22 Quick Curly Hairstyles Ideas 2026

Sometimes your curls don’t cooperate, and you don’t have time to repair every frizzy or flat part in the morning.

Curls on day 2 or 3 can look uneven, and hurrying through a full practice just makes things tougher. You need quick styles that go well with the curls you already have.

In this article, I will show you the finest hairstyles for curls, the ideal face shapes for long curly hair, and 22 quick hairstyles you can use right away.

What face shape suits long curly hair?

Long, curly hair looks good on most face shapes because the curls make the hair look softer and more balanced.

Long curls can make your round face look longer and thinner. For square faces, the curl pattern softens harsh angles and makes the outline look smoother.

Curls look good on practically any face shape, but they look especially good on heart-shaped features when they add width around the jaw.

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Curly Side Lift

Plenty of curl days feel dull at the roots, and lifting one side like this gives instant volume without doing a full refresh. 

This side-swept style is great for work, going out, or any time you want your curls to seem fuller right away.

With your hand, lift your curls up, press them to one side, and allow the shorter curls at the front fall forward on their own.

Curly Twin Braids

Few styles keep curls controlled and still playful the way twin braids do, especially on days when your curls feel uneven around the back. 

This style is great for school, running errands, or any time you need a quick look that stays put.

Part your hair down the middle, braid each side loosely, and let the curls in the front fall over your face.

Side High Pony

Loads of curl moments call for height, and a side-swept high pony gives you instant lift without touching every section. 

This style is great for going out at night or any time you want your curls to look big and defined with little work.

Put your hair in a high ponytail that is a little off-center. Pull it tight enough to lift the roots and allow the curls flow front.

Mini Space Buns

Plenty of curl days feel heavy at the crown, and mini space buns lift that weight while keeping the length loose and defined. 

This style works for casual days, school, or any time you want your curls out of your face without losing volume.

Cut the top part in half, twist each half toward the rear, and tie the buns up high enough to show off your features.

Curly Pineapple Updo

Certain curl days call for a style that lifts everything away from your face while keeping the curls front and center.

This style is great for warm days, working out, or quick mornings when you want to look taller without having to do a full refresh.

Put all of your curls on top of your head and hold them loosely with a gentle scrunchie. Let the curls fall forward on their own.

Beret Curl Frame

A soft beret is a great accessory for curl days since it helps shape your curls without flattening your pattern.

This style is great for dinners, photographs, or any time you want your curls to look like you did them on purpose with very little effort.

Put the beret back a little bit on your head so the curls fall front, and then pull two pieces out from the front to frame your face.

Soft Curly Bob

Plenty of short-curl days look their best when you let the natural shape do the work, and a soft curly bob like this gives you volume without needing any styling tools. 

This look works for casual days, work, or any time you want to define your hair with practically no effort.

Use your fingers to shake out the roots, let the curls fall into their round shape, and keep the fringe light so it looks natural.

Voluminous Curl Updo

Moments when you want a dressed-up look come together easily with a high curly updo like this, especially if you need something secure that still feels soft around the face. 

This style is great for weddings, parties, or any other event when you want your curls to be big and full of structure.

Put the curls up high on your head and pin them loosely to preserve the volume. Then, bring a few spirals down in the front to frame your face.

Half-Up Curl Lift

Unexpectedly flat roots on curl days come together fast with a half-up lift like this, giving you height without losing your length. 

This style works for work, going out, or any time you want your curls to look fresh even if you didn’t thoroughly renew them.

Pull the top part together, bind it at the crown, and allow the curls at the bottom fall naturally.

Side-Part Curl Clip

Adding a beautiful clip to a clean side part makes special occasions easier, especially if you want your curls to appear nice without a lot of shaping.

This style is great for events, romantic nights, or bridesmaids who want something soft and natural.

Make a deep side portion, smooth down the smaller area with some gel, and put the clip directly over the temple.

Low Curly Bun

Evenings that call for a soft, elegant shape come together quickly with a low curly bun like this, especially when you want something secure that still shows off your curls. 

This style is great for weddings, dinners, or any other formal event where you want to appear good without being too hot.

Put your curls together at the back of your neck, pin them loosely to maintain the texture rich. Leave a few spirals out around your face to make it look softer.

Curly Updo Fringe

Some curl days feel brighter when you lift the back and let the fringe take the spotlight, and this updo does exactly that with almost no effort.

This style is great for dates, dinners, or any time you want your curls to appear fun without having to style each one.

Pin the curls up toward the crown, but allow a few spirals around the forehead and sides. Use some curl gel to shape them.

Beaded Half-Up Curls

Sunny days or outdoor plans get easier with a half-up style that keeps volume high while letting the rest of your curls stay free, and adding beads gives it even more personality. 

This style is great for festivals, days at the beach, or any time you want your curls to stand out without having to do anything extra.

Gather the top part and tie it at the crown. Then, for detail, add some beads or cuffs to random curls.

Braided Side Mohawk

Braided side mohawk like this one is great for times when you want your curls to look bold but don’t want to do a complete updo.

This look works for parties, photo days, or any time you want to look taller and more defined while keeping everything in place.

To give the curls shape, braid one side tightly toward the back. Then, push the remainder of the curls up so that they fall in a raised cascade.

Simple Half Pullback

Taking just the top part of your hair away from your face can make many curl days simpler. This light half pullback does so without affecting the way your curls look.

This style is great for school, casual days, or when you need to look neat quickly.

Take a little piece from each side of your part, draw it back toward the crown, and loosely tie it up so the curls stay bouncy.

Half-Up Crown Lift

Early-in-the-day curls often need a bit of height at the crown, and this soft half-up lift gives shape without disturbing your definition. 

This style is great for going out, going to class, or any other time you want your curls to appear fresh immediately.

Take a tiny piece from the top, loosely tie it back, and let the curls fall over the sides.

Curly Side Sweep

Pushing everything to one side makes full, voluminous curls look even better. This gives your curls a lifted contour without having to tie or pin them.

This style is great for dinners, nights out, or times when you want your curls to look like you did them on purpose with very little labor.

Use your fingers to move the curls to one side, and let the top layers fall front. A little bit of mousse at the roots helps the sweep stay in place while the ends stay bouncy.

Sleek Curly Pony

Sleek pony like this makes long days simpler, especially when you want your curls out of the way but yet want them to seem full and defined.

This style is great for work, events, or any time you need a neat look that lasts.

Use gel to smooth out the front and sides of your hair, then pull it back into a mid- or high ponytail and tie it tightly so the base looks clean.

Messy Curly Bun

Quiet mornings or busy afternoons both work well with a messy curly bun like this, especially when you want your curls off your neck without losing texture. 

This style works for work, doing errands, or any time you need a quick yet neat look.

Put your curls up in a high or mid bun, pin them loosely so they stay fluffy, and let a few spirals fall around your face to make the look softer.

Sleek Curly Pony

Soft shine meets defined texture in a sleek curly ponytail like this perfect for days you want your curls controlled but still full of movement.

Use a gel with a strong hold to smooth out your roots, then brush everything up or back and tie it tightly so the smooth finish stays sharp.

If you want more definition, let the curls fall naturally for bounce, or use a curling cream to renew a few spirals.

Floral Half-Up Curls

Fresh little details bring this half-up look to life, especially when you want something soft for a brunch, date, or any outdoor event. 

Scoop the top part back loosely to keep your natural curl pattern, then use a couple bobby pins to hold it up.

Add little flowers or decorative clips to the curls to make them look more planned without going overboard.

Volumized Half-Up

Sunny days or casual outings fit this lifted half-up style perfectly, especially if your curls sit between wavy and curly.

Gather the front section high enough to open your face and provide volume right away. Then, lightly tie it off so that your texture stays soft and stretched.

Let the rest of your hair fall over your shoulders for a curl pattern that looks like you’ve been living in it.

FAQs

How can I refresh quick curly hairstyles without washing my hair?

A simple misting technique can put your curls back to life. Spray your hair lightly with water or a curl-refresh spray.

Add a little leave-in conditioner, and then use a pea-sized drop of gel to smooth out the frizz.

If some parts look flat, twist a few curls around your finger to give them shape.

What products help quick curly hairstyles last all day?

The most important thing is to have a strong base. For smooth styles, use gel at the roots and curl cream on the ends for softness.

A low-heat diffuser blast at the end can seal everything in, so your quick style will last from morning to night.