Long Curly Hairstyles: 20 Inspiring Ideas to Elevate Your Hair Game

Long curly hairstyles are a timeless and versatile choice for anyone looking to embrace their natural texture or add bounce and volume to their look. From cascading ringlets to playful beachy waves, long curls can be styled in countless ways to enhance your features and express your personality.

Whether preparing for a special occasion or seeking an everyday style update, this blog post will explore the best long curly hairstyles, tips for achieving that perfect curl definition, and inspiration for every hair type.

Half-Up Curls

The half-up curls style features curls cascading down while the top half of the hair is secured away from the face. This look combines elegance with a carefree vibe, making it a favorite for both casual and formal occasions.

Best For: Suitable for all hair types, particularly those with medium to thick hair. It works well for face shapes that benefit from softening around the cheeks.

Styling Tips:

• Use a curling wand to create defined curls before securing the top section.
• Opt for a volumizing mousse for added lift.
• Secure with elastic bands or decorative clips for a chic finish.

Tousled Curls

Tousled curls deliver a relaxed, beachy look. The disheveled nature of this style gives off an effortless vibe, perfect for casual outings.

Best For: Ideal for thick and textured hair, allowing for natural volume and dimension.

Styling Tips:

• Use a sea salt spray on damp hair before curling.
• Opt for a wide curling iron for loose, large curls.
• Scrunch curls lightly after styling for a touchable finish.

Brushed-Out Curls

Brushed-out curls create a softer, more vintage appearance. The curls are brushed to achieve a flowing and airy look reminiscent of classic Hollywood glam.

Best For: Perfect for medium to fine hair that requires some volume without being overly defined.

Styling Tips:

• Start with defined curls using a smaller barrel curling iron.
• After curling, allow hair to cool and then gently brush out using a wide-tooth comb.
• Finish with a light-hold hairspray to maintain movement.

Princess Curls

Princess curls are tight, well-defined curls that create a fairy-tale-like aura. These romantic curls are perfect for a high-impact look.

Best For: Best suited for all hair types, though they shine on those with naturally curly texture, enhancing their natural curls.

Styling Tips:

• Use a small-barrel curling iron for tighter curls.
• Apply a styling gel to damp hair before curling for extra hold.
• Consider a leave-in conditioner for added moisture post-styling.

Layered Curls

Layered curls mix long layers with curls, enhancing volume and movement throughout the hair. This style offers a dynamic look that is versatile for many occasions.

Best For: Great for all hair types, especially thick hair, as layers can reduce bulk and add shape.

Styling Tips:

• Get a professional haircut that features layers to promote structure.
• Use a heat protectant before styling to defend against heat damage.
• Curl hair in alternating directions to create a more natural look.

Crimped Curls

Crimped curls are created by using a crimper tool, resulting in zig-zagged curls that add a fierce and edgy vibe to long hair.

Best For: Best suited for thick hair, but can also work for fine hair looking for added texture.

Styling Tips:

• Experiment with different crimping tools to achieve your desired width.
• Pair with colorful hair accessories for a youthful touch.
• Keep the rest of the hair sleek or in a ponytail for balance.

Messy Half-Updo

This style features a casual half-updo with tousled curls while leaving the rest of the hair flowing freely. It’s highly versatile for day or night.

Best For: Ideal for all hair types, particularly for those looking to achieve volume without extensive styling.

Styling Tips:

• Use a texturizing spray for a messy effect.
• Tie the top section loosely; a soft touch brings out the messy vibe.
• Incorporate face-framing pieces for a softened look.

Ombre Curly Hair

Ombre curly hair adds depth and dimension through gradient coloring, typically darker at the roots and lighter at the ends. It’s a stunning way to showcase curls.

Best For: Best for all hair types, especially on naturally curly or textured hair, as the color enhances the curls’ shape.

Styling Tips:

• Use sulfate-free products to maintain color vibrancy.
• Style with a curling cream for added definition.
• Consider balayage coloring for a more subtle effect.

Waterfall Braids

Waterfall braids incorporate sections of curls, allowing hair to flow down gracefully while framing the face. This romantic style is often used for formal events.

Best For: Great for all hair types, especially medium to thick hair, allowing the weights of curls to enhance the braiding.

Styling Tips:

• First, curl the hair before proceeding with the braid.
• Add decorative hairpins to elevate the elegance of the style.
• Ensure tension is even to prevent the braid from looking gaunt.

Voluminous Loose Bun

This style combines an elegant bun with soft curls framed around the face. The volume creates a sophisticated look ideal for weddings or events.

Best For: Works best for thick or medium hair types that can hold volume.

Styling Tips:

• Use a teasing comb on the crown to create added height.
• Curl the front sections of the hair before gathering into the bun.
• Finish with hairspray for a long-lasting hold.

Curly Bangs with Long Hair

Incorporating bangs into long curly hair adds edges to the overall look, allowing the curls to frame the face more delicately.

Best For: Ideal for oval and heart-shaped faces as it enhances the cheekbones.

Styling Tips:

• When styling curly bangs, remember to trim them slightly shorter to avoid overhangs.
• Use a curl-defining cream on bangs to maintain shape.
• Experiment with parting for a different look.

Sleek Curly Ponytail

A sleek curly ponytail combines the elegance of a ponytail with defined curls at the ends, creating a polished yet playful style.

Best For: Best for hair types that are naturally straight or wavy, allowing good control when styling.

Styling Tips:

• Straighten the top section before pulling it back to avoid frizz.
• Use a curl-enhancing spray on the ponytail to define curls.
• Opt for a silk scarf for added glam.

Braided Crown with Curls

A braided crown interspersed with curls is a romantic style that adds an ethereal quality to long hair, perfect for brides or special occasions.

Best For: Suitable for all hair types, especially medium to thick hair that can support the braid.

Styling Tips:

• Curl the hair before creating the braid to add texture.
• Secure the braid with bobby pins for a long-lasting hold.
• Consider floral accessories for a boho-chic finish.

Side-Parted Curls

This style features voluminous curls with a deep side part, offering a glamorous look that adds drama and sophistication.

Best For: Best for medium to thick hair types and works well with multiple face shapes by balancing proportions.

Styling Tips:

• Train curls to fall over one shoulder by curling away from the part.
• Use a medium-barrel curling iron for bouncy curls.
• Apply a smoothing serum to reduce frizz.

Beachy Waves

Beachy waves provide a casual, effortless look. The waves mimic natural texture and give a relaxed vibe suitable for everyday wear.

Best For: Ideal for all hair types, especially those with natural waves.

Styling Tips:

• Use a texturizing spray to accentuate the waves.
• Create waves with a flat iron for a more modern look.
• Let the hair air-dry for a true beach effect.

Bouncy Ringlets

Bouncy ringlets are tight, spiral curls that radiate romance and excitement. They add a playful touch to any outfit.

Best For: Works best for naturally curly hair or those with thick and textured strands.

Styling Tips:

• Apply a curl enhancer to damp hair for extra definition.
• Use a small-diameter curling iron to create ringlets.
• Avoid combing curls to maintain their shape.

Long Curly Braid

A long curly braid incorporates waves or curls into a traditional braid, adding dimension and softness to a classic style.

Best For: Ideal for thick hair that can sustain a full braid, showcasing the curls throughout.

Styling Tips:

• Pre-curl hair to add texture before braiding.
• Pull and loosen the braid slightly for a fuller appearance.
• Secure the ends with a clear elastic for a polished look.

Elegant Updo with Curls

This style features a sophisticated updo with strategically placed curls that frame the face, perfect for formal events.

Best For: Best for medium to long hair types that can be molded into an updo.

Styling Tips:

• Curl the hair and pin curls or sections back for the updo.
• Use bobby pins and hairspray to secure everything neatly.
• Allow some curls to hang loosely for an effortless elegance.

Messy Bun with Face-Framing Curls

This informal style combines a messy bun with curls framing the face, creating a relaxed and chic appearance.

Best For: Great for all hair types, especially those who prefer an easy but stylish look for everyday situations.

Styling Tips:

• Gather hair into a bun, leaving some loose curls out at the front.
• Use a texturizing spray for a tousled look.
• Pin back any stray hairs to complete the style.

High Volume Curly Hair

High-volume curly hair showcases abundant curls that appear lively and energetic, making a bold statement.

Best For: Well-suited for medium to thick hair that can hold volume.

Styling Tips:

• Apply volumizing products before styling.
• Use a diffuser on low heat to encourage bounce.
• Avoid heavy products that may weigh down curls.

Each of these long curly hairstyles offers unique charm, allowing individuals to express their personalities through their hair. By considering the descriptions, best-suited hair types, and styling tips provided, anyone can find the perfect curly look that enhances their appearance while being easy to maintain.