31 Long Curly Hairstyles 2025 With Layers, Braids, Bangs For Casual Occasion Or Wedding, Prom Etc

Long curly hairstyles are taking center stage in 2025, combining timeless elegance with fresh trends that cater to a variety of occasions. Whether you’re looking for a natural look, something for wedding events, or styles with bangs or layers, there is a curly hairstyle to suit everyone. From carefree vibes for school to glamorous designs for prom, these ideas celebrate versatility and individuality. Let’s explore 31 incredible options that will inspire your next hair makeover.

Cascading Layers with Defined Curls

This style features luscious, cascading curls enhanced by well-placed layers, creating volume and movement. Perfect for wedding guest appearances or formal dinners, this look works best on oval or heart-shaped faces. The layers frame the face beautifully, accentuating features and drawing attention to bright-colored eyes. Its timeless appeal makes it a favorite among women who enjoy blending classic and modern aesthetics.

To achieve this look, start with freshly washed hair and use a curl-enhancing mousse like Moroccanoil Curl Defining Cream. Dry the hair with a diffuser attachment to lock in the curls’ natural bounce. Regular trims and a hydrating conditioner are essential to maintaining the shape and preventing frizz.

Curly Updo with Twisted Braids

A curly updo featuring intricate braids is both elegant and practical. Ideal for wedding ceremonies, prom, or a night out, this hairstyle highlights the beauty of coiled textures while keeping hair off the face and neck. It flatters round or square-shaped faces, with the braids adding a unique focal point.

To create this style, section your hair and twist each portion into braids before pinning them into a voluminous bun. Use bobby pins and a strong-hold hairspray like TRESemmé Compressed Micro Mist to keep everything in place. Regular use of a lightweight oil, such as argan oil, helps retain moisture and shine.

Half-Up Half-Down Curls with Accessories

This cute and versatile hairstyle combines the best of both worlds by showcasing natural curls while keeping hair away from the face. It’s ideal for semi-formal occasions like prom, birthdays, or brunches. Heart-shaped or oval faces particularly benefit from this look, as the lifted crown adds height and balance.

Gather the top half of your hair and secure it with a statement clip or ribbon. Use a curling iron to touch up loose strands, ensuring a cohesive look. To maintain this style, use a leave-in conditioner and a curl refresher spray to redefine curls throughout the day.

Romantic Waves for Wedding

Soft, romantic waves are a go-to hairstyle for wedding days, either as a bride or wedding guest. This style exudes sophistication and works beautifully with round or oval face shapes. It’s also perfect for enhancing green or blue eyes, making them pop against the textured waves.

Achieve this look by curling large sections of hair with a wide-barrel curling iron and brushing through them lightly for a natural finish. Apply a shine serum for a polished touch. A regular deep conditioning treatment will help keep curls smooth and frizz-free.

Long Curly Bangs with Tousled Volume

Adding bangs to long curly hair gives a youthful and playful touch. This style is great for school, casual outings, or even professional settings when paired with simple attire. It suits oval and diamond-shaped faces, softening angular features while highlighting the eyes.

Start by cutting the bangs slightly longer, allowing them to blend seamlessly into the rest of your curls. Style with a curling wand to add definition and spritz with a curl-holding spray. A sulfate-free shampoo and deep conditioning mask will keep the curls hydrated and bouncy.

Voluminous Afro with Defined Edges

For black women, a voluminous Afro highlights the beauty of natural hair. This bold and empowering style is perfect for parties, festivals, or professional events where you want to make a statement. It suits any face shape and pairs beautifully with bold makeup.

To create this style, use a curl-enhancing cream and a wide-tooth comb to shape the hair. Regularly hydrate with a leave-in conditioner like SheaMoisture’s Jamaican Black Castor Oil Leave-In. Trim the ends every few months to maintain the shape and health of the Afro.

Sleek High Ponytail with Curls

The sleek high ponytail with cascading curls combines structure and movement, making it a fantastic choice for prom, work, or a date night. This style complements oval and square face shapes by elongating the neck and drawing attention to the cheekbones.

Start by smoothing the crown with a styling gel and securing the ponytail high on the head. Use a curling wand to define the ends and add bounce. Maintenance is simple with a curl-defining spray and occasional touch-ups to tame flyaways.

Messy Side Braid with Curls

A messy side braid with curls blends bohemian charm and casual elegance. This style is perfect for school or outdoor weddings, complementing square or heart-shaped faces. It’s a great way to show off highlights and adds texture to your overall look.

To create this braid, loosely weave one side of your hair, allowing curls to peek through. Secure with an elastic and fluff out the braid for added volume. Use a texturizing spray for a lived-in look, and refresh the curls with a curl cream as needed.

Glamorous Hollywood Waves

Hollywood waves are the epitome of vintage glamour and are perfect for prom, wedding guest appearances, or black-tie events. This hairstyle is best suited for long faces, as the soft waves add width and balance.

Use a medium-sized curling wand to create uniform curls and brush them out gently for a smooth wave pattern. Lock in the style with a high-gloss hairspray. A heat-protectant spray is essential to maintain hair health during frequent styling.

Curly Low Bun with Tendrils

The curly low bun with face-framing tendrils is a classic choice for wedding guest looks or formal dinners. This style flatters oval and diamond-shaped faces, drawing attention to the jawline and neck.

Create this style by pulling the hair into a low bun and leaving a few strands loose around the face. Curl the loose strands for a soft finish and secure the bun with bobby pins. Use a flexible-hold hairspray to keep the style in place while maintaining its softness.

Loose Curly Layers with Ombre

Loose curls with ombre coloring offer a trendy and modern vibe, making this a perfect look for work or casual outings. This style works wonderfully for oval or rectangular face shapes, while the ombre effect enhances natural highlights and adds depth.

To achieve this, start by applying a heat protectant and curling the hair in loose sections. Use a balayage technique to create a smooth ombre transition. A sulfate-free shampoo is key to maintaining color vibrancy and curl health.

Curly Space Buns

Curly space buns are a playful and cute hairstyle, ideal for school, concerts, or casual days out. This quirky style suits heart-shaped or round faces, offering a fun way to keep curls in place while making a bold statement.

Part the hair into two sections, create high buns on either side, and secure with elastic bands. Curl the loose strands for added texture. Use a curl-enhancing spray to keep the curls bouncy and defined throughout the day.

Waterfall Braid with Curls

The waterfall braid with curls is a romantic choice, ideal for prom or weddings. It flatters oval and diamond-shaped faces, adding a fairy-tale element to your look while allowing your curls to shine.

To create this style, braid the top section of your hair while letting sections fall through like a waterfall. Use a curling wand to add bounce to the remaining hair. A light hairspray will hold the braid while keeping the curls soft and natural.

Defined Ringlets with Middle Part

Defined ringlets with a middle part are a chic and polished option for black women. This hairstyle is perfect for professional events or wedding guest appearances, emphasizing symmetry and elegance.

Start by using a small-barrel curling iron to create tight ringlets. Define the curls with a styling cream and separate them with your fingers. Regular use of a hydrating mask ensures the curls stay shiny and healthy.

Textured Side-Swept Curls

Side-swept curls with texture bring old Hollywood charm to life, making them ideal for prom or wedding events. This look is particularly flattering on oval and heart-shaped faces, emphasizing cheekbones and jawlines.

Curl the hair with a large-barrel curling iron and pin one side back with a decorative clip. A high-shine serum will add a glamorous finish. Maintain the look with a weekly conditioning treatment to combat frizz.

Boho-Inspired Loose Braids

Loose braids with a boho vibe pair perfectly with soft curls, creating a laid-back style for wedding guest appearances or outdoor events. This style suits round or square faces, adding texture and flow.

Braid small sections of hair and curl the remaining strands for a blended look. Secure with tiny elastics and use a sea salt spray for a natural finish. Regular detangling and a curl cream will keep this style fresh.

Tight Spiral Curls with Side Part

Tight spiral curls with a side part are a bold and confident choice for black women. This style is perfect for parties, weddings, or professional settings, framing the face beautifully.

Use a small-barrel curling iron to create tight spirals and part the hair deeply to one side. A shine-enhancing spray will complete the look. Hydrating shampoos and conditioners are essential for keeping spirals defined and healthy.

Long curly hairstyles in 2025 offer endless possibilities, from formal updos to relaxed waves, ensuring there’s something for everyone. Whether you prefer natural looks or intricate braid designs, these ideas cater to various face shapes, occasions, and personal styles. Which of these hairstyles will you try next? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below, and don’t hesitate to showcase your unique take on these trends!