If you ask us, there is almost nothing more beautiful than letting curly strands hang freely. However, there are occasions and outfits where you need to put your curls up in style, and it’s undeniable that updos for curly hair look gorgeous. Whether you’re pressed for time in the morning or you want to add an elegant touch to your hair, updos are the perfect way to glam up your look. And the best part is that there are plenty of hairstyles with natural curls that are quite easy to recreate. All you need to create a curly hair masterpiece are some hair ties and bobby pins. Here we will show you 12 beautiful and simple hairstyles that will beautifully show off your natural curls and at the same time keep your hair out of your face.
1. pineapple hairstyle
Curly heads take note! You may already know that the pineapple hairstyle is one of the best ways to keep your curls overnight? Well, this hairstyle can be worn beautifully during the day as well. It is a great way to keep your strands out of your face and also accentuate your facial features. No wonder it tops our list of hairstyles with natural curls.
The pineapple look works best with medium to shoulder-length hair
To do this hairstyle, you should start with dry hair. If your hair is wet, the hair tie may leave marks. For example, the look is perfect for the second day after washing your hair.
First, refresh your locks with some hair oil and apply some dry shampoo to the roots as needed. Then pull all your hair up to the front of your head and secure it with a hair tie or scrunchie. Fluff your curls so they hang over your forehead, and your styling is done.
If you’ve always wondered what natural curls would look like with bangs, this updo is for you. With this method, you can conjure up fake bangs in no time.
Hairstyles with natural curls – 2. Bantu Knots
Bantu knots are not only a popular protective hairstyle for curls against overnight friction, but they also make a great easy updo for curly hair!
Bantu knots are a traditional African hairstyle that has been around for over 100 years. “Bantu” is a broad term that refers to the 300 to 600 ethnic groups in southern Africa that spoke the Bantu language, according to the South Africa History Organization (SAHO). In this hairstyle, the hair is separated, twisted and coiled so that it piles up into a spiral knot.
Today, the hairstyle has been reinvented in several ways. Bantu Knots are worn with pride by African women of certain cultural groups and are passed down from generation to generation. Of course, as happens too often in the fashion industry, the hairstyle has been worn on runways by almost exclusively white models and non-black celebrities, renamed “twisted mini-buns,” and magazines have even credited these non-black people as inventors of the style or listed it as a “new” trend (e.g., by the Kardashian and Jenner clan.) In fact, today there are still many people who see Swedish singer Bjork as the person who brought the style back in the ’90s.
Here’s how Khloe Kardashian and Katy Perry wear the Bantu Knots.
The problem with this lack of recognition for the black community is simple and Ebony magazine called it “Columbusing” in reference to sources giving credit to the wrong people. This essentially means that a white person is trying to take credit for discovering something that already existed. Often when black women have traditionally worn black hairstyles, it’s written off as “unprofessional” or “ghetto,” but when white women do it, it’s suddenly fashionable or a “new” trend. So anyone who wants to try this hairstyle should know and respect its origin and meaning.
Variation of the Bantu knot for half-open hair
The traditional Bantu knot hairstyle may seem quite playful for everyday wear, but here is a simple variation for a semi-open curly hairstyle. And the best part? It only takes about 10 minutes to recreate.
- Start with dry hair, preferably even on the second day after shampooing.
- With a handle comb, divide the hair into two sections.
- Then divide the hair on one half of the head into four sections.
- Start twisting the first strand counterclockwise. Once the hair is neatly twisted in, twist it into a small snail at the base of the head and secure it with a hair tie at the base of the head.
- Then continue with the other three strands. It is important that the hair is twisted in tightly. Tuck the end of the hair firmly into the lower part of the twisted hair.
Beautiful side hairstyle for natural curls
3. messy bun – loose chignon hairstyle with curls.
When it comes to simple updos for curly hair, messy bun is the absolute favorite of many women. Equal parts casual and chic, this hairstyle makes it easy to keep your hair out of your face while making a stylish statement. Not to mention, this updo is perfect for almost any occasion and flatters all face shapes. Check out our article “Messy Bun Hairstyles” for step-by-step instructions.
The updo can be wonderfully spiced up with a hair clip
Do you love updos with a sparkly touch? A high chignon with a jeweled barrette is the way to go. Once you’ve conjured up your messy bun, place the hair jewelry wherever you like – at the back of the head, on the side or even at the top in front of the chignon.
High chignon with barrette
4. high puff
One of the best updo hairstyles for thick, curly hair is the high puff. This hairstyle is ideal especially for curly hair types 3C and 4A as it shows off frizzy hair beautifully. Simply tie the curls together on top of the head to create a pretty fluffy cloud. Use an afro pick to loosen up your puff.
The high-puff hairstyle is one of those quick and easy hairstyles that can save a bad hair day. It is a great option as a chic updo or can be used as a perfect solution for hot summer days to keep your curls out of your face and prevent them from rubbing against your skin.
5. loose hairstyles with natural curls – low bun with loose strands falling out.
The low bun with loose strands in the front simply cannot be missing in our list of easy hairstyles with natural curls. This hairstyle is an excellent choice if you are looking for a practical idea with a flirty vibe, and will take your look to a whole new level.
Pull a parting in the middle or on the side. Then, using your fingers, part off a 2cm section along the hairline and pin it away with a barrette. Gather the remaining strands at the nape of your neck and form a ponytail. Wrap the length of the ponytail around the base to form a chignon and secure it with a hair clip. Loosen the front part of your hair and let the curly strands frame your face. Voila!
6. messy ponytail – ponytail hairstyles with natural curls.
Believe it or not, casual, loose hairstyles are all the rage in the beauty world. Besides updos, messy ponytails are the hottest style for long curly hair. This voluminous cool-girl hairstyle is also very versatile – you decide how high you want to tie the ponytail. It is also important that you create enough volume at the hairline.
Cover the hair band with a wide strand or a pretty scarf
7. half-up ponytail – half-open hairstyle with curls and high ponytail.
If you’re in the mood for nostalgia, the half-up ponytail is a stylish trip down memory lane. While this 90s hairstyle was combined with colorful hair accessories in childhood, the adult version gives off a cool, minimalist vibe. Stars like Rihanna and J.Lo like to wear the half-high ponytail even on the red carpet.
J.Lo also wears the hairstyle in the video for the song “Love don’t cost a thing”, which was a total hit in the 90s
The ponytail hairstyle with curls of Rihanna
To the blond mane of Khloe Kardashian a golden hair clip fits wonderfully
8. bubble ponytail
As much as we love ponytails that we can create in a jiffy, every now and then it’s nice to spice up the simple hairstyle with something more complicated. Bubble braids, for example, are a great idea for curly girls with long hair, because it emphasizes your curly texture while adding a modern touch to your look. In other words, it’s exactly what you need to stand out from the crowd. You can find all the details in our article “Bubble Braids Hairstyles”.
The hairstyle is also perfect for little girls with frizzy hair
9. faux hawk – cool curly hairstyle for medium length hair.
Are you ready to express your inner rock star? The faux hawk hairstyle makes it possible! This hairstyle is a nice change for those who love a daring style, and it won’t disappoint you. You can find more inspiration in our article “Styling Faux Hawk”.
Instructions for Fohawk hairstyle with curls.
- Start with dry hair.
- Gather the front section of hair and form a triangle. Its tip should be on the middle of the head. Tie the hair at the top of the head into a ponytail.
- Tie the middle section of hair (that is, from the ears forward) into a ponytail as well.
- Continue with the third section, leaving some hair open at the nape of the neck.
- Take the leftover hair, twirl the strand and fix it at the nape of the neck with a hair clip.
- Use an afro comb to comb the hair for more volume.
10. Messy French Twist
Give your curly updo a Parisian flair with the French twist. The French twist is known as a timeless classic that is perfect for any occasion. It is a flattering option that you simply cannot resist. The best part is that although the hairstyle looks a bit difficult, it is actually one of our favorite updos for curly hair.
French twist with hair comb
To do the hairstyle, first tousle the front part of your hair to create more volume at the roots. Then, comb your hair back loosely with your fingers and roll the ends vertically towards your head. Once you reach the roots, pin the hair in place. The hairstyle is also super easy to create with a hair comb.
11. Halo Braid – Beautiful braided hairstyle for natural curls.
If you are looking for a festive braided hairstyle with curls, you can try the Halo Braid. This braided updo hairstyle looks very elegant and will perfectly complement an off-shoulder dress. The braid beautifully sets off the face and gives a playful and sweet look to any look.
How to make the Halo Braid
12. half open braided hairstyle with curls
Would you like to wear your curly hair open, but the front strands are driving you crazy? You can braid your hair away from your face with two Dutch braids. The best part is that this chic hairstyle will still show off your curls. For more ideas, check out our article “Braiding your bangs away”.
