We’ve got love for all the curly girls out there! Check out these amazing curly hair updos. Whether it’s your natural curl or you added it with a curling iron, we promise not to tell!
Stunning Curly Braided Bun
This glorious work of art is achieved by first creating curls that provide that immense depth and volume then holding them up in a big low bun. Finish by adorning it with a thick twist and a cute floral crown for a feminine curly hair updo.
Curly Low Braided Updo
If you’re looking to tuck up all your curly locks easily, braids are the chicest way to do it. This ‘do for curly hair can be as formal or casual and boho as you want!
Beautiful Curly French Twist
Hair stylist Stephanie created this attractive French twist updo with lots of texture that’s suitable for girls with medium hair. The texture and volume create the illusion of having lengthy hair while feeling lightweight at the same time.
Enhanced
Enhance your natural curls with this simple yet brilliant updo. Awesome for any occasion whether it be a date night or a casual walk out on the beach!
High Bun Updo
This updo is my ideal look. It’s impressive and effortless. The curls are noticeable, and it is very comfortable to wear. The most important thing when you create curls is to keep their shape for a long time, and wearing your hair up like this helps to retain the texture of the curls.
This curly up style will complement full and thick hair but it is also a great solution for thin hair. The processing of the hair and the volume create the illusion of full hair.
You have to take into account that the result is natural and effortless but it takes quite a bit of time to spray with hairspray each section of hair and then curl it. This process helps to hold the curls in place.
It is a great style for every woman who wants a clean, natural look and still feels like herself.
Twisted Buns
This is a voluminous braided chignon with expanded twists on curly hair.
My sweet bride wanted a clean and elegant upstyle with pretty details. I used Kenra Airgrip spray for texture. I found that this helped control any frizz from her natural curl. I took small sections on the top part of the head, created loose twists, and expanded them while securing them in a crisscross pattern.
I divided the bottom of the style into 3 braids, sprayed Puff Me onto each one and fanned them out to make them look really full, and secured them to create the low chignon look. I finished with Redken 32.
High Ponytail
This look is an effortless, voluminous textured ponytail – the perfect balance between an upstyle and a downstyle that showcases length while keeping hair out of the face. The loveliest thing about this look is that it feels wildly romantic, carefree, and feminine.
This style is so flexible, and once compete fairly low-maintenance and long-lasting.
I like the use of texture powder to achieve and maintain the look, as well as sea salt sprays and dry shampoo as a substitute for hairspray so it keeps that light and airy look.
I think curly updos are perfect for the woman who really loves that effortless unstructured style as opposed to the very “done” sleek and polished looks.
If you don’t have the length and volume naturally, clip-in extensions are a great cost-effective way to give you that little bit more hair to work with.
This can be achieved on most hair types with the right preparation!
Loose Curly Updo
This look is an undone romantic curly hair updo for women with naturally curly hair. It’s perfect for a naturally curly girl who is going to a fancy event but does not want to straighten her hair out and go through putting it up that way.
Curly updos are perfect for a girl who already has texture in her hair and wants something different for a formal event. This look can also be achieved for straight-haired girls by curling and adding texture then slowly raking the front to make a softer more romantic look to the hair.
Tucked Grecian Curls
This Grecian upstyle is not only great for a formal event, but my guest here also had dinner reservations! The silver bobby pins really brought it home for me. It gave some interest and dimension along with a relevant “Shabby Chic” look.
If you have curly or wavy hair already, perfect, you will save yourself some time and have yourself a great daily look. For those that can’t stand their frizzy curls on that second day, pinning your hair up can really be beautiful.
This curly updo was prepped with a triple barrel waver on pin-straight hair with my favorite KMS products!
ADD VOLUME liquid dust-blow dried into the hair to plump and give some grit.
THERMASHAPE 2 in 1 spray for heat protection and styling.
HAIR PLAY dry wax-for separation and added texture after we waved the hair, great for all curls.
Curly Low Bun Textured Twist
I would describe the style for this look as it being the option of being a formal or not formal style and I love that it has so much natural texture to it.
Make sure you have a good hairspray that holds down the curly flyaways. I prefer Kenra hairspray.
Also, pick elastics and bobby pins that match your hair color. This style keeps your hair out of your face with its secure twists and gives it a fun playful style to match your personality.
Romantic Curly Low Updo
I did the hair while working for Jewel Hair Design (@jewelhairdesign). I would describe this look as a sophisticated romantic low updo. I think my favorite thing about this style is that it truly embraces natural curls. We didn’t curl her hair at all except in a couple of places where there was a kink or a wonky end, but 95% of what you see is her natural texture, so I love that women can embrace the curls they were born with even in updos.
I also love how this style is very versatile. If someone wanted it to be more boho we could let a few tendrils down or we could make it tighter for something more structured. It has options.
This style is perfect for clients with naturally curly hair who want to love their curls on their big day. It’s a very secure style so it’ll be perfectly intact by the end of the evening even if she dances the night away.
As for products I used Kenra Smoothing Serum to unify and tame any fly-aways or frizz near the root, Kenra 25 Hairspray and once everything was in place, Kenra Shine Spray to give it a bit of a boost and catch everyone’s eye.
She has lighter pieces that help add dimension, but I always recommend my dark-haired brides to get a few highlights, even if its “milk chocolate” brown highlights to add dimension to a style. Otherwise, details can get lost.
Styling tools I used: 1″ curling iron from Pro Tools, Diane Teasing Comb, Olivia Garden Teasing Brush and Diane Bobby and Hair Pins. The accessory is from Hair Comes The Bride.
Prom Worthy Pinned Curls
I would describe this textured updo as a romantic, effortless style. My favorite thing about it is that it’s anything but effortless for the stylist! It’s a challenge! Pinning the curls in a specific way is very important in creating a soft, waterfall effect. Everyone’s head and hair are completely different, so a technique that worked for one person may not work for another.
For any formal style or updo, always come into the salon with dry, unwashed hair. Dirty hair is better, so go as many days as you are able to without washing your hair. Feel free to use dry shampoo during those days, it’ll help the teasing process for us! Don’t worry, us stylists will do the work of making your hair not look dirty for the big occasion.
For any curly-haired clients out there wanting an updo like this or very similar, expect to get your hair flat ironed before the curling begins! Unless you have perfect, structured curls we would prefer to smooth out your curls, and then curl with a curling iron to create a softer look without any frizz.
I personally think this style is perfect for any hair texture and density! The curls will allow thin, fine hair to appear fuller. A hair length that is between shoulder length to the middle of the back is more suitable for this updo. Any shorter and a bun would not be able to be created and any longer, the hair may be too heavy to give a nice hold.
Many young women turn towards this effortless updo because of the texture. It’s always a go-to for prom and weddings. It adds a little more “personality” than an elegant, sleek style would.
Effortless Curly Half Updo
I would describe this look as effortless, fun, and versatile.
My favorite thing about this hairstyle is that it doesn’t have to be perfect. It’s a hairstyle that looks like you might have put a lot of work into it, but it’s actually super easy! I also love that you can wear it casual, or fancy it up by adding some jewels or tiny flowers.
To me, the most important part of this hairstyle is the curls that you start with. This hairstyle works best with medium to thick, curly, or wavy hair. If you’re going to try this look with your natural curls, make sure you have enough product in your hair before starting, that way it doesn’t frizz and it’s easier to work with as you pin it up. You can try this style with freshly washed hair or second-day curls.
My client in the photo already had naturally curly hair, so when she came in I re-wet her hair with a spray bottle, applied mousse and a light serum, and dried it on low heat with a diffuser attachment.
If your hair is wavy with minimal curl, you could also touch up a few pieces with a small curling wand or curling iron before pinning up. Just make sure your curls are dry before pinning everything up!
For the next part, just pull the top half of your hair into a ponytail. Make sure to leave a few pieces out in the front for later. I like to divide the ponytail into two sections, twist each of them, and wrap them into a soft bun. Pin it very securely, you can always gently tug on your bun after it’s secured to loosen things a bit.
Touch up those pieces you left out in the front with a curling wand to give everything a softer look and you’re done! Finish off with a light hairspray. I like to use something with a soft hold so that the curls stay natural-looking and don’t feel sticky or hard. My favorite is Soy Touchable hairspray by Healthy Sexy Hair.
The most important thing to remember is that it doesn’t have to look perfect. The more effortless and soft it looks, the better!
Textured Curly Chignon
I love this look because it is full and effortless. The current upstyles at Ringletts Salon are softer and easier now. This look exemplifies the texture and simplicity that we embrace.
What is so great about this look is that it can be done on any texture from straight/fine hair to the most coiled curls with proper preparation and styling tools.
This look was created on a naturally curly girl.
We polished her with a gloss serum when dry, then twisted and molded the perfect shape into a very textured chignon.
Soft & Organic Natural Curls
I love working with curly hair! My client was attending her sister’s wedding and we decided to work with her natural curls. I love how soft and organic this looks.
If you plan on having a natural curly upstyle, a great way to prep your hair on the day of is to first wash or condition your hair. Use a curl cream or light gel to reduce frizz and twist small, inch by inch sections to form your curls while they are still wet. Make sure you diffuse your hair or have enough time for your hair to dry naturally before meeting with your stylist!
Tousled and Elegant Updo
This is a tousled and elegant updo that is perfect for the carefree, boho bride that allows the curls to do all the work. I absolutely adore how this style seems so effortless.
For this look, we started freshly washed curls that were co-washed with Aveda Be Curly CoWash. I styled with the BeCurly Style Prep and Curl Enhancer, along with a few spritzes of the Aveda Texture Tonic for volume and added texture. I dried her hair for same-day volume using my CurlyCo. diffuser. The diffusing allowed for her fine texture to have as much volume as possible with minimum teasing.
If someone wants to attempt this style, I would highly recommend spiral or corkscrew hairpins. They gather plenty of hair with minimal pins. Finishing this style with a bit of hairspray will definitely keep the flyaways at bay.
Romantic Chic Updo with Curls
This is a romantic chic updo. I love it because this is a type of look that looks so intricate, but it didn’t take forever to create. What I love most about it are the little curls that hang down in the front and the overall tousled texture that brings out the romantic feel.
To get this look, you should have a 2C or 3A curl type at about a medium length. Day two hair is great to give you a little more tousled and natural look, so a little frizz is GOOD!
If you’re the type who isn’t too high maintenance but loves to dress your hair up a bit, this is a great ‘do for you! Updos for curly hair medium-length, are romantic, trendy, and definitely easy to recreate.
Effortless & Natural
I love this look and would describe it as effortless and natural. Her hair was made for this style! I’m not a fan of forced updos, so when this fell into place it was meant to be.
My advice to someone who wants this style would be that they should have some natural texture. It could work with naturally straight hair, but it would take much more preparation to achieve this look.
Curls are fun and wild so if you were blessed with this hair texture, go with the flow of your hair’s natural desire.
Soft Updo for Tight Curls
This is a great upstyle for a bride, bridesmaid, or any special event.
What I love most about this look is the softness. By taking a small curling iron (one about the size of the curl pattern) to the client’s natural curl, we were able to create a more polished look without losing its authenticity.
To achieve this updo for curly hair, a curl-enhancing regimen of shampoo, conditioner and mousse was used. I love the Living Proof curl line because it works wonders for fine/density challenged hair such as this. Before curling, I layered Living Proof’s Dry Volume Blast and Control hairspray. If humidity is a factor, layer Living Proof’s Humidity Control as well.
To finish, I added another round or two of Control hairspray. TIP: Use more hair pins than bobby pins to achieve a softer look. They tend to not disrupt the curls as much either!
Being that I’m a believer in enhancing one’s natural beauty, I feel this look is a great and flattering option for naturally curly girls. The iron size should vary based on the curl pattern and the hair should always be wrapped around the barrel for a more authentic look.
The final product is in the details. By taking into account the client’s features and face shape, we created softness by framing her face with cheekbone-grazing curls and neck brushing tendrils.
Relaxed and Textured Messy Updo
This is a relaxed, textured updo. My favorite thing about it is that it’s a very versatile style. It can be worn simply by itself or you can add a number of accessories. You can try a band as pictured, a hair vine, small pins, or even fresh flowers would all suit this kind of updo.
This look was created by mainly using the client’s own natural curls. I used a combination of products including Redken All Soft Argan-6 Oil and Kenra Matte Texture Putty. I mixed the two and used it to define the curls.
My tips would be to not be too neat and structured when creating this style. It’s supposed to look effortless, as if it has been put up in a few minutes. Another tip is if you find you need to define the curls further, a small curling wand is a great tool. It curls the hair in a way that still gives a natural effect.
I recommend this hairstyle for anyone looking for a soft, relaxed style. It is suitable for a bride, adding fresh flowers and a veil, but equally suitable without accessories if you were going to dinner with friends.
Although this client has naturally curly hair, it can be created easily with a curling wand on most hair types. I’d recommend having shoulder length hair or longer. I think this look suits most face shapes because of the relaxed, tousled feel of the style.
Soft & Timeless Updo
I feel this look is a soft, romantic, and timeless updo that embraces her beautiful natural curls. It’s delicate yet elegant, and beautiful for a wedding or a graduation.
I love texture in upstyled hair because it adds such softness. I loved working with the hair vine as well. It was my first time using one and found it allowed so much room for creativity.
I asked her to come in with her natural curls dry and set with her usual curl cream. I love Redavid Orchid Oil and I used it to smooth over her dry hair. I also used Sexy Hair 450 Protect and wrapped each curl around a 1/2-inch curling iron, alternating directions.
I created a low bun as a cushion and pinned the ringlets into the base. I pinned in the vine in at the end and sprayed with shine spray.
This look is great for anyone with curly hair that would like to enhance their natural texture. It would be a great look for any formal occasion. It’s a perfect way for those who love to embrace their curls to feel elegant and still feel like themselves.
Romantically Braided Curly Updo
I would describe this look as a romantic curly hair updo. My favorite thing about it is how the curls give it a soft yet very elegant look.
Start off by prepping the hair with a light oil to get rid of flyaways and give the hair some shine. I used a small amount of the Bumble and bumble Hairdresser Invisible Oil. To finish, I set with a light hairspray so that the curls stay in place but don’t look crunchy or stiff. I used Bumble and bumble Does It All Hairspray with her because of she has fine hair, but you can always use something with a little more hold depending on the hair type.
What I love about this look is that it’s very versatile and any woman can wear it. It looks beautiful on any face shape. I always pin the hair around the face last so that I can frame the hair around the face to flatter each individual. This look is great for any formal occasion!
Curly Top Knot
This messy yet awesomely done high knot is surely an eye-candy! You can leave some of your soft curls down your face for a flirty vibe and a framing effect.
Curls ‘N Sheen
Glam curls combined with red highlights make this hairstyle one that you and all your friends will love!
How To Style:
- Work curl defining cream through towel dried hair.
- Blow dry hair completely using a dryer with a diffuser attachment. Make sure the dryer is on a low or medium heat setting.
- Backcomb hair near the scalp and just above the forehead area.
Smooth some hair from the hairline towards the back so the backcombing doesn’t show through. - Secure hair up and slightly to the side in a ponytail.
- Spray curl setting spray on hair that will be curled.
- Use a 1 or ¾-inch curling iron to add curls (or define your own) in the ponytail.
- Pin some curls near the base of the ponytail to hide the elastic.
- Spray with medium or high hold hairspray for all night hold.
Recommended Products:
Try Bed Head Foxy Curls Mousse which is an extreme curl mousse designed to condition and soften hair while maintaining shape and style!
Best Face Shape and Hair Type:
This style is best for those with oval, heart, round and square faces who have thick, naturally wavy or curly hair.
Messy Bun
Simple, natural, yet grand! This tousled hairdo is ideal for ladies who are not afraid to embrace their God-given gifts of beauty.
Subtle Side Curls
Softly defined curls are the perfect complement for this flowing style and two-toned blonde color!
How To Style:
- Work styling cream through towel-dried hair.
- Part hair to one side.
- Blow dry completely, smoothing with a paddle brush as you go.
- Add an inverted French braid about two inches away from your hairline. Begin the braid behind one ear, then work it over your head and down to the ends behind your other ear.
- Spray thermal heat protectant through the rest of your hair.
- Use a 1-inch barrel curling iron to add curls through the front of your hair, curling away from your face for a whimsical yet grown-up style.
- Use bobby pins to loosely secure hair to one side.
- Finish with a medium to high hold hairspray for style memory.
Recommended Products:
Try Healthy Sexy Hair Soy Touchable, which is a light hairspray that supplies hydration to nourish and repair hair while offering UV and heat protection.
Best Face Shape and Hair Type:
This hairstyle works best on naturally wavy or straight hair and those with an oval, square, diamond or heart shaped face.
Braid Bun
Start with creating loose braids and work your way around the nape, perfecting a bun that is fit for a goddess.
Curly French Twist
A beautiful upstyle on natural curly hair is all you need to slay the day. Play with your hair’s innate texture and definition for a marvelous result.
Sweet ‘N Simple
This style may look difficult, but it’s really all about simple weaving and pinning!
How To Style:
- Work styling cream through towel-dried hair.
- Part hair to one side.
- Blow dry hair completely.
- Starting in the middle back, use a 3/4 or 1-inch barrel curling iron to add curls throughout.
- Weave curls in and
