Nothing makes me happier than seeing gorgeous curls styled into an updo that highlights their natural beauty.
Curly hair can sometimes feel like a second job, especially when it comes to maintenance (and that dreaded detangling), but it’s all worth it once you unlock the full potential of your curly mane!
Unlike straight or wavy hair, curly hair updos often require less time to style because the natural texture already provides volume, bounce, and movement.
No matter the occasion or the length of your curls, these updos will take your style to the next level and keep you coming back for more.
1. Messy Curly Bun With A Flower
• OCCASION: Weddings, romantic dates, garden parties, spring/summer events
• VIBE: Romantic, playful, whimsical, feminine
Anyone here for an easy updo for curly hair? And I thought so! A voluminous, messy curly bun with a flower and face-framing tendrils is a timeless style perfect for any occasion.
2. Voluminous Curly Hair Updo
• OCCASION: Parties, weddings, formal events, night outs
• VIBE: Glamorous, elegant, sophisticated
Nothing beats voluminous, beautiful curly hair that looks perfectly untamed. Instead of hiding your stunning curls in a polished bun, try an effortless messy bun paired with the right barrette for any occasion.
3. Curly Braided Bubble Braid
• OCCASION: Casual outings, festivals, school or college, brunch with friends
• VIBE: Playful, fun, youthful, boho-chic
The coolest gals know that the right hairstyle speaks volumes about their personality. This impressive curly braided bubble braid is the perfect style for those with long, curly hair who are ready to go bold and loud.
4. Textured Curly Hair Updo For Work
• OCCASION: Office, meetings, professional events, virtual calls
• VIBE: Polished, professional, effortless, sophisticated
No time to style your curls? No problem! A textured curly hair updo is the beautifully messy look you need for busy office days or running errands in style.
5. Three Vertical Curly Buns
• OCCASION: Festivals, casual outings, parties, fun photoshoots
• VIBE: Playful, quirky, youthful, trendy
Double buns, famously known as space buns, will never go out of style, but vertical buns are close to stealing the crown. This edgy hairstyle gives off bold mohawk vibes with a playful twist.
6. Curly Half Updo With Frontal Braids
• OCCASION: Parties, date nights, casual outings
• VIBE: Romantic, chic, elegant, boho
Combining your curls with a sleek texture on top is a surefire way to create the illusion of more textured and voluminous hair. Frontal braids add charm and Y2K vibes to this beautiful style.
7. Tousled And Textured Curly Updo Bun
• OCCASION: Weddings, garden parties, romantic dates, spring/summer events
• VIBE: Romantic, whimsical, feminine, elegant
Tousled and textured curly updo bun beautifully enhances the curl pattern and allows curly hair to reach its full potential. This stunning updo is one of the simplest styles for curly hair you can rock for almost any occasion.
8. Sleek Curly Updo
• OCCASION: Weddings, formal events, office parties, evening galas
• VIBE: Elegant, polished, sophisticated, chic
Sleek curly updo looks amazing on both 3C curls and 4C curl types, and every type in between. You can go for a super messy bun or a more polished style for formal events.
9. Half-Up Half-Down Long Natural Curls
• OCCASION: Weddings, date nights, brunches, casual outings
• VIBE: Romantic, effortless, feminine
If you have long hair and you want to display the beauty of your curls, a half-up half-down hairstyle is the best bet. Just make sure to apply curl cream and some gel to your damp hair before drying it with a diffuser.
10. Beginner Easy Updo For Curly Hair
• OCCASION: Work, casual outings, brunch, beach days, low-key events
• VIBE: Effortless, polished, chic
This easy updo for curly hair features a simple, slicked-back curly bun that abounds in incredible texture and volume.
Gather your hair into a ponytail and style your bun with bobby pins. For the sleek part: use hair gel and a soft-bristle brush.
11. Messy Curly Side Braid
• OCCASION: Casual outings, festivals, brunch, date nights
• VIBE: Playful, boho, relaxed, effortless
A messy curly side braid allows you to display your feminine and playful side with little effort. If you’re unsure whether to Dutch or French braid your hair, I suggest a Dutch braid because it looks more textured.
TREND ALERT: If you’re into the latest hair trends, the textured fishtail braid is quickly gaining popularity.
12. Face-Framing Curly Hair Updo
• OCCASION: Weddings, parties, date nights, formal events
• VIBE: Elegant, romantic, soft, feminine
Many of my clients underestimate the power of face-framing tendrils, side bangs, or layers. These small touches can completely transform updos for curly hair, adding a whole new dimension to the overall look.
13. Curly Space Buns With Sleek Bangs
• OCCASION: Festivals, casual outings, parties, concerts
• VIBE: Playful, trendy, edgy, youthful
Ready to show off your playful side? Try messy curly space buns with sleek bangs and slayed edges. And just like that, you’ve become the queen of curly hair updos and hottest baddie styles!
14. Curly Messy Chignon Bun
• OCCASION: Weddings, formal events, date nights, parties
• VIBE: Elegant, romantic, effortless, chic
An elegant and polished chignon bun will always remain a classic for formal events. If you want to take this style to the next level, a curly messy chignon bun awaits you.
15. Curly Hair Updo For Wedding
• OCCASION: Weddings, bridal events, engagement parties, formal ceremonies
• VIBE: Romantic, elegant, sophisticated, timeless
This beautiful curly hair updo for a wedding features a tousled and textured look that doesn’t overpower the curls but enhances them. It’s pure perfection.
16. Curly Half Up Space Buns
• OCCASION: Festivals, casual outings, parties, concerts
• VIBE: Playful, trendy, fun, youthful
Curly half-up space buns are a show-stopping style that turns heads wherever you go. If you want a super cute curly updo with a playful twist, this is the one for you.
17. Curly Half Updo Styles
• OCCASION: Weddings, bridal events, engagement parties, formal ceremonies
• VIBE: Elegant, romantic, sophisticated, timeless
Depending on the style and the amount of volume you want to achieve, there’s a perfect curly half-updo for you. You can choose from popular twists to ever-impressive fountain ponytails.
18. Curly Hair Updo For Short Hair
• OCCASION: Weddings, formal events, parties, special celebrations
• VIBE: Elegant, romantic, sophisticated, chic
This curly hair updo for short hair is simple, stunning, and it doesn’t require much time to style. Decorate the curly bun with pearls for a more elegant and sophisticated look.
19. Curly Hair Updo For Black Women
• OCCASION: Formal events, date nights, parties
• VIBE: Elegant, polished, chic, sophisticated
Whether you have 4A or 4C curls, this curly hair updo for black women with coils will elegantly tame your hair and make you look super stylish.
20. Elegant Curly Bun With Pearls
• OCCASION: Weddings, bridal events, formal parties, galas
• VIBE: Elegant, romantic, timeless
A face-framing high curly bun adorned with pearls keeps your curls in place while you dance and ensures you look your absolute best. Pair this stunning curly hair updo with an elegant dress and massive earrings for a complete look.
21. Curly Hair Updo For Prom
• OCCASION: Prom, weddings, formal events
• VIBE: Glamorous, elegant, youthful, romantic
This easy updo for black hair is totally queen-worthy. You don’t need a complex hairstyle for prom to make a statement. This simple curly updo speaks volumes on its own.
22. Claw Clip Curly Half Updo
• OCCASION: Casual outings, work, brunch, errands
• VIBE: Effortless, chic, playful
Claw clips are a fun and practical way to tame curls while staying stylish. From curly claw clip buns to half-updos, there are countless ways to style your curls with this versatile accessory.
23. Boho Curly Pull-Through Braid
• OCCASION: Festivals, parties, special occasions
• VIBE: Boho, playful, feminine, whimsical
Boho queens, this one’s for you! A dramatic pull-through braid with boho hair accessories is guaranteed to make you the it girl this year. If you have short hair, you can still rock this show-stopping style with the help of hair extensions.
How Do You Like These Curly Hair Updos?
Have you found the right one for you? Excited to wow everyone with your stunning curly updo? Planning to share these gorgeous styles with your friends and family?
If so, I’m thrilled for you, and I have no doubt you’ll look amazing no matter the occasion!