12 Curly Hair Looks That Are Safe To Try At Home

Curly hair looks seem to be few and far between. Luckily, there are a plethora of looks you can try out on your natural curly hair. Coming from a girl with curly hair, here are 12 I highly recommend trying out. 

One thing I hate to hear: “Oh my god, you have the prettiest curls. It must be so easy to style!” No, no it isn’t. I’ve had my curly hair all of my life, and I have yet to find the best styles to wear or styling products to use. With that being said, I would never trade my curls for the world. It’s a part of me, it’s a part of my soul, and there is no way I would ever want to change it. But it also means I can’t cut it myself, I shouldn’t dye it myself, and I probably shouldn’t relax it myself. So, the only thing I can do for myself is trying different hair looks at home until we can finally get our hair professionally done. If you feel the same way, then here are 12 curly hair looks that are safe to try at home.

Elegant Updo

Depending on the type of curls you have, you don’t need to add the unnecessary heat to curl your hair. For an elegant updo, your curls are perfect the way they are. All you have to do is braid your hair into a loose French braid and then hide the tails in a messy bun towards the bottom of your head. I personally just leave it that way, but there are countless ways to personalize it to your liking. You can pull out short curls to frame your face, you can put your hair slightly upwards to make it a little less elegant and a little bit more like a date night look, or you can add accessories – it’s all up to you!

Curly Combover/Down The Middle

Okay, so this isn’t as fun to try as the updo is, but it sure is different! Trying this look at home during quarantine is perfect. I spent probably ninety percent of my life with a combover. Sometimes I would part my hair mainly to the left, or sometimes I would part it mostly to the right. Whatever the case is, I wouldn’t part it down the middle since I was afraid of how it would look. I used this abundance of time at home to see the difference between the down-the-middle look and the combover look, and I think you should try it too. Who knows, maybe you’ll find that your signature look is about to change.

Space Buns

While they look super cute, not everyone can pull them off. During your time stuck at home, I recommend taking a quick 5-minute break from whatever you are doing to try it out! What I love about this look is that there is more than one way spice it up! I find the space buns just look better with curly hair!

For the original space bun, you’re going part your hair down the middle. Then, grab one side and find where you think it looks best (I recommend high on your head). Once you find the perfect placement for your buns, go ahead and twist your hair to form a bun. Depending on your hair thickness and form of curls, you’ll either need bobby pins or hair ties – sometimes both to secure it!

You can always braid your hair down your scalp before you form the buns. You can even add glitter, statement scrunchies or bows! The results will look the same, but each will have a little bit of flair!

Half Up/Half Down Space Buns

Okay, so you might think this is the same look as above, but it isn’t, I assure you! While you still will be creating the space buns, you’ll be leaving some of your hair out of the buns. This look is the perfect look to try out when you aren’t out and about. I hated the way it looked on me since it looked like I had a receding hairline with two poofs on my head – not a pretty picture. But for others, it could be a killer look. 

With that being said, all you have to do is part your hair down the center like before, and you’ll grab one side. Then, go ahead and part that into half — half of your hair will go in the bun and the other half will remain down. Once you have the half you want to turn into a bun, find the best head placement. Once you do, twist into a bun. Then repeat!

Lion Mane

Out of all of the curly hair looks, this is my freaking favorite. Who doesn’t want to show off their inner diva?

Obviously, with this look, the curlier, the better! It’s a lot easier than you might think! First off, the coarser the hair, the more you’ll need a hydrating “heavier” shampoo and conditioner to moisturize your curls. The lighter the hair, the easier it is to use shampoo and conditioner with less hydrating minerals since you can weigh your hair down.

With those tips, you should be able to style your lioness mane in any fashion you please!

Sky High Pony

Oh, how we love any type of curly hair looks that can be achieved in less than 30 minutes. The beauty of this hair look is that you can either dress it up or you can dress it down!

All you need to do is grab all of your hair and pull it back and secure it to the crown of your head with an elastic band. If you’re elastic isn’t tight enough, go ahead and use bobby pins to secure your ponytail. If you have bangs, let them loose. Once you’ve done all of that, I recommend putting curl defining cream in your curls. Choose your favorite and give those curls some bounce!

Messy Half Bun

Half buns should be a staple in the hair looks you keep handy. They look amazing with any length and texture!

Some people recommend splitting your hair in half – I don’t. I recommend gathering less hair for your bun. Once you’ve picked the perfect amount of hair for your bun, you’re going to set a high ponytail just above your ears – basically the crown of your head. Remember, this is a messy half-bun, so don’t worry about whether or not it’s neat. Simply twist your hair until you form a bun. From there, go ahead and secure it! I use both elastic and bobby pins, but if you have thin hair, just choose one!

Crown Braid

If you’ve never tried this look, then this is the perfect time to try it out! It’s a little challenging to get a handle on, but once you do, it’s so pretty – especially with curls! Just a small recommendation: out of all of the curly hair looks that were mentioned, this one requires at least medium length hair.

First, using a comb, part your hair in the middle – make sure it’s equal on both sides. Once you’ve sectioned your hair, braid it as you would regularly and use a small elastic band to tie the ends. On the outside of your braids, you’re going to lightly pull the loops to make it a lot fluffier.

Once you’ve pulled on your loops, you’re going to take your hair, pull it upwards and wrap it around the crown of your head. Secure it with bobby pins. If you have bangs, let them free.

Boho Braids

I love curly hair and boho braids. It just feels majestic.

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In order to accomplish this look, you will need to center your part first. Choose a side and grab about a four- or five-inch section of hair. Leave a few strands of your hair out in the front to create a messier boho look.

Once you have your section, braid it starting at the top of your head and down toward the back – do not braid downwards. Tie your braid, then do the same thing on the other side. Once you have done that, take your braids and pin them at the back of your head. Tuck in the tail!

Bandana Updo

Warning: out of all of the curly hair looks on this list, you may fall in love with this look most because of how fun and flirty it is! First, you’ll need a wide bandana. You can decide on the look and color of the bandana, but once you do, fold it diagonally. Once you do that, go ahead and fold it until it becomes at least 3 inches wide.

Then, put your hair up in a messy bun, and try to pull a few curly hair strands to straddle your face. Once you do that, with the widest part, place the bandana at the edge of your neck. Finish off the look by tying the bandana in the front – about an inch away from your hairline.

Waterfall Twist

I sure do love twisting my hair. It’s the easiest, especially with curly hair, which is why it made the curly hair looks list.

In order to achieve this look, you are going to start with your left side. About six inches from your hairline, you need to grab a section that is at least 2 inches wide. Split the part in half, and the one near your face will cross over the other half. Then, drop that piece and pick up a new one, and you’ll continue to do this until you reach the back of your head. Once you do, you’ll secure it with a bobby pin. Then do the same with the right side. Once you reach the back on the right side, you are going to secure both twists together with a clear small elastic band.

Curly Mermaid Braid

Most of these curly hair looks can be dressed up or dressed down, and that’s what we call multifunctional. It does suck being quarantined, but we can at least practice all of these hairstyles without the worry of others noticing how much we might not succeed with our updos in the beginning. This one is no different, but it is a lot easier than a lot of the other looks.

The curlier the hair, the cuter this look will turn out! First, you’re going to part your hair in a circular section at the crown of your head – tease it for a lift if necessary. Then, do a regular braid with the parted section and tie it with a small elastic band.

Once you braid it, choosing either side, grab a 1 to 2-inch wide section of hair, and twist it back loosely toward the braid. After that, push the piece through the very first section of the braid and pull it through. Repeat this same process on the other side of your head! You’ll be alternating sides until the end of the hair. Then tie it again with another elastic band, and loosely pull on the sides of the braids for a more voluminous look.

Which curly hair look was your favorite to try? Do you have any specific curly hair looks you love doing? Let us know in the comments!