Easy Curly Hairstyles for Girls

Curly hair is a crown of natural beauty, full of bounce, volume, and personality. However, parents and girls with curls often face the daily challenge of taming frizz, preventing tangles, and finding styles that are both beautiful and easy to create. The good news? Styling curly hair doesn’t have to be a battle! With the right techniques and a few simple tricks, you can unlock a world of adorable, manageable, and fun hairstyles that celebrate every curl.

This guide is your go-to resource for transforming daily hair routines into moments of joy. We’ll explore a variety of easy curly hairstyles perfect for school, playdates, or special occasions, along with essential tips for keeping those curls healthy and vibrant. Get ready to embrace the natural charm of curly hair with confidence and creativity!

The Classic Pineapple Updo

The pineapple updo isn’t just for sleeping; it’s a chic, effortless style that keeps curls off the face while showcasing their natural volume and texture. It’s perfect for active girls and looks adorable.

Suitable Hair Length and Texture

This style works best on medium to long curly or coily hair. The longer the hair, the more dramatic and voluminous the ‘pineapple’ effect will be. It’s especially effective for preserving curl definition.

Face Shape Suitability

The pineapple updo is universally flattering, as it draws attention upwards and highlights facial features. It can add height, which is beneficial for round or heart-shaped faces.

Styling Method and Technique

Start with moisturized curls: Ensure hair is detangled and hydrated with a leave-in conditioner.
Gather the hair: Flip the head upside down and gather all the hair into a high ponytail on top of the head, near the forehead.
Secure loosely: Use a soft elastic band (like a scrunchie or a satin hair tie) to loosely secure the ponytail, allowing the curls to fall forward like a fountain.
Define and refresh: Gently fluff the curls at the top and spritz with a curl refreshing spray if needed.

Recommended Hair Tools and Products

Tools: Soft elastic hair tie or scrunchie.
Products: Leave-in conditioner, curl refreshing spray, light hold mousse or gel.

Tips to Make the Hairstyle Last Longer

To extend the life of this style, secure it loosely to avoid tension on the scalp. A satin or silk scrunchie helps prevent frizz and breakage. You can also use a light mist of hairspray for added hold.

Playful Space Buns

Space buns are a fun, youthful, and incredibly cute way to style curly hair. They’re perfect for adding a playful touch to any outfit and are surprisingly easy to create, even on the busiest mornings.

Suitable Hair Length and Texture

Ideal for medium to long curly or coily hair. The natural volume of curls makes these buns look full and adorable. While possible on shorter hair, they might be smaller.

Face Shape Suitability

Space buns are versatile and look great on most face shapes. They can balance out longer faces by adding width at the sides and are charming on round or oval faces.

Styling Method and Technique

Part the hair: Create a neat or slightly messy center part from the forehead to the nape of the neck.
Create two ponytails: Gather each section into a high ponytail on either side of the head. Position them symmetrically for a classic look, or slightly off-center for a unique twist.
Twist and wrap: Take each ponytail, gently twist the curls, and then wrap them around the base to form a bun.
Secure the buns: Use small hair elastic bands and a few bobby pins to secure each bun firmly in place.
Loosen and fluff: Gently pull on a few curl strands around the face and from the buns for a softer, more natural look.

Recommended Hair Tools and Products

Tools: Rat-tail comb for parting, small hair elastics, bobby pins.
Products: Light hold styling gel or mousse for definition, edge control for neat parts (optional).

Tips to Make the Hairstyle Last Longer

Ensure the buns are secured tightly with both elastics and bobby pins. A light spritz of flexible hold hairspray can help keep flyaways in check throughout the day.

Charming Half-Up Twist

The half-up twist is an elegant yet simple style that keeps hair out of the face while letting beautiful curls cascade down. It’s a fantastic option for showcasing length and texture without a full updo.

Suitable Hair Length and Texture

Best for medium to long curly or wavy hair. The twists are more pronounced and hold better on hair with natural texture.

Face Shape Suitability

This style is universally flattering. It opens up the face while framing it with soft curls, making it suitable for all face shapes, especially oval, heart, and round.

Styling Method and Technique

Part the hair: Create a side or center part, depending on preference.
Section the front: Take a section of hair from the front, above the ear, on one side.
Twist it back: Gently twist this section away from the face, moving towards the back of the head.
Repeat on the other side: Take a similar section from the other side and twist it back.
Join and secure: Bring both twisted sections together at the back of the head and secure them with a small elastic, a decorative clip, or bobby pins.
Fluff the curls: Gently pull on the curls below the secured section to enhance volume and definition.

Recommended Hair Tools and Products

Tools: Hair clips or bobby pins, decorative hair tie or clip.
Products: Leave-in conditioner, light hold curl cream to define twists.

Tips to Make the Hairstyle Last Longer

Using a small amount of curl cream before twisting can help the sections hold their shape. Secure the twist firmly but not too tightly to avoid pulling on the scalp.

Braided Headband Magic

A braided headband offers a charming and practical way to keep bangs and front sections of curly hair neatly away from the face. It’s a beautiful, intricate-looking style that’s surprisingly straightforward to achieve.

Suitable Hair Length and Texture

Works well on medium to long curly, wavy, or coily hair. The texture of curls helps the braid hold its shape and adds to the overall aesthetic.

Face Shape Suitability

This style is highly adaptable and complements all face shapes. It can soften strong jawlines and add a touch of romance to any look.

Styling Method and Technique

Section for the braid: Take a small section of hair from above one ear, near the hairline.
Braid it across: Begin braiding this section, either a regular three-strand braid or a French braid, moving it across the top of the head like a headband.
Secure the end: Once the braid reaches the other side, secure the end with a small, clear elastic or bobby pin, tucking it discreetly behind the ear or under the loose curls.
Adjust and fluff: Gently pull apart the braid slightly for a fuller look and arrange the remaining curls.

Recommended Hair Tools and Products

Tools: Fine-tooth comb for sectioning, small clear elastic, bobby pins.
Products: Light hold styling gel or edge control for neat braids, curl cream for the rest of the hair.

Tips to Make the Hairstyle Last Longer

Ensure the braid is tight enough to hold but not uncomfortable. Using a small amount of gel on the braiding sections can help prevent frizz and keep strands in place.

Effortless Side Swept Curls

Sometimes, the easiest and most stunning style is simply letting curls shine. Side-swept curls offer a glamorous yet effortless look, showcasing the beauty and volume of natural texture.

Suitable Hair Length and Texture

Best for medium to long curly or wavy hair with good natural volume. Shorter curls can also be swept but might require more product to hold.

Face Shape Suitability

This style is particularly flattering for oval, heart, and square face shapes, as it softens angles and highlights the neck and shoulder line. It can also add width to a longer face.

Styling Method and Technique

Hydrate and define: Start with freshly washed and conditioned hair. Apply a curl defining cream or mousse to damp hair.
Air dry or diffuse: Allow hair to air dry or use a diffuser on low heat to enhance curl definition and volume.
Sweep to one side: Once dry, gently gather all the curls and sweep them over one shoulder.
Secure (optional): For added hold, use a few bobby pins discreetly placed behind the ear on the opposite side to keep the hair in place.
Fluff and finish: Gently shake and fluff the curls to create volume. A light spritz of hairspray can set the style.

Recommended Hair Tools and Products

Tools: Diffuser (optional), wide-tooth comb for detangling, bobby pins.
Products: Leave-in conditioner, curl defining cream or mousse, light hold hairspray.

Tips to Make the Hairstyle Last Longer

Ensure curls are fully dry before sweeping them to the side. Avoid over-combing once dry, as this can disrupt curl patterns and cause frizz. A satin pillowcase at night can help preserve the style.

Essential Curly Hair Care Tips

Healthy curls are happy curls! Proper care is the foundation for any beautiful curly hairstyle. Implementing a consistent and gentle hair care routine will make styling easier and results more stunning.

Hydration is Key: Curly hair tends to be naturally drier. Use sulfate-free shampoos and rich, moisturizing conditioners. Deep condition regularly.
Detangle Gently: Always detangle curly hair when wet and saturated with conditioner, using a wide-tooth comb or your fingers. Start from the ends and work your way up.
“Plopping” for Definition: Instead of rough towel drying, use a cotton t-shirt or microfiber towel to “plop” your hair. This helps absorb excess water without causing frizz and enhances curl definition.
Protect at Night: Sleep on a silk or satin pillowcase or wear a silk/satin bonnet to reduce friction, prevent frizz, and protect curl patterns overnight.
Avoid Heat When Possible: Air drying is often best for curls. If using heat, always apply a heat protectant and use a diffuser on a low heat setting.

Styling Do’s and Don’ts for Curls

Knowing what to do and what to avoid can make a huge difference in your curly hair styling journey.

Styling Do’s

Do use leave-in conditioners to provide extra moisture and protection.
Do apply styling products to wet hair for better distribution and curl clump formation.
Do scrunch curls upwards to encourage bounce and definition.
Do refresh day-old curls with a water and leave-in conditioner mix.
Do experiment with different products to find what works best for your specific curl type.

Styling Don’ts

Don’t brush dry curly hair, as this can lead to frizz and disrupt curl patterns.
Don’t use excessive heat, which can damage curls and cause dryness.
Don’t over-wash curly hair; aim for 2-3 times a week or as needed to avoid stripping natural oils.
Don’t rub hair vigorously with a towel, as this creates frizz.
Don’t be afraid to embrace natural texture; let the curls be themselves!

Common Curly Hair Styling Mistakes to Avoid

Even with the best intentions, some common mistakes can hinder beautiful curly styles. Avoiding these pitfalls will lead to healthier, more defined curls.

Using the Wrong Products: Heavy, waxy products can weigh down fine curls, while too-light products won’t hold thick curls. Choose products formulated for curly hair and suitable for your specific curl type and porosity.
Over-Combing or Brushing: As mentioned, brushing dry curls is a recipe for frizz. Even wet, aggressive combing can cause breakage. Be gentle and use the right tools.
Not Enough Moisture: Dry curls are prone to frizz and breakage. Ensure your routine includes ample hydration from washing to styling.
Touching Hair Too Much While Drying: Once you’ve applied products and styled, resist the urge to touch or scrunch your hair while it’s drying. This can break up curl clumps and cause frizz.
Ignoring Scalp Health: A healthy scalp is crucial for healthy hair growth. Ensure your scalp is clean and moisturized, not just your strands.

Key Takeaways

Embracing and styling curly hair for girls is all about understanding its unique needs. Hydration, gentle handling, and the right products are your best friends. Experiment with these easy styles to find what works best, and remember to celebrate every beautiful curl!