By Rbia Eman 
Styling curly hair can feel intimidating, especially without the right guidance. This guide breaks down 17 easy curly hairstyles anyone can try. Each style includes simple steps and helpful product recommendations.
You’ll learn which looks work best for your curl type. You’ll also discover styling tips that actually make a difference. By the end, you’ll have plenty of options ready to try.
Why Easy Curly Hairstyles Matter
Curly hair deserves styles that celebrate its natural texture fully. The best curly hairstyles work with your curls, not against them. Simple techniques often produce the most flattering, low-effort results.
Many styles below stretch wash days and protect your ends too. Finding easy options means you’ll actually wear them regularly.
Super Easy Curly Ponytail and Bun Styles
These styles require minimal tools and even less time. They work well for workouts, errands, or busy mornings.
High Ponytail
This look might be the easiest curly hairstyle available. It works for workouts, video calls, or brunch equally well.
How to style:
- Gather curls to the highest point using a scrunchie
- Pull lightly at the ponytail and fluff curls outward
- Spritz leave-in conditioner for shine and added moisture
Use a silk scrunchie to protect your strands from breakage. Take out a few curls in front for a tousled finish.
Half-Up Bun
This low-manipulation style takes about five minutes total. It’s a great way to stretch your hairstyle for extra days.
How to style:
- Section off the top part of your hair for the bun
- Create a small ponytail, then wrap hair around it
- Secure with a hair tie or bobby pins
This style works especially well on second or third-day hair. Your curls will show maximum volume at that point.
Half-Up Space Buns
Space buns work well with long hair but suit nearly any length. They also keep hair out of your face comfortably.
How to style:
- Part hair down the middle using a comb
- Create small ponytails on each side near the crown
- Wrap each section into a bun and secure with pins
Finish with hairspray or dry shampoo for extra hold. Tuck flyaways into the bun for a cleaner finish.
Messy Bun
This casual, effortless style works well before wash day specifically. It’s also comfortable for workouts and everyday errands.
How to style:
- Place hair into a ponytail using a hair tie
- Twist the ponytail loosely into a bun shape
- Secure the bun in place with bobby pins
The messier, the better with this particular style. Pull out a few curls for an intentionally casual look.
High Bun
This regal-looking style stays in place throughout the day easily. It also accentuates your natural bone structure nicely.
How to style:
- Create a tight ponytail at the crown of your head
- Wrap the ponytail around the base to form a bun
- Secure with bobby pins or an additional hair tie
Wet hair slightly before starting to make brushing easier. Position the tie higher for more height and visual depth.
High Pigtails
This fun, playful style offers a fresh look without washing. It works particularly well on hair with several days of curl definition.
How to style:
- Part hair completely down the middle with a comb
- Create a high pigtail on each side near the crown
- Secure each section with a colorful hair tie
Leave a few curls out in front to frame your face. Colorful scrunchies add extra personality to this playful look.
Protective and Braided Curly Styles
Braided styles protect your ends while creating beautiful, defined texture. Many of these options last several days with proper care.
Halo Braid
This protective style keeps ends moisturized, tucked, and fully secure. It can last five days or more with nightly care.
How to style:
- Divide hair into two sections using a comb
- Split each section further, then twist toward the nape
- Secure each twisted section with bobby pins
Blow-drying beforehand makes the braiding process easier overall. Apply leave-in conditioner and castor oil for added moisture.
French Braids With Ends Out
This eye-catching style combines braided sections with loose, curled ends. It offers a distinctive look that photographs beautifully.
How to style:
- Part hair into two sections using a comb
- Apply gel, then French braid each section down
- Secure braids and style remaining ends into ponytails
Brush hair out first for smoother, tangle-free braiding. Use gel generously to keep hair hydrated during the process.
Braided Hairline
This style creates definition right along your hairline specifically. It pairs beautifully with a low ponytail or loose curls.
How to style:
- Section only the crown area using a comb
- Braid parallel to your hairline toward each ear
- Work both braids into a low ponytail or bun
Brush the section first for a smooth, manageable braid. Experiment with braid size and placement for different looks.
French Braids
Classic French braids offer a cute, comfortable style lasting about a week. They also allow for creative variations afterward.
How to style:
- Part hair down the middle, then apply gel
- Divide each section into three parts and braid
- Secure both braids with elastic bands at the ends
This style takes practice if you’re new to braiding. Try rolling finished braids into buns for a different look.
Cornrows With Ponytail
Cornrows offer a sleek, protective option that lasts multiple days. Combined with a ponytail, they create a polished finish.
How to style:
- Part hair into clean, even sections for cornrows
- Braid each row close to the scalp toward the back
- Gather remaining length into a secure ponytail
Clean parting makes a significant difference in the final look. Consider professional help if you’re new to cornrowing.
Sleek and Twisted Curly Hairstyles
These styles offer more polish and structure than casual options. They work well for elevated occasions or professional settings.
Flat-Twist Ponytail
This elevated style frames the face while adding visual interest. It works especially well for looser curl patterns.
How to style:
- Part hair down the middle with a comb
- Twist each section inward, moving toward the ear
- Secure twists with pins, then gather into a low pony
Bobby pins make this process considerably easier to manage. Practice helps achieve symmetry between both sides.
Slicked-Back Ponytail
This neat, polished look is easy to maintain daily. It offers a sleek alternative to textured, voluminous styles.
How to style:
- Apply gel to damp hair, focusing on the front
- Brush hair down to flatten it as smoothly as possible
- Secure with a hair tie once fully slicked back
Try this style on freshly washed hair for easier brushing. Add hairspray afterward to control any flyaways.
Passion Twists
This protective, summery style requires precision during sectioning. It’s more time-consuming but delivers a flirty, defined result.
How to style:
- Part hair according to your desired final pattern
- Divide into small, even sections across the head
- Twist two smaller parts together, then secure ends
Seal ends with hair oil for shine and moisture retention. This style works particularly well as an extended protective option.
Half-Up and Creative Curly Styles
These versatile looks blend structure with natural, flowing texture. They suit a wide range of occasions and hair lengths.
Half-Up Half-Down
This popular mid-week style works great for errands and workouts. It’s simple enough for daily wear too.
How to style:
- Divide hair into two horizontal sections
- Gather the top section into a ponytail
- Leave the bottom half loose and naturally styled
Spray both sections with water and leave-in conditioner. This boosts volume and definition throughout the style.
Big Double Buns
This playful style takes more time and effort to perfect. Achieving symmetry between both buns can prove challenging.
How to style:
- Part hair down the middle into two sections
- Apply gel, then wrap each section into a bun
- Secure each bun with ties or bobby pins
This style works well across most hair types and lengths. Try ponytails before buns if your hair is particularly fine.
Faux Bangs
This creative style uses a scarf to fake a bangs look. It works better on shorter, coilier curl patterns specifically.
How to style:
- Create a ponytail, then fold hair forward over your head
- Position ends across your forehead like natural bangs
- Cover the hair tie with a folded scarf or bandana
Use bobby pins to secure any loose or frizzy pieces. Ponytail placement determines how low your faux bangs sit.
How to Choose the Right Curly Hairstyle for Your Hair Type
Different curl patterns respond better to certain styling techniques. Matching your hair type to the right style improves results significantly.
| Curl Type | Best Styles | Why It Works |
| 2A-2C (Wavy) | Flat-twist ponytail, slicked-back pony | Holds sleek shapes well |
| 3A-3B (Curly) | High ponytail, French braids, space buns | Balances hold and volume |
| 3C-4A (Coily) | Half-up bun, high bun, halo braid | Protects and defines curls |
| 4B-4C (Coily) | Halo braid, cornrows, French braids | Maximum protection and moisture |
Essential Products for Styling Curly Hair
The right products make a noticeable difference in every style’s outcome. Most curly hairstyles benefit from a few key categories.
Common product types include:
- Leave-in conditioner – adds moisture and manageable slip
- Styling gel – defines curls and controls frizz
- Hair oil – seals ends and adds shine
- Edge control – smooths baby hairs along the hairline
- Curl cream or custard – defines and separates curl clumps
Tips for Making Curly Hairstyles Last Longer
A few simple habits extend the life of any curly style significantly. These small changes prevent frizz and preserve definition.
- Sleep with a silk or satin scarf to reduce friction
- Refresh with a water and leave-in conditioner mix
- Avoid touching curls too often throughout the day
- Use bobby pins strategically to secure flyaways
Conclusion
Curly hair offers endless styling possibilities, from simple ponytails to protective braids. These 17 styles range from quick five-minute options to more involved looks. Each one celebrates natural texture while offering practical, everyday versatility.
Start with easier styles like the high ponytail or half-up bun. As confidence grows, try braided or twisted options for variety. With the right products and a little practice, every style here becomes achievable.
Frequently Asked Questions About Curly Hairstyles
What’s the easiest curly hairstyle for beginners?
The high ponytail and half-up bun are the simplest options. Both require minimal tools and just a few minutes.
How do I make curly hairstyles last longer?
Sleep with a silk scarf and refresh curls with a water and leave-in mix. Avoid excessive touching throughout the day.
What products work best for curly hairstyles?
Leave-in conditioner, styling gel, and hair oil form the core essentials. Edge control helps smooth flyaways too.
Can protective styles like braids damage curly hair?
Not when done correctly with proper tension and moisture. Seal ends with oil and avoid styles that pull too tight.
What’s the best curly hairstyle for second-day hair?
Half-up buns and space buns work particularly well then. Your curls show maximum volume by day two or three.