Thick curly hair is a crown that deserves to be flaunted, but it does come with its unique set of challenges—frizz and dryness being at the top of the list. Pro tip: Thick curly hair thrives when hydrated, so invest in a deeply moisturizing shampoo and conditioner. Ready to embrace the beauty of your curls? Here’s a curated list of 20 trendy and easy hairstyles to inspire your next look.
1. The Deep Side Part
Add instant drama and texture to your curls with a deep side part.
- How-To: On dry hair, apply a volumizing dry shampoo like Love Beauty and Planet Coconut Water & Mimosa Flower Dry Shampoo to freshen up your roots. Part your hair deeply on one side and brush through your curls for extra texture and volume.
2. Fishtail Braid
Give the classic braid a chic upgrade with a fishtail design.
- How-To: Divide your hair into two sections and weave them into a fishtail braid. Let it cascade over one shoulder for a romantic touch. Not sure how? Check out a quick tutorial to master this look in minutes.
3. Space Buns
Channel a playful ’90s vibe with double buns that celebrate your thick curls.
- How-To: Split your hair into two sections and create two high pigtails. Wrap each section into a messy bun for a casual, fun look.
4. Frohawk
A bold and edgy hairstyle that highlights your natural afro texture.
- How-To: Use your fingers and Dove Amplified Textures Shine & Moisture Finishing Gel to slick back the sides of your hair. Secure with bobby pins or statement hair clips to create the mohawk effect.
5. Two-Minute Half Updo
Effortless and flattering, this half-up style is perfect for any occasion.
- How-To: Section off the top half of your hair and secure it in a loose ponytail. It’s simple, stylish, and takes seconds to achieve.
6. Half-Up Top Knot
This hairstyle is perfect for when you’re torn between wearing your hair up or down.
- How-To: Pull the top section of your hair into a bun and secure it. Let the rest of your curls flow freely to add texture and volume.
7. Braided Low Ponytail
Combine elegance and practicality with a low ponytail enhanced by braids.
- How-To: Add two side braids to your hair before gathering it into a low ponytail. It’s a versatile style that transitions effortlessly from day to night.
8. Pineapple Updo
The perfect way to keep your curls fresh and stylish.
- How-To: Gather your hair into a loose, high ponytail atop your head. Let your curls spill over for a carefree yet chic look.
9. Long and Loose Layers
Showcase your thick curls with long layers that add movement and shape.
- How-To: Ask your stylist for long layers to free up your curls. Use a lightweight curl-defining mousse, like Suave Professionals Captivating Curls Mousse Cream, to keep them bouncy and frizz-free.
10. Braided Top Knot
A braided twist on the classic top knot that’s perfect for thick, curly hair.
- How-To: Braid a section of your hair before coiling it into a top knot. A dollop of TRESemmé Flawless Curls Defining Gel adds shine and hold.
11. Two-Tailed Braids
Simple and playful, this style is great for showcasing your natural texture.
- How-To: Create two small braids behind your temples and tie them together into a ponytail or leave them loose. Start with clean, hydrated strands for easy styling.
12. Voluminous Bob
Big, bouncy curls and a chic bob go hand-in-hand.
- How-To: Prep with Bed Head by TIGI Foxy Curls Mousse for volume, then blow-dry with a diffuser. Add a spritz of hairspray for long-lasting style.
13. Elevated Curly Afro
Turn heads with a high-volume afro that’s all about embracing your natural curls.
- How-To: Use a hair pick to tease your curls and create height and volume.
14. Curly Pixie with Bangs
A playful, low-maintenance cut that highlights your curls.
- How-To: Style with a lightweight serum gel like Suave Professionals Define & Shine Serum Gel for a glossy, defined finish.
15. Retro Curly Pixie
This vintage-inspired pixie cut is both chic and functional.
- How-To: Keep curls hydrated and styled with a leave-in conditioner for effortless charm.
16. Curly Shag
This layered cut enhances the natural texture of your curls.
- How-To: Use a detangling conditioner like Emerge My Mane BFF Leave-In Conditioner to keep your shag looking smooth and healthy.
17. Sharp Center Part
For a sleek and polished look, opt for a sharp middle part.
- How-To: Use a rattail comb to create a precise part. Pair it with well-moisturized curls for a striking finish.
18. Half-Up Style
Keep things simple yet stylish by pulling half your hair back.
- How-To: Gather the top section of your hair and secure it with a clip or elastic. It’s a quick way to tame thick hair while still showing off your curls.
19. Bombshell Waves
Go big with luscious, glamorous waves that exude confidence.
- How-To: Curl sections of your hair with a 1.5-inch curling iron, brush them out for volume, and lock them in place with a flexible hairspray.
20. Effortless Pineapple
Extend the life of your curls with this simple, protective style.
- How-To: Gather your curls at the crown of your head and secure with a scrunchie. This style keeps your hair manageable and shows off your texture.
21. Long Layers
Golden Hour Blonde
- Why It Works: Layers are a curly girl’s best friend, especially for long hair. They prevent curls from being weighed down and keep them looking lively and voluminous.
- Inspiration: Check out @natalieannehair on Instagram for golden blonde layers that add movement and dimension to long curls.
22. Long Shag
Get Shaggy with It
- Why It Works: Shag cuts are making a comeback, and they’re perfect for curly hair. This style by stylist Sal Salcedo (@salsalhair) features bold bangs and cascading layers, giving your curls a playful, edgy look.
23. Layered Center Part
Bouncy Layers for Mid-Length Curls
- Why It Works: A center part paired with plenty of layers adds bounce and body to mid-length curly hairstyles. This look by @jesseniaspallet is all about enhancing natural volume and texture.
24. Side-Parted Shoulder Cut
Classic and Chic
- Why It Works: A deep side part is an easy way to elevate shoulder-length curls. This cut, styled by @salsalhair, showcases effortless elegance while adding natural volume.
25. Bronde Medium Cut
Sun-Kissed Highlights
- Why It Works: Blend dark brown curls with golden blonde highlights for a “bronde” effect that adds dimension and warmth. This Pinterest favorite is perfect for reviving your ringlets.
26. Wispy Bangs
Soft and Bouncy
- Why It Works: Add wispy bangs to your curly hairstyle for a touch of softness. They effortlessly blend into face-framing curls, as seen in @natalieannehair’s stunning creations.
27. Long Layered Shag
Ginger Spice Elegance
- Why It Works: This modern shag, highlighted by @natalieannehair, is ideal for embracing natural curls while keeping length intact. It’s a fabulous option for those who love a bold, textured look.
28. Textured Medium Cut
Sunny Brunette Charm
- Why It Works: This textured medium-length cut by stylist Chris Greene (@chrisgreenehair) combines side-swept bangs with warm brunette tones, making it a versatile and chic option for everyday wear.
29. Deep Side Part with Layers
Effortless Glam
- Why It Works: Accessorize your curls with a few bobby pins to tame the sides while letting your natural volume shine. Layers help avoid the dreaded “triangle shape” for a more balanced silhouette.
30. Thick Mid-Length Curls
Shaggy Bangs for the Win
- Why It Works: For tighter curl patterns, layers and shaggy bangs create structure without sacrificing volume. This style by @leysahairandmakeup is proof that medium-length curls can still be dramatic.
31. Old Hollywood Glam
Curly Highlights and Deep Side Part
- Why It Works: Channel vintage vibes with voluminous curls and a deep side part. Highlight your natural texture with subtle balayage, as shown by @jaye_edwards.
32. Face-Framing Layers
Soft, Flattering Waves
- Why It Works: Even without a fully layered cut, adding face-framing curls enhances your features. This mid-length style by @natalieannehair is perfect for a touch of effortless elegance.
33. Full Bangs
Bold and Beautiful
- Why It Works: Pair collarbone-length curls with full fringe for a chic, dynamic look. Brunette tones tinged with golden blonde add extra dimension, making this style by @ouidad a standout.
34. Bouncy Layers
Volume Without Weight
- Why It Works: Achieve the perfect balance of volume and lightness with strategically placed layers. @bouncecurl shows how layers can create an airy, lively look for thick curly hair.
35. Face-Framing Waves
For the Wavy-Curly Hybrid
- Why It Works: If your texture is between wavy and curly, long layers are the ultimate face-framing solution. This style by @jasonvieira_hair is universally flattering and easy to maintain.
Whether you’re ready to rock wispy bangs, embrace a textured shag, or try out bold bouncy layers, these hairstyles prove that thick curly hair is as versatile as it is beautiful. Ready to transform your look? Try one of these styles today and celebrate your curls!
