Curly hair can be a fantastic asset when styling an updo, providing volume, texture, and a unique flair.
Whether you’re aiming for a formal look or something more casual, these 32 tips will help you master the art of updos for curly hair.
1. Moisturize Before Styling
Hydration is key to maintaining healthy curls. Before styling your updo, apply a moisturizing product to ensure your curls remain soft and manageable.
This not only helps in defining the curls but also prevents frizz, making it easier to shape your desired updo. Keep it light to avoid weighing down the curls.
2. Choose the Right Accessories
Using the right accessories can elevate your updo from simple to stunning. Opt for decorative pins, stylish headbands, or colorful elastics to add a personal touch.
Ensure they are gentle on your curls to prevent breakage. Play around with different accessories to find what complements your style and enhances your overall look.
3. Use a Diffuser
A diffuser is a curly girl’s best friend. It helps in drying curls without disturbing their natural pattern. Use it to add volume to your curls before styling them into an updo.
This ensures that your updo is full of life and bounce. Keep the dryer on a low heat setting to protect your hair.
4. Go for a Loose Bun
Loose buns are incredibly versatile for curly hair. They allow for soft tendrils to frame your face, adding a romantic touch.
The loose texture also protects your curls from being tightly pulled, reducing the risk of breakage. Secure the bun with pins or a soft band to maintain the natural movement of the curls.
5. Try a High Ponytail
A high ponytail is a timeless style that works beautifully with curly hair. It showcases the natural volume and texture of your curls, adding a youthful and energetic vibe to your look.
Use a soft band to gather your curls at the crown, letting the ends flow freely. This style is both chic and easy.
6. Experiment with Braids
Braids add an extra dimension to curly updos. Whether intricate or simple, they can enhance the texture and style of your curls.
Try incorporating a braid within your updo or as an accent to add interest. Braids also help in keeping the curls in place, offering a polished yet playful appearance.
7. Pin with Purpose
Strategic pinning can make all the difference in your curly updo. Use pins to secure sections without flattening your curls. Choose pins that blend with your hair color for a seamless look.
This technique helps in maintaining the volume while ensuring your updo stays intact throughout the day.
8. Define Your Curls
Before gathering your curls into an updo, use curl-defining products to enhance their natural shape. This adds a polished finish to your style and helps in maintaining the curl pattern.
Defined curls add a touch of elegance to any updo, making it look intentional and well put together.
9. Incorporate Twists
Twists can add sophistication and texture to your curly updo. They help in controlling volume while adding an artistic element to your style.
Whether you choose a single twist or multiple, this technique adds depth and interest to your updo, making it stand out with minimal effort.
10. Secure with a Scarf
Scarves are perfect for adding color and flair to your curly updo. They not only secure your style but also protect your curls from the elements.
Wrap a scarf around your updo for a chic bohemian look or to add a pop of color. It’s an easy way to accessorize and protect your curls.
11. Messy is Beautiful
Embrace the natural beauty of your curls by opting for a messy updo. This style highlights the texture and volume of curly hair, giving an effortlessly chic appearance.
Allowing some curls to escape adds to the casual vibe, making it perfect for both laid-back and formal occasions.
12. Use the Right Products
Choosing the right products for your curly hair is essential to achieving a successful updo. Opt for lightweight gels and creams that enhance curl definition without weighing them down.
Finish off with a hairspray to hold the style. This ensures your updo remains vibrant and intact throughout the day.
13. Add Volume at the Crown
Creating volume at the crown can transform an ordinary updo into something special. Gently tease the roots before styling to add height and interest.
This technique works particularly well for curly hair, as it complements the natural volume and texture, creating a balanced and eye-catching look.
14. Focus on the Hairline
Paying attention to the hairline can enhance the overall look of your updo. Allow a few curls to frame your face, softening the style and adding a flattering touch.
This technique is great for highlighting your facial features and creating a more relaxed, romantic appearance.
15. Half-Up, Half-Down
The half-up, half-down style is perfect for showcasing your curls while keeping hair out of your face. It combines the elegance of an updo with the natural beauty of curly hair.
Secure the top half with a clip or band, and let the rest flow freely. This style is versatile and easy to achieve.
16. Use a Soft Brush
A soft brush can help in smoothing out the top layer of your curls without disturbing the curl pattern. Use it to gather your hair into the desired updo, ensuring a sleek and polished finish.
This technique is particularly useful for taming flyaways while preserving the natural texture of your curls.
17. Don’t Overdo It
When styling curly hair into an updo, less is often more. Avoid using too many products or tools that can weigh down your curls.
Instead, focus on enhancing the natural beauty of your curls. Simplicity often leads to the most striking and elegant results, showcasing your curls in their best light.
18. Seek Professional Help
If you’re unsure about styling your curls into an updo, consulting a professional can be invaluable. They can offer personalized tips and techniques tailored to your hair type and style preferences.
A professional touch can elevate your updo, ensuring it looks polished and lasts throughout the day.
19. Add a Textured Finish
Texture is a key element in creating an eye-catching curly updo. Use products that enhance texture, such as sea salt sprays or texturizing creams.
This adds depth and interest to your style, making it more dynamic. A textured finish complements the natural beauty of curls, adding a contemporary edge to your look.
20. Consider Face Shape
Your face shape can influence how you style your curly updo. Consider styles that enhance your natural features, whether it’s framing your face or adding volume where needed.
Tailoring your updo to suit your face shape can create a harmonious and flattering look, ensuring your curls are shown off to their best.
21. Embrace Hair Jewelry
Hair jewelry can transform a simple curly updo into something extraordinary. Choose pieces that reflect your personal style, whether it’s minimalist or extravagant.
These adornments add a touch of elegance and sophistication, making your updo perfect for special occasions. Hair jewelry serves as the finishing touch, adding sparkle and interest.
22. Balance With Earrings
Pairing your curly updo with the right earrings can enhance your overall look. Choose earrings that complement the style and volume of your updo.
For voluminous updos, opt for larger statement pieces, while simpler styles pair well with delicate studs. This balance adds to the elegance and cohesiveness of your ensemble.
23. Use a Satin Pillowcase
Sleeping on a satin pillowcase can maintain the integrity of your curly updo. Satin reduces friction, preventing frizz and tangles.
This ensures your curls stay smooth and defined, even after a night’s rest. It’s a simple yet effective way to prolong the life of your updo and keep your hair looking fresh.
24. Go for a Side Part
A side part can add a modern twist to your curly updo. It frames your face and creates an asymmetrical look, adding interest and depth.
This style works well for both casual and formal occasions. Experiment with different partings to find the most flattering angle for your features.
25. Hydrate with Oils
Oils can be beneficial for curly hair, providing much-needed hydration and shine. Apply a small amount to your curls before styling to keep them nourished and frizz-free.
This ensures that your updo looks sleek and polished, with curls that are vibrant and healthy. Opt for lightweight oils to avoid greasiness.
26. Use Hair Mousse
Hair mousse can add volume and hold to your curls, making it a great product for updos. Apply it to damp hair before styling to enhance your natural curl pattern and give your updo structure.
Mousse provides lift and control without stiffness, allowing for a flexible, dynamic style that lasts.
27. Play with Ponytail Placement
The placement of your ponytail can dramatically affect the look of your updo. Experiment with high, low, or side positions to find what suits your face shape and personal style.
Each placement offers a different vibe, from playful to sophisticated, ensuring your curls are always the center of attention.
28. Consider Hair Health
Healthy hair is the foundation of any successful updo. Regular conditioning treatments and trims keep your curls in top condition. Healthy curls are easier to style and maintain their shape better.
Prioritize hair health to ensure your updos not only look good but also protect your hair from damage.
29. Try a French Twist
The French twist is a timeless updo that works beautifully with curly hair. Its sleek elegance is complemented by the natural texture of curls, offering a sophisticated look.
Secure the twist with pins and allow some curls to escape for a soft, romantic finish. This style is perfect for formal events.
30. Experiment with Color
Color can add a new dimension to your curly updo. Highlights or bold hues can enhance the texture and vibrancy of your curls.
Experiment with subtle or dramatic color changes to complement your updo. This adds depth and interest, ensuring your hair stands out and expresses your unique personality.
31. Avoid Heat Damage
Minimize heat styling to protect your curls from damage. If heat is necessary, always use a protectant spray to shield your hair.
This ensures your updos are not only stylish but also part of a healthy hair routine. Avoid excessive heat to maintain the natural beauty and strength of your curls.
32. Try a Top Knot
A top knot is an easy and stylish way to wear your curls. It keeps hair off your face while showcasing your curl pattern. Gather your curls at the crown and secure them in a loose knot.
This style is both practical and fashionable, perfect for casual outings or busy days.