15 Easy Curly Hair Updos You'll Love

If you ask us, there’s almost nothing better than letting curly strands hang free. However, some occasions and outfits naturally call for your strands to be stylishly tucked away, and there’s no denying curly hair updos are seriously gorgeous. Whether you’re pressed for time or looking to add an elegant spin to your beauty look, curly updos are the perfect way to switch up your look. Best of all, there is plenty of options that are totally easy to pull together. All you need to create a curly hair masterpiece is a few minutes. If you want to learn how to put curly hair up, you’ve come to the right place. Follow along for 15 curly updo hairstyles that will show off your texture while getting your hair out of your face.

1. PINEAPPLE

Calling all natural hair gals! You know how a pineapple is one of the best ways to preserve your curls at night? Well, this technique doubles as a stunning hairstyle in the daytime. This ‘do is a great way to keep your strands away from your face and helps to highlight your features for a super flattering look. No wonder it tops the list of natural curly hair updos.

To get the look, start by refreshing your curls with a touch of hair oil, like the L’Oréal Paris Elvive Extraordinary Oil Treatment. Next, pull all of your hair up toward the front of your head and secure with a hair scrunchie or hair tie. Fluff your curls so they hang over your forehead, and your style is complete.

2. BANTU KNOTS

Not only are Bantu knots a popular protective style, but they make for an excellent curly hair updo! To try the trend, create a one to two-inch section in your hair and start twisting from the root to ends. Your hair will begin to twist into itself. Twist the section tightly around itself to form a tiny bun and secure with a hair elastic. Repeat until you have a mane full of Bantu knots.

3. MESSY TOP KNOT

When it comes to easy curly hair updos, the messy top knot reigns supreme. Equal parts carefree and chic, this hairstyle makes it easy to get hair out of the way while making a stylish statement. Not to mention, this hairstyle looks amazing on everyone. Want to give this updo a go? Head on over to our article, How to Do the Perfect Top Knot, for a step-by-step tutorial.

4. HIGH MESSY BUN WITH A JEWELED HAIR CLIP

Love to rock updos with a sparkly touch? Well, we have a feeling that a high messy bun paired with a jeweled clip will perfectly complement your favorite Instagram filter. So, get ready to take a selfie. Transform your strands with the help of our article, How to Create a Messy Bun, for a gorgeous finish. Once your bun is in place, add your jeweled clip wherever you like. We love the look of a few sparkling pins in the back.

5. BUN WITH FAUX BANGS

If you’re game to add some fringe to your curly updos, a bun with faux bangs will certainly do the trick. Perfect for those looking for a face-framing option, this offering checks all of the style boxes. Follow along to get the look.

STEP #1: SMOOTH YOUR STRANDS

As with any hairstyle, you’ll want to start by making sure your hair is free of any knots and tangles. Brush your hair from your ends all the way up for a smooth finish.

STEP #2: CREATE YOUR PONYTAIL

Gather your strands as you normally would, and secure your hair into a ponytail.

STEP #3: SECTION YOUR HAIR

Pull the length of your ponytail upward, then use the end of your comb to separate out a half-inch thick layer at the top of your pony.

STEP #4: POSITION YOUR FAUX BANGS

Place the ends of your hair, so they fall over your forehead. Make sure there’s enough hair for the look you want, as well as the right length!

STEP #5: PIN IT UP

Once your hair is in place, use bobby pins to secure your strands in front of the base of your ponytail.

STEP #6: FORM YOUR BUN

Gather the remaining length of your ponytail and wrap it around its base. Be sure to conceal where your faux bangs were pinned in the previous step. Secure the bun with more bobby pins.

STEP #7: FLUFF YOUR CURLS

Use a brush to back-brush your strands to help boost up the volume a bit.

STEP #8: SET & GO

Mist the L’Oréal Paris Elnett Precious Oil Satin Hairspray over your fake bangs and your entire mane, and you’re ready to head out the door.

6. LOW BUN WITH PIECE-Y STRANDS

We simply have to add the low bun with piece-y strands to our list of easy curly hair updos. An excellent choice for days when you’re looking for a touch of practicality with a flirty vibe, this hairstyle will take your style meter up a few notches.

To start, create an inch-wide section at the center of your hairline and clip it out of the way. Gather the rest of your strands toward the nape of your neck, and create a ponytail. Wrap the length of the ponytail around its base to form a bun and secure with a hair elastic. Release the front section of your hair and let your piece-y strands frame your face. Voila!

7. SPACE BUNS

Want to take your bun look to the next level? Consider doubling the fun with space buns! A great way to add a fun and playful element to your hairstyle, you’ll be sure to turn heads with this out-of-this-world style. The best part is that you can create this look in a matter of minutes. Want in on the space bun trend? Check out our article, How to Do Space Buns, to master the trend.

8. HIGH PUFF

If you’re like us, then you’re all about flaunting fluffy curls. The high puff is another one of the best natural curly hair updos for putting your ringlets on display. A great way to refresh your second-day or third-day hair, there’s a reason why the high puff is a top pick for natural hairstyles. To get the style, add a touch of hair gel, like the L’Oréal Paris Studio Line Clean Gel to your roots. Brush your hair toward the center of your head, and create a ponytail. Gently fluff your curls with your fingertips, mist your strands with shine spray, and you’re good to go.

9. MESSY PONYTAIL

Believe it or not, lived-in, carefree hairstyles are all the rage in the beauty world. With updos leading the pack, messy ponytails are the go-to carefree style to master. This voluminous cool-girl hairstyle goes hand-in-hand with curly strands, and you don’t have to put too much effort into pulling it off. Sounds like a style you’d like to try? When it comes to how to put curly hair up, it doesn’t get much easier than a messy pony, but for help perfecting the look, head over to our article, How to Achieve an Effortless Messy Ponytail.

10. HALF-UP PARTY PONYTAIL

If you’re down to serve up some nostalgia, the half-up party ponytail will give you a stylish trip down memory lane. While this childhood style was filled with colorful hair accessories, the adult spin-off offers a more minimalist vibe.

STEP #1: SECTION YOUR HAIR

To start, part your hair into two sections, making sure the top half is a little smaller than the bottom section that’s hanging down your back.

STEP #2: PUT IT UP

Once you’ve gathered your top section of hair, it’s time to create your party pony! You’ll want to style your pony high at the back of your head. Smooth your hair back and secure your pony with a hair elastic. Split the hair in two and give it a gentle tug to make sure your ponytail is plenty perky.

STEP #3: SECURE YOUR STYLE

Congratulations, you’re at the finish line! To finish the look, spritz your hair with shine spray to help keep your strands in place throughout the day.

11. BUBBLE PONYTAIL

As much as we love ponytails we can create in a flash, every once in a while, it’s nice to spice thing up with something slightly more complicated. So, of course, we had to introduce you to the bubble ponytail style. A great option for curly-haired girls with long hair, this look highlights your curly texture while adding a modern touch to your look. In other words, it’s just what you need to set yourself apart. Head on over to our article, How to Create the Perfect Bubble Ponytail, for all the details.

12. FAUX HAWK

Ready to embrace your inner rockstar? A faux hawk hairstyle will make it happen! A nice change of pace for those who love to embrace a bold style, this ‘do will not disappoint. Simply add a small amount of hair mousse, like the L’Oréal Paris Advanced Hairstyle CURVE IT Elastic Curl Mousse to damp strands, scrunch, and let air dry. Once dry, slick a dime-sized amount of hair gel onto the sides of your hair and brush upward. Fluff your texture in the middle, and you’re all set.

13. MESSY FRENCH TWIST

Add a Parisian twist to your curly updo with the French twist. Known as a timeless style that’s perfect for any occasion, the French twist is a flattering option you simply won’t be able to resist. The best part is, while the style may look a bit challenging to create, it’s actually among our favorite easy curly hair updos.

To master the style, start by backcombing the front section of hair to pump up the volume and add texture. Next, use your fingers to loosely comb your hair back and roll the ends in toward your head. Once you reach your scalp, pin them in place. (Need step-by-step instructions and pictures to match? Here’s How to Create a Classic French Twist.)

14. HALO BRAID

If you can’t get enough of beautifully woven strands, it may be worth exploring the art of the halo braid. This combination of Dutch and fishtail braids forms an angel-like loop—hence the name halo. If you’re looking for an elegant style, this braided updo will complement your chicest ensembles perfectly. We also appreciate how this style frames your face and adds a playful and sweet vibe to your look. Ready to switch things up? Get the look for yourself with help from this tutorial: Look Like an Angel: Mixed Halo Braid Tutorial.

15. HALF-UP DOUBLE BRAID WITH LOOSE CURLS

With braided hairstyles on the top of your mind, we couldn’t help but put the half-up double braid with loose curls on your radar as well. Featuring two Dutch braids that transform into soft, loose curls, this sassy look can’t be beat. Even better, this chic hairstyle doesn’t take a ton of time to pull together.

STEP #1: AMP UP YOUR CURLS

To really bring this look to life, you’ll need to add some definition to your curls. Start by applying an egg-sized amount of curl mousse to damp strands, then scrunch them before air drying. 

STEP #2: PART YOUR HAIR

Once your hair is dry, it’s time to set the stage for your braids. Split your hair into two sections, a top and bottom layer. Clip the bottom layer out of the way, then divide the top into two sections—one for each of your braids.

STEP #3: BUILD YOUR BRAID

Now you can create your Dutch braid! Separate your hair on one side into three equally-sized strands and weave your braid until you have about two to three inches of length left, then secure with a hair tie. Repeat on the other side.

STEP #4: FLUFF YOUR CURLS

For the finishing touch, you’ll need to fluff up your curls. Once you’re all done, mist an even layer of shine spray over your mane to seal the deal.

Next: Our Best Curly Hair Products