20 Easy and Modern Hairstyles for Thick Curly Hair
A word to the wise though: Thick curly hair is drier than straight or wavy hair. That’s why it frizzes out faster than any other hair type! Pro tip: Keep your locks frizz-free and healthy with a deep moisturizing shampoo and conditioner, and fall in love with the inspiration we’ve culled for you below:
1. Deep Side Part
Show off your long curly hair with a deep side part. To get this easy hairstyle, spray Love Beauty and Planet Coconut Water & Mimosa Flower Dry Shampoo at the root on dry hair. Then simply create a deep side parting, focusing on creating volume and depth.
2. Fishtail Braid
Fishtail braids are totally doable hairstyles for thick curly hair. To master this look, check out our full tutorial where we show you how to create a fishtail braid on curly hair. Then, swoop your braid to the side and you’ll be good to go.
3. Space Buns
Try out this cool ’90s hairstyle with a twist. To create your space buns, start off by parting your hair down the center. Then, create two pigtails and wrap each section in a messy bun, enabling you to show off your thick curly hair at the same time.
4. Frohawk
Create a cool frohawk (afro + mohawk, but you knew that) by pinning back the sides of your thick curly hair with a trendy hair accessory. To create the slicked back sides, start by using your fingers to comb back your hair. A bit of gel, like Dove Amplified Textures Shine & Moisture Finishing Gel, helps get things under control!
5. Two-Minute Half Updo
This simple half updo is one of our favorite hairstyles for curly thick hair because it looks great on every face shape, and, you guessed it, is a cinch to do. All you need to do is section off the top part of your hair and pull it together in a ponytail, and you’re out the door.
6. Half-Up Top Knot
Just like the half updo, this half-up top knot takes about three minutes to complete, tops! For this style, section off the top of your hair, then coil it around to create a bun. Thick curly hair works this look the best, as the added texture gives an extra shot of fullness and pouf.
7. Braided Low Ponytail
Add extra interest to your average ponytail by incorporating Dutch-braided or cornrow accents into your ponytail. For complete details on this look, follow our tutorial to help you recreate this two-sided braided ponytail. It’s super cute and should only take a couple of minutes to create, and is one of those hairstyles for curly thick hair that looks just as fab from coffee to cocktails.
8. Pineapple Updo
We love the look of pineapple hair! They’re really fun thick curly hairstyles, and as a bonus, can give you an extra day or two between washes too. Follow this tutorial to get the perfect pineapple hairstyle.
9. Long and Loose
Thick curly hair can be worn long and loose; it’s a gorgeous way to show off your hair. Tell your stylist that you want long layers. Layers add movement, help give curls a bit more shape, and are super versatile. To style, keep curls bouncy with Suave Professionals Captivating Curls Mousse Cream. It’s lightweight, resists frizz, and keeps hair soft.
10. Braided Knot
Of course, thick curly hair can go into a top knot; they’re not just for gals with straight hair. Braided knots are great for when you’re #gettingthingsdone and are a practical yet cute look when hitting a festival (or any time of the year, for that matter). To help style, apply a small dime-sized amount of TRESemmé Flawless Curls Defining Gel on palms when gathering hair up to aid in curl definition and shine.
11. Two-Tailed Braids
You can create two small three-strand braids on each side of your head behind each temple then either turn it into one braid or tie them together and you’ll have a ponytail. Once you learn the trick to braiding, you’ll find that they’re a really quick way to change up your look while still showcasing your texture. Start with clean strands by using Dove Amplified Textures Hydrating Cleanse Shampoo and Dove Amplified Textures Super Slip Detangling Conditioner.
12. Voluminous Bob
When you have curly thick hair, you can create hairstyles with lots of volume. Let your curls go wild! For hairstyles like this one, start with a volumizing mousse like Bed Head by TIGI Foxy Curls Mousse to prep. Create a few pin curls scattered through your hair, then blow-dry yours with a diffuser. Once hair is completely dry, release the pin curls and finger-style your hair. To get extra volume and style staying power, flip hair over and spray, TRESemmé Beauty-Gull Volume Flexible Finish Hair Spray and then spritz the roots at the crown and on the sides of your head. The hairspray is long-lasting, adds shine, and really locks in a style.
13. Elevated Curly Afro
The elevated curly afro is easy to recreate: Use your hair pick on your hair until you get the volume and height you want to achieve.
14. Curly Pixie With Bangs
Welcome to your most stylish shake-your-head-and-go look! Keep your curly thick hair healthy with Suave Professionals Define & Shine Serum Gel. It’s a leave-in conditioner that can be used on wet or dry hair, and instantly adds shine while it nourishes your tresses.
15. Curly Pixie
Believe this or not, curly pixies were called “poodle cuts” in the ’50s (? we see it!). This curly pixie is another cool way to shake your curls and head out the door… while looking fab, of course.
16. Curly Shag
The curly shag is like a lob with layers, and one of the most on-trend hairstyles for thick curly hair this 2018. The shag works well with most types of curls (except 3C). Keep strands healthy with Emerge My Mane BFF Leave-In Conditioner as ringlets tend to knot up easier than straight hair. This leave-in conditioner that you gently comb in helps untangle, all the while nourishing your curls.
17. Deep Side Part
Achieve instant glamour with a super deep side part. Changing up your part like this is actually an easy way to instantly achieve more volume at your roots if you’re in a rush.
18. Half-Up
Pull your curls up and away into a super chic and cute half-up style. We love this style for thick curly hair because it can make your hair feel more manageable since half of it is pulled back. However, you’re still able to show off your curls!
19. Sharp Center Part
When in doubt, grab a rattail comb and create a sharp center part. This look is edgy, cool, and super easy. Plus, it’s an easy way to show off your waves.
20. Bombshell Waves
It doesn’t get prettier or sexier than bombshell waves! To get this look, use a 1-1.5 inch curling iron, spritz hair spray to lock in the style, and then brush out the curls for voluminous waves. Thinking about trying one of these hairstyles for thick curly hair? Make sure to snap a picture and tag us @AllThingsHairUS!
