If you want to know how to style curly hair in cute easy ways, then you're in luck! We've rounded up five versatile hairstyles that you can easily accomplish without the need for hot styling tools.
Whether you're going to work, a formal gathering, or just a short trip to the coffee shop, these hairstyles will surely flatter your face.
5 Easy Ways to Style Curly Hair
Read on and learn how to style curly hair with our step-by-step styling tips! These hairstyles are sure to flatter your pretty face.
1. Everyday topknot
Things you need:
- bobby pins
- hair ties
- comb
Steps:
- For this cute everyday look, gather your hair into a high ponytail using your fingers or a comb. Secure it with an elastic hair tie.
- Divide your ponytail into two sections. Wrap one section around the base of your ponytail and secure it with a bobby pin.
- Repeat the same process with the second section. Then tug the bun with your fingers to create a voluminous shape.
- Secure the look with hairspray.
Optional:
- Pull a few wisps of hair around your hairline.
- Cover the hair tie with a cute colorful scarf.
2. Braided topknot
Things you need:
- bobby pins
- hair tie
Steps:
- Braids add a fun detail to add to your everyday top knot. Start by creating a deep side part and take a section to braid.
- Start your French braid, only adding hair from the hairline.
- Continue braiding along your hairline until you reach your temple.
- Gather your braid and the rest of your hair together to form a high ponytail. Use a hair tie to keep your hair in place.
- Don't forget the hairspray.
Optional:
You can use a hair bungee instead of a hair tie. Hair bungees are suitable for curly hair as they don't rip or pull even when they get a tight hold on your hair.
3. Dutch braid
Things you need:
- hair ties
Steps:
- Gather some hair at the top of your head and separate it into three equal parts.
- Take the left section and cross it under the middle section.
- Take the right section and cross it under the middle section.
- Start adding more hair into your braid by repeating the same process all the way down until the nape of your neck.
- Take all the hair and finish off with a regular braid. Secure the braid with a hair tie.
Variation:
You can create double Dutch braids, also called as boxer braids, by dividing your hair into two sections at the beginning.
4. Slicked-back ponytail
Things you need:
- hair ties
- styling pomade
- smoothing brush
Steps:
- Begin by applying a generous amount of styling pomade through your hair, particularly along your hairline.
- Pull the top section of your hair back into a ponytail. Secure it with a hair tie.
- Tame down any fly away using a smoothing brush. Continue smoothing out any bumps. Add more pomade if need be.
- Ruffle your ponytail with your fingers for extra volume.
5. Braided headband
Things you need:
- tail comb
- hair tie
- bobby pins
Steps:
- Section a large piece of your hair using a tail comb. You'll need the piece to be approximately 3 inches wide.
- Divide this section into 3 equal parts and start doing a simple French braid on your deep side part until you reach the opposite side of your ear.
- Continue braiding along the hairline, making sure to pick up small pieces of hair as you weave.
- Secure your braid with a hair tie. Then, pull it around your head so it lies flat against your nape.
- Make sure the tail of your braid stays hidden. Secure it with bobby pins.
Smart Hair Care Tips for Curly Girls
Curly hair is beautiful in its own way. But because of all the twists and turns, it can be fragile and delicate. So, here's how to manage curly hair to keep it looking its very best:
- Choose a mild, hydrating shampoo
Curly hair tends to get dry faster than straight hair. Due to your hair's curvy nature, the natural oil produced by your scalp takes more time to travel from top to bottom. Thus, curly hair often lacks moisture. So choose a mild, hydrating shampoo to cleanse and refresh your hair and scalp.
- Don't shampoo too often
Curly hair doesn't need to be shampooed everyday, unlike straight hair. Frequent shampooing can only stress out fragile strands, causing dryness. You don't want your hair care products to strip away the natural lipids within your hair and scalp.
- Use deep conditioning hair mask
Conditioner, however, is always welcome. A conditioner with moisturizing ingredients such as shea butter, coconut milk, and avocado oil are highly preferable. Apply conditioner even if you don't shampoo your hair.
Use a deep conditioning hair mask at least once a week. Choose a formula that answers the needs of your hair. If it's dry, choose a moisturizing formula containing humectants such as glycol, glycerin, and good quality oils. If it's prone to breakage, you'll need a protein reconstructor such as keratin or amino acids to restore hair strength.
- Comb correctly
Use a wide-tooth comb to detangle your curls after shampooing. Comb with care. Don't pull or rake. Always detangle curly hair when it's wet, preferably with a leave-in conditioner.
As far as brushing goes? Just don't. A hairbrush disrupts the natural pattern of your hair, creating a frizzy mess. You also risk creating split ends with a brush.
- Wash hair with cold water
Unless you want to look like a fuzzy lion, don't use warm water to wash your hair, especially during summer. Make sure to wash your hair with cold water as often as possible. Cold water snaps hair cuticles shut, hence it helps lock in moisturize to prevent frizz.
- Use a special towel for drying hair
Don't use a regular towel to dry up your hair. Scratchy towels rough up the cuticle, leading to frizz. Use a microfiber towel, instead. This type of towel help keep curls intact and avoid frizz.
Moreover, don't rub the towel against your hair. Flip your head over and gently envelop your hair using the towel. Grab the end and make a few towel twists. Let the towel suck in excess moisture for at least 30 minutes.
- Trim regularly
Let your hairdresser trim your locks every six or eight weeks. You want your curls to look bouncy and fresh, not brittle and lifeless.
- Use a silk pillowcase
Sleeping on a rough cotton pillowcase can cause your curls to tangle and frizz. Switch to smooth silk pillowcases, instead.
- Perk up your curls
Perk your curls once in a while with a curling iron that's about the same diameter as your curls. This will make your curls look more defined.
- Don't be a hot tool addict
Try to wean yourself from blow dryers and flat irons. While it's ok to perk up your curls once in a while, frequent use can lead to breakage.
Dry your hair naturally. Opt for hot air drying only when it's really needed. When you do use hot styling tools, invest in the highest quality you can afford. Styling tools with ionic properties, such as those made with tourmaline or ceramic, are highly recommended. Don't forget to apply a heat protection cream prior to styling.
Conclusion
Now that you know how to style curly hair, be sure to keep them well-defined and frizz-free by following our smart hair care tips for naturally curly hair. Embrace your curls and show them off!
