If you ask us, there's almost nothing better than letting curly strands hang freely. However, there are occasions and outfits that require you to put your curls up in style and it is undeniable thatUpdos for curly hairlook beautiful. Whether you're pressed for time in the morning or want to add an elegant touch to your hair, updos are the perfect way to elevate your look. And the best thing is that there are a variety of hairstyles with natural curls that are easy to recreate. All you need to create a curly hair masterpiece are a few hair ties and bobby pins. Here we show you 12 beautiful and easy hairstyles that will beautifully show off your natural curls while keeping your hair out of your face.
1. Pineapple – The pineapple hairstyle
Attention curly haired people! 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 too. It's 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 on 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. The look is perfect for the second day after washing your hair, for example.
First, refresh 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 tie or scrunchie. Fluff your curls so they hang over your forehead and your styling is complete.
If you've always wondered howNatural curls with bangswould look like, this updo is just right for you. With this method you can create fake bangs in no time.
Also read:Pineapple Hairstyle for Curls: Cool hairstyle idea for women of all ages with curly hair
Hairstyles with natural curls – 2. Bantu Knots
Bantu knots are not only a popular curl protection style 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 who spoke the Bantu language, according to the South Africa History Organization (SAHO). In this hairstyle, the hair is sectioned, twisted, and wrapped so that it piles up into a spiral bun.
Today the hairstyle has been reinvented in various ways. Bantu Knots are worn with pride by African women from certain cultural groups and passed down from generation to generation. Of course, as happens too often in the fashion industry, the hairstyle was worn on runways by almost exclusively white models and non-black celebrities, renamed "twisted mini buns" and magazines even credited these non-black people as the inventors of the style or listed it as a "new" trend (e.g. by the Kardashian and Jenner clan.) In fact, there are still many people today who see Swedish singer Bjork as the person who brought the style back in the '90s.
This is 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 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 Bantu knots for half-open hair
The traditional Bantu knot hairstyle may seem pretty playful for everyday wear, but here is a simple variation for a half-up curly hairstyle. And the best part? It only takes about 10 minutes to recreate.
- Start with dry hair, ideally even on the second day after shampooing.
- Use a tail comb to divide the hair into two sections.
- Then divide the hair on one half of your head into four sections.
- Start twisting the first strand counterclockwise. As soon as the hair is twisted properly, it is twisted into a small coil at the base of the head and secured at the base of the head with a hair tie.
- Then we continue with the other three strands. It is important that the hair is twisted 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 bun hairstyle with curls
When it comes to easy updos for curly hair, the messy bun is many women's absolute favorite. 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 suits almost any occasion and flatters all face shapes. In our article “Messy Bun Hairstyles” you will find step-by-step instructions.
The updo can be wonderfully spiced up with a hair clip
Do you love updos with a sparkling touch? A high bun with a jeweled hair clip is the way to go. Once you've created your messy bun, place the hair accessory wherever you want - at the back of the head, on the side or at the top in front of the bun.
High bun with clip
4. High Puff
One of the best updos for thick, curly hair is the high puff. This hairstyle is particularly ideal for curl types 3C and 4A as it beautifully shows off frizzy hair. The curls are simply tied up at the top of the head to form a pretty fluffy cloud. Use an Afro pick to loosen your puff.
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 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 strands falling out
The low bun with loose strands in the front simply cannot be missing from 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 appeal and will take your look to a whole new level.
Part your hair in the middle or on the side. Then use your fingers to separate a 2cm wide section along the hairline and tuck it away with a hair clip. Gather the remaining strands at the nape of your neck and form a ponytail. Wrap the length of the ponytail around the base to create a bun and secure with a bobby pin. Loosen the front section 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 hairstylesare very trendy in the beauty world. In addition to updos, messy ponytails are the most popular 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 hairband with a wide strand or a pretty scarf
7. Half-up Ponytail – Half-up hairstyle with curls and a high ponytail
If you're feeling nostalgic, the half-up ponytail is a stylish trip down memory lane. While this '90s hairstyle was paired 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-up 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 huge hit in the 90s
Rihanna's ponytail hairstyle with curls
A gold hair clip goes wonderfully with Khloe Kardashian's blonde mane
8. Bubble Ponytail
As much as we love ponytails that we can create in a snap, 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 they accentuate 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! A nice change for those who love a daring style, this hairstyle will not 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 in the middle of the head. Tie the hair on top of your head into a ponytail.
- Also tie the middle section of hair (i.e. from the ears forward) into a ponytail.
- Continue with the third section, leaving some hair open at the nape of your neck.
- Take the remaining hair, twist the strand and secure it at the nape of your neck with a hair clip.
- Use an Afro comb to comb the hair for more volume.
10. Messy French Twist
Add a Parisian flair to your curly updo 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. 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 tease the front section of 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 looks very elegant and will perfectly complement an off-shoulder dress. The braid highlights the face beautifully and gives every look a playful and sweet look.
This is how the halo braid is done
12. Half-open braided hairstyle with curls
Would you like to wear your curly hair down, but the front strands are driving you crazy? Two Dutch braids allow you to braid your hair away from your face. Best of all, this chic hairstyle still shows off your curls. For more ideas, see our article “Pony away“.