If you have naturally curly hair, you know that getting your mane to cooperate can be tough when it comes to styling. That’s why we love that curly updos help us to get creative with our hairstyle choices while keeping our ringlets tamed. These hairstyles range from simple to intricate and allow you to keep your hair up and away from your face while allowing your natural texture to shine.
Interested in trying a curly updo? Whether you’re searching for easy curly updos or curly updos for weddings, keep scrolling for 20 of the best curly updo ideas for every hair length.
How do you do an updo on curly hair?
No matter what curly updo you choose, always make sure to prep your hair with products formulated specifically for natural ringlets. Start your routine with a shampoo like Matrix Total Results A Curl Can Dream Shampoo. This shampoo, made specifically for curls and coils, is made with manuka honey extract to give your hair a deep clean while preserving the natural pattern of your ringlets. Follow the shampoo with a hydrating hair mask like Matrix Total Results A Curl Can Dream Rich Mask. Keeping your curls moisturized will ensure that they stay defined, soft, and manageable, which is important when creating updo hairstyles. This formula helps moisturize your strands while preserving the pattern of your curls and coils.
Once your hair is prepped, you’re ready to start styling. The styling products you’ll need will depend on your specific curl type and what naturally curly updos you’re trying to achieve—but it’s always a good idea to have a lightweight hairspray, gel, and hair oil on hand. These types of products will help hold your updo in place while adding shine and frizz control.
Searching for curly updo inspo? These are the 20 curly updos hairstyles you should recreate ASAP.
The Prettiest Curly Updos To Try Now
Good hair day by @theindiahoward.
Double Bun Updo
Let’s start with one of our favorite casual curly updos for natural hair: double buns. These adorable mini-puffs are so easy to create and work great for short and medium-length hair. Start by parting your hair straight down the middle and splitting it into two even sections. Apply a dime-sized amount of hair oil like Mizani 25 Miracle Nourishing Oil to your fingertips and use it to smooth the hair around your edges.
Then, wrap a clear hair elastic around one section of hair at your crown and repeat on the opposite side to create your mini puffs.
Good hair day by @wallettewatson.
Fauxhawk On Short Hair
When it comes to edgy curly updos, you can’t beat the fauxhawk. We love this twisted fauxhawk look for shorter ringlets.
Good hair day by @haircolorkilla.
Fauxhawk With Sleek Sides
This variation of the fauxhawk is a bit more tamed, featuring sleek sides held down with gold bobby pins and hair gel, like Mizani True Textures Perfect Coil Oil Gel.
Good hair day by @chloeandisabel.
Messy Curly Bun
Searching for curly updos for medium hair? Let your natural texture shine with this easy (and we mean, really easy) messy curly bun. If you have medium-length ringlets, you have just the right amount of length to pull off this curly updo.
Good hair day by @petermazilu.
Messy Bun With Face-Framing Pieces
Give your messy bun a ‘90s-inspired twist by leaving the strands that frame your face loose. Bonus points if you have chunky blonde highlights!
Good hair day by @curlsandcouture.
Jumbo Bantu Knots
Want more ‘90s updo inspiration? Check out these gorgeous jumbo Bantu knots. Note: If you have shorter ringlets, regular-sized Bantu knots are equally as pretty.
Heat-Free Curly Ponytail
Watch the video above to see Mizani artist Al Alexander create a heat-free, naturally textured ponytail using Mizani 25 Miracle Milk and Humidity Resistant Mist Hairspray.
Good hair day by @darycetolliver.
Pineapple Updo
The pineapple is a classic curly updo that allows your ringlets to be front and center. Begin by applying hair gel like Matrix Total Results A Curl Can Dream Light-Hold Gel all around your hairline and to the hair around the nape of your neck. Brush it through to smooth the hair. Next, gather all of your curls at the crown of your head near your hairline and secure them with an elastic. Let your curls hang forward to create a pineapple look.
Good hair day by @pekelariley.
Braided Pineapple Updo
Give your pineapple updo even more flair by crafting mini braids on each side of your head.
Good hair day by @nakawunde.
Twisted Updo
This twisted updo is polished and chic—which is why it makes an ideal curly updo for weddings, whether you’re a guest or the guest of honor.
Good hair day by @naledimogadime.
Big Volume Bun With Bangs
Show off your curly bangs and natural volume with this sky-high bun. Use a styling product like Kérastase Curl Manifesto Gelee Curl Contour Gel Cream to enhance your curls while providing hydration and 24-hour frizz control.
Good hair day by @alexandralee1016.
Loose Low Updo
Not a fan of tight, polished updos? Loose curly updos work equally well for your hair texture. Use this low, textured updo as inspiration.
Good hair day by @modelesque_nic.
Halo Braid Updo
A halo braid is the romantic updo—so don’t forget to save this page and recreate this classic look on date night!
Good hair day by @realericvaughn.
Voluminous Curly Ponytail
Want a curly updo with an emphasis on volume? Opt for this voluminous curly ponytail. Be sure to prep your hair with a volumizing mousse like L'Oréal Professionnel Tecni.Art Volume Envy Extra Mousse before you start styling.
Good hair day by @chloeandisabel.
Teased And Textured
All you’ll need is a hair tie, barrettes, and a few spritzes of texturizing spray like Pureology Style + Protect Texture Finishing Spray to achieve this undone curly updo.
Good hair day by @lamajbackwards.
Big And Embellished Bun
Bigger is always better when it comes to naturally curly hair, which is why we love this over-the-top bun. Place statement hair clips throughout your look to really make a statement.
Good hair day by @darycetolliver.
Vintage
If there’s anything we learned from 2021 hair trends, it’s that hairstyles don’t have to be modern to make a serious impact. Recreate this 1920s pin-up girl updo if you love vintage hairstyles.
Good hair day by @alexandralee1016.
Oversized Updo
This is one of the prettiest curly updos for long hair—particularly if you’re working with curly extensions.
Good hair day by @miloszhairstylist.
Braided Pigtails
Working with a protective braided hairstyle? Tie them into matching pigtails for an easy curly updo that’s cute and low-maintenance.
Good hair day by @_cicimichele.
Twisted High Ponytail
Speaking of protective hairstyles: If you’re working with twist braids, try pulling them back into a high ponytail.
Interested in getting a professional curly updo? Use our salon locator to book an appointment at a salon near you.