50 Fashionable Curly Hair Updo for Women in 2022 (with Images)

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Curly hair updos offer the perfect solution for women who want to showcase their natural texture while creating elegant, sophisticated styles perfect for any occasion. From casual twisted buns that take minutes to create to intricate braided updos worthy of red carpet events, curly hair provides unique volume, texture, and movement that straight hair simply cannot achieve.

The key to stunning curly hair updos lies in working with your natural curl pattern rather than against it. These 50 fashionable updo ideas celebrate the beauty of curly hair, offering styling solutions for every curl type from loose waves to tight coils, ensuring you’ll find the perfect updo to complement your unique texture and personal style.

Elegant Curly Hair Buns

1. Messy Curly Top Knot

The messy curly top knot embraces the natural volume and texture of curly hair, creating an effortlessly chic look that’s perfect for both casual and formal occasions. Gather your curls at the crown of your head, twist loosely, and secure with bobby pins, allowing some curls to escape for a romantic, undone finish.

2. Low Curly Chignon

A low curly chignon offers sophisticated elegance perfect for professional settings or formal events. Position the bun at the nape of your neck, using the natural texture of your curls to create interesting dimension and depth that photographs beautifully and withstands long days.

3. Side-Swept Curly Bun

Create asymmetrical elegance with a side-swept curly bun that showcases your face while keeping curls controlled. Sweep curls to one side and secure in a low bun, leaving some face-framing pieces loose for a soft, romantic appearance that flatters most face shapes.

Twisted and Braided Curly Updos

4. Curly Hair French Twist

The classic French twist gets a modern curly hair makeover, creating sophisticated texture that’s perfect for formal occasions. The natural volume of curly hair eliminates the need for teasing, while the twist technique shows off beautiful curl definition and creates lasting hold.

5. Braided Crown with Curly Bun

Combine the elegance of braiding with the beauty of curly texture by creating a braided crown that leads into a voluminous curly bun. This intricate style works beautifully for weddings, proms, or any special occasion where you want to make a memorable impression.

6. Twisted Curly Updo

Create romantic elegance by twisting sections of curly hair and pinning them into an asymmetrical updo. This technique works especially well with medium to long curly hair, creating movement and interest while maintaining the natural beauty of your curl pattern.

Half-Up Curly Styles

7. Half-Up Curly Top Knot

Perfect for showcasing both your curl pattern and your face, the half-up curly top knot offers versatility and style. Gather the top section of your curls into a high bun while leaving the bottom half flowing freely, creating a balanced look that’s both playful and elegant.

8. Braided Half-Up with Curly Ends

Combine the control of braiding with the freedom of loose curls by creating braided sections that lead into a half-up style. This technique offers the best of both worlds – structured braiding that keeps hair out of your face while showcasing beautiful curly texture.

Curly Hair Updos by Curl Type

Loose Curls and Waves (2A-2C)

Loose curls and waves work beautifully in relaxed updos that don’t require tight securing. Try loose buns, side-swept styles, and half-up looks that allow your natural wave pattern to show through. Use texturizing products to enhance your natural texture and provide hold without stiffness.

Springy Curls (3A-3C)

Springy curls offer excellent volume and hold for more structured updos. These curl types work well with twisted styles, braided elements, and secure buns that take advantage of natural curl memory. The key is working with wet or damp hair to avoid disturbing the curl pattern.

Tight Curls and Coils (4A-4C)

Tight curls and coils create stunning volume and texture in updos, offering unique styling opportunities. These curl types excel in protective updos, twisted styles, and braided looks that celebrate natural texture while providing versatility and elegance.

Step-by-Step: Basic Curly Hair Updo

Master this fundamental curly hair updo technique that works for most curl types and occasions:

Start with day-old curls or refresh with a curl activating spray
Gently gather curls at your desired height using your fingers, not a brush
Twist the gathered section loosely to create a rope-like texture
Wrap the twisted section around its base to form a bun
Secure with bobby pins, inserting them diagonally for better hold
Pull out a few face-framing curls for a softer look
Finish with a light mist of flexible hold hairspray

Essential Products for Curly Hair Updos

Styling Products

Success with curly hair updos depends on using the right products. Curl creams provide moisture and definition, light gels offer hold without crunchiness, and curl refresher sprays revive day-old curls. Avoid products with drying alcohols that can cause frizz and breakage.

Tools and Accessories

Essential tools include bobby pins in your hair color, clear elastic bands, a wide-tooth comb for gentle detangling, and decorative accessories like headbands, flowers, or jeweled pins that complement your updo style and occasion.

Curly Hair Updo Tips and Techniques

Preparation is Key

The best curly hair updos start with proper preparation. Work with slightly damp or day-old curls when possible, as freshly washed curls can be too soft and slippery to hold updo styles effectively. Use a curl refresher spray to revive curls and provide grip for styling.

Gentle Handling Techniques

Always use your fingers rather than brushes when gathering curly hair for updos. Brushes can disrupt curl patterns and create frizz. Instead, gently rake through with your fingers or use a wide-tooth comb only when hair is wet and conditioned.

Securing Your Style

Use bobby pins strategically by inserting them at angles to create a stronger hold. Start with pins that match your hair color exactly, and don’t be afraid to use more pins than you think you need – curly hair’s volume requires extra security to maintain updo integrity throughout the day.

Curly Hair Updos for Special Occasions

Wedding and Formal Event Styles

Special occasions call for sophisticated curly hair updos that photograph beautifully and last throughout long events. Consider low chignons, braided crowns, or elegant twisted styles that can be adorned with accessories like pearls, flowers, or delicate headpieces that complement your overall look.

Professional and Work Appropriate Styles

Professional settings benefit from polished curly hair updos that are neat but not overly styled. Low buns, side-swept chignons, and controlled top knots offer sophistication while celebrating your natural texture in workplace-appropriate ways.

Casual and Everyday Updos

Everyday curly hair updos should be quick, comfortable, and easy to recreate. Messy buns, half-up styles, and simple twisted looks provide practical solutions for busy days while maintaining style and keeping curls healthy and protected.

Maintaining Your Curly Hair Updo

Keep your curly hair updo looking fresh throughout the day with these maintenance tips:

Carry a few extra bobby pins for quick touch-ups
Use a small amount of curl refresher spray on any pieces that lose definition
Gently smooth any frizzy areas with a tiny amount of curl cream on your palms
Avoid touching or manipulating the style too much, which can cause frizz
Sleep with a silk or satin pillowcase to preserve the style if wearing overnight
Consider using a silk scarf or bonnet to protect the updo while sleeping

Frequently Asked Questions About Curly Hair Updos

How long should curly hair updos last?

Well-executed curly hair updos can last 8-12 hours depending on your curl type, the products used, and environmental factors. Tighter curl patterns typically hold updos longer, while looser waves may need touch-ups throughout the day.

Can I create updos with short curly hair?

Absolutely! Short curly hair can create beautiful updos using techniques like pinning curls in strategic places, creating volume at the crown, or using accessories to enhance shorter lengths. Focus on texture and creative pinning rather than traditional bun styles.

What’s the best way to prevent frizz in curly hair updos?

Prevent frizz by starting with well-moisturized hair, using anti-humidity products, working with slightly damp hair when possible, and avoiding over-manipulation. Apply products with the “praying hands” method and use a microfiber towel or cotton t-shirt for drying.

Should I wash my hair before creating an updo?

Day-old or second-day curls often work better for updos than freshly washed hair. Clean curls can be too soft and slippery to hold styles effectively. If you must start with clean hair, use texturizing products to provide grip and hold.

How do I make my curly hair updo look more voluminous?

Enhance volume by gently teasing at the crown before creating your updo, using volumizing products at the roots, and positioning your updo higher on the head. You can also pull apart sections of the updo slightly to create fuller, more textured appearance.

Conclusion

Curly hair updos offer endless possibilities for creative, beautiful, and practical styling that celebrates your natural texture. From elegant formal styles perfect for special occasions to quick everyday looks that keep you polished and professional, mastering curly hair updo techniques opens up a world of styling options that work with your curls, not against them.

Remember that the best curly hair updos enhance your natural beauty while providing the hold and elegance you need for any occasion. Experiment with different techniques, find the products that work best for your curl type, and don’t be afraid to adapt styles to suit your personal preferences and lifestyle needs.

Ready to elevate your curly hair game? Start with a simple messy bun and work your way up to more intricate styles as you build confidence and technique!

Richard L. Greene

Richard is fascinated by everything that has to do with styling techniques and how technology can play an important part in the industry’s development. He started out his career as a barber, and later found his passion for both men and women’s hairstyles. Richard now works as a writer for fashion magazines, blogs, and is actively taking steps toward launching his own online platform!