes. This style works particularly well if your curls are naturally defined and you want to keep them off your face.

Mini butterfly clips hairstyles curly hair with long cascading curls and playful accessories

#34 Curly Hair with Mini Butterfly Clip

These long, cascading curls adorned with mini butterfly clips offer a cute and stylish twist on classic curly hair. The mini butterfly clips hairstyles for curly hair add a touch of whimsy, making it perfect for casual outings or fun events. This style is ideal for those with long, well-defined curls who want to keep their hair down while adding some playful elements.

Pig tails hairstyles curly hair with voluminous, defined curls and face-framing pieces

#35 Curly Pigtail Hairstyle

These voluminous pigtails are a stylish take on pig tails hairstyles for curly hair. The loose, defined curls give the pigtails a bouncy and youthful look, while the face-framing pieces add softness. This hairstyle is perfect for casual outings or when you want a playful and cute look with your curls.

Ribbon hairstyles curly hair in a half-up, half-down style with soft curls and a pink ribbon

#36 Curly Hair with Ribbon

This lovely half-up, half-down style is a perfect example of ribbon hairstyles for curly hair. The soft curls are elegantly pulled back and secured with a delicate pink ribbon, adding a touch of romance and charm to the look. Ideal for special occasions like weddings or proms, this style beautifully complements the natural movement of curly hair.

Shoulder-length hairdos for curly hair with soft layers, ideal for medium-density mixed curly hair

#37 Hairdo for Curly Hair

This shoulder-length cut is one of the chicest hairdos for curly hair. The soft layers give the curls shape and prevent them from appearing too heavy, making it perfect for medium-density, mixed curly hair. While it adds volume and definition, it may require a bit more maintenance to keep frizz at bay. Use a lightweight mousse to keep your curls defined and bouncy.

Simple curly hairstyles natural with a bandana and soft, defined curls

#38 Simple Natural Curly Hairstyle

This look features simple curly hairstyles for natural hair with a casual twist using a bandana. The soft, defined curls are effortlessly pulled back, letting the bandana take center stage while still showcasing the curl pattern. It’s a quick and easy style that’s perfect for a laid-back day or when you’re on the go.

Slicked curly hairstyles with a sleek ponytail and defined curls cascading down the back

#39 Slicked Curly Hairstyle

This sleek ponytail exemplifies slicked curly hairstyles that are perfect for formal events or a polished everyday look. The hair is pulled back tightly, accentuating the smooth texture on top while letting the defined curls cascade down the back. Ideal for those with long curly hair, this style offers a sophisticated and clean finish.

Sporty curly hair cap hairstyle with loose, defined curls

#40 Curly Hairstyle with Cap

This is a great example of curly hair cap hairstyles that keep things simple while highlighting natural curls. The loose, medium-length curls are effortlessly styled under the cap, making it perfect for days when you want a laid-back look without sacrificing style. The cap adds a sporty touch, but remember to fluff the curls after taking it off to maintain volume. This works well for medium to thick hair and adds texture to any casual outfit.

Structured curls as quick natural hair styles for a polished yet relaxed look

#41 Quick Natural Curly Hair Look

These structured curls are an excellent example of quick natural hair styles that don’t require too much effort. The defined curls give a polished yet relaxed look, making it perfect for days when you want your hair to look styled without spending a lot of time. A lightweight curl cream can help maintain definition without weighing down the hair.

Curly hairstyles with flower crown featuring soft curls and delicate floral accents

#42 Curly Hair with Flower Crown

This romantic style is perfect for those looking for curly hairstyles with a flower crown. The soft curls are enhanced by the delicate flowers, creating a dreamy and ethereal look. Ideal for weddings or outdoor events, this style brings a natural, bohemian vibe to your curly hair.