Knowing your curly hair type gives you an essential guide in figuring out the best styles for your curly hair. Curly hairstyles may vary but they all have one thing in common: curls!
They can be short, long, or medium. Some popular curly hairstyles include beach waves, spiral, and loose curls They are also sub-divided into sections which will be further outlined in this article.
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What Are Curly Hairstyles?
Curly hairstyles are hairstyles that have a defined “s” shape with tight or loose curls. The shape of our hair follicle and the way the hair emerges from the follicle is a great contributor to the degree of curly pattern or style of the hair.
Curly hair also known as type 3 hair is characterized by a springy S-like shape. The follicle is also dependent on the hair’s thickness. The thicker the hair strand the curly the area that it grows from.
Aside from that, the chemical bond in your hair also contributes to its curly style. Curly hairstyles encompass various lengths, from short cropped bobs to long, styling curls.
They can be adapted to suit any face shape or hair texture. This article is a great starting point for finding the curl type that best resembles yours.
Types Of Curly Hairstyles
Normally curly hair is categorized into three main types which are wavy, coily or kinky, and curly but they are subdivided numerically into type 2, type 3, and type 4 as indicated in the image above which are still sub-categorized into alphabet A, B, and C. This article breaks down the different hair types, explaining their differences and characteristics.
Let’s take a closer look at the three main types of curly hair.
- Wavy hair: This has the loosest curly of all and tends to be in the shape of “s” with a slight ripple texture.
- Coily or kinky: Coily has the tightest curly and sparingly texture that forms a spiral shape and is mostly seen to be in a “z” pattern. It consists of a very tight corkscrew pattern.
- Curly hair: It has tighter curls than waves, it can sometimes be in a loose pattern and it is characterized by the shape of “s”. This curly hair usually appears to be shorter than it is due to its tightness.
A sub-division of the curly hair is the type 2 hair.
The type 2 hair includes a slight wave and a soft wave, and the defined waves range from fine to coarse and a subtle curl which holds the shape but can easily be straightened.
The Type 3 hair ranges from loopy S-pattern curls to tight ringlets.
Type 4 has tight small kinky curls that are naturally dry and the texture can range from fine to coarse.
The different types of curly hairstyles are
1. Loose Curls: These curls are larger in size and create a soft, romantic look.
2. Beachy Waves: This hairstyle is characterized by loose and tousled waves, reminiscent of a day spent by the seaside.
3. Ringlets: Ringlets are defined, tight curls that can create an elegant and sophisticated appearance.
4. Afro: This iconic hairstyle showcases voluminous, tight curls all over the head.
5. S-Curls: These curls form an S-shaped pattern, adding incredible texture to the hair.
6. Corkscrew Curls: This hairstyle features tightly coiled curls that resemble the shape of a corkscrew.
7. Curly Bob: A shorter hairstyle that combines bouncy curls with a chic and modern flair.
How Do I Know That I Have Curly Hair
Identifying if you have naturally curly hair can be determined through various signs and characteristics. These include:
- Frizz: Curly hair tends to be prone to frizz due to its natural moisture absorption.
- Shape: Observe the shape of your strands or curls. Curly hair forms a distinct spiral or wave-like pattern.
- Volume: Curly hair often appears voluminous and tends to stand out from the scalp.
- Density: Notice the density of your hair. Curly hair usually appears thick due to its coiled nature.
However, the best time to examine your hair follicle is when it’s wet since water weighs down the hair altering how it looks compared to dry strands of hair.
Related: 43 Best Haircut and Hairstyles for men with receding Hairlines
40 Ways To Style Your Curly Hair
Let’s explore some creative and stylish ways to rock your curly hair
1. Wash and go with curly bangs
The main thing you will need for this look is (obviously) water, but also lots of gel, styling foam, and a detangling brush! When your hair inevitably dries, it’s the gel that will make it look like it’s still wet, and along with the detangling brush, it will hold the curl.
2. Double curly buns
Whether you like your puffs on top of your head, in the middle, or towards the back, you can never go wrong with this style. Slicked edges never hurt anyone either, so make sure to have your control and brush.
3. Simple style with curly bangs
Having curly pieces cover your forehead creates a style like bangs and looks so cute and effortless. The best part about having shrinkage is that you can use it to your advantage to style your hair like this
4. Defined curls with curly bangs
Looking for some easy hairstyles for curly hair? Deliberately creating bangs in front with your curls is also a great choice and adds to a simply curly style. You don’t even have to do much to make it work for you.
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5. Twist out with middle part
A twist-out is one of the best low-maintenance styles and it doesn’t require much at all outside of shampoo, conditioner, or styling foam. Styling foam will create a curl that not only keeps its shape but is incredibly soft and bouncy.
6. Braided bun style
A style like this can also double as a protective style as well. Braids are a great protective style on their own, but adding buns at the end will also protect your ends. It’s a win-win situation. Use a rattail comb because it is important to get the part right on a style like this. Add some elastics to tie up the buns and finish the style off with some cute charms!
Related: 30 Best Hairstyles for Big Noses (Our Top Picks)
7. Simple headband and curls
Simply adding a headband to a curly style can make it that much more interesting. With so many headband styles and options, we can have a different one for every day of the week!
8. Colorful clips curly style
Sometimes you wanna wear your curly hair out, but don’t like it being all in your face. Adding some cute colorful clips to hold it back will not only save you from getting hair in your food, but it also makes very cute hair.
9. Auburn curls with middle parting
Middle parts can be just as stylish as side parts too, and it’s something super quick you can do with your hair that doesn’t require anything else. Having a gorgeous color like this helps as well.
10. End curls
Leave your roots straight and curl at the bottom half of your hair. A style like this creates volume throughout the mid-lengths to the ends of your hair. Use a comb to gently brush through the curls to mimic a naturally curly look.
11. Red and orange curl with deep side part
Our hair comes in so many different textures and densities. Our curls are unique and looking at all of them together really puts that into perspective. Depending on the hair texture and density, different tools and products will be needed, so use what works best for your hair. We can never go wrong with a good shampoo, conditioner, gel, and/or styling product as a basic starting place.
12. Versatile curly style
Something as simple as sweeping your hair to the side can create a sexy style that you can wear anywhere, anytime and all you need is a comb to create the part. A gorgeous color like this should be done by a professional to make sure there are no imperfections.
13. Dramatic curls with a middle parting
Our curls do not obey the laws of gravity and grow sideways instead of down. Take advantage of it and just let your hair go free sometimes. for my women with natural curls, this is one of the easiest hairstyles for naturalists.
14. Pin up style on TWA
One could never go wrong with a headband and some curly hair. Instead of pushing it all back, let some of your hair hang out for a pin-up curly style. Instead of using a headband, you can also use a bandana so you can tie it tighter than a headband.
15. Side-Swept Curls
Get creative with your side parts and style them a little lower than usual. Make sure you have a rattail comb to get a precise cut.
16. Top knot with side twist
I love it when we get creative with our curly styles. A half up half down with just a bun is a cute style on its own but adding twists? It’s a whole new style with just one small added detail, all you need for this style is a gel with a stronghold, charms, and elastics.
17. Front braided curly style
Braids are a style with so much versatility for people who were blessed to be able to do them. Don’t be afraid to get unique with your braids and come up with a style like this! Use elastics at the end of the braids to keep them from unraveling. Don’t forget to get precise parts with your rattail comb.
18. Tight curls with middle part
To get a defined curl with tight curls, finger coiling, or using a diffuser can do the job just right. A diffuser will dry curly hair without stretching the hair and creating a blow-dried look, so they are a great tool for drying the hair fast, while also keeping the curl intact.
19. Side Parted Curls
Are you a team of side part or middle part? Either way, you can’t deny that this side-part curly style is super cute! A middle part cannot add this much drama to a curly style.
20. Half-up curls
Pull your curls back into this easy half-up style. Use a hair tie or a scrunchie to secure your look! This is such an effortless look that’s easy to do. Use a comb to backcomb the front portion of your hair to add some easy volume at the top of the style.
21. Tousled Curls
Whatever curl you prefer, you can run your fingers through them for a tousled look that requires very little upkeep throughout the day. This allows you to have a lower maintenance long curly hairstyle that still shows off your natural hair texture
22. Natural curls
No styling technique can perfectly mirror your natural texture. Let your curls run wild for a unique look. Consider talking to your stylist about incorporating super-short layers at your hair’s crown for some extra dimension.
23. Soft curls
One of the surest signs that you’ve entered adulthood is acknowledging that messy hair is now considered a good thing. Leave those tangle-fighting products at your parents’ house and embrace your strands exactly how they are.
24. Messy curls
No styling technique can perfectly mirror your natural texture. Let your curls run wild for a unique look. Consider talking to your stylist about incorporating super-short layers at your hair’s crown for some extra dimension.
25. Messy curly bun
Switch up your entire look by simply going for a messy bun. Just the hairdo that will make it difficult for people to take their eyes off you. It’s playful and can be made in a few minutes. So, the next time you are running late, you know which hairdo to opt for.
26. Wash and go on tight coils
Adding pops of color all over your hair makes a curly style like this so fun. When it comes to curly hair, not being perfect with applying color still looks gorgeous thanks to the depth and density of our hair.
27. Finger curls with side parts
Middle parts are a very easy way to style curly hair, yet they’re still so cute. For super-defined curls like this, the best method is to use gel and finger coil while the hair is still damp.
28. TWA with two-tone curls
Two-tone curls are a very daring style but still achievable. Make sure to see a professional curly hair colorist if you’re thinking of this for your next style. It is a gorgeous style all you have to do is part it and use some gel to slick the hair down.
29. Highlighted curls with deep side-to-back parts
If you were thinking of adding highlights to your curly style, consider this a sign to do it! Look how fun and gorgeous it looks. Get creative with the colors or do something similar. A style like this doesn’t even need rattail comb precision. Simply part with your fingers or a regular comb to create a more natural look.
30. Layered curls
Consider layering your curls to create more definition and curls that frame your face a lot more. You can visit your local curly hairstylist to help you create the perfect layers for your unique curls.
31. Voluminous curls
We don’t all need to get layers to give our curls more volume though! Some of us, like this beauty, are simply blessed to have hair that defies gravity naturally.
For those of us who aren’t blessed, we can use a hair pick to create the illusion of denser hair.
32. Crisscross twist
Side parts are nice, but we can take it a step further and add some zig-zag twists! Make sure to keep the twists nice and moisturized to avoid them getting frizzy and ruining the style. I’d recommend elastics. edge control, gel, and an edge brush to get the edges and twists perfectly.
33. Highlight and curly bangs
This style is more like a lion’s mane. All you need for this style is a hair pick to fluff it out and some gel to hold the curl.
34. Half up half down bun style
A half up half down bun style is a great style on its own, just add some curls tendrils to the side to bring this style to a whole new level. Having an edge brush, or even an edge scarf can keep the front of the hair slicked down, while elastics can make sure it stays tight. For the tendrils, you can simply wrap them around your finger, or grab something you already have in your house like a straw.
35. Wash and go curls
A simple yet beautiful style. Even with all the versatility that comes with curly hair, sometimes just letting it do its own thing is all we feel like doing to it. For a wash-and-go, all you’ll need is styling foam to keep the curls in place.
36. Slicked back double braided buns
Buns and puffs don’t always need slicked-down baby hairs to make them cuter. Try twisting up the buns before wrapping them up and creating a dramatic side part in the front to add a fresh take on the double style. The rattail comb will be your best friend for this style. These parts are so precise, and that’s how you want yours to be.
37. Deep side part curl
38. One twist curly style
Middle parts are cute, but there’s just something about a side part that makes a hairstyle ‘stop and stare’ worthy. Even if it’s just slicking your hair down to create the side part. Use bobby pins to pin the hair down so it doesn’t fly into your face and you don’t lose your dramatic side parting.
Short curly hair is not limited to puffs and headband styles. There are so many styles we can do with short curls, like this one for example.
A simple small braid in the front makes a short style like this less basic. All you’ll need is a comb to part it and an elastic to keep the twist from unraveling.
39. Spiral curls
These curls are so beautiful! They’re super healthy, despite being colored. This beauty takes good care of them. To get plump, juicy curls like this, you’ll want to use a blow dryer diffuser on wet, moisturized hair
40. Puff with curly side tendril
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We can still show off our curls while it’s in a ponytail too! Slicked edges and curly tendrils will only take you a few extra minutes and be so worth it all you need is a shoelace, some edge control, and an edge brush. You can simply wrap the tendrils around your finger if you don’t have anything handy, but perm rods will also create gorgeous tendrils.
Conclusion
Hairstyles have always been an essential aspect of our appearance, allowing us to express our individuality and reflect the latest trends. Curly hairstyles, in particular, have gained significant popularity over the years, as they not only exude natural beauty but also represent a sense of confidence and charisma.
It is essential to embrace your natural curls and find hairstyles that enhance their beauty.
