By day three, curls tend to flatten at the crown and frizz at the ends, and that’s when a satin scrunchie and a spray bottle of water do more than rewashing. These cute curly hairstyles range from one-minute updos for second-day hair to cuts done dry, curl by curl, with notes on which curl patterns and lengths each suits.
1. The Curly Pineapple
A pineapple updo pulls long curls to the top of the head with a satin scrunchie and lets the ends tip forward. It keeps curl shape intact overnight and holds up as a daytime style. 3A to 4A curls of at least shoulder length suit it. Lay the edges with a soft brush and edge gel. Among cute curly hairstyles, this is the one for day-three curls. Refresh the ends with water and a touch of leave-in.
2. The High Puff
A high curly puff gathers every curl at the crown and holds it with a stretchy band or satin scrunchie. 3C to 4C hair of medium to thick density suits it. Smooth the sides with gel and a soft brush, then fluff the puff out with a pick. Of the natural curly hairstyles, it is one of the quickest for wash day plus two. To keep the puff round, trim the ends every 12 weeks.
3. Half-Up Puff
A half-up curly puff pulls the top section into a loose puff at the crown and leaves the rest hanging. Length shows and curls stay off the face. 3B to 4A curls of any density suit it. Lay the front with a soft brush and edge gel. It is one of the cute curly hairstyles that works on second-day hair. Refresh the lengths with water and curl cream.
4. Space Buns on Curls
Curly space buns are a pair of high buns on either side of a center part. Gather each side, twist loosely, and tie with a scrunchie so the curls stay full. 3A to 4B curls of at least shoulder length suit it. Let a few curls hang at the temples. It is one of the cute curly hairstyles for festivals and concerts. A light gel along the part keeps the line clean.
5. Half-Up Space Buns on Curls
Half-up curly space buns use just the top section for two small buns and leave the remaining curls down. Part at the center and twist each side loosely. Fine to thick curls at any length past the chin suit it. It is one of the cute curly hairstyles that shows off volume and length together. Refresh the loose curls with water and a bit of gel.
6. Claw Clip Updo for Curls
A curly claw clip updo twists long curls up the back of the head and snaps a large clip shut over the twist. Let the ends tumble over the top of the clip. 2C to 3C curls of medium to thick density suit it. Pick a clip at least four inches across. It is one of the cute curly hairstyles for hot days. Pull a few curls loose at the face.
7. Half-Up Claw Clip for Curls
A curly half-up claw clip twists the top section back and holds it with a medium clip, leaving the rest of the curls down. 2C to 3B curls of any density suit it. Twist gently to avoid frizz. It is one of the easy curly hairstyles that takes less than a minute. Scrunch a little gel through the lengths to bring back definition.
8. Top Knot for Curls
A curly top knot pulls the curls to the crown and wraps them loosely into a bun. The curls supply volume with no teasing. 3A to 4A curls of at least shoulder length suit it. Hold it with a scrunchie and two U-pins, and leave curls loose at the nape and temples. It is one of the easy curly hairstyles for the gym and running errands.
9. Low Bun for Curls
A low curly bun twists the curls at the nape and pins them into a loose knot. Lay the front with gel and a soft brush. 3A to 4B curls of medium to thick density suit it. It works for the office and for weddings. Leave two curls loose at the face. It is one of the cute curly hairstyles that lasts all day with a light hold spray.
10. Scrunchie Ponytail for Curls
A curly ponytail with a scrunchie gathers the curls at the crown or mid-head and holds them without breaking up the curl pattern. Satin or silk scrunchies frizz less than elastics. 2C to 4A curls suit it. Lay the hairline with a bit of gel. It is one of the easy curly hairstyles for every day. Fluff the tail with your fingers.
11. Curly Ponytail With Face-Framing Pieces
This ponytail leaves two or three curls loose at each temple. I cut face-framing layers at the cheekbone so those pieces curl tighter. 3A to 3C curls and oval or heart faces suit it. Set the ponytail low or mid-head. It is one of the cute curly hairstyles that softens a pulled-back look. Refresh the loose curls with water and a bit of gel.
12. Pigtails on Curls
Curly pigtails split the hair down the center into two ponytails behind the ears, with the curls left loose and full. 3A to 4B curls of at least chin length suit it. Satin scrunchies prevent breakage. It is one of the easy curly hairstyles for weekends and the beach. Lay the part with a little gel and fluff each tail with your fingers.
13. Dutch Braids Into Curly Tails
This braids underhand from the hairline to the nape on each side, then leaves the ends loose so the curls stay fluffy. 3A to 4B curls of medium to thick density suit it. Braid on damp hair with a light gel. It is one of the cute curly hairstyles that survives a workout. Allow about ten minutes.
14. Silk Scarf Headband on Curls
A silk scarf headband folds a square scarf into a band tied at the nape beneath the curls. Curls stay off the face and a frizzy hairline is covered. Any curl pattern suits it. Set the knot to one side for a softer look. Of the curly hairstyles I suggest for travel and hot days, this is first. Silk also cuts down friction on the curls.
15. Bandana on Curls
A bandana on curly hair folds a cotton square into a triangle and knots it at the nape or on top, with the curls left out at the back. Every curl type suits it, and it covers second-day roots. It is one of the cute curly hairstyles for festivals and the beach. Before tying, refresh the curls with water and a bit of gel.
16. Ribbon Half-Up on Curls
A curly ribbon half-up ties a satin ribbon over a small half-up section at the crown, and the ribbon stands out against the curls. 2C to 3C curls of any density suit it. Gather gently so the curls hold their shape. It is one of the cute curly hairstyles for dinners and holidays. Go for a velvet or satin ribbon about an inch wide.
17. Barrette-Pinned Side Curls
Side-pinned curls push one side behind the ear and hold it with two barrettes, showing the jawline while curls fall on the other side. 3A to 3C curls and round or heart faces suit it. Part deeply to the side. It is one of the cute curly hairstyles that takes a minute. For thick curls, pick barrettes with a strong snap.
18. Bangs on Curly Hair
I cut curly bangs dry, curl by curl, so I can see where each one springs. They stay longer than straight bangs, usually to the eyebrow when wet. 3A to 3C curls and oval or long faces suit them. Scrunch in curl cream and diffuse. They are one of the cute curly hairstyles that frame the eyes. Trim every 6 weeks.
19. Curtain Bangs on Curly Hair
Curly curtain bangs part at the center and drop to either side at the cheekbones. I cut them dry and leave extra length for shrinkage. 2C to 3B curls and oval, heart and long faces suit them. Work gel into wet bangs and diffuse. They are one of the cute curly hairstyles that grow out without trouble. Trim every 6–8 weeks.
20. Shag for Curly Hair
A curly shag puts short layers at the crown and around the face so curls stack on top. I cut it dry, one curl at a time. 2C to 3C curls of medium to thick density and oval or long faces suit it. Diffuse with curl cream and gel. It is one of the cute curly hairstyles that builds volume up top. Trim every 8–10 weeks.
21. Wolf Cut for Curly Hair
A curly wolf cut pairs shaggy crown volume with a longer, tapered back. I cut the top curls short and dry, then point cut the lengths. Thick 3A to 3C curls and oval or heart faces suit it. Diffuse upside down for root lift. It is one of the edgier cute curly hairstyles. To keep the crown short, trim every 6–8 weeks.
22. Butterfly Cut for Curly Hair
A curly butterfly cut sets short cheekbone layers over long layers, and the curls settle into them with no round brush needed. I cut it dry. 2C to 3B curls of medium to thick density and oval or heart faces suit it. Diffuse with mousse for volume. It is one of the cute curly hairstyles that frames the face. Trim every 8 weeks.
23. The Curly Bob
A curly bob gets cut dry at the chin so the shape stays round rather than going triangular. I take weight out of the interior and keep the perimeter soft. 3A to 3C curls and oval or heart faces suit it. Work curl cream and gel into soaking-wet hair and diffuse. It is one of the short curly hairstyles that dries fast. Trim every 8 weeks.
24. The Curly Pixie
A curly pixie keeps the sides and nape short with two to four inches of curl on top. I cut the top dry so every curl lands where it should. 3B to 4A curls and oval or heart faces suit it. Scrunch in curl cream and let it air-dry. It is one of the short curly hairstyles that takes five minutes. Trim every 5–6 weeks.
25. The Curly Lob
A curly lob lands at the collarbone with long internal layers so the curls do not bunch at the bottom. I cut it dry and round off the ends. 2C to 3B curls of medium to thick density suit it. Diffuse with curl cream and gel. It is one of the cute curly hairstyles that suits most face shapes. Trim every 8–10 weeks.
By day three curls flatten at the crown and frizz at the ends, and that is when I pin them loosely up and call it cute instead of fighting it. FYI, a silk scrunchie hides more than you would think. The oval face haircuts guide runs through the other shapes.
