Curly Hair

The Encyclopedia of Curly Hairstyles For A Stylish Look in 2022

best friends with curly hair

woman maintaining her curly hair at the salon

Curly hair is beautiful because it is spontaneous and unpredictable, which makes it appealing to many people. Something incredibly wonderful in its uniqueness. It is impossible to get your curls to comply with cultural expectations, and they will resist any attempts to straighten or tame them. Using a flat iron or a blow dryer and brush, you can temporarily straighten your curls or straighten your waves; however, the next time you get your hair wet, it will spring back into its original curly state.

Every attempt to straighten or straighten out naturally curly hair has not resulted in complete success.  If you are not satisfied with your curls, you can resort to using a chemical relaxer to straighten your curls, but even that will not prevent the curls from growing out of your head and poking fun at your attempts to tame them.

Curly hair is not only playful but also enjoyable as you can create numerous beautiful looks with curly hair.  It is hard to control, and it is different every day of the week. This is one of the things that makes it so appealing. Conformity is tedious, yet curly hair is anything but tedious. Curly and wavy hair are fully unconstrained by the expectations of society.

Why is Curly Hair Associated with Being Stylish & Chic?

For the longest time, traditional beauty standards dictated that curly hair was somehow unattractive and undesirable. The only acceptable hair texture, one which was viewed as attractive, was straight here.

The Bias Towards Curly Hair

It goes without saying that most of these views were put in place by men, and over time, the effect of the inevitable internalized patriarchy started coming up to the surface. Women with naturally curly and voluptuous hair started seeking different, often extremely expensive, beauty treatments and products (sprays, serums, conditioners, shampoos) that were meant to tame curly hair and came with a promise of getting rid of the curls.

The prejudice towards straight, fine or sleek hair rose to such degrees that women with curly hair found themselves being passed over for job opportunities, especially those industries where appearances make a difference. In a traditional society, such as in Pakistan, women with a curly hair type were not only denied job opportunities but, on several occasions, they also had to face a harsh rejection when it came to marriage.

Since marriage is one of the many important institutions within both our culture and religion, women have been shamed and have had to face immense discrimination from a very young age. As if this was not enough, women with curly hair have also been the subject of many harsh jokes within social circles.

All of this led women to believe that they were less worthy and beautiful simply due to the texture of their hair. This also caused these women to change the texture of their natural hair using costly and damaging chemical treatments and products.

A New Perspective on Curly Hair

However, more recently, there has been a surprisingly pleasant shift in the perspective and outlook towards curly hair. A resurgence in the popularity of curls — and not just loose barrel waves, but huge full curls that are, dare I say, "frizzy," have been seen on both Hollywood A-listers and fashion runways, with new product lines being introduced to care for them.

However, the resurgence begs the question: Will big curls be just another passing beauty fad like contouring and lip kits, or will they be here to stay as evidence of a deeper movement toward self-acceptance and self-celebration that parallels the rise of social media and individual beauty for all time?

A generation of women has emerged from under the scorching shadow of 230C heat, quietly and secretly. In addition, hair has once again become a subject of exploration and experimentation. Blow-dry bars have sprouted up all over the place in urban areas. In contrast to the side-return of your property, hair extensions are something you do to your scalp. A slew of new products have made their way onto salon shelves, including curling tongs, hot rollers, hair extensions, Argan oil, and dry shampoo, to name a few.

The hair of pop artists such as Katy Perry and Kelly Osbourne has been dyed in stunning shades of pink and purple. Lady Gaga accessories her outfits with voluminous hair bows. Nothing is said about women who grow fringes to look like Lou Doillon; wear undercuts to look like Rihanna, or sport peroxide-blonde mohicans to pay homage to Emeli Sandé.

teens with curly hair

Explore The Different Types of Curly Hair 

Many people believe that curly hair can only be found in one variety. This is not true. There are many different sorts of curls, ranging from 2C to 4C hair, to choose from. The more you know about your curls and how to care for them, the better you will be at maintaining them.

These days, there are a plethora of hair products on the market that claim to treat your hair problems in a magical way. But, let's be honest, this isn't possible. It is impossible for any product to work on your hair. Curly hair, like Liam Neeson's, comes with its own set of issues. Damage to your hair can include frizz, split ends, breakage; dry hair; greasy scalp; loss of curl definition; decrease in hair elasticity, coarse texture, and dandruff.

You must first understand your curly hair type in order to select the appropriate products that will improve your hair's health. As soon as that occurs, you will be able to correct your hair care regimen, learn how to style your curly locks to their maximum potential, and employ superior hair management practices. So, continue reading and find out what kind of curl you have!

woman with type 2 curly hair

Wavy hair - type 2


When it comes to texture, wavy hair is somewhere in the middle of straight and curly. This type of hair is flat and straight at the roots, but it curls and makes loops as it progresses down the length.

Your hair will have the faintest hint of curl thanks to these loose loops, which are formed in an S-shaped design. Even while wavy hair has a lower sheen than straight hair, it reflects significantly more light than type 3 curly hair. It is also more prone to frizzing than straight hair, which is a disadvantage.

Type 2a wavy hair

Type 2a wavy hair has a fine and loosely tousled texture, similar to that of type 2b. Except for the small wavy bend in the middle, it appears to be completely straight. With the use of heating equipment, it is simple to style type 2a hair into a straight or curly look.

In order to add volume and texture to such hair, a lightweight mousse and sea salt spray are the most effective solutions.

Type 2b wavy hair

The type 2b wavy hairstyle is defined by hair that is straighter and flatter at the roots and evolves into more distinct S-shaped waves from the mid-lengths to the ends as it grows out.

It is significantly more difficult to style and has a lot of frizz at the top of your head with this hair type. The use of mousses and gels to define type 2b waves is highly recommended.

Type 2c wavy hair

Unlike type 2a and 2b hair, type 2c waves are visible directly from the roots and have more defined waves than the two other types of hair. In fact, they could have a few ringlet curls in them if they were properly wound.

This type of hair is typically thick and frizzy, and it is more prone to breakage. A hair diffuser does wonders for unfurling these waves and bringing them to life in all their magnificence.

Hair Care tips for type 2 wavy hair

Leave-in serums and mousses are essential for anyone with wavy hair who want to keep their frizz under control. These substances also aid in the definition of the waves while not weighting them down excessively.

It is also advisable to wash your hair twice a week with lightweight shampoos and conditioners that are specifically formulated for wavy hair to keep it looking its best. Because people with wavy hair are more likely to use heat styling products such as straighteners and curling irons, it's important to use a heat protectant to keep your hair from becoming damaged throughout the process.

A soft cotton T-shirt draped over your wavy hair is a terrific method to dry your hair while also giving lots of definition to it. It also helps to keep your hair from becoming damaged or breaking. When it comes to detangling wavy hair without disturbing its natural curly pattern, wide-toothed combs are the most effective. Make sure, however, that you choose a vented hair brush with soft bristles.

woman with type 3 curly hair

Curly hair - type 3


Type 3 hair is essentially what people envision when they think of curly hair in the classic sense. These curls are extremely defined and springy, and they produce exquisite ringlets when combed through. It's impossible not to notice how much volume they have from the roots to the tops.

Type 3 curls, on the other hand, tend to be dry because the curls function as a barrier, preventing the natural oils from being adequately distributed down the length of the hair. The most pressing issue for persons with type 3 hair is how to get rid of their excessive frizz.

They must also develop a good hair routine that will add definition to their curls while also preventing them from seeming dull and lifeless over time.

Type 3a curly hair

Large, loose curls form a distinct S-shaped pattern, and each curl is about the thickness of a piece of sidewalk chalk in size and thickness. People with 3a hair type have the difficulty of having too much frizz and their curls losing definition, which can be frustrating.

Type 3b curly hair

It contains curls that are slightly more tightly curled and are as wide as a marker pen, which is characteristic of this coarse-textured hair type. What 3b curls lack in sheen, they more than make up for with their enormous amount of volume. In order to prevent frizz and define your 3b curls, styling lotions formulated to block humidity are a terrific option to try.

Type 3c curly hair

3c curls are sometimes referred to as corkscrew curls or ringlet curls because they have a circumference the size of a pencil and are closely packed together on the head.

As a result, despite the fact that it has a delicate structure, this type of hair tends to be voluminous. Spend some time practicing some hair stretching techniques to keep your 3c curls from shrinking too much and seeming shorter than they actually are.

Hair care tips and tricks for type 3 - curly hair

Natural shampoos that are free of sulfates are recommended for washing your hair to prevent it from being stripped of its natural oils and becoming dry. It is essential for those with type 3 curly hair to use the LOC (Liquid-Oil-Cream) regimen in order to keep their curls suitably moisturized and healthy.

To achieve this look, wash your hair on a regular basis, condition it, apply a natural oil to seal in moisture, and use a curl-defining cream to define the curls (and make them look more defined); avoid straightening your hair as much as possible in order to keep your curls safe from damage caused by heat.

Furthermore, sleep on a silk or satin pillowcase to keep your curls from breaking or becoming dried out over the night. Dress it up by tying your hair in a loop bun directly on top of your head and covering it with a silk scarf or bonnet to help keep the definition of your curls between washes. The pineapple method is the name given to this technique.

woman with type 4 curly hair

Coiled hair - type 4


Type 4 coiled hair is characterized by being tightly coiled and having a fine texture. The coarse coils of this hair type are firmly packed on the scalp, and as a result, the hair is extremely voluminous in appearance.

In addition to experiencing the highest loss, coiled hair is also the hair type that endures the most breakage because of how tightly it coils.

Type 4a curly hair

Because type 4a hair is wiry and fine-textured, type 4a springy coils have a wiry and fine texture. These tightly twisted coils are approximately the width of a crochet needle and are arranged in an S-shaped pattern. When it comes to moisturizing this type of hair, rich natural lotions (such as shea butter) work wonders.

Type 4b coiled hair

Type 4b coiled hair is defined by curls that are as wide as the spring inside a pen, and that follows a crisp Z-shaped pattern. The texture of these coils might be thin or coarse, depending on their size.

For this type of hair, it is preferable to treat it with coconut or castor oil prior to washing it in order to maintain some of the natural sebum produced by your hair.

Type 4c coiled hair

The coils of type 4c hair are remarkably similar to the coils of type 4b hair in terms of size and shape. The contrast is due to the fact that 4c hair lacks definition and is more prone to shrinking, resulting in it appearing significantly shorter. Because it is the most sensitive of all the hair kinds, it must be treated softly with a creamy humectant before being detangled to avoid damaging it.

Haircare tips and tricks for coiled hair

Every 2-3 days, moisturize your coiled hair using hair lotions and natural oils to keep it looking healthy. This may sound a little excessive, but it's important to remember that your natural oils are unable to go down the length of your hair because of the tightly twisted coils, leaving your ends feeling dehydrated and parched.

Continuing on that point, deep condition your coiled hair at least twice a month to ensure that it is adequately hydrated. It is important to remember that blow-drying your hair is not recommended since it can cause significant breakage.

Apart from that, when detangling your hair, work in small pieces and use a wide-toothed comb to avoid your hair from breaking directly in the middle of the comb. When you sleep, wear a satin hat over your head or sleep on a satin pillowcase to keep your coiled hair from becoming too knotted and dried out.

Chic Hairstyles for Curly Long Haired Beauties

Chic Hairstyles for Curly Long Haired Beauties


Curly hair is a blessing, yet it can be difficult to maintain at times. Once you've figured out what works best for your curls, it can be tempting to limit yourself to one or two basic styles—but you don't have to limit yourself to that. Do you require proof? Simply take some inspiration from one of the gorgeous looks below.  You can easily recreate one of these hairstyles that are worthy of the red carpet.

Laid Back Updo

This updo appears to be complicated, but it is actually extremely simple. The best part is that there is no need for heat styling. Your curls will appear even more defined while yet maintaining a natural appearance with this approach, which allows them to be loose and playful.

Hair should be gathered into a ponytail midway between the nape and the crown of the head after it has been allowed to air-dry and a curl-defining cream of your choice has been applied to it. To make the bun, wrap the ponytail around the base of the hair tie many times. Use three to four bobby pins to hold everything in place before spraying with hair spray to seal the deal.

Do not fuss about the hairline because flyaways offer a more relaxed, romantic feel to the style. This look can be created in under ten minutes and is perfect for a meeting, a brunch date with your childhood best friend or even if you are planning to spend the day relaxing at home.

Classic High Ponytail

The versatility of this hairstyle is demonstrated by the ease with which it may be dressed up or down depending on the occasion. Combine it with a bold lip and overalls for a unique, laid-back appearance.

Alternatively, a sleek cat eye can be worn in the evening. In either case, the style takes approximately three minutes to complete. Using your fingers, tease your hair if you need to add extra lift and volume at the crown. Teasing your hair to provide the appearance of "bedhead" is what actually elevates the updo.

Using an elastic, gather your hair into an ultra-high ponytail at the crown of your head and secure it. Attach two or three vertical bobby pins to the underside of the ponytail to keep the elastic from falling down too far. Enhance the ends of your curls using a curl-defining lotion to keep them looking beautiful and bouncy.

Quick Side Braid

The delicacy of this half-back hairstyle should not discourage you from trying it. It takes 60 seconds to achieve.  For newly washed hair, spritz a curl-enhancing wave spray through damp hair and allow it to air dry before styling as desired. Make a natural parting in your hair. Afterward, take a tiny section of hair from only one side of your head and begin braiding it back toward the top of your head. Once you've reached the back of your head, pin the section of hair in place to keep the style in place before dragging the top layers of your hair over it to hide the pins beneath your curls. Voilà! With this hairdo, you have a model-worthy look.

The Best Hair Looks for Medium Curly Hair

The Best Hair Looks for Medium Curly Hair


Just as long curly hair has certain hairstyles that look best with it, similarly there are numerous hairstyles that individuals with medium curly hair can try and pull off with minimal effort! 

Messy Half Bun

Half-buns seem to work on all hair types and lengths, which is presumably why the style isn't going anywhere anytime soon. Gently gather the hair, curl by curl, starting at the center of the top of the head and working your way down to where both ears are located, ending at the center of the head just below the crown of the head.

Be careful to keep an eye on the silhouette to ensure that it is balanced from side to side and that there are no uneven bumps over the entire piece. Don't be concerned about keeping it too clean, and while pulling the hair back, avoid creating strong lines or partings to maintain the style looking haphazard and casual.

Finally, create your bun by twirling the ponytail over itself and then coiling it toward the base until it is secure. You can use a clip or a barrette to keep your hair in place. When it comes to fastening the hair, a hair tie or scrunchie will work, but it may cause the style to lose its sloppy or looser appearance.

Low Bun with Braids

Here is a brilliant hairdo that's especially suited to folks with curly hair and natural texture, and what is even more perfect about this look is that it can be achieved within minutes and is perfect for any occasion, be it formal or casual.  Begin by braiding your full head of hair together.

Cornrows are used in this style, which may necessitate a visit to the salon if you are not an experienced braider. Pull braids into a low ponytail or bun, letting a few strands out before securing with a hair tie. Next, wrap the braids that were left out around the base of the bun. And finally, using a couple of bobby pins, secure it in place.

The Headband Look

When it comes to magnificent curly hair, this is a simple look that demonstrates that you don't absolutely need a lot of length to boost your style. Allowing your hair to air-dry before applying a curl-defining cream is recommended. You only have to add a headband of your choice to complete the look. Take this as an opportunity to get creative; you can do so by choosing your headband according to the occasion.

If you are headed to a fancy event or dinner party, you can elevate your look ten-fold by going for a fancy, bold, and sparkling headband. Similarly, if you are headed somewhere casual or are just taking a short trip to your nearest coffee shop but still want to look cute in case you run into a friend, opt for a more simple, minimalistic, and subtle headband. This will give you a more put-together, polished and neat look.

Looks That Slay with Short Curly Hair

Looks That Slay with Short Curly Hair


Look drop dead gorgeous in the following hairstyles if you have short hair! You can use these hairstyles for any and all events that you are going to - no matter what time of day it is. 

The Famous Slick Back

If you are a huge Shay Mitchell fan and want to recreate her hairdos, we have got you covered! Channeling your inner Shay couldn't get easier than this, trust us!

Slippery straight locks aren't necessary for a sensual slick-back look. We believe the look is even more appealing when worn with curly hair and natural texture, as shown below. When it comes to a touch of glamor without the hassle, we're huge fans of Shay Mitchell's approach, which we think is a perfect style.

Furthermore, it could not be simpler. Allow your hair to dry completely before brushing it with a high-quality boar bristle brush. To smooth and slick back curly hair, work a styling gel through the strands and then just brush back the hair. And that's it! In just under ten minutes, your dreams can actually come true.

This look is very versatile and can be rocked at a party, elevated by a bold red lip and dewy makeup for a work meeting, or simply worn for a quick grocery run. It all lies in your hands!

The Wide Hat Beach Look

It may seem like tucking your curls beneath your hat is a quick and easy fix for terrible hair days, but proceed with caution. When it comes to curly hair, hats can be difficult to wear because you feel like you have to totally commit to one in order to shade your eyes or keep your head warm.

Visors, which may be worn at the beach, pool, or golf course for a summertime look while keeping the hair out of the way, are back in vogue and can protect the eyes without squashing the hair. There are some really cute ones available.

If you're going to be wearing a beret in the winter, it's a good idea to layer it underneath your beanie to keep your curls from getting squeezed like they would otherwise. The use of a wide-brimmed hat that fits more lightly on top of the head and does not flatten your curls excessively is another fashionable choice.

Classic Side Part

When it comes to curly hair, take use of your natural texture. Use a curling iron or wand to enhance any portions of your hair that have gone flat. Flip your hair over and spray it with flexible hairspray to give it some extra volume.

After spraying on more flexible hold hairspray, use a boar bristle brush to lightly brush out the curls after adding more flexible hold. To secure the hair behind your ear on the shallow side of your part, use pins or a comb with an embellishment to secure the hair behind your ear.

Fancy Braid

Make a scarf a part of your braid for a stylish boost in seconds. Take your scarf of choice, but make sure it isn't too heavy or too thick. To make a little loop, fold the paper in half and secure it with an invisible hair elastic.

Next, place the scarf around the head, starting at the crown, putting a strand of hair through the loop, and tightening it to keep it from falling down. Once you've done that, braid your hair down one side, including the scarf like you would a third part of your hair, and work your way down to the crown of your head.

The rest of your hair can be tied into a low bun with the excess scarf, which can be wrapped around your head and left to hang. To ensure that the scarf remains in place, use bobby pins to secure it.

woman washing her curly hair

Learn How To Make Your Curls Last Throughout The Day! 

If you have been wondering how to make curls stay longer, you have arrived at the correct place. Thanks to some great tricks in your sleeve, you may keep your curls in place for a longer period of time while also enjoying the added oomph that these gorgeous ringlets give to your overall look.

A new set of curls may breathe new life into a dull ensemble, and they can liven up any hairstyle and make you stand out from the crowd. However, many people have difficulty keeping their curls in place for an extended period of time. Here are some simple and practical suggestions to help you keep those curls in place for a longer period of time. So what are you waiting for?

Get started today! We are confident that you will be pleased with the outcomes if you use these simple and highly effective ideas right away.

Hair Volume

Those who are blessed with naturally straight and thick hair will have little trouble attaining the desired volume. People with fine or limp hair, on the other hand, must first concentrate on increasing the volume of their hair before attempting to achieve curls.

Look through the market to choose the correct product to use for increasing volume. Make certain to select a product that is appropriate for your hair type. The product should not make your hair feel weighed down. It is impossible to make curls remain longer while also maintaining their softness unless you use the proper texture on your hair. When it comes to getting those long-lasting curls for long hair, a nice mousse or gel would undoubtedly help.

Keep in mind that curls will only stay as long as your hair is light and unfettered. So the first step is to wash your hair thoroughly. Make an effort to use a mild shampoo and conditioner that will not weigh down your hair. Otherwise, your curls will flatten within an hour or two of being brushed. No amount of holding spray will be of assistance in this situation.

Blow drying can be really beneficial when it comes to boosting volume. The secret, on the other hand, is not to go about it in the traditional manner. Make a crouching position with your hair hanging down. To dry it out, use a blow dryer equipped with a diffuser. When you stand up straight again, you will notice a significant boost in the volume! As previously said, selecting the proper product is essential to achieving the desired texture.

Hair Texture

Invest in a nice curling spray or mousse to achieve the desired effect. Utilize it on your hair, whether wet or dry, to achieve the desired texture for keeping curls. You should also use a decent finishing spray to keep your curls in place for extended periods of time.

A lot of these are specifically designed for curly hair. However, when applied to naturally straight hair, they provide the additional support required to ensure that your styling efforts persist for a longer period of time!

Split Ends of Frizz

In order to retain curls that appear good, damaged hair must be treated with care. The appearance of your curls will be unmanageable if you have split ends or frizzy hair. Additionally, it is possible that they will have difficulty curling in the first place. They should be trimmed. The less frizzy your hair is, the more attractive your curls will appear. Always use a good conditioner on your hair.

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Finally, but certainly not least, most curling procedures necessitate the use of heat. Make certain you use a heat-protecting spray or lotion. Split ends and frizzy hair are caused by a variety of factors, one of which being heat damage. Get yourself a decent holding spray and make use of it.

Of course, using a large number of products at the same time does not appeal to most people. Find a setting spray that has heat protection and take it with you. It would be unnecessary to use two sprays, one after the other, as a result of this. All that's left is for you to do is curl your hair! The curling tool you employ also has an impact on the results.

Curling Iron vs Flat Iron

When people want to experiment with curling their own hair at home, they typically purchase a curling iron. I suggested that you use a flat iron instead of a curling iron. The following are the two main reasons for this. In most cases, ceramic plated curling irons, particularly the older types that are still in use, are used.

When used for an extended period of time, these can cause heat damage to your hair. Again, if you are accustomed to using a curling iron and wish to continue doing so, consider upgrading to a model that includes ceramic protection. Also, make certain that you are using curling rods or curling irons that are not clamped. They will, without a doubt, produce superior results.

Use a flat iron with rounded edges to style your hair. Curls retain better and last for a longer period of time. This is not an easy task, and it will undoubtedly require some practice. The moment you figure it out, there will be no turning back!

Are You Ready To Rock Your Curly Hairstyles? 

Our love for ourselves is growing, so it's only natural that we learn to appreciate our hair as well. We do, however, have poor hair days every now and then. Think about it: there are those days when you look in the mirror, comb your fingers through your hair, and decide that you want to shave your head completely.

Natural hair may be quite difficult to maintain, especially if you haven't discovered what works best for your particular hair type. And with all of the nasty images that have been associated with our hair for decades, it's easy to swallow the lies and despise our gorgeous crowns on occasion.

While those feelings are normal, it is easy to lose sight of how fortunate we are. We are fortunate enough to have a crown of curls on our heads. So, trust us and cherish your curls!

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