Natural curly hair life can be a bit draining at times. There are moments when time is not on our side, and putting those curls in a bun is the best we can do. If you’re looking for more inspiration for styling your curls whether it’s more daytime looks or ornate updos, influencers have been changing the game with easy hairstyles.
Image Source: @matymahera
We turned to Instagram and other sources to gather a few hairstyles for natural curls that are easy to pull together, give off intricate vibes, and allow you to give that bun a break.
1. Braided Bun
Image Source: @africansbraid
This high bun with three braids and laid edges is a perfectly elegant look that can be used for a fancy dinner or an evening wedding.
2. Hair Jewelry
Image Source: @muchmorethanbeauty
Any hairstyle with jewelry is automatically upgraded to a goddess look. Add this accessory to several twists and then place your hair in a high bun to give off queenly vibes.
3. Messy Cascade
Image Source: @cecilialaulanne
For our 3a curlies, grab two scrunchies and a lot of bobby pins leave a few curls out all around the front and sides of your head, and then gather the rest of your curls and tie them highly on your head. You can bobby pin whatever loose curls hang from the bun or leave them out to give off that “messy bun” feel.
4. Big Bangs
Image Source: @brittminetti
Like the last updo, this style only requires leaving some curls out in the front as bangs and then placing your bun high on top of your head. This would be a more “collected” look that can be diversified from day to night.
5. French Curls Updo
Image Source: @espaco_afroqueen
French Curls have been all the rage this season, and like any great protective style, they can be easily transformed into different hairstyles for a multi-dimensional look.
6. High Bun with Curly Bangs
Image Source: @jori.chioma
This sensual hairstyle is perfect for any 4c curly girl. A high bun with four twist-out strands hanging in the front makes for the perfect summer look and will allow you to keep cool with your hair picked up.
7. Sleek Bun with Next-Level Edges
Image Source: @mandy_jacobz
You can dress up even the simplest bun by mastering styling your baby hairs. Take your edges to the next level with a strong edge control that will keep your baby hairs slayed all day.
8. Halo Braid
Image Source: @aseamae
This curly updo is a protective style and will last a long time — in this case, 2 weeks! It can also be taken down to be rocked as all-over curls.
9. Claw Clip Updo
Image Source: @teerachelle_
Claw clips are versatile and easy and can make creating an updo a seamless experience regarding your texture. You can play with the level of ponytail or bun based on the size of the claw clip. Get creative and add some additional accessories like beads or a headband.
10. Cornrow Bantu knots
Image Source: @justlocs14
This style, inspired by TLC’s “Left Eye,” is perfect for any festival, concert, or simply for walking the runway of life!
11. Big braid Bun
Image Source: @braidsconnect
Instead of several mini-cornrow buns like No. 10, this one gathers all cornrows into one glorious high bun, which is perfect for any occasion but even more so for any summer event.
12. Three Twisted Buns
Image Source: @hairbycaseyveda
Here’s another mini-bun idea that doesn’t require any braiding. Part your hair into three big chunks, twist them to make them into buns, and then, with a bobby, pin them together from the mid-to-back part of your head.
13. Pineapple Updo
Image Source: @dinafbabyy
Pineapples are a quick and easy curly updo that is perfect for many occasions year-round. It can be dressed up easily with some bold earrings, scarf, or headband.
14. Sockbun twist
Image Source: @llaurenray
This sockbun updo with a flirty twist. It’s great to wear to a party or wedding.
15. Messy Ponytail
Image Source: @acessorize
This style is great for medium to long hair for any event, such as weddings, graduations, and proms — it just depends on how much hair you have. Many bobby pins or kirby grips were also used to pin all the curls for the desired look.
16. Multi-Twists
Image Source: @lalasupdos
This style is perfect for a bride, a wedding guest, or even an evening date! It’s a low-bun, textured updo. It can be achieved using curling iron on the top layer and then smoothed down the hair on top.
17. Curly bun with Faux Bangs
Image Souce: @iliandraa
Say hello to a simple, yet classy curly bun with faux bangs that can show off your definition regardless of your texture.
18. Bantu Knots
Image Source: @nikajayy_
Bantu knots are great for weddings, baby showers, charity galas, and proms. The size of the bantu knots can be adjusted to achieve your desired look, and they can be dressed up with accessories.
19. Low Bun with Tendrils
Image Source: @allthingsolive
This bridesmaid wanted to look natural but still done up for the wedding. She can easily style this by pulling back pieces to create a messy yet natural look with a low bun and soft curls around the face. This look is perfect for a wedding, holiday party, or night out with your girls.
20. Finger Coil Updo
Image Source: @naominyarra
Finger coils are a staple of the wash and go, and finger coils take time. You can add elegance to your look by tying the updo to the side of your face so your coils are front and center.
21. Low Updo with French braid
Image Source: @melissafrusco
A classy, curly, messy low updo with a French braid is very easy to create. This look is perfect for bridesmaids and parties and can be further fancified by a decorative hair accessory.
22. Faux Hawk
Image Source: @naturally_curla
This curly faux hawk is a fun and edgy updo for any occasion. Depending on the event, your attire and accessories can make it elegant or more casual.
23. Braid and Tendrils
Image Source: @honeycombandcoil
Bring on the romance with this elaborate updo that can be elevated with a braid. Define your curls and be creative in your placement
24. Flat Twists Updo
Image Source: @thedemarrah
With this easy style, you put your flat twists front and center with a bun, ponytail, or accessories for that special event.
25. Mini Twists Updo
Image Source: @mandy_jacobz
Having mini twists means more opportunity to add dimension to your updo. You can easily throw it up in a half up/down look for easy styling.
With 25 updo options, we hope you’ve found a style or two that adapts to your curls or coils. If you’re looking to dress up these beautiful styles, read 15 Curly Hair Accessories You Need to Try.