10 Curly Hair Updos to Embrace Your Natural Texture
June 14, 2023
Half-Up Bun
This celeb-inspired half-up, half-down hairstyle features a slicked-down middle part and a cascade of curls down the back of the neck. For a super-sleek look at the hairline, try using a strong-hold gel and gently smoothing your hair back with a boar bristle brush, as creator LeeSondra Berovides does here.
Short and Curly Twists
This twisted updo plays up your natural curls and lets their bouncy texture take center stage. All you need are a handful of pins and some patience — the tighter the twists, the more formal this style will look, while looser twists will lend the updo more of a romantic, windswept vibe.
Simple Claw Clip Hairstyle
For an updo that looks cute but requires minimal effort, try a simple claw clip style. The trick to keeping thick, curly hair secure in a claw clip is to keep the bottom section of your hair (aka the part that you’ll clip up) fairly small, as demonstrated here by creator Kia Bell.Curly Bangs
Highlight full, curly bangs by brushing them forward with your face-framing layers and sweeping the rest back with bobby pins. Finish the style with a flexible hold hairspray, like the Garnier Fructis Flexible Control Anti-Humidity Aerosol Hairspray, to keep your curls secure without a crunchy residue.
Embellished Bun
Spice up a classic low bun with braids and golden hair cuffs. Incorporating bundles into your braids is optional, but doing so can add some extra volume and length to your strands.
High Puff
Enhance your hair’s volume and curl pattern with a classic high puff. Hair accessories are the fastest way to make the simple style stand out, whether you opt for a colorful silk scarf, an oversize bow or a bold barrette.
Loose Tendrils
Pin your curls into a voluminous updo for a flirty, ’90s-inspired look. Don’t worry about being too precise with this style — the more free-flowing your layers are, the more effortless and romantic it will look. “Start off by sectioning the hair to be parted in the middle and finish off with tendrils hanging out on both sides to play to the natural texture of your hair,” says Michelle O’Connor, hairstylist and global artistic director at Matrix.
Sleek Chignon
In this video, creator Olivia Calabio transforms unwashed hair into the perfect event-ready updo with minimal styling time. If you notice your curls tend to loosen and fall flat between washes, you can redefine them with a small curling wand and the L'Oréal Paris Elvive Dream Lengths Curl and Reshape Leave-in Spray.French Braided Bun
This style is the perfect way to keep your hair out of your face and allow your features to shine. Here, creator Jemilah Ali French braids her hair, but if you haven’t quite mastered the French braid, try a twist or one of these faux braids instead.
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