14 Elegant Curly Hairstyles to Try

Curly hair is beautiful! If you have natural curls, you know they can be both a blessing and a challenge. The good news is that curls offer so many styling options.

Here are 14 elegant curly hairstyles that will make you fall in love with your curls again.

The Half-Up Curly Style

This easy style keeps your hair out of your face while showing off your beautiful length. Pull the top section of your curls up and secure with a cute clip or hair tie.

For extra style points, leave a few curly strands free around your face. These face-framing pieces soften your look and highlight your best features.

This style works great on busy days when you want to look put-together without spending much time. It also keeps your curls from falling into your eyes while still letting them bounce freely around your shoulders.

Curly Bob with Volume

A curly bob cut to chin or shoulder length brings out the best in your curl pattern. This classic style frames your face beautifully while being easy to manage.

Ask your stylist to cut your bob with layers that give your curls room to spring up and show their natural shape. The right cut will give you amazing volume at the roots.

Style with curl cream when wet, then let air dry or use a diffuser on low heat. Flip your head upside down while drying for extra volume at the roots. This style looks great on all face shapes and ages.

Elegant Curly Updo

For special events, a curly updo creates a look that’s both fancy and natural. Gather your curls loosely at the back or side of your head and pin in place.

Don’t worry about making it perfect! The beauty of curly updos is that some pieces will naturally escape, creating a soft, romantic look. These loose curls around your face and neck add to the style.

Secure with bobby pins that match your hair color. Spray lightly with a holding spray that won’t make your curls crunchy. This style works for weddings, parties, or anytime you want to feel extra special.

Side-Swept Curly Style

Sweeping your curls to one side creates a glamorous, red-carpet worthy look that’s actually very easy to do. Part your hair deeply to one side and let your curls fall naturally.

Use a bit of gel or styling cream on the side with less hair, smoothing it slightly behind your ear. This creates a beautiful contrast with the full, voluminous curls on the other side.

This style especially flatters round or square faces by creating the illusion of length. Secure with a decorative clip if needed, or just use a strong-hold spray to keep everything in place.

Curly Pixie Cut

Yes, curly hair can look amazing in short cuts! A curly pixie shows off your facial features while letting your natural curl pattern create interesting texture and movement.

The key is getting the right cut for your specific curls. Longer on top with shorter sides works well for most curl types. Your stylist should cut it dry to see exactly how your curls will fall.

Style with a small amount of pomade or curl cream, scrunching gently to define your curls. This low-maintenance cut saves you styling time while still looking polished and elegant.

Braided Curly Mohawk

This style creates a stunning look that works for both casual and dressy occasions. Create a French braid or twist along each side of your head, leaving the middle section of curls free.

The braided sides keep hair neat while the center curls create height and drama. You can make the middle section as big or small as you like, depending on how bold you want to be.

Secure the braids with small clear elastics or bobby pins. This style stays put all day and looks even better as it gets slightly messier throughout the day.

Curly Top Knot with Loose Ends

This fun twist on the classic bun lets your curls shine. Gather your hair high on your head, but don’t pull the ends all the way through the elastic on the last wrap.

The result is a bun on top with beautiful curly ends spilling out like a fountain. This creates height at the crown while showing off your curl pattern.

This style works great for second or third-day curls that need refreshing. Spritz the loose ends with water and scrunch with a bit of curl cream to revive them.

Curly Low Ponytail

Sometimes the simplest styles are the most elegant. A low ponytail placed at the nape of your neck looks sophisticated while being incredibly easy to create.

Gather your curls loosely at the base of your neck and secure with a covered elastic that won’t catch on your hair. Don’t pull too tight—some fullness around the face keeps this look soft.

For extra elegance, take a small section of hair from the ponytail and wrap it around the elastic, securing with a bobby pin underneath. This small detail elevates a simple style to something special.

Defined Spiral Curls

This style celebrates your natural curl pattern by defining each spiral for maximum impact. It works on naturally curly hair or with a curling iron on wavy hair.

Apply curl-enhancing cream to damp hair, then twist small sections around your finger to encourage spiral formation. Let air dry completely or use a diffuser with your head tilted to the side.

Once dry, separate larger curls gently with your fingers for fullness, but avoid brushing which causes frizz. Finish with lightweight oil on the ends for shine. This glamorous style makes your curls the star of the show.

Curly Shag with Bangs

The shag haircut has made a big comeback, and it works beautifully with curly hair. Lots of layers throughout with curly bangs creates a stylish, face-framing shape.

The layers help your curls spring up to their natural pattern rather than weighing them down. Curly bangs should be cut longer than straight bangs since they’ll shrink up when dry.

Style with curl cream and either air dry or diffuse. This cut gets better as it grows out, making it low-maintenance between salon visits. The face-framing layers highlight your eyes and cheekbones.

Pin-Curled Side Style

This vintage-inspired look gathers your curls to one side with decorative pins for special occasions. Start by defining your curls with your favorite styling products.

Gently gather most of your curls to one side, securing with bobby pins or decorative clips placed in a pattern. You can create a wave pattern or cluster them for a more modern look.

This style works beautifully for weddings or formal events, especially with sparkly pins or flowers tucked into the curls. It keeps your hair controlled while still showing off your natural texture.

Curly Faux Hawk

For a bold but elegant look, this style keeps the sides sleek while letting curls on top stand free. Use gel or cream to smooth the sides of your hair back, securing with pins if needed.

The center strip of curls creates height and drama. You can make it as wild or controlled as you like by adjusting the amount of product and how you position the curls.

This eye-catching style works for special events when you want to stand out. It photographs beautifully from all angles and stays put even on windy days.

Curly High Ponytail

A high ponytail with curls creates playful volume that’s still sophisticated. Gather your curls high on your head, using a brush only on the roots to avoid disturbing your curl pattern.

Secure with a strong elastic, then gently loosen the hair at your crown for flattering height. The cascading curls from the ponytail create beautiful movement when you turn your head.

This style keeps hair off your neck while still showcasing your curls. It’s perfect for hot weather or active days when you want your hair contained but still looking stylish.

Defined Curly Bob with Side Part

A defined curly bob with a deep side part creates timeless elegance that works for any occasion. The side part adds sophistication while showcasing your curl pattern.

Ask for a cut that’s slightly longer in front and shorter in back for a modern shape. This helps the curls sit perfectly around your face without overtaking your features.

Apply styling products section by section when wet, then either air dry or diffuse on low. Once dry, avoid touching your curls too much to maintain definition. This classic style looks put-together without trying too hard.

Curly hair gives you so many beautiful styling options! Remember that the key to great curly styles is using the right products for your specific curl type and handling your curls gently. Embrace your natural texture, and you’ll discover that your curls can create elegant looks for any occasion.