Hairstyles with natural curls: 12 beautiful ideas for curly hair
If you ask us, there is almost nothing quite like letting curly strands hang freely. However, there are occasions and outfits that require you to ply your locks up in style and it is undeniable that updos for curly hair look gorgeous. Whether you are pressed for time in the morning or want to add an elegant touch to your hair, updos are the perfect way to refine your look. And best of all, there are a variety of hairstyles with natural curls that are very easy to recreate. All you need to create a curly hair masterpiece are a couple of hair ties and bobby pins. Here we show you 12 beautiful and simple hairstyles that will bring out your natural curls wonderfully while keeping your hair out of your face.
1. Pineapple – The pineapple hairstyle
Curly heads watch out! You may already know that the pineapple hairstyle is one of the best ways to keep your curls in place overnight? Well, this hairstyle can also be worn wonderfully during the day. It’s a great way to keep your strands off your face and also to accentuate your facial features. No wonder she tops our list of hairstyles with natural curls.
The pineapple look works best on medium to shoulder length hair
To do this hairstyle, you should start with dry hair. If your hair is wet, the hair tie can leave marks. The look is perfect e.g. for the second day after washing your hair.
First, freshen up your curls with some hair oil and apply some dry shampoo to the roots as needed. Then pull all of your hair up to the front of your head and secure it with a hair elastic or scrunchie. Fluff your locks 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 at all.
Hairstyles with natural curls – 2. Bantu Knots
In addition to being a popular protective hairstyle for curls against overnight friction, Bantu knots are also great as an 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, according to the South Africa History Organization (SAHO), refers to the 300 to 600 ethnic groups in southern Africa who spoke the Bantu language. In this hairstyle, the hair is separated, twisted, and wrapped so that it piles up in a spiral bun.
Today the hairstyle has been reinvented in a number of ways. Bantu knots are worn with pride by African women of certain cultural groups and are passed on from generation to generation. Of course, as happens too often in the fashion industry, the hairstyle has been worn on catwalks by almost exclusively white models and non-black celebrities, renamed “twisted mini-buns” and magazines have even recognized these non-black people as the inventors of the style or listed it as a “new” trend (e.g. from the Kardashian and Jenner clan.) In fact, there are still many people today who see the Swedish singer Bjork as the person who brought the style back in the 90s.
Khloe Kardashian and Katy Perry wear the Bantu knots
The problem with this lack of appreciation for the black community is simple, and Ebony magazine called it “Columbusing” in relation to sources giving credit to the wrong people. What this essentially means is that a white person is trying to get the glory for discovering something that already existed. Often when black women traditionally wore black hairstyles it is written off as “unprofessional” or “ghetto”, but when white women do it it is suddenly fashionable or a “new” trend. So anyone who wants to try this hairstyle should know and respect its origin and meaning.
Variant of the Bantu knot for half-open hair
The traditional Bantu knot hairstyle may seem quite playful for everyday life, but here is a simple variant for a half-open curly hairstyle. And the best part about it? It only takes about 10 minutes to do it.
- Start with dry hair, preferably even on the second day after shampooing.
- Using a stick comb, divide the hair into two sections.
- Then, on one half of the head, divide the hair into four sections.
- Start twisting the first strand counterclockwise. As soon as the hair is neatly twisted in, it is twisted into a small snail at the base of the head and fixed with a hair elastic at the base of the head.
- Then continue with the other three strands. It is important that the hair is twisted in tightly. Pin the end of your hair firmly into the lower part of the twisted hair.
Nice side hairstyle for natural curls
3. Messy Bun – Loose bun hairstyle with curls
When it comes to easy updos for curly hair, the messy bun is the absolute favorite of many women. Casual and chic at the same time, this hairstyle makes it easy to keep your hair off your face while making a stylish statement. Not to mention the fact that this updo goes with just about any occasion and flatters all face shapes. You can find step-by-step instructions in our article “Messy Bun Hairstyles”.
The updo can be spiced up wonderfully with a hair clip
Do you love updos with a sparkling touch? A high bun with a jeweled hair clip is for you. As soon as you have conjured up your messy bun, place the hair accessories wherever you want – on the back of the head, on the side or in front of the bun.
High bun with clasp
4. High puff
One of the best updos for thick, curly hair is the high puff. This hairstyle is especially ideal for curls types 3C and 4A as it shows off frizzy hair wonderfully. The curls are simply tied up on top of the head to form a pretty fluffy cloud. Use an afro pick to loosen up your pouf.
The high puff hairstyle is one of those quick and easy hairstyles that can save a bad hair day. It’s a great option as a chic updo or can be used as the perfect solution for hot summer days to keep your curls off your face and prevent them from rubbing against your skin.
5. Loose hairstyles with natural curls – deep bun with strands falling out
The low bun with loose strands in the front simply cannot be missing in our list of simple hairstyles with natural curls. An excellent choice if you’re looking for a practical idea with a flirtatious vibe, this hairstyle will take your look to a whole new level.
Make a parting in the middle or on the side. Then use your fingers to part a 2 cm section along the hairline and tuck it away with a hair clip. Gather the remaining strands at the nape of the neck and form a ponytail. Wrap the length of the ponytail around the base to form a bun and secure it with a bobby pin. Loosen the front section of your hair and let the curly strands frame your face. Voilà!
6. Messy Ponytail – ponytail hairstyles with natural curls
Believe it or not, casual, loose hairstyles are all the rage in the beauty world. In addition to 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 headband with a wide strand or a pretty scarf
7. Half-up Ponytail – Half-open hairstyle with curls and a high ponytail
If you’re in the mood for nostalgia, the half ponytail is a stylish trip back in time. While this 90s hairstyle was combined with colorful hair accessories in childhood, the adult version exudes 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 from Rihanna
A golden hair clip goes wonderfully with the blonde mane of Khloe Kardashian
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 as they accentuate your curly texture while adding a modern twist to your look. In other words, it’s exactly what you need to stand out from the crowd. You can find all 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 happen! A nice change of pace for anyone who loves a bold style, this hairstyle won’t disappoint. You can find more inspiration in our article “Style 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 center of your head. Tie the hair at the top of your head in a ponytail.
- Also tie the middle section of hair (from the ears forward) in a ponytail.
- Proceed to the third section, leaving some hair open at the nape of the neck.
- Take the leftover hair, twirl the strand and secure it at the nape of the neck with a bobby pin.
- Comb the hair with an afro comb for 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’s a flattering option that you just can’t resist. Best of all, while the hairstyle looks a little tricky, it is actually one of our favorite updos for curly hair.
French twist with a hair comb
To do the hairstyle, first tease the front section of hair to create more volume at the roots. Then comb your hair loosely backwards with your fingers and roll the tips vertically towards your head. Once you get to the base, pin the hair in place. The hairstyle is also super easy to create with a hair comb.
11. Halo Braid – Beautiful braid hairstyle for natural curls
If you are looking for a festive braid hairstyle with curls, you can try the Halo Braid. This braided updo looks very elegant and will complement a strapless dress perfectly. The braid sets the face wonderfully in scene and gives every look a playful and sweet charisma.
This is how the halo braid is made
12. Half-open braid hairstyle with curls
Would you like to wear your curly hair down, but the front strands are driving you crazy? You can braid your hair away from your face with two Dutch braids. Best of all, this chic hairstyle still shows off your locks. You can find more ideas in our article “Braiding away the pony”.
