30 Stunning Curly Natural Hairstyles to Try Right Now
Your natural curls are your crown, and it’s time to show them off! Whether you have tight coils, loose waves, or something in between, there’s a perfect style waiting for you.
From sleek ponytails to bold mohawks, protective cornrows to romantic half-up styles, curly hair offers endless ways to express yourself. These 30 looks will help you embrace your texture while keeping your hair healthy and gorgeous.
Ready to fall in love with your curls all over again? Let’s explore some stunning options that work for every curl type and occasion.
Must-Have Items
1 Gel-Free Ponytail
Ponytails work great with curly hair, and you don’t need any gel to make them look good. Your natural texture gives the style plenty of volume and bounce on its own.
Pull your curls back loosely and secure with a hair tie. Let some pieces frame your face for a softer look. The key is working with your curl pattern instead of fighting it.
Your curls will add movement and interest that straight hair can’t match. Plus, you’ll save time and money by skipping styling products.
2 Curly Mohawk Style
Mohawks look amazing on curly hair. Your natural texture adds softness and body that straight hair just can’t match.
The shaved sides make your curls the star of the show. You get that edgy vibe without looking too harsh or rough around the edges.
Curly mohawks work great for any curl pattern. Tight coils create bold volume, while loose waves give you a softer rock-and-roll feel. Either way, you’ll turn heads wherever you go.
3 Fringe Curly Style
Fringe curls bring a fresh twist to your natural texture. The soft curls frame your face while adding movement and bounce to your overall look.
You can wear this style for casual days or dress it up for special events. The key is letting your curls fall naturally around your forehead while keeping the rest styled to your liking.
Add some curl cream to damp hair and scrunch gently. Let air dry for the best results, or use a diffuser on low heat if you’re in a hurry.
4 Wand Curl Technique
Curling wands give you bouncy spirals while keeping your natural length intact. The side part adds extra charm and shows off your hair’s healthy shine.
Your scalp stays happy with this low-touch style. Simply wrap sections around the wand, hold for a few seconds, then release for soft, defined curls.
The best part? You avoid pulling and tugging that can damage your strands. Your hair gets a break while still looking polished and put-together.
5 Two Strand Twists
Two strand twists work great on any curl length, from short crops to long locks. You just need your natural hair and maybe some leave-in cream.
Want to grow out a relaxer? Two strand twists help hide that awkward line where your natural texture meets processed hair. They’re also super low-key to keep up.
The best part? You can rock them for days, then unravel for soft waves. It’s like getting two styles in one simple technique that won’t stress your strands.
6 Straw Curl Method
Drinking straws aren’t just for sipping your favorite drink anymore. The straw curl method turns regular plastic straws into curl-making magic wands for your natural hair.
Wrap small sections of damp hair around straws, then let them dry overnight. You’ll wake up with bouncy, defined curls that last for days. The best part? You can adjust the curl size by choosing thicker or thinner straws.
Your curls will hold their shape much longer than other methods. Plus, you can switch up your style by wearing them loose, pulled back, or pinned up for different looks throughout the week.
7 Accessorized Afro Curls
Afro curls get a major style boost with the right accessories. Hair bands, scarves, and clips turn your natural texture into a fashion statement.
The best part? You can switch up your look without changing your hair. Try a colorful headband for casual days or metallic clips for nights out.
Your curls stay healthy while you experiment with different vibes. Plus, you’ll spend way less time in the salon chair since accessories do all the work for you.
8 Bantu Knot Curls
Bantu knots give you gorgeous curls without any heat damage. Just twist small sections of damp hair into tight knots and let them dry overnight.
When you take the knots out, you’ll have bouncy spiral curls that last for days. The tighter you make the knots, the smaller your curls will be.
Apply leave-in conditioner to damp hair before creating the knots. Your curls will come out softer and more defined. Plus, your hair stays healthy since you’re skipping the hot tools completely.
9 4C Short Curls
Short 4C hair brings its own magic with defined spiral curls that frame your face beautifully. The tight curl pattern creates natural volume and texture without much effort.
You can wake up, fluff your curls, and walk out the door looking put-together. A light leave-in conditioner keeps your curls soft and bouncy all day.
The best part? Your morning routine takes just minutes. Scrunch in some curl cream while damp, let it air dry, and you’re ready to go.
10 Basic Natural Curls
Natural curls are your hair’s gift to you. No heat tools, no fancy products, no hours spent styling – just wash and go.
Your hair already knows what to do. The curl pattern you were born with is beautiful on its own. Many people with African heritage have gorgeous natural curls that need minimal work to look amazing.
Want an easy morning routine? Let your natural texture shine. A little leave-in conditioner and you’re ready to face the day. Your curls have their own personality and bounce that can’t be copied.
11 Colored Afro Curls
Adding color to your afro curls brings instant life and personality to your natural hair. Bold hues like purple, blue, or red make your curls stand out and turn heads wherever you go.
You don’t need to bleach your entire head either. Try highlights, lowlights, or just color the tips for a fun pop. Even subtle shades like honey blonde or copper can make your curls look richer and more vibrant.
The key is picking colors that work with your skin tone. Warm colors like gold and auburn suit most people, while cool tones like silver or blue work great on darker hair.
12 Cornrow Curly Style
Braided cornrows paired with natural curls create a stunning look that works for any event. The contrast between sleek braids and bouncy curls adds visual interest without being too busy.
You get the best of both worlds – neat braided sections that keep hair manageable, plus gorgeous curls that show off your natural texture. The style is simple enough for daily wear but polished enough for special occasions.
The braided parts help control your hair while letting your curls shine. It’s a go-to choice when you want something that looks put-together but still feels relaxed and natural.
13 Curly Pompadour Style
The pompadour gets a fresh twist with natural curls. Your hair’s volume works perfectly for this classic look.
Start by pushing your curls up and back from your forehead. Keep the sides neat while letting the top stay full and bouncy.
Use a light cream to define your curls without weighing them down. The key is balance – you want height without looking too formal.
Perfect for: Work meetings, date nights, or any time you want to look put-together with minimal effort.
14 Deep Side Part
Want to switch up your usual part? A deep side part adds instant style to your curls without much effort.
Split your hair far to one side instead of down the middle. Your curls will fall in a fresh new way that looks polished and put-together.
Short curly hair works best for this look, and it helps protect your strands too. You can wear it to work, on dates, or anywhere you want to look a bit more dressed up than usual.
15 Curly High Bun
High buns work perfectly with natural curls and give you that effortless put-together look. Just gather your curls up high and secure them loosely to keep that bouncy texture.
Leave some curls loose around your hairline to frame your face nicely. The best part? You can do this style in under five minutes using just a hair tie and maybe a few bobby pins.
Your natural curl pattern does most of the work for you, so there’s no need for heat or fancy tools. It’s a go-to style that works for both casual days and dressier events.
16 Simple Cornrows
Cornrows don’t have to be fancy to look amazing. You can keep them basic and still turn heads wherever you go.
Start with clean, slightly damp hair for the best grip. Part your hair into straight lines and braid each section close to your scalp. The key is keeping your braids neat and even.
Simple cornrows work great for busy days when you want to look put-together without much effort. They protect your curls while giving you a sleek, timeless look that never goes out of style.
17 Sleek Heat Curls
Want curls that look salon-perfect? Heat styling gives you those smooth, polished curls that catch the light beautifully.
A curling iron or wand works best for this look. The heat helps lock in that glossy finish that makes your curls pop.
Don’t have heat tools? Try two-strand twists on damp hair. Let them dry completely, then gently separate for bouncy curls with natural shine.
18 Side Part Deep Curls
Side parts work magic on deep curls, giving you that classic, polished look without much effort. The part adds structure while letting your natural texture shine through.
Your curls fall beautifully to one side, creating volume and movement that frames your face perfectly. It’s a timeless style that works for any occasion.
The best part? Your hair stays in great shape because you’re working with its natural pattern instead of fighting against it. Just part, fluff, and go.
19 Kinky Curl Styles
Kinky curls bring bold texture and stunning volume to your natural hair. These styles work beautifully for thick, coily hair types that want to embrace their natural pattern.
The best part? Kinky curl styles are super easy to maintain. You can twist them into a high bun for work or add side braids for a fun weekend look.
From wash-and-go styles to protective updos, kinky curls give you endless options. Your hair stays healthy while looking amazing with minimal daily styling effort.
20 Transitional Hair Bun
Going through the big chop transition? Your hair might still have some leftover chemicals from relaxers or other treatments.
A simple bun works great during this phase. Your curls won’t be super tight yet, which makes this style perfect. Just gather your hair up and twist it into a casual bun.
The look stays neat all day without much effort. Plus, it protects your hair while it grows out naturally.
21 Simple Natural Curls
Sometimes the best curly hairstyles are the ones that let your hair do its own thing. Natural curls look gorgeous when you keep styling to a minimum.
Skip the heavy products and complicated routines. Your curls will thank you for it. Less manipulation means healthier hair and fewer bad hair days.
A simple wash-and-go routine works wonders. Add a light curl cream while your hair is damp, scrunch gently, and let it air dry. You’ll get soft, bouncy curls that move naturally throughout the day.
22 Twist Out Style
Twist outs work magic on curly hair. You simply twist damp sections overnight, then unravel them for bouncy, defined curls.
Your hair gets amazing volume and texture without heat damage. The best part? It works on every curl type, from loose waves to tight coils.
Perfect for busy mornings since you do most of the work while you sleep. Just add some leave-in conditioner before twisting, and wake up to gorgeous curls that last for days.
23 Curly Side Braid
Side braids get a major upgrade when you work with your natural curls. The texture adds depth and makes even a simple three-strand braid look fancy.
Start with damp hair and add some curl cream to define your pattern. Sweep everything to one side and braid loosely so your curls can show off their bounce.
The best part? Curly side braids work for any occasion. Wear it casual for brunch or dress it up for date night. Your natural texture does all the heavy lifting.
24 Medium Curly Ponytail
A medium curly ponytail sits right in the sweet spot between casual and put-together. It’s not too high like those super formal updos, but not too low either.
Your curls get to show off while staying out of your face. Works great whether you’re heading to work or meeting friends for coffee.
The best part? It looks good on pretty much everyone. Your natural texture does most of the work, so you don’t need to spend forever styling it.
Just gather your curls at mid-head level and secure with a hair tie. Let a few pieces frame your face for that effortless vibe.
25 Curly Afro Styles
Afros are timeless and always look amazing, whether you keep them short or let them grow wild. Adding curls takes your afro to the next level with extra bounce and texture.
Curly afros work for any event – from casual coffee dates to fancy dinners. The curls give your hair more volume and make it look fuller and softer.
You can style curly afros in so many ways. Scrunch in some curl cream while your hair is damp, then let it air dry for natural-looking spirals. Or use a diffuser for faster results with less frizz.
26 Loose Curl Style
Loose curls give you that effortless, bouncy look without much work. Your hair flows naturally while still having shape and movement.
The best part? You don’t need hours of styling every morning. A little scrunching with some curl cream, and you’re ready to go.
Your curls stay soft and touchable instead of crunchy or stiff. Perfect for busy days when you want to look put-together but keep things simple.
27 Braid-Out Curls
Just took down your braids? Don’t rush to comb them out right away. Those natural waves and curls from your braids are pure gold.
Braid-out curls give you instant texture without any heat or products. Your hair keeps its length while looking effortlessly gorgeous. Simply finger-separate the sections and fluff for volume.
The best part? Your curls will last for days with minimal touch-ups. Just wrap your hair at night and wake up ready to go.
28 Tapered Loose Curls
Tapered loose curls offer the perfect mix of style and simplicity for your natural hair. The gradual fade around the sides keeps things neat while your curls steal the show on top.
Most people love how easy this cut is to maintain. You get that polished look without spending hours styling each morning.
The loose curl texture adds bounce and movement that works for both casual days and special events. Plus, the tapered sides give your face a clean, fresh frame that flatters most face shapes.
29 Curly Afro Ponytail
The curly afro ponytail brings together the best of both worlds – volume and style. You get to show off your natural texture while keeping hair neat and pulled back.
Stars like Issa Rae prove this look works for any event. Whether you’re heading to work or a night out, it feels both put-together and fun.
The trick is letting your curls do their thing at the crown while gathering everything into a sleek ponytail. Add some edge control around your hairline for a clean finish that lasts all day.
30 Wand Curls Bangs
Wand curls work magic on your bangs when you want soft, bouncy texture. The curling wand gives you control over how tight or loose you want those front pieces to look.
Start with damp bangs and a heat protectant spray. Wrap small sections around the wand barrel, holding for just a few seconds. Let the curls cool completely before gently separating them with your fingers.
Your bangs will frame your face beautifully with this style. It pairs well with both up and down hairstyles for any event.
