Placement and wrap tightness shape the look, from the high bun to the low one, and your curl type decides which of them will sit well on your head.
Pin choice depends on curl size: tight, small curls hold onto mini claw clips and bobby pins easily, but looser, heavier curls tend to push pins out, so slide each one in at an angle.
The ideas here run from the messy curly bun, which takes about as long to pin as it does to find your keys, to the twisted curly bun, which needs one practice run before an event.
1. Messy Curly Bun
A messy curly bun works because curls hide the imperfections for you. Gather the hair loosely, wrap it once or twice, and pin it without smoothing the top.
Leaving one strand loose near the face softens a messy bun and keeps it from looking like you just gave up on your hair. It softens the shape and keeps the look from feeling stiff.
Pair it with a hoodie or a plain tee and you’re done in about the time it takes to find your keys.
2. High Curly Bun
Height is what sets a high curly bun apart, and curls give it volume that straight hair needs help to fake. Gather everything at the crown, wrap it loosely, and pin from several sides so the weight doesn’t slide.
A looser wrap looks fuller than a tight one. A scoop or V neckline, like the blue top here, balances the extra height.
Skip it if you want something that disappears under a hat.
3. Curly Space Buns
2 buns, each sitting high on the head, make curly space buns the most playful option here. Part the hair down the middle first, then gather each side separately so the 2 buns match in height.
I’d leave the curls defined instead of brushing them out, since the texture is the whole appeal. Pull a few curls loose around the face to keep it from looking too young.
4. Low Curly Bun
Placed low at the nape, this bun is the one I’d choose for dressy outfits. It sits well with strapless or open-back tops because nothing competes with the neckline.
Gather the curls low, twist them once, and pin. Keeping the finish a little undone, as it is here, looks more natural than a slick one on curly hair.
The trade-off: it gives less volume than a high bun, so it reads quieter.
5. Curly Bun with Tendrils
Pulling a few curls out of the bun makes tendrils, and on curly hair they spiral in a way straight hair can’t copy. Pin the bun high first, then tug loose a few curls at the temples and ears.
Pick the pieces before you finish, because they’re hard to add evenly afterward. Gold hoops work well since the curls frame them.
Leave them thin, not thick, so the bun stays the focus.
Web discover the top 15 trending curly bun hairstyles that perfectly embrace the beauty of natural curls. It gives the curls such volume with a simple style, shares marjan.
6. Twisted Curly Bun
Twisting sections before you pin them gives this bun its structure. Divide the hair, twist each part in the same direction, then coil them together and tuck the ends under.
Twists hold more securely than a simple wrap, which helps if the style needs to last through the day. The pattern also shows from behind, so it suits an updo you want people to see from the back.
Practice it once before an event.
Tips for Styling Curly Buns
Texturizing spray is what gives curls body and a little grit before any pinning starts. Fine or soft curls tend to slip out of a bun without it, and the spray gives the pins something to grip.
Work it through dry hair from roots to ends, then gather. A top knot is one of the best ways to wear curly hair, and the spray keeps it from collapsing by midday.
Secure the bun with pins instead of relying on an elastic alone. Leave your bangs out of the bun: the pieces up front soften the hairline and balance all that volume on top.
I’d skip heavy cream right before pinning. It weighs curls down, and the bun loses the lift you were after.
Best Accessories for Curly Buns
Butterfly clips are the easiest way to give a curly bun some personality. Set a few along the base or scatter them through the curls, and the texture holds them in place better than it would on straight hair.
Decorative pins do the same job with less fuss. Choose ones that match your hair color if you want a quiet finish, or a contrasting metal if you want them noticed.
Keep the count low. Three or four clips read as a choice, while a dozen start to compete with the curls.
One practical note: tight, short curls grip small clips well, but looser, heavier curls may need a pin or clip pushed in at an angle so it doesn’t slide out.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some cute hairstyles for curly hair?
Curly buns are the easiest place to start, and a messy bun, a high bun, space buns and a low bun at the nape all work.
Curls hide imperfections and add volume, so a loose wrap with a few pins looks finished without much effort. Pulling a few tendrils loose near the temples and along the hairline softens any of them.
What is a butterfly bun?
A butterfly bun is a looped, winged bun, usually made by splitting the hair into 2 loops that sit side by side and fan out like wings.
How to do a sleek bun with curly hair?
Curly hair looks more natural with a slightly undone finish than a slick one, so I’d skip the sleek version. The curls give it shape on their own, and a little looseness keeps it from looking forced.
