19 Curly Hairstyles Easy That Are Actually Easy to DIY

19 Curly Hairstyles Easy That Are Actually Easy to DIY

Curly hair gets a bad reputation for being high-maintenance, but honestly? Some of the prettiest curly looks out there take five minutes and zero salon appointments. Whether you’ve got natural ringlets, loose waves, or you’re curling straight hair for the day, this list is packed with ideas that actually work in real life — not just in a stylist’s chair. I pulled together 19 curly hairstyles easy enough to do before your coffee gets cold, from quick updos to loose waves you can sleep in. Let’s get into it.

Balayage Hair Ideas

Curls and balayage were basically made for each other. The hand-painted color technique catches the light differently with every twist and turn, so your curls look even more dimensional than they already are. This works beautifully on brunette, blonde, or red bases, and it’s especially stunning on shoulder-length or longer curls where the color has room to move. Maintenance is lower than traditional highlights since there’s no harsh regrowth line, making it a solid pick if you don’t love frequent salon visits.

Double Loop Bun

This one’s a personal favorite when I want something that looks intentional but takes under two minutes. Split your hair into two sections, twist each one into a loose loop, and pin them side by side at the crown or nape. It works on curly or wavy hair of medium to long lengths and gives off a soft, romantic vibe without trying too hard. Bonus points if you leave a few curly pieces out to frame your face.

Classic Loose Bun on Brunette Hair

There’s something about a loose bun on dark, glossy curls that just feels effortless. Gather your curls loosely at the base of your neck, twist once, and secure — no need for perfection here since the messiness is the whole point. It suits round and oval face shapes especially well, and it’s forgiving for second- or third-day curls that have lost some bounce. Deep brunette shades with subtle lowlights make this look even richer.

DIY Straw and Pencil Curls

If you’ve never tried straw curls, you’re missing out on one of the most underrated heatless methods around. Wrap small sections of damp hair around drinking straws or pencils, let them dry (or sleep on them), and unravel for tight, defined ringlets. This technique works best on fine to medium hair and gives you curls with serious staying power. It’s a fun one to try if your usual curling iron routine is starting to feel repetitive.

Fishtail Twist

A fishtail twist is basically a fishtail braid’s more relaxed cousin, and it plays so nicely with curly texture. Instead of tight, even sections, you’re working with looser twists that blend into your natural curl pattern. It suits medium to thick curly hair best, since finer strands can get lost in the twist. Pull a few pieces loose around your hairline for a softer, undone finish.

French Roll Updo for Mother of the Groom

This is the updo I recommend when someone tells me they need to look polished but not overly done for a wedding. The French roll keeps curls tucked and elegant while still showing off their texture at the crown and edges. It flatters nearly every face shape and works well on medium to long curly or wavy hair. Add a few bobby pins with small pearl or crystal details for an extra touch of formality.

Straight and Sleek Wrapped Low Bun

Not every curly hairstyle needs to show off the curl pattern, and this one proves it. Smooth your curls straight (or work with naturally straighter ends), then wrap the length around a low ponytail base to create a sleek, sculptural bun. It’s a great option for curly-haired people who want a break from texture without a full blowout. This look reads sophisticated and works especially well for office settings or evening events.

Dual-Function Iron Waves

A curling iron can do more than one job, and this technique proves it. Alternate the direction of your wrap — away from your face on some sections, toward it on others — to create waves that look naturally undone rather than uniformly curled. This works on straight, wavy, or slightly curly hair and gives a lived-in texture that lasts through the day. It’s one of those styling ideas that looks more complicated than it actually is.

Gentle Beach Waves

Soft, barely-there waves are having a permanent moment, and for good reason — they suit basically everyone. Use a large-barrel curling iron or wand, curl away from your face, then run your fingers through once it cools to loosen everything up. This is ideal for fine to medium hair that can fall flat with tighter curls. A light sea salt spray beforehand adds texture without weighing curls down.

Twisted Knots

Twisted knots are the low-effort updo you reach for on busy mornings. Section your hair into two or three parts, twist each tightly, then pin into small buns or knots at different heights. This style works particularly well on naturally curly or coily hair since the twist holds up beautifully against texture. It’s also a great protective option if your curls need a break from daily manipulation.

Flowing Waves with Sunlit Balayage Blonde and Brown

This combination of loose curls and warm, sun-kissed balayage is basically what golden hour looks like as a hairstyle. The color adds movement between the darker roots and lighter, brighter ends, which makes every wave stand out. It’s especially flattering on long to medium-length hair with a warm skin undertone. Keep the waves loose and undone rather than tight for the most natural, beachy effect.

Tucked Grecian Curls

Inspired by classic Greek goddess styling, this look tucks soft curls into a low, wrapped style at the nape with a few face-framing pieces left curly and loose. It’s a beautiful option for curly hair that’s medium to long, and it photographs incredibly well for special occasions. The key is keeping the overall shape soft rather than sculpted — this isn’t a style that wants hairspray-stiff perfection.

Waves with a Flat Iron

Yes, a flat iron can curl hair, and once you get the wrist-twist technique down, it’s honestly faster than a curling wand for a lot of people. Clamp a section near the root, twist the iron away from your head, and glide down slowly. This method works well on straight to wavy hair types and creates soft, bendy waves rather than tight ringlets. It’s a great trick to know if a flat iron is the only tool you travel with.

Sleek Blonde Low-Styled Bun

Blonde curls smoothed into a low bun create a really pretty contrast between polished styling and soft, warm color. Gather hair low at the nape, smooth the top layer with a bit of gel or smoothing cream, and twist into a simple knot. This suits fine to medium hair especially well since a low bun doesn’t require much bulk to look full. Golden or buttery blonde shades bring extra warmth to this understated style.

Curling with a Ponytail

Here’s a shortcut that saves so much time: pull your hair into a ponytail first, then curl the entire tail in sections. Because the hair is gathered together, you can curl multiple layers at once, and the waves end up naturally cascading and blended. This works well on medium to thick hair and is perfect for days when you need curls fast. Once you release the ponytail, shake everything out for a soft, full finish.

Easy Beach Waves

Different from the gentler version earlier, these beach waves lean into a slightly more textured, tousled finish — think salty, second-day-at-the-ocean hair. Twist small sections around a wand and leave the very ends out for a naturally faded curl. This works on nearly all hair lengths past the chin and pairs perfectly with a middle or deep side part. A texturizing spray after styling keeps the look from feeling too smooth or polished.

Overnight Twists

If mornings aren’t your styling window, this one’s for you. Twist damp hair into two or four sections before bed, secure loosely, and wake up to defined waves with zero heat involved. It’s especially kind to curly and coily hair types that benefit from stretching out shrinkage overnight. Just make sure your hair is only slightly damp, not soaking wet, or you’ll wake up with curls that haven’t fully set.

Unstructured Messy Chignon

A chignon sounds fancy, but the messy version is about as low-effort as updos get. Twist your curls into a loose knot at the back of your head and let pieces fall out naturally instead of smoothing them down. This works beautifully on thick or voluminous curly hair since the extra texture gives the bun more shape. It’s a reliable go-to for anything from grocery runs to casual dinners out.

Wrapped Bun Low Updo

Closing out the list with a style that feels a little more elevated: gather curls into a low ponytail, then wrap a section around the base before tucking the rest into a soft bun. This creates a clean, finished look without hiding your natural texture completely. It suits medium to long curly hair and works for both everyday wear and dressier occasions. A few curled tendrils left loose around your face keep it from looking too severe.

However you decide to wear your curls this week, the real takeaway here is that easy and elegant aren’t mutually exclusive. Most of these styles take one tool, a few pins, and maybe five to ten minutes — no salon required. Try a few, see what your curl pattern responds to best, and don’t be afraid to mix techniques until you find your go-to.