Curly hair is one of the most versatile and beautiful textures to style, and updos bring out its natural charm in so many ways.
In 33 Updo Curly Hairstyles, you’ll discover fresh, protective, elegant, and playful styles that highlight your curls without stress or damage.
This guide will show you quick looks for casual days, show-stopping buns for weddings, and creative updos for natural curls, wavy hair, or tight coils.
Whether your curls are long, medium, or short, you’ll find inspiration in 33 Updo Curly Hairstyles to help you feel confident and ready to shine for every occasion!
1. High Curly Bun
A high curly bun is a timeless classic for curly hair.
It keeps curls off your face while showing off your volume.
- Gather your curls at the crown of your head.
- Twist them gently into a bun.
- Secure with a soft scrunchie or pins.
- Fluff out the top for extra bounce.
- Extra Tip: Apply a bit of curl cream before styling to keep curls defined.
2. Low Curly Chignon
A chignon sits at the nape and looks chic and effortless.
Perfect for weddings or professional events.
- Pull curls into a low ponytail.
- Twist the ponytail loosely into a bun.
- Pin carefully without crushing curls.
- Smooth edges with a soft brush.
- Extra Tip: Use bobby pins that match your hair color for a seamless finish.
3. Pineapple Updo
The pineapple is a favorite for curly girls everywhere.
It’s quick, cute, and perfect for preserving curls overnight.
- Flip your curls forward.
- Gather them loosely at the top.
- Use a satin scrunchie to secure.
- Let curls spill naturally.
- Extra Tip: Sleep on a silk pillowcase (see why) to fight frizz.
4. Messy Curly Bun
A messy bun makes curly hair look effortless and trendy.
It’s perfect for busy days or casual outings.
- Gather curls into a high or mid bun.
- Twist and pin loosely.
- Pull a few curls out to frame your face.
- Secure with gentle ties.
- Extra Tip: Mist hair lightly with water to refresh curls before styling.
5. Half-Up Curly Top Knot
This playful style shows off your curls and keeps them out of your eyes.
It works for medium and long curls.
- Section the top half of your hair.
- Twist into a loose knot.
- Pin or tie softly.
- Let the rest of your curls flow.
- Extra Tip: Add a little mousse for bounce.
6. Curly Space Buns
Space buns are youthful, fun, and festival-ready.
They work beautifully with curls.
- Part hair down the middle.
- Gather each side into a bun.
- Pin softly or tie.
- Pull a few curls loose.
- Extra Tip: Use cute hair cuffs or clips for extra flair.
7. Curly Braided Crown
A braided crown looks ethereal and keeps curls neat.
Ideal for outdoor parties or romantic looks.
- Part hair at the front.
- Braid each side softly.
- Wrap braids around your head.
- Pin ends securely.
- Extra Tip: Mist with flexible hairspray to hold the style.
8. Twisted Halo Updo
This style uses soft twists instead of braids for a halo.
It’s gentle and easy to create.
- Twist sections at your temples.
- Wrap twists around your crown.
- Pin in place carefully.
- Fluff curls at the back.
- Extra Tip: Use light oil for shine before twisting.
9. Curly Faux Hawk
The faux hawk shows off your curls with attitude.
It’s edgy but easy to do.
- Pin sides upward.
- Leave curls flowing down the center.
- Fluff for volume.
- Use pins or small clips.
- Extra Tip: Add glitter pins for a bold party look.
10. Loose Curly French Twist
A curly twist is a romantic updo for date nights.
It works best for medium to long curls.
- Gather curls at the back.
- Twist upward softly.
- Tuck ends inside.
- Pin to hold.
- Extra Tip: Let a few curls spill out for softness.
11. Curly Low Pony Updo
A low ponytail with curly ends is simple and chic.
Dress it up or down.
- Pull curls to the nape.
- Secure with a scrunchie.
- Wrap a strand around the tie.
- Pull curls loose.
- Extra Tip: Use an edge brush for sleek sides.
12. Braided Bun with Curls
Combine braids and curls for a fancy updo.
Perfect for weddings.
- Braid front sections.
- Gather all hair into a bun.
- Pin softly.
- Fluff out curls.
- Extra Tip: Add hair jewels for extra sparkle.
13. Curly Mohawk Buns
A series of buns down the center mimics a mohawk.
Great for bold curls.
- Section hair into three parts.
- Twist each into a bun.
- Pin in line.
- Fluff curls.
- Extra Tip: Use edge control for a polished hairline.
14. Bun with Curly Bangs
Pair a bun with natural curly bangs.
It’s youthful and stylish.
- Gather hair into a bun.
- Leave front curls out.
- Pin bun gently.
- Style bangs with curl cream.
- Extra Tip: Diffuse bangs for extra volume.
15. Curly Updo with Headband
Headbands add style while protecting edges.
Easy and practical.
- Style curls into a loose updo.
- Place a headband over hairline.
- Fluff curls on top.
- Adjust for comfort.
- Extra Tip: Choose satin-lined headbands to avoid breakage.
16. Side-Swept Curly Bun
A side bun feels soft and elegant.
It’s perfect for formal occasions.
- Sweep curls to one side.
- Twist into a bun near the ear.
- Pin securely.
- Pull out face-framing curls.
- Extra Tip: Use hairpins that match your hair color.
17. Curly Pin-Up Roll
Channel vintage vibes with a pin-up roll.
Perfect for special events.
- Section front curls.
- Roll upward into a pin curl.
- Pin at the crown.
- Gather rest into a bun.
- Extra Tip: Mist lightly with holding spray.
18. Curly Bubble Ponytail Updo
This playful style adds dimension to curls.
It works well for long hair.
- Gather hair into a high pony.
- Add soft elastics every few inches.
- Puff curls between ties.
- Secure ends gently.
- Extra Tip: Use satin scrunchies to prevent breakage.
19. Braided Curly Pony Bun
Braid adds texture to a pony bun.
It’s cute and neat.
- Braid a section near the front.
- Pull curls into a ponytail.
- Wrap pony into a bun.
- Pin softly.
- Extra Tip: Add a statement clip for style.
20. Curly Claw Clip Updo
A claw clip is simple and chic for curls.
Perfect for quick styles.
- Gather curls loosely.
- Twist up and clip.
- Let curls spill freely.
- Adjust as needed.
- Extra Tip: Use a large claw clip to hold thicker curls.
21. Loose Twisted Bun
Soft twists create a gentle bun.
Great for relaxed days.
- Twist large sections.
- Gather into a bun.
- Pin softly.
- Fluff curls.
- Extra Tip: Apply light oil for shine.
22. Flower Curly Updo
Add flowers for a romantic vibe.
Perfect for weddings.
- Style hair into a bun.
- Tuck in flowers.
- Pin softly.
- Mist with holding spray.
- Extra Tip: Use faux flowers for long wear.
23. Loose Curly Top Knot
A messy top knot is casual yet stylish.
Great for thick curls.
- Gather hair at the crown.
- Twist loosely into a bun.
- Secure with a scrunchie.
- Pull curls loose.
- Extra Tip: Use curl gel for frizz control.
24. Braided Halo Bun
Combine a halo braid with a bun.
It’s elegant and protective.
- Braid around your crown.
- Gather rest into a bun.
- Pin securely.
- Smooth edges.
- Extra Tip: Wrap at night with a silk scarf.
25. Curly French Braid Bun
French braids plus a bun look neat and pretty.
Perfect for work or school.
- French braid from the crown.
- Gather ends into a bun.
- Pin softly.
- Pull braid slightly for fullness.
- Extra Tip: Use shine spray for a polished look.
26. Twisted Side Updo
Soft side twists look romantic.
Easy for short or long curls.
- Twist side sections.
- Gather into a side bun.
- Pin gently.
- Pull curls loose.
- Extra Tip: Add a clip or comb for detail.
27. Braided Faux Hawk
Combine braids with a faux hawk.
It’s bold and trendy.
- Braid sides upward.
- Pin curls down the center.
- Fluff curls.
- Add hair jewelry.
- Extra Tip: Lay edges with gel for a sleek finish.
28. Curly Scarf Updo
A scarf adds color and protection.
Great for everyday style.
- Pull curls into a bun.
- Wrap scarf around hairline.
- Tie at the back or side.
- Fluff curls on top.
- Extra Tip: Choose satin or silk scarves to protect edges.
29. Loose Curly Gibson Tuck
A vintage tuck is elegant and simple.
Perfect for formal events.
- Gather curls at the nape.
- Tuck ends upward.
- Pin gently.
- Let curls spill slightly.
- Extra Tip: Mist with setting spray for hold.
30. Pinned Curly Updo
Pin curls creatively for a custom look.
Works on all lengths.
- Roll sections into pin curls.
- Secure with pins.
- Arrange for volume.
- Add accessories.
- Extra Tip: Use decorative pins for a special touch.
31. Curly Updo with Braided Bangs
Braided bangs frame your face beautifully.
Unique and youthful.
- Braid a front section.
- Pull rest into a bun.
- Pin softly.
- Style braid across forehead.
- Extra Tip: Seal braid ends with a tiny elastic.
32. Curly Updo with Beads
Beads add fun to curly styles.
Perfect for parties.
- Add beads to braids or twists.
- Pull curls into an updo.
- Pin securely.
- Fluff curls.
- Extra Tip: Use colorful beads for extra pop.
33. Natural Puff Bun
Keep it simple with a fluffy puff bun.
Easy, quick, and protective.
- Pull curls to crown or nape.
- Tie softly with a band.
- Fluff curls for volume.
- Smooth edges.
- Extra Tip: Sleep in a satin bonnet to protect the style.
Conclusion
Your curls deserve to shine with styles that protect and highlight their beauty every day.
With 33 Updo Curly Hairstyles, you now have dozens of ideas to match your mood, event, or vibe — all while keeping your hair healthy and gorgeous.
Try a fresh updo this week and let 33 Updo Curly Hairstyles inspire your curls to stand out in the best way possible!