If you’ve got naturally curly tresses, you know that updos for curly hair are the best hairstyles. Curls can be breathtaking when done right, but oftentimes a simple morning routine can demand too much time and attention. That’s where quick effortless updos come in. We’ve got 40 styles for you to try on frizzy or unmanageable second-day hair that often causes you so much stress.
Let’s check what is proper for you and your hair.
As a classic version of one of the oldest hairstyles for curly hair, this Grecian Goddess updo is sure to please! Long hair is gathered into a mid-level ponytail. All of the curls are wrapped and tucked, with a few left out spirals for detail. Add a metal olive branch and you ARE history!
This elegant curly updo is timeless. The goal is creating a series of curls which blend together for an effortless and a bit messy look. You can begin by gathering a whole lot of bobby pins. Start by taking small sections, tucking the ends and pinning to secure. The more pins the better!
Want a simpler take on curly updo hairstyles? This one is sure to be remembered as a Rembrandt-inspired updo. The front pieces are twisted and tucked back, while the top is styled with a bouffant and defined with a floral headband. The tiny ringlets drape down around the ears and neck. Use fresh flowers for the best accent.
This elegant bun is a suggested updo for those attending a wedding—brides, bridesmaids and guests alike. It’s one of the easiest styles of all time. Simply pull your hair into what could be a ponytail, but don’t follow-through. Instead, leave it as a bun and move the ends around the elastic to complete the style.
This loose updo is a great way to keep your hair in check, while looking a bit more dressed up in your yoga pants. Wear a fleece hoodie, and you’re all set! Technically. Make two side French braids with a half of your hair, and gather the rest into a loose bun underneath.
These low buns are a fun take on pin curls and a great way to twist your curly locks into a manageable set of knots. Take a section and first twist the hair, then loop it around into a loose bun. Leave some front pieces for the top detail, and you are set!
A modern and fashion-forward set of up hairstyles is coming onto the scene, and this is one of our favorites! It consists of thick curls, twisted rows of hair on the sides, and a peaked crown. It’s got height, volume, and attitude!
@mzbiancarenee Youtube/ BiancaReneeToday
This is the best evening style we’ve got! Make two horizontal French braids above the ears. Gather the mass of the curls at the base of the neck, pinning and tucking all of the loose ends, so it looks fluid. And there you have it…perfection!
Check out this carefully sculpted masterpiece! Save this sophisticated style for hair that refuses to cooperate on a time crunch. It’s perfect for a day when you’re running late to work and can’t fit in a hair wash before bolting out the door.
This updo works well on natural curls and naturally straight hair curled with a curling iron. For those with pin straight hair or lifeless waves, use a curling iron to form loose curls before styling. Divide your curls into 3 sections. Braid the central section loosely and make a bun out of the braid. Braid the side sections and wrap them around the central bun. You’ll come up with a perfectly complex-looking updo for any occasion!
When curled updos come to mind, do you automatically picture a redhead orphan (Annie, obviously) or some terrible 80’s perm? Not us. This classically beautiful coif is the epitome of classy, with a gentle crystal halo crown to make you really look like royalty.
@hairandmakeupbysteph
Judging by this soft, highlighted style, there’s no question that @rachelharris_hairmakeupbeauty has perfected the art of creating gorgeous curly updos. Start from curling your hair with a flat iron and then gently twist the curled sections bringing them towards the nape and pin. Leave a few front pieces to hang framing the face.
@rachaelharris_hairmakeupbeauty
Hairdos for curly hair are optimal for cute, eye-catching adornments, like this light orange rose that pops against the dark brown hair. Pulling the hair back, secure loosely shaping a sort of chignon. Highlight with a hairpiece, and voila!
@nicoledrege
Giving a sexy, modern edge to the classic messy, curly hair updos, @liz.colors blends dark, natural roots with funky blush pink lengths, curled and loosely pinned on the top of the head. The trick to this updo is, however, not taking too long to perfect your look in the morning, letting strands fall whichever way they naturally prefer.
@liz.colors
Call your fairy godmother, because this princess-inspired updo with an upside down tiara is one of the most charming updos for curly hair you can wear. Ideal for a wedding, party or other special event, we suggest keeping your makeup and outfit neutral, allowing your headpiece to be the belle of the ball.
@tatumraewetzel
No money for tickets to Coachella or Austin City Limits this year? No problem––we’ve got you covered. This super creative, ethereal style will transport you straight to any hippie music festival, with delicate flowers and stems making you a true fairy princess.
@prettyonarrival
One of the best aspects about having your curled hair worn up? The low-maintenance factor. This effortless, quick look can be achieved with a curling iron, volumizing mousse or spray and bobby pins.
@dustin.ki
Contrary to what your grandmother might’ve told to you when you were a little girl, curly bun updos don’t always have to make you look as if you’re headed to prom. As this fun, unicorn coloring and loose styling shows, buns can be funky, edgy and wild––but still retain just the right amount of class.
@leysahairandmakeup
More often than not, you tend to see hair done up with tight, spiral curls. Not the case for thick long hair, with the stunning look from @beautyandtheblush fusing soft, sweeping curls with the classy pinned style.
@beautyandtheblush
If you’re planning an evening out, sporting a sweet, loose top-bun is an absolute must. An especially flattering style for long thicker hair, it can also be done for medium length fine strands. Tease your hair at the roots to create the necessary height, and gather curls loosely on the crown, securing with pins and hairspray.
@elstile
When it comes to cute hairstyles for curly hair that are neither completely up nor quite down, look no further than this half-up, half-down princess hairdo by @joyahairdesign. Absolutely perfect for slightly undone bridal hair or for a special event like prom, this hairstyle has it all – a messy texture, loose curls, a fanned out braid and flirty bangs.
@joyahairdesign
Not all cute curly hairstyles are best suited for being at a bridal party or going to a special event. As this style from @hair_by_pelorossi exemplifies, curly hair can look low-key and wearable any day of the week. Add in some fun braids with bantu knots for extra cuteness.
@hair_by_pelerossi
Although it’s much easier to style curly hair up when you have longer strands, medium hair can certainly rock these styles too. This updo with fluffy curls and flyaways looks like a perfect bedhead ‘do for mid-length locks.
@melanie_hochairslayer
If you don’t like the unruliness of your curly hair, tame it with braids and tight ponytails. Hairstyles with curls like this one give you the benefits of curly texture yet allow for a more pulled together look that still retains that precious careless and playful touch. Move from lounging at the beach during the day to rocking out at an indie concert at night with the same fun updo.
@naomi_camille_
Searching for easy updos? Look no further than this sweetly styled, natural-looking large bun from @hair_by_pelerossi. Whether your hair is naturally curly or you need an iron to achieve curls, simply secure hair in a low bun, dressing it with bright-colored clips or flowers.
@hair_by_pelerossi
Although this curly bun looks quite difficult to achieve, it’s actually rather simple. Make two crown braids one under another and add a messy twist underneath. Pin everything in place and pull out some stray strands to enhance the messy feel of this cute disheveled updo.
@kellgrace
If you’re in the market for showy yet easy hairstyles for curly hair, we recommend this messy updo with fluffy curls and a headband braid from @hairbyhollyrenee. Although using your own hair is optimal for styles like these, it’s more than okay to reach for some extensions to amplify the volume of hair even more.
@hairbyhollyrenee
Perfect for transitioning from a daytime yoga session to a night out on the town, this braid-to-pony is the epitome of sporty chic. When you love your afro puff but want something a bit different for a change, this is an easy style to do yourself even if you can’t boast of some decent styling skills.
@modelesque_nic
Cute curly hairstyles can fall into being basic and repetitive pretty quickly. Not so with this dramatic hairdo, offering wild twist out curls in the front (that almost look like bangs) and tight side braids secured into buns at the back. Add chunky earrings to balance this intricate yet harmonious look.
@sashabasha2
Whether you’re on a first date, an interview or simply looking to switch up your everyday look, a curly updo like this is your best friend. Rock it like the princess you are with flirty tendrils framing your face.
@beautybylela
Looking for a formal, memorable style for your special day? This highlighted updo starts with pulling all of the hair up to the top of the head and creating a sculpted mass of curls that cascades forward. Hair glue will keep those rivers of strands in place in the back. The perfect blend of vintage and modern!
Finding updos for curly hair that are light and airy is a bit more difficult, especially when the curls tend to frizz. But this look manages to combat the frizz in the most graceful way. Thicker and thinner sections are twisted, pinned and complimented with a delicate floral headband.
Formal updos for curly hair are a challenge when looking for something sleek and pulled back, but most curls can be tamed with a serum. This bun is created by cutting the toe end of a tube sock off, rolling it up, threading a pony tail through and pinning the strands back down, over the sock.
This style is great for naturally curly hair because it accents the curls and gets them all off the neck to rest. Golden highlights pop on darker hair. Sleek the sides up and leave the top free. Position the curls down in front, and set yourself apart.
@mzbiancarenee Youtube/ BiancaReneeToday
A curled updo like this one takes a bit more effort, but the spring effect is so adorable and sexy! The all-over curl means you have a little bit of freedom to let them be free, but the spirals are tight enough to tame the frizz!
Styles for wavy hair (like this one) are so versatile that they can be worn formally or casually. This look takes a messy braid over the top of the crown, burying it in a loose bun at the base of the neck. A few strands are flying loose, giving it an airy feel.
An easy yet fashionable style, this one is made by creating a high top ponytail and then arranging the ends. Loose strands frame the face, and the front sports pretty pompadour bangs that accent the height of the top curls. Ready, set, go!
One of the most inventive updos for curly hair here is this high pile of tiny spirals. A few highlighted curls brighten up the look and give it a ton of visual texture. Pile all your curls up high to get the height you’ve always dreamed of!
This may look complex, but it’s actually quite simple. Start with the top, take chunks along the sides, twist them until you have short ends and pin at the back. Repeat for the other side to create this fun and flirty look that can go from jeans to a dress in a snap!
This is a very doable style for short hair. Take sections from each side up, twisting them and securing with bobby pins. Work your way vertically down and don’t shy away from imperfections. The natural look of your fauxhawk updo will only raise its style points.
Updos can be used for formal outings or just a casual day when your hair won’t cooperate. Don’t hesitate to try one of these the next time you have a party to go to or your natural curls are giving you a hard time.
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