Put the straighteners down, and try these curly hairstyles trends instead!
By Lora O’Brien
If you’ve spent your life trying to morph your curly hair into straight tresses, you’ll be glad to know that this year is all about embracing natural hair. And the curlier, the better!
The rising trend for curly hairstyles comes from a variety of sources of inspiration. But I’d say that one of the main ones is Bridgerton. So many of us are following that stylish show, and coveting not only the Regency style dresses, but hairstyles, too.
But not all curly hairstyles have to be so formal!
We asked Nicole Petty, a Hair Care Expert at Milk + Blush to help us navigate some of this year’s coolest hairdos. From pixie cuts with texture to long tresses with beachy waves, you’ll find a curly hairstyle to suit your hair, below.
Main image: @saraahamadeh Image below found here.
Curly & Wavy Hairdos For 2025
1. Long, Long Curls
How stunning is this look? But yes, we get it – not many can achieve it naturally. Not got long locks? No problem! To achieve the same long hairstyle, you may want to invest in a quality set of clip in, curly human hair extensions for both length and volume (a minimum length of 22” will be needed). We love hair extensions because they can not only change your hair texture, but color, too!
Now, back to the curls.
First, curl half of your own hair with a large barrel curling iron. The, do the other half with a smaller curling wand. Work in smaller sections to get maximum volume and be sure to change the direction of the curl for a more natural effect. Then, clip in the extensions.
Blend your own hair in with your fingers, and add some oversized clips around the crown.
Gorgeous!
Image: BestBeautyOlivia
One of the best curly hair style trends for: A romantic look.
2. Vintage Waves
Old Hollywood style is back!
Just your fingers, a blow dryer and a strong hair gel to create these waves. Be sure to have plenty of hair gel, bobby pins or clips to hand to help set the hair.
Add your hair gel into the section framing your face that you want to curl. Take those little gelled twirls of hair and clip them into place with a bobby pin. Wait till the gel has set, then let them loose, and soften with your fingers. Or, if you favour a tighter look, keep the pins in!
On longer hair, use either heated rollers or a thin curling iron to curl small sections of hair and pin in rolls at the crown. Once cool, brush out with a soft-bristled brush and use clips to help reform the waves. Use a firm hold, natural hairspray to set the hair in place.
One of the best curly hair style trends for: Vintage chic.
Image below: plurzo.com
3. Modern Regency Curls
Love Daphne Bridgerton’s look? Now you can have it yourself – with a modern twist! And it’s perfect for weddings, too, whether you’re the bride, or a guest.
To get the same effect, follow these instructions, below.
First, use a larger barrelled curling iron and be sure to keep all sections equal and curled in the same direction. Once left to cool, brush the curls with a soft-bristled brush to blend hair together and create softer waves.
Then, do a loose ponytail. Wrap it around the elastic, and clip. Pull out a few tendrils for a more romantic look. Add in a statement hair accessory for a special occasion.
One of the best curly hair style trends for: Special occasions, like weddings.
4. Punky Bowl Cut
Not like the others? Try a punky bowl cut with an edge! Ooozing rock ‘n’ roll cool, this look is a bit punky, a bit grungy, and ideal for thick hair.
Want to adopt this cut to your current hair? Cut around the crown for the bowl shape, then do an undercut for anything below the crown. It’s all about getting enough volume while keeping movement, which means applying a vegan volumising product for an extra boost.
Image below: @ashantaaristry on Instagram.
One of the best curly hairstyles trends for: Rebel girls.
5. 3D Curls
Curly hairstyles don’t get bolder and more beautiful than this! 3D curls are all about embracing naturally curly hair, and everything it has to offer. Instead of trying to tame it, ditch the toxic hair straighteners and work with your hair instead. Your curls will really shine and your hair will look beautiful.
A top trick for getting 3D curls to truly pop is to use a strong-hold gel or balm on your tresses. Leave the hair to fully dry, and then gently massage your curls so they’re not crunchy from the product.
My top tip? Resist the urge to brush the curls.
Image below: @mollymazs on Instagram.
One of the best curly hairstyles trends for: Those with naturally curly hair.
6. Lobs
Looking to embrace your curls with an added chic vibe? You’ll want to pay attention to the lob hair trend. The lob can be worn in lots of versatile styles depending on how the hair is cut. You can chop in lots of layers to give hair a fuller, more voluminous style, and is great for anyone wanting a low effort hairstyle.
Once your hair is washed, perfect the lob by using a styling cream. Then, dry your hair using the diffuser attachment on your hairdryer. If you already have thick hair, opt for a lighter product such as a vegan hair gel to add texture, but less bulk
Image below: tiredtexanbbq.com
One of the best curly hairstyles trends for: All hair types.
7. Curly Crops
The pixie cut is so versatile! You can bring bold colours to it (after all, they’ll just grow out in a few months). You can slick it back and make it straight and chic. Or, you can add curls!
Scrunch your hair with your fingers while you blow dry, or use a large barrelled curling iron to create some curls, then brush them out.
Wear it one of two ways: tight to your face, or have them tousled for an effortless vibe.
Image below: plurzo.com
One of the best curly hairstyles trends for: Those growing out buzz cuts.
8. Curly Bangs
Bangs are back with a…well, bang! And there are so many ways to cut them in: choppy, blunt, asymmetrical… You can pretty much have bangs any which way you fancy. And a fringe suits all types of curly hair, from subtle waves to ringlets.
To give bangs some texture, use a styling gel and massage it between your hands before running it through your hands. You can leave the hair to air dry for added volume. Or, you could use a diffuser to give hair a boost! Want to add even more change? Why not change the colour up? You can use a change hair colour app to see how you would look after dying your hair, if you’re unsure about taking that step.
Image below: @oliviacalabio on Instagram.
OOne of the best curly hairstyles trends for: Those with naturally curly hair, and lots of it!
9. Curly Updo
Ah, how romantic is this? A loose updo is one of our favourite curly hairstyles, for sure. Especially with those bangs!
This look works best on seriously thick hair, but it can work for finer hair, too. Just scrunch dry your hair with a styling mousse, then twist your hair up into a bun. Not sure how to do that? Follow this tutorial!
Then, pull out a few tendrils for a more romantic look. Accessorise with some gorgeous earrings. Done!
Image below: tiredtexanbbq.com
One of the best curly hairstyles trends for: Quick styling. A relaxed look.
10. Beachy Waves
Who doesn’t want to look as though they live their lives in an eternal summer?
These beachy waves just scream ‘surfer girl’! And this is one of the best curly hairstyles for all hair types. Anyone can rock this look.
All you need to do is spray in a natural, salty styling product like this one by IGK. Spray it in when you’re hair is wet. Scrunch your strands up for a bit of extra volume, and let it air dry. Voila! You’re now the Girl from Ipanema.
Image: Pinterest
One of the best curly hairstyles trends for: Beach holidays, of course!
11. Side Swept Curls
Got thick, curly hair? Lucky you! But I know – sometimes it can be a bit hard to manage, am I right?
A side swept look can help your whole face from looking overwhelmed by your mane.
On wet hair, apply a firm hold gel on one side. Blow dry that side towards the back of your head. And if you really want to make it hold, why not apply some pins to keep it back?
Or if you’re feeling really radical – and if you really love this look – shave that side of your head to avoid styling it every day!
One of the best curly hairstyles trends for: A dramatic look.
12. The Lioness
Blessed with thick, wavy hair? Show it off. Just as a big, bad lion would do!
This look frames the whole face. There are bangs, but they’re cut and put into place with a good styling product to frame the face.
It’s a style that suits any hair color, but why not go full on lion blonde? Just to show off a bit. Roarrrr!
One of the best curly hairstyles trends for: Thicker hair.
13. Wrapped Curls
Let’s face it. Curly hair is almost by definition, unruly. So control your curls a bit with a gorgeous wrap!
Whether it’s a turban, a scarf, a bandana or a headband, you can control those locks – whilst looking super stylish.
Image: Daniella Jones
One of the best curly hairstyles trends for: Boho babes.
14. Naturally African
It’s a fact that many women with African hair struggle with their ‘do’s daily. They purchase weaves, wigs and and extensions to get the look they want. Not to mention – dozens of styling products! Many of which can be toxic.
There’s no doubt, therefore, that a better solution is to just go natural. And why not? This can be an absolutely stunning look for many, no matter what the texture of your curls may be.
One of the best curly hairstyles trends for: Saving time, money and hassle!
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I absolutely loved this post! The curly hairstyles you featured for 2025 are not only stunning but also so versatile. I can’t wait to try some of these looks for my next event. Thanks for the inspiration, Eluxe Magazine!
Absolutely loved this post! The curly hairstyles for 2025 are just gorgeous. I can’t wait to try out some of these styles for myself. The creativity and versatility of curls really shine through! Thank you for the inspiration!
I absolutely love the curly hairstyles featured in this post! The blend of elegance and playfulness is so captivating. I can’t wait to try out some of these looks—especially the voluminous curls! Thank you for the inspiration!
I’m absolutely loving the variety of curly hairstyles showcased in this post! The natural textures and creative styles really inspire me to embrace my curls more. Can’t wait to try out some of these looks in 2024!
I absolutely loved this post! The curly hairstyles for 2024 are beyond stunning. I can’t wait to try some of these looks at home! Thank you for the inspiration!