12 Cute Minimal-Effort Hairstyles For Curly Hair

There’s a lot that goes into maintaining and caring for curly hair and I’ll be honest with you, for a long time I hated my curly hair! There’s the washing, the conditioning, the drying, and so many steps in between.

That’s not to mention all the styling that comes with it, and when the weather turns into frizzy-hair weather, forget it, all that work goes down the drain!

Believe it or not, there is a simple solution for your curly hair. Ditch the styling tools and leave it in its natural state- curly!

I’ve put together cute and easy hairstyles for curly hair that you don’t need any major skills to pull off! All you need is just you, your hands, and some cute hair accessories!

1. Twisted Bun

Difficulty Level: Easy | Average | Challenging

What You’ll Need:

Bobby Pins
Elastic Band
Hairspray

A twisted bun can make anyone look groomed with minimal effort. And like most bun hairstyles, this one automatically transforms you into a chic and productive woman. Even if you’re just going to lounge about the whole day!

2. Classic Sleek Updo

Difficulty Level: Easy | Average | Challenging

What You’ll Need:

Hair Mousse
Elastic Bands

For an even more prolific aura, mousse down your hair and knot the rest into a nice curly ball. It’s elegant and not too restraining.

It’s a great hairstyle to do if you’re gonna be doing a lot of focusing and physical activities. You won’t have any loose hairs; best of all, it stays neat and in place!

3. Braided Low Ponytail

Difficulty Level: Easy | Average | Challenging

What You’ll Need:

Hair Mousse
Elastic Band (optional)

Another great idea is to scratch the whole bun and tie your hair into a low ponytail. Separate a group of strands to turn into your holder. Braid it and securely knot it around your ponytail.

And there you go! A simple yet sophisticated look, that’s easy to do!

4. Deep Side Part

Difficulty Level: Easy | Average | Challenging

What You’ll Need:

Hairspray
Hair pins (optional)

One of the easiest hairstyles you can do is simply part your hair from the side of your head. It keeps one side neat and gives the other a comfortable shade.

You will most probably need to spray it so it stays in place, or even insert a few pins to secure the flatter side. Voila! You got yourself an edgy look in no time!

5. Half Braid

Difficulty Level: Easy | Average | Challenging

What You’ll Need:

Elastic Band
Hair Accessory

Loose braids with curly hair require a little more attention so that it looks like braids, instead of a messy frizz.

While that may take more time, add a small amount of mouse before you braid it, and stick on a cute ribbon or tie to finish the look.

6. Half Top Bun

Difficulty Level: Easy | Average | Challenging

What You’ll Need:

Hairspray
Ribbon Hair Tie

This is one of my favourite looks because many people think that curly hair can’t be short or it will be too messy. Well, this look proves otherwise. This is a gorgeous hairstyle that can be done on most hair lengths.

This type of bun weighs less heavily than a full bun, your scalp and hair won’t feel pulled and stretched all day. The bun flows with the hair which gives it an effortless look that is extremely effective!

7. The 90s Clipped Middle Part

Difficulty Level: Easy | Average | Challenging

What You’ll Need:

Hair Clips
Hairspray or mousse

Clipping your hair is one good way to keep it in place, it’s easy and gives your hair a finished look!

Some things are better left in the past. But not this hairstyle, well, perhaps you should update the clips to more sophisticated ones!

8. Messy Top Bun (with faux bangs)

Difficulty Level: Easy | Average | Challenging

What You’ll Need:

Elastic Bands
Hairspray

There are days when your mind coerces you to have fringes. But before you start reaching for a pair of scissors, there’s a way to get fringes without snipping off your precious hair.

Opt for a top bun while letting some loose ends free. Arrange it to cover your forehead and style it out to look like a fringe.

9. Half French Braids

Difficulty Level: Easy | Average | Challenging

What You’ll Need:

Hair Mousse
Patience

French braids are a dreaded task for some. And it’s even more nerve-wracking trying to do them by yourself. But if French braids are something you can do then tightly braid the top half of your hair, and let the ends hang wild and free.

10. Mid-Part Lob

Difficulty Level: Easy | Average | Challenging

What You’ll Need:

Hair Clips or Elastic Bands

If you’re over the 90s sleek middle part with the iconic loose strands, perhaps try this simple yet effective look.

Pin up some of your hair to define your face and leave the rest natural and curly! It’s a clean style that doesn’t look like it’s trying too hard.

11. Chilled Side Part

Difficulty Level: Easy | Average | Challenging

What You’ll Need:

Hair Mousse

Go au natural with a bit of mousse so that your hair stays in place all day. It’s beautiful and easy!

12. Bandana or Headband

Difficulty Level: Easy | Average | Challenging

What You’ll Need:

A wide headband

A headband is a more liberating gorgeous option. It’s the best way to keep any strays off your face, and your curls neatly hanging!

My Thoughts

These hairstyles for curly hair are simple, elegant and perfect for the woman on the go. They don’t compromise on looking your best and most fashionable.

If anything, it’s the easiest hairstyle that makes you look like you’ve put in some serious effort. When really, it’s just the magic of mousses and hairspray.

Hollie xx

About Hollie

Hi, I’m Hollie, and I’m passionate about everything beauty. Over the last decade and a half, I’ve tested thousands of products to bring you the best of the best! I also love bringing you fun and creative beauty looks. Learn more.

Beauty profile – 35, dry, aging skin, focused on aging well with a healthy glow and natural makeup look ✨