30 Curled Hairstyles to Try

Curled hairstyles are one of the fastest ways to make any length of hair look finished. A few passes with a curling iron, a wand, or even a heatless overnight method can take your hair from flat to styled in under 20 minutes.

Below are 30 curled hairstyle ideas to try, from loose everyday waves to dressed-up curls for events. I’ve gathered the most popular curling looks people actually style at home, plus honest difficulty notes so you know what you’re getting into.

Quick Takeaways

• Heatless curls need zero tools: braid or bun damp hair before bed and wake up with waves.
• Let curls cool fully before brushing or touching them, or they will fall flat within the hour.
• A 1-inch curling iron handles almost every look in this list, from beach waves to defined spirals.
• Heat protectant spray is non-negotiable for healthy hair when you curl with hot tools.
• Fine hair holds curls better with mousse at the roots; thick hair needs smaller sections.

Before You Start Curling

Second-day hair usually holds curls longer than freshly washed hair. If your hair is clean, rough it up with a little dry shampoo or texture spray at the roots for grip. Thick hair should be curled in 1-inch sections; fine hair can take slightly bigger ones without the curl going limp.

Every technique on this list creates curls with heat or heatless methods. If your hair is already curly, curly hairstyles that work with your natural texture skip the tools entirely.

Always point the iron away from your face when curling front pieces. It keeps the curls open and flattering instead of curling inward toward your cheeks. And spray each section with a flexible-hold hairspray after it cools, not before, so you don’t cook the product onto your hair.

1. Undone Curls

Undone curls are loose, imperfect curls that look lived-in instead of polished. Curl 2-inch sections away from your face with a 1.25-inch iron, then run your fingers through them once they cool. It suits medium to long hair and takes about 15 minutes.

Try this: Stop the iron halfway down each section so the ends stay straighter for a modern finish.

2. Center-Parted Long Curls

A center part keeps long curls balanced on both sides. Part your hair dead center, then curl everything away from the face in 1.5-inch sections. This flatters oval, heart, and round faces, and the symmetry makes the look feel intentional even when the curls are casual.

Try this: Place two face-framing curls closest to your forehead first, since those show the most.

3. Side-Parted Curled Hair

A deep side part gives curls instant volume at the crown. Flip your part to the deeper side, mist the roots with volume spray, then curl with a 1-inch barrel. The asymmetry suits thinner hair because it stacks curls on one side instead of spreading them thin.

Try this: Tease the crown lightly with a fine-tooth comb before curling for lift that lasts all day.

4. Textured Beach Waves

Beach waves are the curl-everyone-knows: soft, tousled, with the ends left out. Wrap 1-inch sections around a wand, skipping the last inch of each strand. Finish with texture spray instead of hairspray so the waves stay soft and move when you do.

Try this: Alternate one section toward and one away from the face for a more natural wave pattern.

5. Vintage Hollywood Curls

Vintage Hollywood curls are big, smooth, sculpted waves that sit in one direction. Pin each curl as you release it from the iron and let the whole head cool for 10 minutes before removing the pins. This is the dressiest curl on the list, built for weddings and formal nights.

Try this: Brush through the cooled curls with a boar-bristle brush to turn them into one glossy wave.

6. Retro Pin Curls

Retro pin curls are small, defined coils that hug the head in a vintage pattern. Work in 1-inch squares, wrap each section around one finger, and pin it flat to the scalp. Sleep in them or let them set for an hour, then unpin and finger-style.

Try this: Damp hair sets these faster than dry hair, so mist each section before wrapping.

7. Heatless Overnight Curls

Heatless overnight curls give you real curls with zero heat damage. Braid damp hair into two loose plaits or wrap it around a soft foam rod before bed. In the morning, undo and shake out. The curls read soft and slightly irregular, which works well for school and office days.

Try this: Apply a pea-size amount of curl cream before braiding so the wave sets smoother.

8. Curled Half-Up Hairstyle

This is the classic half-up: curl everything first, then pull the top section back and pin it. It keeps hair out of your face while the rest of the curls fall free. Ten minutes total, and it works on any hair that reaches past the shoulders.

Try this: Cross two bobby pins in an X over the gathered section so it doesn’t slip by noon.

9. Half-Up Claw Clip with Curls

Gather the top half of your curled hair, give it one twist, and clamp it with a claw clip. The clip replaces pins entirely, and the curled lengths underneath do all the visual work. Pick a medium clip so it holds without eating the whole hairstyle.

Try this: Leave two thin face-framing tendrils out in front of your ears to soften the look.

For more everyday ways to wear clips, see claw clip hairstyles, which covers medium, long, and thick hair variations.

10. Hair Bow Half-Up

A hair bow pinned at the back of a curled half-up reads dressed-up without trying hard. Curl your hair first, secure the top section with a small elastic, then clip or tie the bow right over it. Velvet bows photograph well for holidays and parties.

Try this: Match the bow color to your outfit so the whole look feels planned.

11. High Ponytail with Curled Ends

Curl the lengths first, then pull everything into a high ponytail. The base stays sleek while the curled ends bounce. This is a gym-to-dinner style: secure enough for a run, pretty enough for the evening after you smooth the crown.

Try this: Flip your head upside down to gather the ponytail so the crown goes in smooth with no lumps.

12. Wrapped-Band Ponytail

Wrap a thin strand of your own hair around the ponytail elastic to hide it completely. Pin the strand underneath with a bobby pin. It’s a two-minute upgrade that makes a curled ponytail look salon-done instead of rushed.

Try this: Curl the wrap strand first so it bends neatly around the base.

13. Bubble Braids on Curled Hair

Curl your hair for volume first, then pull it into a ponytail and add small elastics every 2 inches, gently puffing each section into a bubble. The curls keep the bubbles full instead of flat. It’s playful, takes about 10 minutes, and holds well for long days.

Try this: Use clear mini elastics so the bands disappear into the hair.

14. Dutch Braid with Curled Ends

Start a Dutch braid from a deep side part, braid back past one ear, then stop and let the rest fall in curls. The contrast between the flat braid and the loose curled ends is what makes it work. Pre-curl just the ends before braiding so the transition looks smooth.

Try this: Pull the braid edges outward slightly (pancaking) so the braid looks fuller.

15. Cascading Wedding Curls

Cascading curls are worn over one shoulder in a waterfall of defined ringlets. Curl everything in 1-inch sections, pin them up to cool for full bounce, then sweep all the curls to one side and secure behind with pins. This is the most-requested bridal curl because it survives hours of photos.

Try this: Have a bridesmaid carry mini hairspray for touch-ups, since all-day wear needs a midday refresh.

16. Curled Bob with Bangs

A chin-length bob curls in minutes because there’s less hair to work through. Use a 1-inch iron on the lengths and a round brush on the bangs while blow-drying. The bangs stay soft and straight-ish while the bob ends flip and bounce.

Try this: Curl the bob ends under, not outward, so the shape hugs the jaw instead of kicking out.

For more short-hair styling that fits a busy schedule, see cute easy hairstyles for short hair.

17. Blonde Curled Blowout Bob

The curled blowout bob is smooth at the roots and turned under at the ends for that fresh-from-the-salon bend. Blow-dry with a large round brush, rolling the ends under as you go. It lasts 2 to 3 days with a silk pillowcase and a morning touch-up.

Try this: Hit the cooled ends with a 5-second blast of the dryer’s cool shot to lock the bend.

18. Soft Curled Shag

A shag’s choppy layers are made for curls. Scrunch curl cream into damp layers and diffuse, or twist 2-inch sections around a wand in alternating directions. The uneven layers keep the curls from looking too perfect, which is the whole point of this cut.

Try this: Skip the hairspray and use a pea of pomade on the ends for piecey texture instead.

19. Side-Swept Curls

Curl everything, then sweep it all over one shoulder and pin behind the ear on the empty side. It’s an elegant evening option that takes five minutes after the curls are done. Silver and gray hair looks especially striking in this style because the curls catch light as they fall.

Try this: Pin a small decorative comb at the sweep point so the sweep stays put through dinner.

20. Polished Loose Curls

Polished loose curls are brushed-out spirals that read smooth and expensive. Curl in 1-inch sections, let them cool completely, then brush through with a paddle brush and finish with shine spray. The brushing is what separates this from definition-focused curl looks.

Try this: A single drop of hair oil on each brushed section adds the glass-like finish.

21. Long Curls with Curtain Bangs

Curtain bangs parted in the middle blend straight into long curls. Curl the bangs away from the face with a large barrel so they sweep instead of kinking. This frames the face without a harsh line, which is why it’s flattering on square and round face shapes.

Try this: Give the bangs a quick velcro-roller set while you curl the lengths to save time.

22. Curled Ends on Long Hair

Only curl the bottom 3 to 4 inches and leave the roots straight. It’s the lowest-effort curl on this list at about 10 minutes, and it gives long hair movement without committing to full curls. This is the everyday version for people who mostly wear their hair down.

Try this: Use a large 1.5-inch barrel so the ends bend softly instead of spiraling.

Long hair needs quick options on busy days, and cute hairstyles for long hair has more ideas that take minutes.

23. Highlighted Curls

Curls make highlights look three-dimensional because every turn of the curl catches light differently. If you already have highlights, curling in 1-inch sections shows them off best. The contrast between dark base and light ribbons does most of the styling work for you.

Try this: Shine spray is more important than hairspray here, since the whole point is the light play.

24. Curled Balayage

Balayage’s painted gradient looks best in loose curls that show the color melting from dark to light. Wrap 1.5-inch sections around a wand and leave the ends out for a beachier take. Grow-out is painless with balayage, so this look stays low-maintenance for months.

Try this: Ask your colorist to place the lightest pieces around your face so the curls frame you in brightness.

25. Golden Blonde Voluminous Curls

Thick, voluminous golden curls are built with mousse at the roots, a 1-inch iron, and patience. Work in small sections so each curl sets fully, then flip your head and shake the roots once cool. Fine-haired readers get the biggest payoff here because the volume reads as double the hair.

Try this: Curl the under-layers first and let them cool under clips while you work the top.

26. Champagne Blonde Curls

Champagne blonde is a warm, pale gold that glows in soft curls. Pair it with an off-center part for an easy everyday version that still looks finished. The shade suits medium skin tones well and grows out softly if it’s your natural-adjacent color.

Try this: Purple shampoo once a week keeps the champagne tone from going brassy.

Medium-length hair shows this shade well; see cute hairstyles for medium hair for more styling ideas at this length.

27. Red Curls

Copper red curls hold their shape well because the color process usually roughs up the cuticle slightly, giving the curl something to grip. Use a 1-inch wand and a heat-protective setting spray for firmer coils. Spread finished curls horizontally instead of brushing to get wide waves without frizz.

Try this: Wash red hair in cool water only, since heat strips the color fast.

28. Burnt Orange Curled Hair

Burnt orange is a deeper, moodier cousin of copper that looks rich in bouncy curls. Start with a root-boosting spray, blow-dry with a round brush for body, then set curls with a cool shot from the dryer. The color does the talking here, so keep the curl pattern simple and even.

Try this: A color-depositing conditioner once a week refreshes the orange between salon visits.

29. Silver Curls with Purple Roots

Silver lengths with violet roots make a bold two-tone statement in soft curls. Curl with a 1.25-inch iron so the waves stay loose enough to show both colors melting together. This needs bleached hair, so it’s a commitment, but the payoff in photos is huge.

Try this: Sleep in a loose braid to preserve the wave pattern without daily heat.

30. Gray Balayage Curls

Gray balayage blends natural grays into darker roots, and curls make the blend look intentional and chic. A color-depositing conditioner at home keeps the cool tone from yellowing. This is the grown-out-friendly option on the list, with salon visits stretched to every 3 to 4 months.

Try this: A 1.25-inch barrel gives the soft bend that suits this elegant color best.

Curled Hairstyles Comparison at a Glance

How to Choose the Right Curled Hairstyle for You

Match the curl size to your hair length. Short hair needs a smaller barrel (1 inch or under) or the curls won’t form; long hair can handle 1.25 to 1.5 inches for softer waves. If your hair is fine and curls drop fast, start with dry shampoo at the roots and choose tighter curls that relax into waves instead of falling straight.

Think about your day, too. A morning workout points to a high ponytail with curled ends, not cascading wedding curls. And if you heat-style more than twice a week, rotate in the heatless overnight option to give your ends a break. Your hair will hold curls better long-term when it’s not constantly fried.

Mistakes to Avoid

Touching curls before they cool is the number one reason they fall flat. Let every section sit untouched until it’s room temperature, then style. Curling hair that’s still damp is another common one: the steam fries the strand and the curl never sets properly.

Don’t skip heat protectant, even on a quick 5-minute touch-up. And avoid hairspraying each section before you curl it; cooked-on product makes hair sticky and dull. Spray after cooling, with a flexible hold, so the curls can still move.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do curled hairstyles usually last?

Most curled hairstyles last 6 to 8 hours on day-two hair with flexible-hold hairspray. Pin-set styles like vintage Hollywood curls and retro pin curls can hold 10 to 12 hours. Sleeping on silk and avoiding touching the curls during the day stretches the wear.

What size curling iron is best for everyday curled hairstyles?

A 1-inch barrel is the most versatile size for everyday curled hairstyles. It creates defined curls on short hair and soft waves on long hair. If your hair is longer than your waist, a 1.25-inch barrel gives looser, more manageable curls.

Can I get curled hairstyles without heat damage?

Yes. Braiding damp hair overnight, wrapping it around a foam rod, or wearing a satin heatless curl band all create real curls with zero heat. The waves are softer than iron curls, but they hold well with a little curl cream applied before setting.

Why do my curls fall flat within an hour?

Curls fall flat when you touch them before they cool, when sections are too thick for your hair type, or when there’s product buildup weighing the hair down. Let curls cool fully, work in 1-inch sections, and start with clean-feeling hair treated with dry shampoo or texture spray.

Do curled hairstyles work on short hair?

Yes. Chin-length and above works best with a 1-inch or smaller barrel and shorter styling time per section. The curled bob with bangs and the curled blowout bob are two reliable short-hair options that take under 15 minutes.

Final Thoughts

Curling your hair doesn’t have to be a 45-minute production. Pick one look from this list that fits your hair length and your morning, and you’ll have it down within a couple of tries. I’ve found the styles that need the least fuss are usually the ones people keep coming back to.