Day-three curls tend to frizz at the crown and flatten at the root by afternoon, which is when a satin scrunchie, a claw clip or a spritz of water and gel earns its keep. Each of these cute curly hairstyles comes with the curl pattern and length it suits best, plus how to keep it holding until wash day.
1. Curly Pineapple Updo
A curly pineapple updo gathers long curls at the top of the head with a satin scrunchie and lets the ends fall forward. It protects curl shape overnight and works as a daytime style. It suits 3A to 4A curls at least shoulder length. Smooth the edges with a soft brush and edge gel. It is one of the cute curly hairstyles for day-three curls. Refresh the ends with water and a little leave-in.
2. High Curly Puff
A high curly puff pulls all the curls to the crown and secures them with a stretchy band or a satin scrunchie. It suits 3C to 4C hair of medium to thick density. Smooth the sides with a gel and a soft brush, then fluff the puff with a pick. It is one of the quickest natural curly hairstyles for wash day plus two. Trim the ends every 12 weeks so the puff stays round.
3. Half-Up Curly Puff
A half-up curly puff gathers the top section into a loose puff at the crown and leaves the rest down. It shows length and keeps curls off the face. It suits 3B to 4A curls of any density. Smooth the front with a soft brush and edge gel. It is one of the cute curly hairstyles that works on second-day hair. Refresh the length with water and a curl cream.
4. Curly Space Buns
Curly space buns are two high buns on either side of a center part. Gather each side, twist loosely and secure with a scrunchie so the curls stay fluffy. It suits 3A to 4B curls at least shoulder length. Leave a few curls out at the temples. It is one of the cute curly hairstyles for festivals and concerts. Use a light gel at the part for a clean line.
5. Half-Up Curly Space Buns
Half-up curly space buns gather only the top section into two small buns and leave the rest of the curls down. Part at the center and twist each side loosely. It suits fine to thick curls of any length past the chin. It is one of the cute curly hairstyles that shows volume and length at once. Refresh the loose curls with water and a little gel.
6. Curly Claw Clip Updo
A curly claw clip updo twists long curls up the back of the head and closes a large clip over the twist. Let the ends spill over the top of the clip. It suits 2C to 3C curls of medium to thick density. Choose a clip at least four inches wide. It is one of the cute curly hairstyles for hot days. Pull out a few curls at the face.
7. Curly Half-Up Claw Clip
A curly half-up claw clip twists the top section back and holds it with a medium clip. The rest of the curls stay down. It suits 2C to 3B curls of any density. Twist gently so the curls do not frizz. It is one of the easy curly hairstyles that takes under a minute. Scrunch a little gel into the length to refresh definition.
8. Curly Top Knot
A curly top knot gathers the curls at the crown and wraps them loosely into a bun. The curls give it volume without teasing. It suits 3A to 4A curls at least shoulder length. Secure with a scrunchie and two U-pins. Leave curls out at the nape and temples. It is one of the easy curly hairstyles for the gym and errands.
9. Low Curly Bun
A low curly bun twists the curls at the nape and pins them into a loose knot. Smooth the front with a gel and a soft brush. It suits 3A to 4B curls of medium to thick density. It works for work and weddings. Leave two curls out at the face. It is one of the cute curly hairstyles that holds all day with a light hold spray.
10. Curly Ponytail With a Scrunchie
A curly ponytail with a scrunchie gathers the curls at the crown or mid-head and secures them without breaking the curl pattern. Silk or satin scrunchies cause less frizz than elastics. It suits 2C to 4A curls. Smooth the hairline with a little gel. It is one of the easy curly hairstyles for every day. Fluff the ponytail with your fingers.
11. Curly Ponytail With Face-Framing Curls
A curly ponytail with face-framing curls leaves two or three curls out at each temple. I cut face-framing layers at the cheekbone so these pieces curl tighter. It suits 3A to 3C curls and oval or heart faces. Secure the ponytail low or mid-head. It is one of the cute curly hairstyles that softens a pulled-back look. Refresh the loose curls with water and a little gel.
12. Curly Pigtails
Curly pigtails split the hair down the center and tie two ponytails behind the ears. The curls stay loose and full. It suits 3A to 4B curls at least chin length. Use satin scrunchies to avoid breakage. It is one of the easy curly hairstyles for weekends and the beach. Smooth the part with a little gel and fluff each ponytail with your fingers.
13. Dutch Braids Into Curly Ponytails
Dutch braids into curly ponytails braid underhand from the hairline to the nape on each side, then leave the ends loose. The curls at the ends stay fluffy. It suits 3A to 4B curls of medium to thick density. Braid on damp hair with a light gel. It is one of the cute curly hairstyles that lasts through workouts. It takes about ten minutes.
14. Curly Hair With a Silk Scarf Headband
A silk scarf headband folds a square scarf into a band and ties it at the nape under the curls. It keeps curls off the face and covers a frizzy hairline. It suits any curl pattern. Tie the knot to one side for a softer look. It is one of the curly hairstyles I suggest for travel and hot days. Silk also cuts friction on the curls.
15. Curly Hair With a Bandana
A bandana with curly hair folds a cotton square into a triangle and ties it at the nape or on top in a knot. The curls stay out at the back. It suits all curl types and covers second-day roots. It is one of the cute curly hairstyles for festivals and the beach. Refresh the curls with water and a little gel before tying.
16. Curly Ribbon Half-Up
A curly ribbon half-up ties a satin ribbon over a small half-up section at the crown. The ribbon stands out against the curls. It suits 2C to 3C curls of any density. Gather gently so the curls keep their shape. It is one of the cute curly hairstyles for dinners and holidays. Choose a ribbon about an inch wide in velvet or satin.
17. Side-Pinned Curls With Barrettes
Side-pinned curls push one side behind the ear and hold it with two barrettes. It shows the jawline and lets curls fall on the other side. It suits 3A to 3C curls and round or heart faces. Use a deep side part. It is one of the cute curly hairstyles that takes a minute. Choose barrettes with a strong snap for thick curls.
18. Curly Bangs
Curly bangs are cut dry, curl by curl, so I see where each one springs. I leave them longer than straight bangs, usually to the eyebrow when wet. They suit 3A to 3C curls and oval or long faces. Scrunch in curl cream and diffuse. They are one of the cute curly hairstyles that frame the eyes. Trim every 6 weeks.
19. Curly Curtain Bangs
Curly curtain bangs part at the center and fall to each side at the cheekbones. I cut them dry and leave them longer to allow for shrinkage. They suit 2C to 3B curls and oval, heart and long faces. Apply gel to wet bangs and diffuse. They are one of the cute curly hairstyles that grow out easily. Trim every 6 to 8 weeks.
20. Curly Shag
A curly shag uses short layers at the crown and around the face so curls stack on top. I cut it dry, curl by curl. It suits 2C to 3C curls of medium to thick density and oval or long faces. Diffuse with a curl cream and gel. It is one of the cute curly hairstyles that gives volume at the top. Trim every 8 to 10 weeks.
21. Curly Wolf Cut
A curly wolf cut combines shaggy crown volume with a tapered, longer back. I cut the top curls short and dry, and point cut the lengths. It suits thick 3A to 3C curls and oval or heart faces. Diffuse upside down for root lift. It is one of the edgier cute curly hairstyles. Trim every 6 to 8 weeks to keep the crown short.
22. Curly Butterfly Cut
A curly butterfly cut stacks short layers at the cheekbones over long layers. Curls fall into the layers without a round brush. I cut it dry. It suits 2C to 3B curls of medium to thick density and oval or heart faces. Diffuse with a mousse for volume. It is one of the cute curly hairstyles that frames the face. Trim every 8 weeks.
23. Curly Bob
A curly bob is cut dry at the chin so the shape stays round and does not turn into a triangle. I remove weight from the inside and keep the perimeter soft. It suits 3A to 3C curls and oval or heart faces. Apply a curl cream and gel to soaking-wet hair and diffuse. It is one of the short curly hairstyles that dries quickly. Trim every 8 weeks.
24. Curly Pixie
A curly pixie keeps the sides and nape short with two to four inches of curls on top. I cut the top dry so each curl sits right. It suits 3B to 4A curls and oval or heart faces. Apply a curl cream and scrunch, then air-dry. It is one of the short curly hairstyles that takes five minutes. Trim every 5 to 6 weeks.
25. Curly Lob
A curly lob sits at the collarbone with long internal layers so the curls do not pile at the bottom. I cut it dry and shape the ends rounded. It suits 2C to 3B curls of medium to thick density. Diffuse with a curl cream and a gel. It is one of the cute curly hairstyles that works for most face shapes. Trim every 8 to 10 weeks.
26. Long Layered Curls
Long layered curls are cut dry with layers starting at the chin so curls stack instead of flattening. I shape each curl to sit in a rounded silhouette. It suits 3A to 3C curls of medium to thick density. Apply a leave-in and gel and diffuse on low. It is one of the long curly hairstyles that keeps length without bulk. Trim every 10 to 12 weeks.
27. Round Curly Cut
A round curly cut shapes curls into a circle around the face, with the most length at the sides and less at the crown. I cut it dry and in sections. It suits 3A to 4A curls of medium to thick density and oval or long faces. Diffuse upside down. It is one of the cute curly hairstyles that gives even volume. Trim every 10 weeks.
28. Curl-by-Curl Cut
A curl-by-curl cut trims each curl dry where it falls, so the shape follows the curl pattern. It suits 2C to 4A curls, especially hair with mixed patterns. It works on any face shape. Wash and style as normal, then diffuse or air-dry. It is the base for most cute curly hairstyles, since the shape matches how the curls actually sit. Book a trim every 12 weeks.
29. Tapered Curly Cut
A tapered curly cut keeps the sides and nape shorter while leaving length and volume on top. I shape the curls dry into a rounded silhouette. It suits 4A to 4C natural hair and oval or heart faces. Define with a curl cream and gel. It is one of the natural curly hairstyles that dries fast. Shape the taper every 4 to 6 weeks.
30. Twist-Out
A twist-out sets two-strand twists on damp, moisturized hair and unravels them once dry. Separate gently with oiled fingers. It suits 4A to 4C hair of medium to thick density. It lasts four to five days with a satin bonnet at night. It is one of the natural curly hairstyles that shows length by stretching shrinkage. Trim every 12 weeks.
31. Bantu Knot-Out
A Bantu knot-out sets damp hair in small coiled knots and unravels them when fully dry. The curls come out tight and springy. It suits 3C to 4C hair. Use a setting cream on each section. Take the knots down with oiled fingers. It is one of the cute curly hairstyles for events and photos. It lasts three to four days with a satin bonnet.
32. Wash-and-Go Coils
A wash-and-go applies a leave-in and a strong gel to soaking-wet hair section by section. Rake or shingle each section, then air-dry or diffuse. It suits 4A to 4C coils. Do not touch until fully dry, then break the cast. It is one of the natural curly hairstyles that shows the full coil pattern. Refresh with water and gel on day three.
33. Flexi Rod Set
A flexi rod set wraps damp hair around flexible rods and lets it dry overnight or under a hooded dryer. The curls come out uniform and bouncy. It suits natural and relaxed hair of any density. Use a setting lotion before rolling. Separate the curls with oiled fingers. It is one of the cute curly hairstyles for special events. It lasts about a week.
34. Defined Ringlets
Defined ringlets come from shingling, which means smoothing curl cream and gel through small sections with your fingers. It suits 3A to 3C curls of any density. Apply to soaking-wet hair, then diffuse on low. Scrunch out the cast once dry. It is one of the cute curly hairstyles that shows every curl. Deep condition weekly and trim every 10 weeks.
35. Diffused Volume Curls
Diffused volume curls are dried upside down with a diffuser on low heat for lift at the root. Apply a mousse to wet hair before diffusing. It suits fine 2C to 3B curls that fall flat. I cut short crown layers to help. It is one of the cute curly hairstyles that makes fine hair look fuller. Clip the roots while drying. Trim every 8 weeks.
36. Copper Curls
Copper on curly hair shows each curl because red reflects light. I color from root to end and use a gloss to keep the cuticle smooth. It suits fair to medium skin with warm undertones. Wash with cool water and a color-depositing conditioner. Refresh the gloss every 6 weeks. It is one of the cute curly hairstyles for fall. Trim every 10 weeks.
37. Curly Balayage
Curly balayage paints lightener on the curls that sit on the surface, so the color follows the curl pattern. I color curly hair dry for accuracy. It suits brunette bases and 2C to 3C curls. Use a bond-building treatment and a purple shampoo weekly. It is one of the cute curly hairstyles that grows out softly. Refresh every 3 to 4 months.
38. Curly Money Piece
A curly money piece lightens the two front curl sections from root to tip. It brightens the face without coloring the whole head. It suits 2C to 3C curls and warm or neutral skin tones. Use a deep conditioner weekly, since lightened curls dry out. It is one of the cute curly hairstyles for brunettes. Touch up the root every 8 weeks.
39. Curly Hair for Round Faces
For round faces, I cut curly hair past the chin with height at the crown and less volume at the sides. Long layers and a side part lengthen the face. It suits 2C to 3C curls of any density. Diffuse upside down for root lift and keep the sides smooth with gel. It is one of the cute curly hairstyles that slims the face. Trim every 8 to 10 weeks.
40. Curly Hair for Long Faces
For long faces, I keep curly hair at the shoulders or shorter and build width at the cheekbones. Curly bangs shorten the face visually. It suits 3A to 3C curls of medium to thick density. Diffuse with the head tilted to the side for width. It is one of the cute curly hairstyles that balances length. Trim every 8 weeks.
41. Curly Hair for Women Over 40
For women over 40, a curly lob with layers at the cheekbones lifts the face. I cut it dry and keep the ends rounded. It suits 2C to 3B curls of fine to medium density. Use a lightweight curl cream so the curls do not weigh down. Add a gloss every 6 weeks. It is one of the cute curly hairstyles that looks polished. Trim every 8 weeks.
42. Silver Curls for Women Over 50
Silver curls for women over 50 show the natural gray in a defined pattern. I cut a chin-to-shoulder shape dry and add crown layers. It suits 2C to 3B curls of fine to medium density. Use a purple shampoo weekly and a lightweight gel. It is one of the cute curly hairstyles for gray hair. Trim every 8 weeks to keep the ends crisp.
43. Fine Curly Hair Cut
A cut for fine curly hair keeps the layers few and long so the curls do not look sparse at the ends. I cut it dry and avoid thinning shears. It suits 2C to 3B curls of low density. Use a mousse instead of heavy creams and diffuse for lift. It is one of the curly haircuts that keeps fullness at the ends. Trim every 8 weeks.
44. Thick Curly Hair Cut
A cut for thick curly hair removes weight from the inside so the shape does not become a triangle. I carve out bulk curl by curl with point cutting. It suits 3A to 4A curls of high density. Use a curl cream and a strong gel. It is one of the curly haircuts that dries faster after debulking. Trim every 10 weeks.
45. Curly Braided Crown
A curly braided crown braids two side sections across the top of the head and pins them, leaving the curls loose below. It keeps curls off the face for weddings and events. It suits 3A to 3C curls at least shoulder length. Braid on damp hair with a light gel. It is one of the cute curly hairstyles that lasts all day.
46. Curly Faux Hawk
A curly faux hawk pins the sides back with bobby pins and pushes the curls up through the center. It suits 3B to 4B curls at least chin length. Smooth the sides with a strong gel first. It is one of the bolder cute curly hairstyles for evenings. Pin in a vertical line along each side. Remove the pins gently at night.
Cute does not mean childish, and curly hair proves it best with a claw-clip updo or space buns that stay tidy instead of messy. For cute curly hairstyles I pull a few wispy pieces down by the ears so the style softens around the face. A satin scrunchie at night keeps the next-day curls from creasing. oval face haircuts stay the shape I get asked about most, and the same length rules apply whether the cut is curly or straight.
Cute does not mean childish, and curly hair proves it best with a claw-clip updo or space buns that stay tidy instead of messy. For cute curly hairstyles I pull a few wispy pieces down by the ears so the style softens around the face. A satin scrunchie at night keeps the next-day curls from creasing. oval face haircuts stay the shape I get asked about most, and the same length rules apply whether the cut is curly or straight.