Hey, you.
I want to be real here for a second – having curly/natural hair is a journey, and it’s not easy.
I know exactly what it’s like to spend years feeling like your curls just didn’t “fit.”
Growing up, I’ve done everything from chemically straighten my hear to straight out smoothen it.
I wished my hair was straight so I could be “beautiful.”
I always felt like I had to “tame” my curls.
And here’s the thing, our natural/curly hair is beautiful.
It’s time we start owning that.
So, today, I’m sharing some of my favorite natural hairstyles that celebrate all the twists, turns, and volume our curls bring.
These looks aren’t about hiding or controlling—they’re about embracing, celebrating, and letting your hair be exactly as it was meant to be.
Whether you’re new to loving your natural hair or just looking for a fresh way to style them, I hope these ideas inspire you to wear your hair with pride. Let’s dive in and find a look that’s unapologetically you.
1. High Curly Updo with Bangs
This bold, voluminous updo pulls curls high on the head, creating a crown that cascades forward to form bangs.
It’s perfect for showcasing natural curls with texture and personality while keeping hair off your shoulders!
This style draws attention to the face and adds height, so, it’s perfect for situations where you want to stand out.
2. Curly Puff with Cornrow Accents
A fluffy, high puff is complemented with intricate cornrow detailing along the sides, adding both edge and elegance to the look.
It is a little elaborate, but it’s so beautiful.
The braids are adorned with gold cuffs for a bit of shine, giving the hairstyle a stylish and regal vibe.
This look is great for anyone who wants a mix of protective styling and loose curls.
3. Big, Defined Curls with Highlights
Here is something simple.
This voluminous style showcases large, defined curls with a touch of color to enhance each coil.
The added highlights bring warmth and depth to the curls, making them pop even more.
This style is perfect for anyone who loves to let their curls loose!
4. Short and spicy Curly Pixie
For those who want to keep it short and sassy, this curly pixie is such a cute hairstyle to try.
You can also color it a nice, vibrant color to make it pop, while the defined curls give this hairstyle texture and personality.
It’s pretty low-maintenance and it’s ideal for women who want something bold but easy-to-maintain while still embracing their natural curl pattern!
5. Simple Cornrow Braids
Here’s another protective hairstyle.
Here, the neat conrows are braided very closely to the scalp so this creates a very clean and elegant look.
It’s practical and long-lasting, so this is perfect for low-maintenance days, while keeping your curls protected.
6. Twistout with Defined Ringlets
This can be achieved by setting the hair in twists.
This is perfect for days when you want to show off your curls with some extra definition.
7. Sleek Braided Updo
This sophisticated updo combines sleek cornrows with intricate braiding patterns that lead into a low bun.
It’s a protective style that’s perfect for formal occasions or whenever you want to keep your curls secure.
You can wear this to office or a party – it genuinely is so pretty!
8. Classic Low Bun with Braid along the Crown
A timeless look with a twist—this low bun is enhanced with a single braid down the center, adding a touch of elegance to the style.
It’s simple, understated, and works well for any occasion, from everyday wear to dressier events.
This style keeps hair protected while looking effortlessly chic and it’s quick to do as well!
9. Afro Mohawk
For the daring and bold, this Afro Mohawk is perfect.
I think she’s used a clip to pinch her hair to form a mohawk and there are easy tutorials on Youtube to replicate this hairstyle.
IThis look is perfect for those who want to embrace their texture with a style that’s both fierce and fabulous.
10. Defined Twist Out
With perfectly separated curls and soft definition, this twist-out is all about texture.
11. Half Up High Bun with Loose Curls
If you want to showcase your long natural hair – I think this is an amazing hairstyle!
This hairstyle pulls the top half of the hair up into a voluminous bun, while the remaining curls cascade down the back.
You can also have a few loose curls framing the face.
12. Curly Claw Clip Updo with Braids
This is super easy to do especially if you have short hair till your neck or shoulders.
You just need to use a claw clip to hold your curls in a half-updo. And you can complement this by having a few braids at the crown.
It’s a chic, low-maintenance hairstyle!
13. Sleek Cornrowed Feed-In Braids
My jaw dropped when I saw this hairstyle – stunning.
These feed-in cornrows are intricately braided to the scalp, creating a smooth, sleek look – and those edges are gorgeous! I also like how the braiding pattern frames her face and enhances her profile!
It’s low-maintenance, yet makes a powerful statement.
14. Afro Puff with Twists
This hairstyle features a full, textured puff with two front twists adorned with gold accents, adding a touch of glam.
It’s so creative – I love it!
15. Chunky Rope Twists with Beaded Ends
These large, chunky twists are adorned with beads at the ends, giving the hairstyle a bohemian, artsy vibe.
I think it’s a lovely protective style and it’s ideal for someone who loves accessories and wants a unique look that’s also easy to maintain.
16. Sleek High Bun with a Curly Fringe
The bun is sleek and polished, while the curly bangs add a playful, textured element.
It’s a sophisticated look that’s perfect for both formal events and everyday wear! And I love hoop earrings with a bun – it’s such a beautiful combination.
17. Afro with Defined Centre and Accent Braids
This look is all about embracing the full volume of natural curls with a defined center part and small accent braids.
The curls are fluffy and free, showing off their natural shape and texture.
I think this is perfect because it’s very easy to do and hardly takes a few minutes.
18. Side-Parted Curly Bob with Gold Accessories
The reason I like side-partitions is because it gives it that touch of asymmetry.
And these gold accessories throughout the curls gives it a nice, eye-catching touch.
I love this bob-length hairstyle.
19. Feed-In Cornrows with Curly Ends
You definitely have to get this done at a hairdresser but it’s just so pretty – I am in love.
This is perfect for a special event or any time you want a long-lasting style that’s full of personality.
20. Defined Twist Out with Side Partition
This twist-out style is defined with a deep side partition, creating volume and texture that frame the face beautifully.
It’s a sophisticated, carefree style for anyone who loves to wear their curls loose with a touch of definition.
21. Curly Tapered Cut with Side Partition
This curly tapered cut adds so much volume volume!
The shape accentuates her natural curl pattern and this creates a soft and vibrant look perfect for any casual day.
Perfect!
22. Chunky Twists with Gold Accents
Large, chunky twists make this twist-out style stand out, enhanced with gold cuffs for a touch of elegance.
The twists are so neatly defined, giving the hair a full-bodied, textured appearance that’s both bold and beautiful.
23. Braided Bubble Ponytail with Gold Accents
I’d pay to look like this, even for a day.
This hairstyle combines cornrows with a bubble ponytail, adding a playful twist to traditional braiding.
She’s accented her ponytail with gold cuffs, giving it a trendy, sophisticated look.
This style is great for making a statement!
24. High Curly Updo with Hair Jewelry
This Influencer has nailed hair jewelry, to be honest.
This high updo showcases her voluminous curls, and the hair jewelry adds a touch of glamour. I feel it gives the hair that crown-like effect.
Stunning!
25. Twisted Half-Up with Loose Curls
This half-up, half-down style features thick twists at the crown with loose curls cascading down, creating a soft and romantic look.
I feel it’s a great date-night look.
26. Natural High Puff with Tendrils
This high puff is styled with a few curly tendrils left out for a playful, face-framing effect.
This is perfect for an everyday, casual look – it’s giving me that vibe!
27. Shoulder Length twists
This style is a great option for protective styling, keeping hair manageable while showing off length and texture.
Her makeup is on-point too.
It’s versatile and chic, ideal for anyone who loves defined curls with minimal fuss.
28. Floral Accent Twist Out
I had to do a double-take because this woman is so drop-dead gorgeous.
I love her twist-out that’s complemented by floral accessories on one side.
This twist-out creates fluffy, well-defined curls, while the flowers add a delicate touch.
This look is perfect for spring or summer events when you want to add a whimsical element to your curls.
29. Side-Sweet TwistOut
This side-swept twist-out is full of volume and bounce and is perfect for any age.
Like I said earlier, I have a weakness for side-sweeps and side partitions. I feel it flatters the face a lot.
It’s polished and neat, so you can wear this work as well!
30. Sleek Low Puff with Statement Clips
If you’re in a hurry and want something glamorous, this is it!
This sleek low puff is so sophisticated!
The style is enhanced by statement hair clips, adding a touch of elegance and sparkle to the look.
31. Fulani-Inspired Beaded Cornrows
These Fulani-inspired cornrows are meticulously braided with beautiful curves and finished with decorative beads at the ends.
I think it’s lovely for people who want protective styling but want to jazz it up a bit.
I hope you loved this post!
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