20 Curly Hair Airport Hairstyles: Stay Cute and Travel in Style

Traveling through the airport can be stressful enough, but with a little creativity, you can also look fabulous while breezing through security. Curly hair has its own set of challenges, but with the right hairstyle, you can keep your curls in check and look stylish on the go. 

Whether you’re catching a flight for business, vacation, or a weekend getaway, these 20 curly hair airport hairstyles will keep you looking fresh and put together as you navigate through the terminal.

1. High Puff

The high puff is one of the easiest and most popular curly hair styles, and it’s perfect for keeping your hair out of your face during travel. Simply gather your curls at the crown of your head, secure with a hair tie, and leave the curls around your face soft and natural.

• Tips: Add a light leave-in conditioner or curl cream to define your curls and reduce frizz.
  
• Best for: Oval, round, or square faces. Works well for 3A to 4C curly hair types.

2. Messy Bun

A messy bun is a go-to look for effortless chic. Simply pull your curls into a loose bun at the back of your head. Leave a few curls to frame your face for a more natural, undone look.

• Tips: Use a scrunchie for a softer hold and to prevent breakage.
  
• Best for: Heart-shaped and oval faces. Works well with medium to thick curls (3B to 4A).
  

3. Curly Top Knot

For a fun twist on the classic bun, try a curly top knot. Pull your curls to the top of your head, twist them into a knot, and secure with pins or a hair tie.

• Tips: Define your curls with a curl-enhancing mousse before styling.
  
• Best for: Long faces and curly types 3B and 4A.
  

4. Pineapple Updo

This style works wonders to keep curls bouncy and protected during travel. Gather your curls into a high ponytail at the top of your head, leaving them in their natural form to avoid frizz.

• Tips: Use a satin or silk scrunchie to minimize frizz and breakage.
  
• Best for: Round faces and 3A to 4C curls.
  

5. Twist-Out

A twist-out involves twisting your damp curls into sections and letting them dry before unraveling them for defined curls. This style holds up well through travel and gives you that perfect curl pattern.

• Tips: Make sure your twists are neat to avoid frizz and use a curl cream to enhance the definition.
  
• Best for: Square faces and 4A to 4C hair types.
  

6. Half-Up Curly Bun

For a mix of elegance and comfort, try the half-up curly bun. Secure the top section of your curls into a bun, leaving the rest of your hair loose for a voluminous, yet controlled look.

• Tips: Use a light-hold hairspray to keep your curls intact.
  
• Best for: Oval and heart-shaped faces, especially for 3B and 4A curls.
  

7. Side-Swept Curls

If you want to keep things simple but elegant, try sweeping your curls to one side. This style works great with loose, bouncy curls or defined ringlets.

• Tips: Use a curl gel to define the curls and avoid frizz.
  
• Best for: Diamond and oval faces. Best for medium to loose curls (3A-3B).
  

8. Curly Bob

A curly bob is a great way to keep things low-maintenance yet stylish. This works particularly well for shorter curly hair that you want to keep light and breezy.

• Tips: Use a curl cream and a diffuser to ensure your curls remain bouncy throughout your travels.
  
• Best for: Round faces and 3A to 3B curls.
  

9. Curly Headband

This is an easy, cute style that uses a fabric headband to help tame unruly curls. Simply put on a headband and let your curls fall naturally.

• Tips: Opt for a silk or satin headband to prevent frizz.
  
• Best for: Heart-shaped and oval faces, works for all curly types.
  

10. Flat Twist Bun

Twist your hair into sections and pin each section into a low bun at the nape of your neck for a neat and sophisticated look. This style works great when you want to avoid dealing with frizz and flyaways.

• Tips: Use a hair gel with a strong hold to keep your twists defined.
  
• Best for: Oval faces and thicker, coarser curls (4A to 4C).
  

11. Curly Braids

Braiding your curls into a few sections before travel is an effective way to keep them under control and prevent frizz. You can go for a simple three-strand braid or try a French braid.

• Tips: Keep the braids loose for a more natural and relaxed look.
  
• Best for: Square faces, works best with 3B to 4B curls.
  

12. Bantu Knots

This is a bold and fun look, where small sections of hair are twisted into tight knots on top of your head. When you unravel them, you get defined curls.

• Tips: Add some curl cream before styling to ensure your curls stay hydrated.
  
• Best for: Oval and heart-shaped faces. Best suited for 4B and 4C curls.
  

13. Curly Shag

A curly shag haircut offers plenty of layers that add volume and texture. This haircut is perfect for a fun, bouncy look that requires minimal styling.

• Tips: Lightly scrunch your curls with a product to enhance volume.
  
• Best for: Round faces and 3A to 3B curls.
  

14. Low Bun with Curls

For an elegant yet simple look, try a low bun. Pull the hair into a loose bun at the nape, leaving some curls to frame your face.

• Tips: Use a serum to keep your curls shiny and smooth.
  
• Best for: Oval and heart-shaped faces. Works well with 3A to 4A hair.
  

15. Box Braids with Curls

If you want a protective style that’s still stylish, box braids with curly ends can be a great option. The braids will keep your hair secure, while the curly ends will keep it cute.

• Tips: Use a curl cream to define the curly ends for a polished finish.
  
• Best for: All face shapes, especially great for 4A-4C curls.
  

16. Curly Low Ponytail

For a no-fuss yet chic style, pull your curls into a low ponytail. Leave the curls loose and let them fall naturally for an effortless vibe.

• Tips: Use a curl-enhancing mousse to add volume.
  
• Best for: Oval and round faces, works for all curl types.
  

17. Braided Crown

For a boho-chic look, create two braids on either side of your head and pin them across the crown of your head. This is both stylish and practical.

• Tips: Loosen the braids for a more relaxed, voluminous effect.
  
• Best for: Heart and oval faces, suitable for all curly hair types.
  

18. Curly Side Bun

A side bun adds an elegant twist to your travel style. Gather your curls on one side and twist them into a loose, low bun for an understated, chic look.

• Tips: Use a texturizing spray to enhance volume.
  
• Best for: Oval and diamond faces. Works great for 3B to 4A curls.
  

19. Curly Ponytail with a Twist

This style combines the classic ponytail with a bit of flair. Twist small sections of your curls before pulling them into a ponytail for added texture.

• Tips: Use a leave-in conditioner to keep curls hydrated and frizz-free.
  
• Best for: Round faces and 3A to 4B curls.
  

20. Flat Ironed Curls with Volume

If you want a sleeker look, try flat ironing some of your curls while leaving others in their natural state for a more polished yet voluminous style.

• Tips: Use a heat protectant before flat ironing to avoid heat damage.
  
• Best for: Heart and oval faces, works well for 3A-3B curls.
  

Keeping Your Curls Fresh While Traveling: Extra Tips

While these 20 styles will help keep your curls cute and functional, don’t forget these quick tips to maintain your curls during your journey:

• Hydrate and Protect: Always keep a travel-sized bottle of curl cream or leave-in conditioner with you to keep your curls hydrated.
  
• Pack a Silk Scarf or Bonnet: For overnight stays or long flights, wrapping your hair in a silk scarf or bonnet will keep your curls from getting flattened.
  
• Avoid Over-Touching: Constantly touching or adjusting your curls can lead to frizz and flattening. Let your curls do their thing!
  

No matter which hairstyle you choose, you’ll be sure to travel in style, looking cute and comfortable while rocking those curly locks!