Tired of curls that frizz in summer humidity or flatten in winter dry air? One curly updo turns second-day texture into all-day polish—#1’s bridal cascade survives rooftop weddings with zero droop. Or grab #6’s high puff that adds instant height for every Zoom call from coast to coast. These 11 looks come with $12 drugstore edge-control hacks, bobby-pin maps, and the one curl-cream trick that locks volume without crunch.
Picture walking into any brunch and every friend begging “Teach me that!” instead of splitting the check. #8’s short tousled crown fakes length on chin-length coils from Miami waves to Seattle spirals—shine without oil, hold without headache. Scroll for year-round product lists and the tension rule that prevents next-day soreness.
11 STUNNING Curly Updo Hairstyles You Need to Try
Before we dive into each style, know this: curly updos aren’t just for special occasions anymore. Sure, they’re perfect for proms and weddings, but they’re also your secret weapon for taming second-day curls, protecting your ends, or just switching up your everyday look. Each style below comes with the tea on what works best—face shapes, hair lengths, occasions, and styling hacks included.
11. Curly Bridal Updo
Rock this stunning curly bridal updo with a cascade of bouncy, rich brown curls styled into a chic high bun. It’s elegant yet playful, perfect for your big day!
- Face Shape Advice: Ideal for oval and heart-shaped faces; let tendrils soften square jaws.
- Outfit & Occasion: Pairs beautifully with a wedding gown or elegant jumpsuit.
- Styling Tips: Use curl cream, pin loosely, and set with light hairspray; add a hairpin for flair.
This look keeps you glamorous and comfortable throughout your wedding!
10. Romantic Curl Twist
Picture this: soft, loosely gathered curls twisted and pinned into an asymmetrical masterpiece that screams “garden party but make it fancy.” This look is pure romance wrapped in texture.
Best for: Medium to long curly hair
Face shapes: Works beautifully on oval, heart, and diamond shapes
Occasion pairing: Weddings (bride or guest), garden parties, engagement photos
Styling tip: Leave a few tendrils loose around your face for that intentionally imperfect finish. Mist with a light-hold spray so your curls stay bouncy, not crunchy. This style plays nice with soft glam makeup—think peachy tones and dewy skin. If you’re going full bridal, add delicate flowers or a jeweled hair vine woven through the twist.
9. Low Curly Bun
Sometimes simple really is superior. This sophisticated low bun gathers your curls at the nape of your neck, creating an elegant silhouette that’s equal parts timeless and modern.
Best for: All curl types, especially thrives on natural hair
Face shapes: Oval and heart-shaped faces look stunning, but honestly everyone can rock this
Occasion pairing: Corporate events, formal dinners, black-tie weddings, job interviews
Styling tip: The secret is in the prep—use a curl cream before gathering your hair to keep definition without frizz. Secure with a hair tie that matches your hair color, then wrap a section of curls around it to hide the elastic. Add a jeweled clip on one side for instant upgrade vibes. Pro move: pair with bold earrings since your neck is on full display.
8. Boho Crown Updo
If “free spirit meets put-together goddess” is your aesthetic, this braided crown situation is calling your name. Curls are woven into a halo-like braid that wraps around your head, with the rest piled into a textured bun or left cascading down.
Best for: Medium to long natural curls (extensions work too if you need extra length)
Face shapes: Flatters round and oval faces by adding height
Occasion pairing: Outdoor weddings, festival season, bohemian-themed events, even elevated brunch dates
Styling tip: Start with second or third-day curls—they’re easier to braid and have more grip. Use small elastics that blend with your hair color to secure sections as you work. This style loves accessories: think tiny flowers tucked into the braid, delicate gold pins, or even a thin ribbon woven through. Pair with flowy, romantic outfits for maximum boho impact.
7. Curly Bangs Updo
Adding curly bangs to your updo is like adding hot sauce to your favorite meal—it just makes everything better. Whether you’ve got natural fringe or you’re creating face-framing pieces, this combo brings serious personality.
Best for: Any curl type, works with short to long hair
Face shapes: Bangs can be customized for any face (side-swept for round faces, full for oval)
Occasion pairing: Casual hangouts, date nights, prom, creative work environments
Styling tip: If you don’t have bangs, pull out front sections before creating your updo and curl them with a small barrel or flexi-rod for definition. The key is keeping them separated from your updo so they frame your face intentionally. This look pairs fire with statement earrings and bold eyeliner. Skip heavy products on your bangs—you want movement, not stiffness.
6. Glam High Puff
The high puff isn’t just a style, it’s a whole mood. Sleek sides meet a voluminous cloud of curls piled high, creating drama and dimension that demands attention.
Best for: Natural hair textures, especially coily and kinky curls
Face shapes: Round and square faces benefit from the added height, but oval faces look stunning too
Occasion pairing: Red carpet events, formal galas, photoshoots, or literally any time you want to feel like that girl
Styling tip: Edge control is your best friend for getting those sides smooth and sleek. Use a bristle brush and tie down with a silk scarf while your edges set. For the puff itself, fluff your curls with a pick to maximize volume—the bigger, the better. Consider adding a decorative headband or gold cuff around your puff for extra glam. This style works beautifully with bold makeup looks and high-fashion outfits.
5. Twisted Fishtail Bun
When elegance meets edge, you get this beauty. A fishtail braid woven with curly texture and twisted into a low bun creates a sophisticated look with bohemian undertones.
Best for: Long curly hair (clip-ins can fake the length if needed)
Face shapes: Universal appeal, especially gorgeous on long and oval faces
Occasion pairing: Prom, formal events, upscale dinners, fancy date nights
Styling tip: Don’t stress about making your fishtail braid perfect—curly texture hides imperfections naturally, and a slightly messy braid actually looks more interesting. Gently pull apart the braid sections after securing to create width and dimension. Pin the braid into a low bun shape, letting some pieces stick out for texture. Finish with a shine spray for that “I’m the main character” glow.
4. Short Hair Tousled Updo
Short curls absolutely can do updos, and this tousled crown proves it. Strategic pinning and volume tricks create the illusion of an elaborate updo even with limited length.
Best for: Short curly hair (chin to shoulder length)
Face shapes: Works for everyone, particularly flattering on heart and oval shapes
Occasion pairing: Weddings, cocktail parties, anywhere you want to look effortlessly chic
Styling tip: Volume is everything here. Use a texturizing spray at your roots before you start pinning. Work in sections, twisting and pinning pieces upward and inward to create height at your crown. Bobby pins are your MVPs—crisscross them for extra security. Leave a few curls loose at the nape or sides for a softer finish. This look is basically Pinterest-board goals brought to life.
3. Pinned Vintage Ringlets
Old Hollywood called, and she wants you to look this stunning. Defined ringlets pinned into a structured updo create a polished, vintage-inspired look that’s pure elegance.
Best for: Long curls or set curls with a curling iron
Face shapes: Especially beautiful on oval and heart-shaped faces
Occasion pairing: Vintage-themed weddings, formal galas, retro photoshoots, black-tie events
Styling tip: Start with well-defined curls—use a curling wand or flexi-rods if your natural curl pattern needs help. Pin each ringlet individually with bobby pins, creating a structured shape at the back of your head. The goal is definition and polish, not loose and messy. Pearl accessories, vintage brooches, or a delicate birdcage veil complete this look perfectly. Pair with classic red lipstick and winged eyeliner for full vintage vibes.
2. Effortless Work Bun
Your curls need professional vibes too. This neat, low bun keeps your hair secured and polished without sacrificing your natural texture—perfect for when you need to look put-together without trying too hard.
Best for: Natural curls of any length that can reach a low ponytail
Face shapes: Universal
Occasion pairing: Office days, virtual meetings, professional events, casual Fridays
Styling tip: Start with a low ponytail, then twist your curls loosely before wrapping them into a bun shape. Secure with pins and smooth any flyaways with a light gel or edge control. The beauty of this style is its simplicity—you’re working with your curl pattern, not against it. Keep it looking fresh by not oversaturating with products. This is your “boss babe on a busy morning” go-to that still looks intentional.
1. Messy Updo Chic
The perfectly imperfect updo that looks like you casually threw your hair up and somehow created magic. Spoiler: it’s more strategic than it looks, but that’s our secret.
Best for: Medium to long curly hair
Face shapes: Works for everyone, especially flattering with face-framing pieces left out
Occasion pairing: Date nights, cocktail hours, wedding guest looks, girls’ night out
Styling tip: The trick is controlled chaos. Pin curls randomly at different heights and angles, leaving pieces to stick out intentionally. Pull out a few face-framing curls before you start for that effortless vibe. Use bobby pins that match your hair color so they disappear into your curls. A texturizing spray or dry shampoo adds grip and makes pinning easier. Finish with a light-hold hairspray so everything stays “messy” without actually falling apart.
What Hair Type Is Best for a Curly Updo?
Here’s the truth bomb: literally any curly hair type can rock an updo. I’m talking type 2 waves, type 3 spirals, and type 4 coils—all of you are invited to this updo party.
That said, some styles naturally favor certain curl patterns. Tight coils and kinky curls (type 4) absolutely slay high puffs and structured updos because of their natural volume and hold. Looser curls and waves (type 2 and 3) shine in romantic, flowy styles like the messy updo or boho crown where movement is part of the aesthetic.
The real secret? Work with your natural texture instead of fighting it. If you’ve got fine, wavy hair, don’t force a high puff that requires dense, coily texture—go for styles that showcase movement and softness. If you’ve rocking thick, coily curls, embrace volume-heavy styles that let your texture be the star.
Length matters too: Short curls (chin to shoulder) work best with tousled updos and low styles. Medium length (shoulder to mid-back) is the sweet spot for basically every updo style. Long curls have the most versatility but can get heavy, so secure them well.
Texture tips by curl type:
- Type 2 (Wavy): Use texturizing spray for grip; styles look best slightly messy and romantic
- Type 3 (Curly): Perfect middle ground; most styles work beautifully with minimal adjustment
- Type 4 (Coily/Kinky): Moisture is key; styles hold well and create stunning volume naturally
How to Put Hair Up for Curly Hair
Okay, let’s talk technique because putting up curly hair isn’t the same as straight hair, and whoever told you otherwise was lying.
Pre-Style Prep (This Part Matters)
Start with hair that has some texture—second or third-day curls actually work better than freshly washed hair because they have more grip and less slip. If you must start fresh, use a curl cream or mousse to give your strands some hold.
Detangle gently with your fingers or a wide-tooth comb while your hair is damp and has product in it. Never brush dry curls unless you’re going for a brushed-out, voluminous look (which can be gorgeous, but that’s a different vibe).
The Basic Updo Process
- Section strategically: Divide your hair into workable sections—usually front, sides, and back work well. Clip sections you’re not working on so they stay out of your way.
- Create your base: Whether you’re doing a ponytail, twist, or gathering curls at the crown, secure your base first. Use hair ties that won’t snag (satin or spiral hair ties are clutch).
- Pin with intention: Bobby pins are your best friends, but use them correctly. Cross two pins in an X shape for extra hold. Match pin color to your hair color so they disappear.
- Build texture: Don’t try to make every curl smooth and perfect—the beauty of curly updos is the texture. Let some pieces stick out, create dimension, and show off your curl pattern.
- Set it: A light-hold hairspray or setting spray keeps everything in place without making your curls crunchy or stiff.
Curly Hair Updo Commandments:
- Never use too much tension—you’ll damage your curls and create breakage
- Embrace flyaways and texture; they add character
- Use products sparingly; overdoing it makes hair heavy and hard to pin
- Invest in good bobby pins (the cheap ones slip out constantly)
- Practice makes progress—your first attempt won’t be perfect, and that’s fine
Product Recommendations for Updos:
- Curl cream: Defines and adds hold without crunch
- Edge control: Smooths your perimeter for polished looks
- Texturizing spray: Adds grip to slippery or fine hair
- Light-hold hairspray: Keeps everything in place while maintaining movement
- Shine serum: Adds gloss without weighing down your style
FAQs
How long does a curly updo typically last?
With the right products and pinning technique, a curly updo can last all day and even into the next if you sleep carefully. Use a silk or satin pillowcase and a loose bonnet to protect your style overnight. Touch up any loose pieces in the morning with bobby pins.
What’s the secret to preventing updo headaches?
Don’t pull too tight when securing your base. Tension headaches happen when your hair is pulled harshly at the roots. Create your updo with a gentle touch, and take breaks if you’re styling for a while. If your head hurts, your style is too tight—loosen it up.
How do I make my curly updo look fuller?
Gentle teasing at the roots adds instant volume, or you can use clip-in extensions that match your curl pattern. Another trick: pancake your braids and twists by gently pulling them apart to create width. A high puff pick can also fluff curls for maximum volume.
Final Thoughts
Your curls deserve to be celebrated in every form, and updos are just another way to show off what you’re working with. Whether you’re pinning them up for a major life event or just need a cute style for a random Tuesday, these looks prove that curly hair is never boring.
The best part? Once you master a few basic techniques, you can mix and match elements to create your own signature updo. Take the romantic twist, add some boho braiding, throw in a few vintage ringlets—make it yours.
So go ahead, screenshot your favorites, send them to your stylist, or grab your bobby pins and get experimental. Your curls are already perfect; now it’s time to style them like the crown they are.
