60 Styles and Cuts for Naturally Curly Hair

Curly or wavy hair is equally referred to as a blessing and a trouble. Curls do not always settle as you’d like them to, get extremely voluminous or simply stick out whimsically. Does it mean you should make good friends with a flat iron? Well, it’s quite tiresome to struggle with the curly structure of your hair on a daily basis, especially in wet weather. So wouldn’t it be better to look for more convenient, on-trend hairstyles, flattering for your face and suitable for your life style? Here are 60 stylish hairstyles for curly hair you can adopt for your chic looks.

Your Options for Curly Hairstyles

• Short curly hair. Short bouncy curls look fantastic with long side-swept bangs. You can flat iron the bangs or keep them curly, same as the remaining tresses. Subtle highlights enhance the texture and add dimension to your hairstyle. Punk-inspired hairstyles with messy curls and edgy bangs will also go fine with short hair.
• Medium-length curly hair. Large loose waves, medium springy curls and smaller ringlets match perfectly with shoulder-length haircuts. Stylists recommend tousled hairstyles with waves and curls as well as beachy waves and maximally natural looks. Most girls who have naturally curly hair are not sure about bob haircuts, since curly locks normally shrink and look not only shorter than expected, but also overly voluminous. If your hair is very dense, it can be thinned out from the inside to get a more appealing hairstyle shape eventually. The length should also be considered. Other than that, don’t be in a hurry to turn down an idea of a bob haircut even if your hair is naturally curly. Below you can see some very nice examples with wavy and curly bobs.
• Long curly hair. Long lengths also provide you with multiple options: defined polished curls, natural breezy waves or messed up tendrils/ringlets with braiding sections or without. To lighten up long curls, it’s recommended to use layering that offers a flawless revitalized look to your long hairstyles with curly texture.

Best Ideas for Hairstyles with Curly Hair

And now let’s see the most inspiring examples of curl trends.

#1: Elegant Updo for Natural Curly Hair

Instagram / @undoneco

Your natural texture is your secret weapon of sexiness and elegance, so next time you have a formal event, don’t reach for a straightener. Instead, create a loose french braid and hide its end into a full messy bun. Pull out some wispy bang pieces to complete the look.

#2: Medium Curly Combover Hairstyle

If you’re finally ready to take your long curly hair into the medium length world, try it with a side-part combover that lands right at the shoulder. Your hair look will livelier than ever, and instead of curls weighed down by gravity, the cut gives them fresh bounce.

Instagram / @caroldoscaracois

#3: Pretty Curly Black Bob with Side Bangs

There’s no question; a long jet black bob is one of our favorite ways to wear cute hairstyles for naturally curly hair. It’s a style that works great for women who don’t have overly curly locks. The side part and the loose waves frame the face. You can also tuck the shorter side behind one ear for a more casual appeal.

Instagram / @salsalhair

#4: Long U Cut for Curly Hair

U-cut natural curly hairstyles look great if your hair has long, loose waves. The dark-brown color proudly shows off your hair’s natural shimmer and shine.

Instagram / @cabelariaa

#5: Medium Length Curly Layered Hairstyle

Layers can be used on medium length natural, curly hair to generate volume at the roots and enhance the organic texture of your locks. Ask your stylist to include a few extra layers around your face for a softer, more flattering look.

Instagram / @alchemyorlando

#6: Bob Hairstyle for Curly Hair

Curly hair ideas for shorter locks can be challenging to find, so why not keep things simple and just opt for a classic bob? However, choose your length carefully – your mane might be more difficult to manage if you go too short.

Instagram / @faithincurls

#7: Mid-Length Curly Hairstyle with Curly Bangs

A full set of thick and luscious bangs brings out all the best aspects of your medium curly hair, and the brown base color with dark blonde highlights helps it look especially well-nourished and healthy. If you have brown eyes, a pop of bright red lipstick can make an excellent addition to the face-framing shoulder-length cut.

Instagram / @faithincurls

#8: Gorgeous Medium Curly Bouncy Hairstyle

There’s a lot of flexibility in this shoulder length curly hairstyle because it looks equally attractive when parted on the side and down the middle. The subtly highlighted brown tone is neutral and low-key. You can easily grab a handful of curls and pull them into a ponytail or a topknot for an extra-sporty style.

Instagram / @dashell_devacurl

#9: Ravishing Golden Blonde Curly Hairstyle

Bey, Bey, Bey, Bey-ond cute, you’ll look just like Beyonce with a fabulous star-struck hairstyle shown here. The messy long and loose girly curls create a fullness that takes the style to new “heights.”

Instagram / @chanelstylez

#10: Messy Curly Brunette Shag

We just love naturally curly haircuts that show off your eyes and frame the face. If you like your curls to appear tousled and effortless, you’ll appreciate the style. There’s something about the shag that attracts modern day fashionistas. It’s a wash and wear cut that’s simple to style and maintain.

Instagram / @seandisco

#11: Medium Layered Cut for Loose Curls

Curly haircuts done on dry hair guarantee that your curl pattern will fit into the cut. If you don’t want extra volume on top, style with straighter roots. When you part your hair off-centre or on the side and allow the sides to drop down to the clavicle, the curls have a natural way of framing and slimming down your face. The chocolate brown color is luxurious and rich.

Instagram / @brunodantte

#12: Caramel Brown Natural Layered Hair with Bangs

What style should you go for when you want a haircut for long hair that’s super-curly? How about a Nicole Kidman inspired hairstyle in a trendy, delicious color? The curlicue tendrils and long wispy bangs set off the eyes and taper down to emphasize the lips. If you’ve got it, flaunt it!

Instagram / @atoya_thecurlyhairstudio

#13: Adorable Bob with Bangs

Short naturally curly hairstyles can skew dated when not done right. (Think of your lovely grandma with short curls.) The barely perceptible A-line angle and light shaping in the back make this bob both simple and youthful.

Instagram / @hairbyshanell

#14: Beautiful Layered Lioness

Who doesn’t have an inner lioness? Curly girls are lucky, because they can let it out. There’s a reason all of our favorite curly-haired divas have tried this look: it’s incredibly sexy. The dark eyebrows and roots only make this style that much better.

Instagram / @jordanheidenwith

#15: Pretty Wavy Blonde Balayage Lob

Haircuts for naturally curly hair are always in style, after all, not every woman wants to spend her precious morning time fussing with a blow dryer. To update your lob, finger-comb it, add a bit of mousse, and let it air dry.

Instagram / @salsalhair

#16: Long Curly Hairstyle for Balayage Hair

Balayage hair differs from ombre. Both are typically darker at the roots and become lighter towards the ends, but balayage is designed to make your tresses look like they have natural, sun-kissed highlights. It’s smoother and less high maintenance than ombre coloring, and particularly beautiful in long curly hairstyles.

Instagram / @curlqueenleyla

#17: Mid-Length Light Pastel Pink Curly Hairstyle

If you’re running out of unique hair color ideas for your wispy, curly locks, look no further. The long pink-blonde tendrils float around the cheeks and eyes in the sea of tender waves. If your hair is soft, fine and light, it’s a beautiful hair color choice.

Instagram / @melhairdresser

#18: Medium Curly Brunette Shag with Babylights

Curly hairstyles can be worn in a variety of ways, which is quite practical, because as the weather changes, so does the tightness of your curl. One way to avoid surprises is to cut your hair into a medium length shag. These shaggy layers have a sparkle of babylights, and the big curls do a great job of framing the face.

Instagram / @redbloomsalon

#19: Layered Curly Style with Medium Size Curls

This layered style is for medium hair that’s very curly. Ask for layers around your face to develop a gradient of thickness from the roots to the ends, so that the focus is on your face and attention is drawn to your features.

Instagram / @casadantiga

#20: Long V Cut for Curly Hair

When you think of choosing one idea from many beautiful hairstyles for naturally curly hair, you might be overwhelmed. It’s even more difficult when your hair is super-long and has a tendency to be frizzy. The key to keeping your copper brown curls controlled and orderly is a calming hair cream or an extra-strong mousse.

Instagram / @natebehindthechair

#21: Medium Voluminous Hairstyle with Bouncy Curls

If you’ve been blessed with a full head of super-curly hair, show it off proudly with a voluminous layered hairstyle. The dark color of this bouncy lob makes your hair look dense yet lightweight.

Instagram / @dashell_devacurl

#22: Inverted Black Bob for Curly Hair

When you leave the length a little longer in the front, hairstyles for naturally curly hair gain a nice structured look. Jet black and stacked in the back: it’s a sophisticated option that works great with wavy or curly hair. Make sure your stylist remembers to cut it in the length that will still look fabulous in climates with high humidity.

Instagram / @briahna_thestylist

#23: Medium U Cut with Defined Curls

Defining your curls with a product is one of the best ways to enhance your waves and make them look even curlier than they already are. It’s a flexible hairstyle that can be parted on a side or down the middle, and you’ll create a more detailed look by adding strategically placed copper highlights.

Instagram / @brunodantte

#24: Collarbone Wavy Hairstyle with Bangs

When you are dealing with the in-between stages of growing your hair out from a shorter cut, try a shaggy, tomboyish style. Shags are ideal for short naturally curly hair because they’re cute and easy to style.

Instagram / @salsalhair

#25: Medium Layered Curly Hairstyle

Oodles of textured copper bronze curls cascade on the shoulders and soar around the face like a soft cloud. Natural curly hair is so beautiful, as it is, it just needs a suitable layered cut and some subtle highlights.

Instagram / @thecurlsupplier

#26: Medium Highlighted Style with Loose Curls

This highlighted style with loose curls is incredible on mid length hair. It looks windswept and beachy, like you’ve just spent a good week in the sunshine. It’s chic and effortless, without being too loud and overpowering. It also suits any age and any face shape.

Instagram / @chelseastockhaus

#27: Short Blonde Balayage Hairstyle for Natural Hair

One of the most standout hairstyles for curly hair is the short blonde balayage style with dark roots. Even though the light blonde hue at the ends is distinctive and vibrant, the gradient color effect appears beautifully sun-kissed and authentic.

Instagram / @curlyhairdaze

#28: Medium Natural Hairstyle with Brown Balayage

The fun and frolicking naturally curly bob is anything but straight laced. Chocolate brown loop-de-loop curls trickle around the forehead, sides and nape of the neck in a flirty, careless way.

Instagram / @curlsbylish

#29: Messy Shoulder-Length Hairstyle for Curly Hair

Medium length naturally curly hairstyles can sometimes become overly voluminous. Not here! Calm, cool and neat, the shoulder-length layered chocolate brown cut is easy-going and not over-the-top. The simple wavy lines and a tousled side part make it a spectacular choice for tomboy girls who want to inject a little femininity into their style.

Instagram / @salonskanda

#30: Mid-Length Curly Layered Cut

For ladies with super-thick curly hair, a shaggy layered cut with bangs can be a creative way to control and taper down the volume. If you have dark brown hair, add some light chocolate highlights to help define each ringlet. Use your fingers to poof it up a little bit in the back.

Instagram / @hairbypaulaperalta

#31: Curled Layered Brunette Hairstyle

If you have naturally thick and wavy hair that tends to be unmanageable, curly styles with layers will work for you. Layers give the unruly curls shape, and a part further structures the cut.

Instagram / @mariaprendergasthair

#32: Chocolate Brown Bob with Luscious Curls

The amazing full-bodied brown curls create an envious mane that grazes the shoulders to emphasize the wearer’s femininity. An excessive volume and frizz is tamed with a product suitable for your hair type. A quality mousse will cope with the task in most cases.

Instagram / @curlyonq

#33: Pretty Long Curly Hair with Bangs

If you’ve been wearing your long curls in too-tight ponytails, you might be noticing that your hairline is getting thin and your forehead is more prominent. One good way around the problem is to cut your hair into a shaggy style with curly bangs. Your hair will get lift and show a lot more body and texture when the curls are slightly shorter and allowed to spring up naturally.

Instagram / @hairmajestiii

#34: Low Curly Bun with Loose Curls

Another type of long-length hairstyles for curly hair is relaxed low updos. The loose, thick, side braids help bring details to the feminine and romantic up style full of delicate curls. The subtle highlights enhance your complexion and give depth to the base hair color.

Instagram / @styledbyabbi

#35: Messy Lob with Large Messy Curls

Your long, loopy curls can look amazing in voluminous tousled hairstyles. “Messy” is the key word here, and that’s just what you should be thinking when you are styling this look. Part it on a side, work product into your curls, scrunch, and let your blonde waves dry naturally to reduce the frizzies.

Instagram / @hair_by_michelle

#36: Medium Layered Dishwater Blonde Curls

Thin curly hair doesn’t have to be boring or flat. Your first step to liven it up is to give it a healthy dose of blonde highlights. Then, part it on a side and let some of the tendrils flutter around the face, framing the forehead and cheekbones. Match the tone of your eyebrows with your roots to give this casual layered cut a bit more of edgy sophistication.

Instagram / @hairbykatiek

#37: Wavy Messy Bronde Bob

Keep your waves and curls messy and easy to style by choosing simple bob haircuts for curly hair that only need a quick finger comb to look amazing. The partial sun-kissed highlights help define loose tendrils on the sides making the style more detailed and visually interesting.

Instagram / @ashley_hairstylist__

#38: Short Stacked Curly Bob

Cute and sassy, this short chocolate brown bob with babylights works wonderfully for thick hair. The extra long tendrils in the front act as an extension of the curly bangs and soften the face. The curls have been cut into an inverted shape, which helps the ringlets stand out and adds a lot of fullness in the back.

Instagram / @salonink

#39: Messy Updo for Curly Hair

One of the easiest hairstyles for naturally curly hair, a messy updo only takes a few minutes to construct. Simply take small sections of hair, make loose twists and pin them into place. And remember, it’s meant to give a laid-back and effortless impression.

Instagram / @ringletts

#40: Short Curly Bob with Subtle Highlights

One of cute, curly hairstyles for shorter hair is a neat natural bob with subtle highlights. Due to the length, this style often works better with thinner hair. Thick hair can seem too bushy or overgrown. The highlights add a sun-kissed, romantic touch for a feminine and youthful-looking ‘do.

Instagram / @curl_evolution

#41: Romantic Pinned Updo for Shorter Curly Hair

Ideal for a formal event or special occasion, a pinned updo is ultra sassy and sensual when paired with a pretty ruffled or floral dress. Simply take small sections of hair and twist them before pinning at the nape of your neck. Make sure that you leave some curls alone to hang softly around the face for added drama.

Instagram / @taylovesbombshell

#42: Inverted Bob for Curly Hair

Women with curls can embrace the natural body of their hair with an inverted bob. For curly hair it’s much more appealing than the average one-length bob that is chopped blunt above the shoulders. Here the back is stacked and more voluminous, while the front is longer and pretty in the way it frames the face.

Instagram / @hairbymadisonrenee

#43: Curly Messy Blonde Bob

Meant to be worn messy to appear effortlessly cool, like you’ve only just got out of bed, this curly bob looks seriously stylish. If you are not particularly fond of your natural curl pattern, all you have to do is work on small sections with a curling iron to shape some prettier curls.

Instagram / @alchemyorlando

#44: Messy Angelic Look

This ethereal hair style reminds us of everything we love about the seventies. To get this look, treat your curls to a defining cream and a leave-in conditioner and then let hair dry naturally, fluffing and separating curls as they dry.

Instagram / @raquelschair

#45: Long Highlighted Hairstyle with Spiral Curls

Tame your frizzy, uncontrollable spiral curls by wearing your mane long and adding highlights as a point of interest. Part to the side or off-centre for a less predictable look.

Instagram / @hannahhsnyderr

#46: Soft and Sexy Curls

When you have natural curls, styles like this can seem out of reach since frizz is so common with curly hair. It’s all about finding out what your hair truly wants. Infrequent washes along with products formulated with natural oils and nut butters can be life changing.

Instagram / @mustafabaturofficial

#47: Natural Braid Crown

Natural curly hairstyles can be challenging if your hair is ultra thick and coarse. Keep things under control with a fancy braid crown that shows off natural hair without letting it go wild. This throwback hairstyle has been popular with black women for generations – and with good reason.

#48: Curly Bob with Blonde Balayage Highlights

A dark, curly bob can be given an edgy and alternative look by throwing in some high contrast blonde balayage highlights. The stark color contrast might not be for the faint-hearted, but it doesn’t mean that it’s any less fabulous. All you need is confidence to rock it.

Instagram / @ringletts

#49: Extra Long Hairstyle for Curly Hair

If you’ve always dreamt of having mermaid-like tresses, this extra long hairstyle for curly hair is cool and quirky for the younger generation. Whether it’s your natural hair or an easy way to gain length – extensions – you’ll be attracting admiring glances!

Instagram / @lorietherrien

#50: Brown Curly Hairstyle with Blonde Highlights

If you’re searching for a curly style that is slightly different and more eccentric than the others, your best bet is to go for two contrasting colors, like this example of dark brown and light blonde. Less natural-looking, but still spectacular, it adds unbelievable dimension and flawless definition to your curls.

Instagram / @adri_alb

#51: V-Cut Long Curly Blonde Hairstyle

Long curly hair gives off a less voluminous appearance as your locks are pulled down by their natural weight. For a unique and fashion-forward style, choose a V-cut instead of a blunt chop. Tres chic.

Instagram / @jennifer.freesia

#52: Adorable Red Breezy Tresses

You believe the hands of a stylist have never touched these delightful locks. It’s rather a job of the sea breeze that shaped them into fantastic natural waves and the generous sun that charged them with exquisite brightness.

#53: Tousled Bronde

It looks like wind was playing with her hair: swept bangs to one side, disheveled the curls and even blurred the parting line. And the effect is stunning, as you can judge yourself.

#54: Curly Messy Medium Cut with Bangs

Are your curls full and fluffy? Do you think you look your best with curly bangs? Go for a layered cut that offers a rounded shape and freedom for your curls to show off their texture.

Instagram / @dayglowbimbo

#55: Chocolate Delight

Here the rich curls are forwarded on the face, framing it in a flirty manner. The rounded shape of this classy hairstyle in tandem with the broken curls and edgy contours look pretty harmonious and up-to-the-minute.

#56: Medium Loosely Curled Hairstyle with Highlights

Reminiscent of the 1980’s, big curly hair is making a comeback! The loco loose curls dance around the head and take on a life of their own. Softly highlighted with honey tones, each curl gently falls into one another. Go big, or go home!

Instagram / @jessicaevelym

#57: Elegant Loose Updo for Wavy Hair

Natural curly hairstyles that are accented with gorgeous highlights look very elegant when they are arranged in simple yet snazzy updos. The loose tendrils drape over the ears and eyes, while the rest is pulled backward to balance out this gentle wildness in the front. Think Charlize Theron in her breakout movie the Devil’s Advocate circa 1997.

Instagram / @renuhairstudio

#58: Curly Black Bob with Babylights

Revamp your shoulder length dark locks by incorporating babylights in a lighter hue. These will bring out texture and dimension of your hair for a beautiful, natural, sun-kissed look.

Instagram / @hairslaybytay

#59: Curly and Bold

When choosing a hair color, why stay mundane? Or commit to one color for that matter. Instead, go for some vibrant streaks of purple, pink and blue. Curly hair showcases highlights beautifully, but cute pops of color are even better.

#60: Bold Bandana Updo

Naturally curly hair is the best candidate for wearing bandanas. This easy style has an edgy, fresh feel to it that never fails to get noticed. To achieve this look, pin your hair up and wrap the bandana around your hairline, knotting it tightly to one side. Pull out a few locks for a messier look.

Well, that’s how you can rock your curly styles. If you are willing to try something new, make sure you will go to a professional stylist. Hair will grow back anyway, but it’s extremely important that you are happy with your cut and style right away, because we know: it’s going to make your day/week/month brighter.