Curly hair possesses an enchanting quality that transforms ordinary looks into extraordinary statements of style and personality.
If you’ve been searching for fresh inspiration to celebrate your natural texture or enhance your curls with creative styling, you’ve arrived at the perfect destination.
This comprehensive guide to 27 Whimsical Curly Hairstyles Full of Charm and Volume will walk you through an array of stunning options that showcase the beauty, versatility, and playful nature of curly hair.
From romantic cascades to bold updos, each hairstyle has been carefully selected to help you embrace volume, enhance definition, and express your unique sense of style.
Whether you’re preparing for a special occasion or simply want to refresh your everyday look, these whimsical curly hairstyles will inspire you to fall in love with your curls all over again.
1. Voluminous Curly Shag
The curly shag brings together vintage charm and modern edge, creating a hairstyle that’s both effortlessly cool and incredibly voluminous.
This style works beautifully with natural curl patterns and adds incredible movement to your overall look.
- The layers in a curly shag are strategically cut to remove weight while maintaining fullness, allowing your curls to spring up with maximum volume and bounce.
- This hairstyle flatters oval, heart-shaped, and square face shapes by softening angular features while adding width where needed.
- Styling involves applying a curl-enhancing mousse to damp hair, scrunching upward, and allowing curls to air-dry or diffusing on low heat for enhanced texture.
- The shag works exceptionally well for medium to thick hair textures and can be customized with face-framing layers that highlight your best features.
- Maintenance requires regular trims every 6-8 weeks to keep the layers fresh and prevent the shape from becoming too triangular as curls grow out.
2. Romantic Curly Half-Up Half-Down
This timeless style combines the elegance of an updo with the carefree beauty of flowing curls, making it perfect for weddings, dates, or any occasion where you want to look effortlessly romantic.
- The half-up half-down style allows you to showcase your curl pattern while keeping hair away from your face, creating a balanced and feminine silhouette.
- To achieve this look, section the top half of your hair from temple to temple, gently twist or braid it, and secure it with bobby pins or a decorative clip.
- Adding volume at the crown before securing the top section creates a lifted effect that elongates the face and adds drama to the overall style.
- This versatile hairstyle works beautifully with accessories like pearl pins, floral clips, or delicate headbands that enhance the whimsical nature of your curls.
- For extra hold and definition, apply a light-hold hairspray after styling and gently separate a few curls around the face for a softer, more romantic finish.
3. Bouncy Curly Bob
The curly bob is a playful and sophisticated choice that frames the face beautifully while maximizing volume and showcasing your natural curl pattern in a compact, manageable length.
- Cut typically between chin and shoulder length, the curly bob creates a rounded silhouette that adds width and fullness around the face and jawline.
- This style works exceptionally well for type 3A to 4A curl patterns, where the curls have enough definition to hold the bob’s shape without excessive styling.
- The key to a successful curly bob is a dry cut technique where the stylist cuts each curl individually while dry to ensure proper shape and balance.
- Styling involves applying a curl cream to soaking wet hair, scrunching to encourage curl formation, and diffusing with the hair flipped upside down for maximum volume.
- Regular moisturizing treatments are essential to maintain the health and bounce of a curly bob, as the ends can become dry more quickly in shorter styles.
4. Curly Ponytail with Volume
Transform the classic ponytail into a statement style by embracing volume, height, and the natural texture of your curls for a look that’s both practical and glamorous.
- Creating volume at the crown before securing the ponytail is essential—tease gently or use a volumizing powder at the roots to achieve lift.
- Position the ponytail higher on the head for a more youthful, playful look, or at the nape for a sophisticated, elegant vibe.
- Use a hair tie that matches your hair color and wrap a small section of hair around it to conceal the elastic for a polished finish.
- Fluff and separate the curls in the ponytail after securing to maximize volume and create a fuller, more dramatic effect.
- For curls that tend to lose definition, refresh with a curl refresher spray and scrunch before gathering into the ponytail.
5. Whimsical Curly Fringe
Adding a curly fringe to your hairstyle introduces an element of playfulness and frames your face in the most charming way, creating dimension and visual interest.
- Curly bangs can be cut in various styles including full, side-swept, or curtain bangs, each offering different levels of coverage and face-framing.
- The key to successful curly bangs is cutting them longer than desired when wet, as they will shrink significantly once dry due to the curl pattern.
- Styling curly fringe requires specific attention—apply a small amount of curl cream and use your fingers to coil individual curls for definition.
- Face shapes that particularly benefit from curly fringe include oval, long, and heart-shaped faces, as the bangs add width and balance to features.
- Maintenance involves trimming every 3-4 weeks and using a mini diffuser or finger-coiling technique to refresh the fringe on non-wash days.
6. Cascading Curly Layers
Cascading layers create a waterfall effect with curls that flow seamlessly from one length to another, producing incredible movement, dimension, and voluminous appeal throughout your entire hairstyle.
- The layering technique removes bulk while maintaining length, allowing curls to stack and cascade rather than clump together in a triangular shape.
- Long layers work best for this style, starting around the cheekbones and gradually increasing in length to create that flowing, cascading effect.
- Styling requires applying products in sections to ensure even distribution and definition throughout all the layers of curls.
- This hairstyle particularly flatters those with thick, dense hair who struggle with a heavy, bottom-heavy appearance in one-length styles.
- Regular deep conditioning treatments are crucial to maintain moisture balance across all layers and prevent the shorter layers from appearing frizzy.
7. Curly Top Knot
The curly top knot is the perfect blend of casual chic and statement style, gathering your curls into a voluminous bun that sits proudly at the crown of your head.
- Position the top knot high on the head for maximum impact and a youthful, playful appearance that showcases your curls’ natural texture.
- Unlike sleek top knots, the curly version celebrates texture—allow pieces to escape naturally and embrace the organic, slightly messy aesthetic.
- Secure the knot with multiple bobby pins and a strong elastic to ensure it stays in place throughout the day without sagging.
- Pull a few face-framing curls loose intentionally to soften the look and create a more romantic, whimsical finish.
- This style works particularly well on second or third-day curls when they have slightly more texture and grip for easier styling.
8. Spiral Curls with Side Part
Defined spiral curls paired with a dramatic side part create a glamorous, Old Hollywood-inspired look that’s full of volume, shine, and sophisticated charm.
- Creating a deep side part adds asymmetry and visual interest while allowing one side to cascade dramatically across the shoulder.
- Achieve defined spirals by using a curling wand or flexi-rods on freshly washed, conditioned hair with a strong-hold styling product.
- The spiral pattern creates uniform, bouncy curls that stack beautifully and maintain their shape throughout the day or evening.
- This style works beautifully for formal events, red carpet moments, or anytime you want to channel vintage glamour with modern volume.
- Set the style with a light mist of flexible-hold hairspray to maintain definition without creating stiffness or crunchiness.
9. Curly Braided Crown
Combining the texture of curls with the intricate beauty of braiding creates a fairytale-worthy crown that wraps around your head while leaving the remaining curls to flow freely.
- Begin by sectioning the front hairline and creating a Dutch or French braid that follows the hairline from one side to the other.
- The braid should be loose enough to allow the curl texture to show through, creating dimension and a softer, more romantic appearance.
- Secure the braid behind the opposite ear with bobby pins, tucking the end into the remaining curls to conceal it seamlessly.
- This style works exceptionally well for special occasions like weddings, festivals, or outdoor events where you want a bohemian, whimsical vibe.
- Add small flowers, decorative pins, or ribbons woven through the braid to enhance the crown effect and customize the look.
10. Voluminous Curly Afro
The curly afro celebrates natural texture at its most glorious, creating a spherical halo of volume, definition, and unapologetic beauty that makes a powerful style statement.
- Achieving maximum afro volume requires proper hydration—use a leave-in conditioner and curl cream on soaking wet hair before styling.
- The pick-out method is essential for afro styling, gently lifting curls at the roots to create rounded shape and even volume distribution.
- This style works beautifully for type 4A through 4C curl patterns, showcasing the unique texture and density of tightly coiled hair.
- Maintenance involves nightly protection with a satin bonnet or pillowcase to preserve the shape and prevent moisture loss and breakage.
- Refresh the style daily by misting with water mixed with leave-in conditioner and gently picking out the roots to restore volume.
11. Curly Side Swept Style
Sweeping your curls dramatically to one side creates asymmetry, showcases your curl pattern, and delivers a red-carpet-ready look that’s both elegant and full of personality.
- Create a deep side part and use bobby pins on the opposite side to secure hair behind the ear, creating the swept effect.
- This style elongates the neck and highlights the jawline, making it particularly flattering for special occasions and formal events.
- Apply a smoothing serum to the pinned side for sleek contrast against the voluminous curls cascading on the opposite side.
- The drama of this look intensifies with length—the longer your curls, the more dramatic and glamorous the side sweep appears.
- Secure with strong-hold bobby pins and finish with hairspray to ensure the style holds throughout your event without shifting.
12. Curly Pigtails
Curly pigtails bring a playful, youthful energy to your look while managing volume and showcasing your natural texture in a fun, symmetrical style.
- Position the pigtails at various heights—low for a bohemian vibe, mid-level for classic appeal, or high for maximum playfulness.
- Part the hair down the center and secure each section with elastic bands, ensuring equal volume and curl distribution on both sides.
- Allow some face-framing pieces to escape naturally for a softer, less severe appearance that maintains the whimsical quality.
- This style works particularly well for casual outings, festivals, or creative environments where playful styling is appreciated.
- Wrap small sections of hair around the elastic bands to conceal them and elevate the look from childish to intentionally stylish.
13. Defined Curly Ringlets
Creating uniform, defined ringlets throughout your hair produces a polished, sophisticated look that maximizes bounce, shine, and the architectural beauty of well-formed curls.
- Achieve defined ringlets using the twist-and-coil method on small sections of damp hair with a strong-hold curl cream or gel.
- Alternatively, use perm rods or flexi-rods on damp hair overnight to create consistent, springy ringlets with lasting hold.
- The uniformity of ringlets creates visual harmony while the individual curl definition adds texture and dimension to the overall style.
- This look works beautifully for formal events, photoshoots, or anytime you want your curls to look intentionally styled and polished.
- Maintain ringlet definition by avoiding over-touching throughout the day and refreshing with a curl reactivating spray when needed.
14. Curly Mohawk Updo
The curly mohawk updo combines edgy architecture with romantic texture, creating a striking style where the sides are pinned or braided while the center curls create a dramatic volume ridge.
- Section the hair into three parts—two sides and a center mohawk strip running from forehead to nape.
- Secure the side sections with flat twists, cornrows, or simply pin them flat against the head for a sleek contrast.
- The center section should be maximally voluminous—tease at the roots, add volumizing powder, and allow curls to spring up naturally.
- This style makes a bold statement and works wonderfully for creative events, concerts, or situations where you want to stand out.
- Secure with numerous bobby pins along the sides and finish with strong-hold spray to maintain the mohawk structure throughout wear.
15. Loose Curly Waves
Loose curly waves offer a softer, more relaxed interpretation of curly styling, creating movement and volume without the tightness of defined ringlets for an effortlessly beachy vibe.
- Achieve loose waves by applying a texturizing spray or mousse to damp hair and scrunching gently without encouraging tight curl formation.
- Alternatively, braid damp curly hair in large sections before bed and release in the morning for elongated, wavy texture.
- This style works beautifully for those with naturally looser curl patterns (2C to 3A) who want to enhance rather than tighten their texture.
- The relaxed nature of loose waves creates a casual, approachable aesthetic perfect for everyday wear or laid-back occasions.
- Refresh the style by misting with sea salt spray and scrunching to reactivate waves without washing or heavy product application.
16. Curly Space Buns
Space buns transform curly hair into a playful, trendy style that’s both practical and Instagram-worthy, featuring two high buns that celebrate texture and volume.
- Part the hair down the center and create two high ponytails positioned symmetrically on either side of the head.
- Twist each ponytail and wrap it around the base, securing with bobby pins to create rounded buns that showcase your curls’ texture.
- Allow some curls to escape from the buns intentionally for a softer, more whimsical appearance that feels contemporary rather than overly polished.
- This style works wonderfully for festivals, casual outings, or anytime you want a youthful, fun look that keeps hair completely off your face.
- The height and volume of space buns elongate the face and draw attention upward, creating a balancing effect for round or wide face shapes.
17. Curly Low Bun
The curly low bun offers sophistication and elegance while embracing texture, gathering curls at the nape in a voluminous, romantic bun perfect for formal occasions.
- Unlike sleek low buns, the curly version celebrates texture—loosely gather curls without smoothing or flattening the natural pattern.
- Pull out face-framing pieces and allow some curls to escape from the bun for a soft, romantic finish that feels effortless.
- Secure the bun with multiple bobby pins in an X-pattern for stability, ensuring it stays in place throughout formal events.
- This style pairs beautifully with statement earrings or a dramatic necklace, as the low positioning keeps the focus on your accessories and face.
- Add decorative pins, flowers, or a jeweled comb to the bun for extra elegance and a personalized touch.
18. Curly Faux Hawk
The curly faux hawk brings edgy attitude to curly hair, creating height and drama through the center while keeping the sides controlled for a bold, contemporary look.
- Create the faux hawk by sectioning the hair into a center strip and securing the sides tightly with bobby pins or small braids.
- Maximize volume in the center section using teasing, volumizing products, and strategic pinning to create height that mimics a mohawk.
- This style allows you to experiment with bold looks while maintaining the ability to release the sides and return to a fuller style.
- The faux hawk works particularly well for medium to long curly hair where there’s sufficient length to create dramatic height.
- Finish with strong-hold hairspray and edge control on the sides to maintain the sleek contrast against the voluminous center.
19. Curly Bantu Knots Updo
Bantu knots transform curly hair into sculptural, artistic elements that can be worn as an updo style themselves or unraveled for gorgeous curl definition.
- Create Bantu knots by sectioning the hair into small to medium portions, twisting each section tightly, and coiling it into a small knot secured at the base.
- The size of your sections determines the final look—smaller knots create a more detailed, intricate appearance, while larger knots make bolder statements.
- Wear the knots as a protective style that showcases beautiful symmetry and geometric patterns across your head.
- Alternatively, sleep in Bantu knots overnight and unravel them in the morning for defined, springy curls with incredible bounce.
- This versatile style works for all curl types and can be customized with various parting patterns to create unique, personalized designs.
20. Voluminous Curly Shag with Bangs
Combining a voluminous shag cut with curly bangs creates the ultimate in whimsical, textured styling that’s both trendy and timelessly cool.
- The shag provides incredible movement through heavily layered cutting techniques that remove weight while maintaining fullness and volume.
- Adding curly bangs to the shag creates face-framing that’s flattering and adds dimension to the overall silhouette.
- This style works exceptionally well for those who want a low-maintenance yet stylish look that embraces natural texture.
- Styling requires minimal effort—apply curl cream to damp hair, scrunch upward, and allow to air dry or diffuse for enhanced volume.
- The lived-in quality of a curly shag means it looks great even when slightly grown out, making it practical for busy lifestyles.
21. Curly Bubble Ponytail
The bubble ponytail adds playful dimension to a classic style by creating segmented sections that puff out between elastic bands for a trendy, voluminous effect.
- Start with a high or mid-level ponytail, securing with a strong elastic band to create the base for the bubble effect.
- Add additional elastic bands down the length of the ponytail at equal intervals (typically every 2-3 inches).
- Between each elastic band, gently pull and fluff the curls outward to create the bubble effect and maximize volume.
- This style works particularly well for medium to long curly hair where there’s sufficient length to create multiple bubbles.
- The bubble ponytail is perfect for casual outings, festivals, or anytime you want to add a trendy twist to traditional ponytail styling.
22. Romantic Curly Chignon
The curly chignon gathers hair into a low, voluminous bun that sits elegantly at the nape, creating a sophisticated style perfect for weddings and formal events.
- Unlike traditional sleek chignons, the curly version embraces texture and volume, creating a fuller, more romantic appearance.
- Gather curls loosely at the nape and twist or coil them into a bun shape without flattening or smoothing the natural curl pattern.
- Pull out strategic pieces around the face and allow some curls to escape from the chignon for a soft, effortless finish.
- Secure with multiple bobby pins, ensuring the weight of the curls is properly supported throughout the duration of your event.
- Enhance the romantic quality by adding delicate accessories like pearl pins, floral elements, or a decorative comb.
23. Curly High Ponytail with Wrap
Elevate the classic high ponytail by wrapping a section of curly hair around the elastic band to conceal it, creating a polished, seamless look that celebrates volume.
- Create a high ponytail positioned at the crown, ensuring all curls are gathered smoothly without bumps or irregularities.
- Take a small section from the underside of the ponytail and wrap it around the elastic band, securing with a bobby pin underneath.
- The wrapped section creates a polished finish that looks intentional and elevates the ponytail from casual to sophisticated.
- Fluff and separate the curls in the ponytail after securing to create maximum volume and a fuller appearance.
- This style works beautifully for both casual and semi-formal occasions, offering versatility with an elevated aesthetic.
24. Curly Twist-Out Style
The twist-out creates beautifully defined, elongated curls through the method of twisting small sections of hair and allowing them to set before unraveling.
- Start with freshly washed, conditioned hair that’s been treated with a curl-defining cream or gel for hold.
- Divide hair into small to medium sections and twist each section from root to tip, ensuring the twist is tight enough to set the pattern.
- Allow twists to dry completely (overnight is ideal) before carefully unraveling each twist from the bottom up.
- Separate the curls gently with your fingers to create fuller volume while maintaining the definition from the twist pattern.
- The twist-out creates a uniform, elongated curl pattern that’s perfect for showcasing curl definition and achieving consistent texture throughout.
25. Curly Fishtail Braid
The fishtail braid adds intricate detail to curly hair, creating a textured, dimensional braid that showcases your natural curl pattern within the woven structure.
- Divide hair into two large sections and take small pieces from the outer edge of one section, crossing them over to join the other section.
- Continue this alternating pattern down the length of the hair, keeping the pieces small for a traditional fishtail or larger for a looser, more bohemian effect.
- The natural texture of curls adds dimension and volume to the fishtail braid, creating a fuller appearance than the same braid on straight hair.
- Gently pull apart the braid sections after securing to create width and enhance the textured, voluminous quality.
- This style works beautifully for side braids, low braids, or even as an accent braid within loose, flowing curls.
26. Curly Victory Rolls
Victory rolls bring vintage glamour to curly hair, creating sculptural rolls at the front hairline while allowing the remaining curls to flow freely for a retro-meets-whimsical aesthetic.
- Section the front hair into two portions on either side of a center or side part, leaving the back hair loose and curly.
- Roll each front section backward toward the crown, creating a rolled shape that sits along the hairline, and secure with bobby pins.
- The combination of structured victory rolls with loose, flowing curls creates beautiful contrast between vintage and romantic elements.
- This style works wonderfully for themed events, pin-up photoshoots, or anytime you want to channel retro glamour with a whimsical twist.
- Set the victory rolls with strong-hold hairspray while leaving the loose curls softer and more touchable for balance.
27. Curly Goddess Locs
Goddess locs combine the structure of faux locs with the soft texture of curly hair left loose at the ends, creating a bohemian, ethereal style full of volume and movement.
- Install faux locs through the crochet method or wrapping technique, leaving the last few inches of your natural curls unraveled and free.
- The contrast between the smooth, wrapped locs and the curly ends creates beautiful textural interest and movement.
- This protective style allows you to embrace the goddess aesthetic while protecting your natural hair and reducing daily styling time.
- Goddess locs can be worn in various styles—down, in ponytails, half-up styles, or elaborate updos—offering incredible versatility.
- The curly ends require maintenance through moisturizing and occasional refreshing to keep them defined and prevent them from becoming frizzy or tangled.
Conclusion
Embracing your natural curls opens up a world of creative possibilities, and these 27 Whimsical Curly Hairstyles Full of Charm and Volume prove that curly hair is incredibly versatile, beautiful, and full of potential.
From playful everyday styles like curly pigtails and bubble ponytails to sophisticated formal options such as the romantic chignon and side-swept elegance, there’s truly a curly hairstyle to match every mood, occasion, and personal aesthetic.
The key to achieving any of these looks successfully lies in understanding your unique curl pattern, maintaining proper hair health through moisture and protein balance, and using techniques that enhance rather than fight against your natural texture.
Whether you choose to celebrate your curls with maximum volume in an afro, add structure with braids and twists, or create sculptural beauty with updos and knots, remember that your curls are uniquely yours.
Experiment with these whimsical styles, adapt them to suit your preferences, and most importantly, wear your curls with confidence and joy.
Your journey to finding the perfect curly hairstyle is not just about following trends—it’s about discovering new ways to express yourself and celebrating the natural beauty that makes you wonderfully unique.
