Top 22 Quick Curly Hair Updos
1. Braided Curly Top Knot
We love how elegant but not stuffy this top knot curly hair option looks. This is just one of many updos for curly hair that’s great if you have shoulder-length or longer hair. Start off this style by braiding the front section of your hair backward. If you need a refresher, here is our tutorial on braiding curly hair! Then, secure the braid at the end. Pull all of the rest of your hair up and into a top knot. Play with the top knot style until you get little curls that stick up for even more texture.
2. Twisted Half-Updo
This twisted half-updo from NYFW is so dreamy. It’s also surprisingly easy to create! Keep this in your updos for the curly hair folder. All you need to do is master the French twist. It’s just like the French braid, but instead of three pieces, it’s only two. You simply take two sections from the front of your hair and twist. Add another small section of hair to the bottom section of the twist and twist again. Keep on going until you’ve twisted to the center back of your hair. When you get there, secure it in place with bobby pins. Finish off this style with lots of shine. We like a light misting of Bed Head by TIGI Get Twisted Anti-Frizz Finishing Spray over the entire finished style.
3. Perfectly Plump Ponytail
If you’re starting out on freshly washed hair, we recommend this quickie ponytail style; it’s a go-to for naturally curly hair updos. While your hair is wet, work on getting those cute defined curls, so your style will be done in minutes. We like to use Bed Head By TIGI Foxy Curls Contour Cream to define curls, and then blow-dry with the diffuser attachment. When you’ve got your defined, dried curls, pull them up into a high ponytail. Fluff out your curls to get the biggest tail possible. Voila! Another great updo for curly hair!
4. Textured Bun
One of our fave curly updos is the simple, textured bun. This look only asks you to lean into your natural texture, giving it a little enhancement with a styling product like The Good Stuff Curl Definition Jelly. Once you’ve got your curls on point, create an easy, low bun and dress it up with a fun scrunchy or hair clip.
5. Curly Fauxhawk
Want an easy but edgy style? Something modern for naturally curly hair updos? Try the curly fauxhawk. For these updos for curly hair, it’s helpful to have hair that is just about shoulder length. Create even sections horizontally down your head; you’ll need four or five, depending on how thick your hair is. Then, just pull each section into a tight ponytail. Make sure you line up the ponytails and give the tails a good fluff to get that fauxhawk look.
6. Messy Bun Updo
Cute, fun, and flirty is all you need in a hairstyle sometimes, and this bun updo is ticking all those boxes for us, and just look how happy she is; we’re sold! Credit: @cachosestilosooss Style tip: For a softer, more tousled finish, avoid smoothing the hair back and instead let any shorter curls fall along the hairline.
7. Bow Bun Half Updo
If you have especially long curly hair and want a way to show it off, then you need the help of a half-up, half-down hairstyle. But hold your horses because the half-up ‘do we’ve selected for you has a unique feature: an accessory made of your own hair! Learn how to use your lovely tresses to create this look!
8. The Hun Curly Haut Updo
The half-up, half-down fun doesn’t stop there! The latest trend taking over this year is the ‘hun‘ AKA half-up, half-down bun. Perfect for showing off the length of your tresses (whether short or long) while keeping strands away from your face. Credit: @mathiramenezes
9. The Bandana Updo
On the hunt for easy curly hair updos to boost your style? Cute, feminine, and bursting with retro vibes, things don’t get any simpler than this quirky trend. Just select your bandana of choice (we recommend picking bold patterns or pop colors!), tie up your curls up, wrap your bandana, and you’ve got yourself a vintage-inspired, protective hairstyle. Editor’s tip: Before you wrap up all of your lovely tresses, try applying some Suave Professionals Sleek Anti-Frizz Smooth & Shine Cream to your hair. This will help to minimize any frizz and flyaways and keep your curls defined.
10. Pretty Halo Twist
If you’re blessed with curly hair, you also have the advantage of creating a big, stand-out halo twist too! Consider experimenting with French plaits and fishtail braids, or if they sound too challenging, you can try creating a simple milkmaid braid, instead.
11. Ponytail
Curly hair updos don’t have to be time-consuming. For an off-duty look opting for a simple high ponytail is your fastest option. Whether it’s a sweaty gym session or glam date night (simply add hoops, and you’re ready!), a high ponytail is a versatile hairstyle we all love, with reason. Credit: @vanessa_vivien.vi
12. Pineapple Updo
Perhaps one of our fave styles when it comes to curly updos is the pineapple. Not a ponytail and not a bun, the pineapple is the hair hack every curly queen swears by. Credit: @bwatuwant Don’t miss out on this style. Find out how to create this look! Style tip: Leave a bunch of curls loose at the front for a faux fringe finish, or if your hair is long enough, let it fall forward for the same effect.
13. Side Ponytail
Have you got Rapunzel-like wavy or curly tresses? Are you hunting for a simple yet stylish hairstyle? If the answers to these questions are yes, this loose ponytail could be the ideal solution. And since this low pony has the extra benefit of being flat at the crown, it also makes the perfect base for wearing hats and other hair accessories!
14. The Simple Bun
If you’re really pushed for time and need a hairdo that you can whip together in a matter of seconds, then there really is no better style choice than a simple bun. What with its sultry, undone appeal and #IWokeUpLikeThis aesthetic, it’s no wonder it’s coveted the world over. Credit: @cheyhair Editor’s tip: Since the unique texture of curly hair makes it more prone to frizz and dryness, we suggest applying a leave-in conditioning mist like the Suave Professionals Avocado + Olive Oil Smoothing Leave-In Conditioner. This will leave your locks feeling super soft and hydrated, making them easier to handle.
15. Pigtails
We all know that ’90s style is huge, right now. From our fashion choices through to our hair (hello, scrunchies), get on the trend in a major way by styling your curly tresses in pigtails like this Instagram babe. Credit: @camilacvieira
16. Bouffant Half-up Half-down
Looking for something traditional, yet glamorous? Then listen to us when we say: half-up, half-down curls are a surefire way to make an impact and are famed for their timeless sophistication. Plus, adding a backcombed bouffant detail will add a ’60s vibe to your look. Editor’s tip: To add the required height at the crown, spray TRESemmé Volumizing Dry Shampoo onto your roots before gently back-combing. Finish off the look with the TRESemmé Total Volume Hair Spray, which will give you plenty of holds, while maintaining the volume and movement in your curls.
17. Curly Chignon
So versatile is this style that it is equally at home on the beach, as it is at the altar! Simply dress it up with hair accessories, like dainty flowers or glam diamante slides, and you’re good to go. But best of all, it’s a style that doesn’t require loads of length, so ladies with mid-length hair: this one is perfect for you!
18. The Reverse Milkmaid Updo
Naturally curly hair updos were practically made to be worn in a wealth of braided and twisted ‘dos, all of which help to keep your tresses tucked away safe and sound. A great way to keep frizz at bay while adding an elegant and feminine edge to your everyday style, this reverse milkmaid braid has definitely become a must-have for many curly girls.
19. Space Buns
Want a style that is out of this world? The space buns are your answer. Wear this style to any summer festival this year, and you’ll be the hair envy of all your friends. Credit: @bwatuwant
20. Multiple Puffs
All the naturalistas in the room: please take note because this hairstyle is an ideal choice for your kinky locks! Easy to achieve, a set of puff ponytails is a great way to manage your curls and creates a high-impact updo that’s full of personality. Want to know how to create this stunning ‘fro hawk with multiple ponytails? Just check out our video tutorial.
21. Relaxed Hair Roll
Are your tresses more wavy than curly? Then this classic and undone look will be right up your hair street. Not only is this stunning ‘do absolutely ideal for any upcoming events you may have, but it’s also surprisingly easy to achieve.
22. Double Dutch Ponytails
If you are anything like us, you’ll love this braided hairstyle. While we adore this hairstyle on all hair types, there is something special about the way it looks on curly tresses that we can’t help but admire. Credit: @jaymejo_ Editor’s tip: Give definition and hold to your curls by adding SheaMoisture Coconut & Hibiscus Defining Styling Gel into your hair routine. Simply apply lightly over towel-dried hair before styling and work through with your fingers, sculpting your curls into your desired style as you go.
