Curly hair is having its moment in 2025! From short hair to long hair, from classy updos to baddie-inspired looks, curly hairstyles offer endless possibilities for every occasion and hair length. Whether you’re looking for something cute and simple for a day at work or an elegant formal updo for a wedding, this guide has you covered. Below, we explore 29 inspiring ideas for curly hairstyles that suit all styles, occasions, and preferences.
1. Natural Volume with Defined Curls
Nothing beats the beauty of voluminous, natural curls. This style embraces the texture of 3b to 4a curls, offering a bold, easy-to-achieve look. Perfect for everyday wear or school, this hairstyle enhances the natural charm of medium-length hair. To achieve this style, use a lightweight curl cream and let your hair air-dry for effortless definition. Pair it with curtain bangs for a modern twist.
2. Braided Crown with Loose Curls
This formal hairstyle combines intricate braids along the crown with loose, cascading curls for a truly breathtaking look. Ideal for weddings or elegant events, this style works well with long hair or medium hair. Add some pretty accessories like pearls or floral pins to elevate the look. This classy updo highlights your facial features while keeping your curls bouncy and lively.
3. Sleek Cornrows with a Curly Bun
Cornrows offer a sleek, protective option that’s perfect for black women. This versatile look pairs tight braids with a low curly bun, offering both style and functionality. Great for school or work, this hairstyle is low-maintenance and easy to style. It’s a baddie favorite and works beautifully with shoulder-length or mid-length hair.
4. Glamorous Half-Up, Half-Down Curls
This pretty hairstyle features half-up styling combined with long, flowing curls. The added volume in the crown area gives a Y2K-inspired vibe. It’s perfect for special occasions and can be dressed up with statement earrings or a bold lip. Whether you have medium-length or long hair, this is a great formal option.
5. Retro Pixie with Mini Clips
This short hairstyle brings the shag and pixie cut together, accented with playful mini clips. It’s a stylish nod to retro aesthetics, perfect for those who prefer a simple and quick hairstyle. This look is both functional and trendy, ideal for women looking for an undercut or shaved sides option while keeping it cute.
6. Red Braided Curls with Volume
Bring on the drama with choppy layers and voluminous curls! This fiery red look, accentuated with braided accents, is a bold choice for anyone who loves experimenting with their curly hairstyles. Perfect for weddings or evening events, this style is guaranteed to turn heads. Use curl-enhancing products to maintain bounce and shine.
7. Classic Bob with Defined Ringlets
The bob cut is back in 2025, and it’s better than ever for curly hair! With defined ringlets and layered details, this chin-length hairstyle works well for women looking for a classy yet manageable option. Perfect for medium-length curls, this look pairs well with bold makeup for a chic finish.
8. Headband with Loose Curls
For a simple yet elegant look, try pairing loose curls with a chic headband. This medium-length hairstyle is perfect for school, casual outings, or even work. Use a silk scarf or a patterned headband to add a pop of color to your outfit. This style is especially great for women with 4a or 4b curls looking for an easy and quick styling option.
9. Elegant High Bun with Curly Accents
High buns are the ultimate go-to updo for formal occasions. This style incorporates soft curly accents framing the face, adding a pretty and romantic touch. Ideal for women with medium hair or long hair, this classy look is perfect for weddings or any formal event. Add a sparkling hairpin for an extra touch of glamour.
10. Shoulder-Length Curls with Curtain Bangs
Curtain bangs are trending for 2025, and they pair beautifully with shoulder-length curls. This medium-length hairstyle is versatile and chic, offering a baddie-inspired look that works for casual and formal settings alike. The shag haircut paired with curtain bangs gives a modern, edgy feel to this timeless style.
11. Side Braided Curls for a Tropical Vibe
This style features loose, beachy waves with a side braid for a playful yet elegant touch. Perfect for vacations or summer outings, the soft curls complement the braid detail. Great for medium-length or long hair, this look is easy to style and works beautifully for casual events or school. Add a touch of shine spray for a polished finish.
12. High Puff with Defined Curls
For a formal yet quick hairstyle, this high puff with sleek edges is both sophisticated and trendy. The tight curls cascading down make it perfect for medium hair and long hair alike. This look is an ideal option for black women, offering a chic solution for parties or even wedding events. Use a strong hold gel to achieve the smooth top and keep your curls intact.
13. Cascading Ringlets with Volume
These cascading curls create a striking baddie look. Best suited for long hair, this style is classy and versatile for both casual outings and special occasions. Pair this hairstyle with bold earrings or a statement lip for a glamorous finish. A curl cream or mousse is essential to maintain the ringlet shape throughout the day.
14. Tousled Updo with Romantic Curls
This pretty updo embraces loose, tousled curls for a soft, romantic appearance. It’s perfect for weddings, date nights, or formal events, adding an effortless charm to your overall look. This easy and quick hairstyle works well with medium-length hair and highlights shag layers beautifully.
15. Voluminous Natural Curls
Celebrate the beauty of natural hair with this voluminous curly style. This look is ideal for women with 4a or 4b hair, giving off a vibrant, confident energy. Whether styled for casual outings or dressed up for a night out, this style is both classy and easy to maintain. A lightweight oil can add shine and reduce frizz.
16. Subtle Ombre Curls with a Half-Up Style
This hairstyle features soft, ombre curls tied into a half-up ponytail, making it a simple yet stylish choice for everyday wear. Perfect for medium-length or long hair, it’s a great option for school or casual gatherings. The curtain bangs frame the face beautifully, adding a trendy touch to this mid-length hairstyle.
17. Double Buns with Loose Tendrils
For a playful and youthful look, this double bun style is a hit. The loose tendrils framing the face give a cute and pretty vibe. Ideal for women with medium-length hair, this look works well for casual events and weekend outings. Add a touch of Y2K inspiration with colorful accessories or clips.
18. Asymmetrical Braided Curls
This style showcases asymmetrical braiding combined with loose curls for a bold yet elegant look. Perfect for black women, this hairstyle is both practical and stylish for all occasions. Whether you’re heading to work or attending a formal event, this shoulder-length hairstyle is versatile and trendy.
19. Back View of Glossy Defined Curls
Sometimes, the back view says it all. This medium-length hairstyle highlights the beauty of defined, glossy curls cascading effortlessly. It’s perfect for showcasing healthy curls and works well for formal or classy occasions. A curl-enhancing gel will help maintain the shine and definition.
20. High Curly Bun with Face-Framing Curls
This elegant updo features a high curly bun with soft curls framing the face. Ideal for weddings or formal events, this look is both chic and functional. The shag-like texture adds volume, while the face-framing curls soften the look for a pretty, feminine touch. Pair this hairstyle with statement earrings to complete the ensemble.
21. The Effortlessly Chic Curly Updo
This voluminous updo is perfect for formal occasions or even as an elegant everyday look. The tightly gathered curls at the crown create height and drama, while the edges are sleek and polished. This hairstyle works wonders for women with 4a or 3b curls and pairs beautifully with gold accessories for a luxurious touch. It’s an ideal wedding hairstyle or a go-to for medium-length hair looking for a classy transformation. Achieve this look with a strong-hold gel for sleekness and a wide-tooth comb to fluff out the curls.
22. Playful Curly Bob with Gold Accents
For those with short to chin-length hair, this curly bob is both cute and trendy. The addition of gold hair cuffs offers a baddie twist, adding personality and flair. It’s a versatile style that’s easy to achieve with minimal tools, making it great for school or casual outings. Women with medium hair length will love how effortlessly chic this look feels. Pro tip: Use a light curl cream to define the curls and keep them moisturized.
23. Braided Curly Hybrid
Combining braids with natural curls creates a simple yet stunning hairstyle that’s perfect for black women who want something protective yet stylish. The braids are neatly woven into a pattern on the scalp, while the curls flow freely at the ends, offering a classy and formal vibe. This look is perfect for women with medium hair length seeking inspiration for a protective yet fashionable style. Great for any event, from casual to formal, this hairstyle is a true head-turner.
24. High Puff with a Modern Twist
The high puff remains a favorite, and for good reason—it’s quick, easy, and perfect for showcasing natural curls. This shoulder-length style emphasizes the texture of the hair while keeping it out of the face, making it ideal for school or a busy day. Women with 4b or 4a curls will find this look especially flattering, as the puff adds volume and enhances the curls’ natural beauty.
25. Softly Tousled Curly Updo
This sophisticated updo exudes a soft and romantic vibe, perfect for formal settings like weddings or upscale events. The shag-inspired layers frame the face beautifully, creating an effortless yet polished aesthetic. Use a curling wand on select sections to define the shape, and let some tendrils fall naturally for a modern, undone feel. It’s a wonderful option for medium-length hair or those with long curls looking to experiment with classy updos.
26. Sleek Half-Up, Half-Down Style
A medium-length hairstyle that combines sleekness and texture, this look is ideal for showcasing 3b curls in their full glory. The front section is styled into a sleek ponytail, while the rest of the curls cascade freely. This is a great option for school, offering a simple yet polished hairstyle that stays put all day. Add curtain bangs for a playful, trendy twist.
27. Curly Twists with Ombre Highlights
Perfect for shoulder-length or mid-length hair, this twist-out style incorporates subtle ombre highlights for a dimensional, playful look. The twists are accented with gold hair cuffs, giving this hairstyle a touch of Y2K-inspired charm. This is a fantastic choice for women seeking an easy short hairstyle with versatility and edge. Keep the curls defined with a lightweight mousse.
28. Sleek Curly Ponytail
This ponytail proves that a medium-length haircut can still pack a punch. With sleek edges and tightly defined curls, it’s a chic option for both casual and formal occasions. Whether you’re heading to a dinner or tackling a busy day, this look is quick, pretty, and universally flattering. Pair it with choppy layers for added texture and dimension.
29. Golden Curls with a Bouncy Bob
Blonde curtain bangs and vibrant, bouncy curls steal the spotlight in this medium-length bob. This hairstyle combines the playful energy of a shag haircut with the sophistication of layered curls, making it a great option for women looking for a chic, modern haircut. It’s easy to style with a diffuser and some curl-defining cream, offering a balance between formal and casual vibes.
Whether you’re embracing the beauty of your natural curls or looking for a formal updo for a special occasion, these 29 ideas for curly hairstyles in 2025 are packed with inspiration. From easy school hairstyles to classy bobs and cute updos, there’s something for everyone. Experiment with different lengths, layers, and accessories to make each look your own.
We’d love to hear your thoughts—share your favorite curly hairstyle ideas in the comments below!
