Curly Hairstyles 2025: 36 Ideas for Short, Medium, Long Shoulder-Length Hair for Any Occasion

Curly hairstyles are gaining even more popularity as we head into 2025. With their natural volume, texture, and endless styling possibilities, curls offer versatility for both casual and formal events. Whether you’re looking for a look that’s cute, easy, or a bit more formal, this guide has you covered. Each of these styles will embrace and enhance the natural beauty of curls, catering to various hair lengths, events, and personal styles.

The Shoulder-Length Curly Shag

The shoulder-length curly shag combines retro charm with modern texture, giving hair a layered, voluminous look that’s perfect for a night out or an updo twist. This hairstyle works wonders for heart-shaped faces and green or blue eyes, accentuating cheekbones and drawing attention to the eyes. The soft, choppy layers provide an airy feel while maintaining the curls’ natural bounce, offering a playful look for casual outings and even semi-formal events.

Creating this look starts with cutting medium length hair into layers. A leave-in curl cream, such as DevaCurl’s SuperCream, helps to define curls without weighing them down. Use a diffuser attachment on a blow dryer to enhance volume, and finish with a light mist of anti-frizz spray for all-day hold. For upkeep, use a sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner combo to keep curls hydrated and bouncy.

Long Curly Layers with Curtain Bangs

For those with long hair, adding layers with curtain bangs is a fresh, fashionable choice. This style exudes a carefree, bohemian vibe and frames the face beautifully. It suits most face shapes, especially oval or round ones, and enhances hazel and brown eyes. The curtain bangs blend seamlessly into the curls, giving a soft yet baddie look perfect for weekend brunches or even wedding receptions.

To style this look, begin with clean, damp hair. Apply a curl-enhancing mousse, focusing on the roots and bangs. Use a diffuser on low heat to dry while maintaining volume, then shape the curtain bangs with a small round brush. Regular trims will keep the bangs looking fresh, and using a curl-friendly leave-in conditioner will help keep curls defined and soft.

Chin-Length Curly Bob

The chin-length curly bob is a simple yet stylish option for those wanting to rock short hair with flair. With curls just grazing the chin, this cut brings out a classy and sophisticated look that’s ideal for work events or formal gatherings. Suited to diamond-shaped faces, it accentuates the jawline and works beautifully with darker eye colors.

To style, use a curl-defining cream and finger-coil individual curls for added definition. Let the hair air dry or use a low heat diffuser. Maintaining this look involves regular trims to prevent frizz and a hydrating leave-in product to keep curls lively. A silk scarf can be wrapped around the head at night to prevent curls from losing shape.

Y2K-Inspired Curly Half Up, Half Down

Embrace the Y2K trend with a half up, half down curly style that’s ideal for both casual outings and fun events. This look keeps curls away from the face while letting them flow freely. It’s flattering on nearly any face shape and particularly enhances light brown or amber eyes.

Divide the hair horizontally, secure the top half with a cute clip or scrunchie, and let the bottom curls cascade naturally. This style needs minimal maintenance—a spritz of leave-in conditioner for shine and frizz control will do the trick. Refresh with a hydrating curl spray throughout the day to maintain bounce and volume.

Slicked-Back Curly Ponytail

A slick back ponytail on curly hair offers a chic yet easy look, ideal for both professional and social settings. It’s a perfect choice for school or even a sophisticated dinner. This style works well on round and heart-shaped faces, giving the face a lift and drawing attention to the eyes and cheekbones.

To achieve this look, use a strong-hold gel on damp hair, brushing it back smoothly. Gather the hair into a ponytail, and let the natural curls take center stage. A touch of hair oil on the ponytail adds shine, and a silk scrunchie can help avoid frizz and breakage. Regular conditioning treatments will keep the ponytail soft and manageable.

Layered Curly Pixie with Shaved Sides

For those ready to go bold, a curly pixie with shaved sides offers an edgy look with maximum style impact. This short hairstyle is a fantastic choice for oval and square faces, as it highlights the cheekbones and eyes, making it perfect for nights out or more relaxed settings.

To style, apply a curl cream to define curls, then use your fingers to shape them. The shaved sides require regular trimming, but the top can be refreshed with a curl enhancer or spray gel. For added vibrancy, consider a curl-specific hair dye, which can enhance the pixie’s edgy appeal.

The Voluminous Curly Mullet

Curly mullet hairstyles are making a fierce comeback in 2025. With a blend of retro charm and modern appeal, this look is perfect for those who want to stand out. It suits angular faces well, enhancing cheekbones and jawlines, and looks fantastic with bold-colored eyes. This mullet style is great for casual wear or an artsy night out.

Start by layering the top and leaving the back longer, embracing the curls’ natural volume. Use a curl cream and let the hair air dry to maintain shape. For upkeep, a bi-weekly deep conditioning treatment will keep curls hydrated and healthy-looking. Style with a texture spray for extra volume.

Classic Curly Updo with Braids

For formal events, a curly updo with braids is an elegant and unique choice. This style is ideal for a wedding, prom, or any black-tie event. The updo complements heart and oval face shapes, and the braids add an extra touch of sophistication, especially for those with darker hair tones.

To create this style, section off a portion of the hair and braid it before pinning it back into an updo. Allow the curls to spill out for a romantic look. A lightweight curl mousse and hairpins will keep the style intact. Spritz a shine spray for a polished finish, and use a curl cream to define the braids.

Curly Afro with Bangs

Embrace volume with a curly afro with bangs—a natural look that celebrates texture and personality. This style is especially flattering for diamond or oval faces and brings out bold eye colors like dark brown or blue. Great for casual outings or a low-key party, this look celebrates natural curls in all their glory.

Start with a curl-enhancing cream, then use a wide-tooth comb to add volume. Maintain shape by using a leave-in conditioner that hydrates and controls frizz. Nighttime care can include a silk pillowcase or bonnet to keep curls intact and fresh for the next day.

Curly Bob with Curtain Bangs

The curly bob with curtain bangs is a chic, easy-to-maintain hairstyle that combines face-framing bangs with a voluminous bob cut. This style flatters oval and heart-shaped faces, bringing out eyes of all colors with its natural charm. Perfect for work or a casual day out, this hairstyle adds a modern twist to the classic bob while highlighting the curls’ natural texture.

To style, apply a lightweight curl cream and let the curls air dry for a more natural look. Use a small round brush to shape the curtain bangs while damp, adding a touch of curl-defining gel for control. Keep this look fresh with a sulfate-free shampoo and occasional deep conditioning treatments to maintain bounce and volume.

Voluminous Curly Lob

The curly lob (long bob) is ideal for those looking for a manageable style that still allows for volume and length. Falling just below the shoulders, this cut complements oval and round faces, accentuating cheekbones and adding fullness to the hair. It’s great for both casual and semi-formal occasions and offers a polished, professional look.

To achieve this style, add a curl-enhancing mousse to damp hair and use a diffuser to create volume. Regular trims keep the shape intact, while a leave-in conditioner ensures curls stay defined. For a touch of shine, finish with a lightweight oil, and enjoy a look that’s both classy and effortless.

Messy Curly Ponytail with Face-Framing Pieces

A messy curly ponytail with face-framing pieces offers a relaxed, cute style perfect for school, brunch, or a day out. The loosely styled ponytail with curls flowing freely suits round and heart-shaped faces, drawing attention to the eyes and cheekbones. This effortless look gives a playful, youthful vibe that’s ideal for everyday wear.

To style, pull hair back into a low ponytail, leaving a few curls out to frame the face. Secure with a scrunchie to avoid hair breakage, and use a curl-enhancing spray to keep curls defined. A spritz of hairspray provides hold, while a weekly hydrating mask maintains the curls’ natural bounce.

Curly Hawk with Shaved Sides

The curly hawk with shaved sides is an edgy, daring choice that makes a statement wherever you go. This look works well for square and oval faces, highlighting cheekbones and creating a unique silhouette. Perfect for concerts or art shows, this hairstyle embraces boldness and adds an alternative twist to classic curls.

To style, section the curls into a mohawk shape, using a strong-hold gel to keep the sides sleek. The curls can be defined with a curl cream, and a diffuser adds extra volume to the top. Regular trims on the shaved sides keep this style sharp, while a curl refresh spray helps maintain definition.

Defined Curls with Middle Part

Defined curls with a middle part offer a balanced, symmetrical look that frames the face beautifully. This style flatters most face shapes and enhances natural eye colors, adding elegance to both casual and formal settings. It’s an ideal choice for those who love a simple yet impactful look.

Apply a curl-defining cream to damp hair and create a middle part. Use a diffuser to dry the curls while enhancing volume. For upkeep, use a moisturizing conditioner to keep curls hydrated and bouncy. A weekly deep conditioning treatment will also help maintain the curl structure and prevent frizz.

Loose Curls with Choppy Layers

Loose curls with choppy layers bring a textured, voluminous look to mid-length hair, offering a natural, airy style. This cut works well for most face shapes, adding softness to angular features and providing a pretty aesthetic. It’s a great everyday style, perfect for casual outings or low-key events.

To style, use a curl cream and scrunch the hair to enhance curl formation. Let the hair air dry or use a diffuser to maintain volume. Regular trims keep the layers fresh, and a leave-in conditioner prevents dryness, keeping the curls soft and defined.

Shoulder-Length Curly Bob with Undercut

The shoulder-length curly bob with an undercut is a trendy, low-maintenance hairstyle that combines a classic bob with a hidden twist. The undercut adds an element of surprise and helps manage volume, making it ideal for oval and round face shapes. This style is both bold and versatile, perfect for those seeking something different yet practical.

Use a curl-defining mousse on damp hair, allowing it to air dry for a natural look. Maintain the undercut with regular trims, and use a curl-specific leave-in conditioner to keep curls hydrated. For an added twist, consider using a curl-defining gel to enhance texture and shape.

Curly Bob with Shaggy Layers

The curly bob with shaggy layers is a relaxed, textured look that’s effortlessly cool. This hairstyle is ideal for casual events and weekends, giving curls a natural, unstructured appearance. It suits oval and round faces well, emphasizing cheekbones and giving the hair a loose style vibe.

To style, use a lightweight curl cream to add definition without weighing the curls down. Scrunch the hair as it dries, and separate curls with fingers for a messy effect. Regular trims keep the shaggy layers from becoming too bulky, and a curl-refreshing spray helps maintain texture.

Classic Curly Updo with Loose Strands

The classic curly updo with loose strands is a sophisticated choice for weddings, formal events, or even an elegant dinner. This hairstyle works well on heart-shaped faces, accentuating the cheekbones and bringing attention to the eyes. Loose strands frame the face, adding a soft, romantic touch.

To create this look, gather the curls into a low or mid-updo, allowing a few curls to fall naturally around the face. Secure the updo with bobby pins and a light mist of hairspray for hold. Use a curl-enhancing spray to keep the curls defined, and a silk wrap at night will help prevent frizz.

Afro with Tapered Sides

The Afro with tapered sides is a modern twist on a classic look, providing a balanced shape and focusing on the natural volume of the curls. This style is flattering for oval and diamond-shaped faces, giving the hair a structured, stylish silhouette that’s perfect for both casual and formal occasions.

Begin by shaping the Afro with a curl cream or mousse, enhancing the natural curl pattern. The tapered sides need regular maintenance, so visiting a stylist every few weeks helps keep the look sharp. For extra hydration, use a leave-in conditioner and deep conditioning treatment to keep curls soft and bouncy.

Curly Mohawk with Braided Sides

The curly mohawk with braided sides combines edgy style with curly texture, offering a bold, eye-catching look. This hairstyle is great for round and oval faces and adds a dramatic flair that’s perfect for festivals, concerts, or a fun night out. The contrast between the textured curls on top and the sleek, braided sides gives this style a unique, baddie appeal.

To create this look, braid the sides tightly and secure them while leaving the curls on top voluminous. Use a curl-enhancing cream to define the curls, and a strong-hold gel for the braids. A curl-specific leave-in conditioner can help maintain softness, and regular trims on the sides keep the style fresh and sharp.

Curly Side-Swept Waves with Bangs

The curly side-swept waves with bangs offer a romantic, classy look that’s ideal for both formal events and date nights. This style flatters most face shapes, particularly oval and heart-shaped faces, and enhances hazel and brown eyes. The soft side-sweep and bangs give a delicate, pretty appearance that works wonderfully for weddings or other special occasions.

To style, apply a lightweight curl cream and part the hair to one side, letting the curls fall naturally. Use a diffuser to dry and shape the waves, and a curl-defining spray to keep them intact. This look requires minimal maintenance—just a weekly deep conditioning treatment to keep curls hydrated.

Shoulder-Length Curly Wolf Cut with Choppy Layers

The shoulder-length curly wolf cut with choppy layers offers a voluminous, wild look that’s both edgy and cute. This cut suits oval and square faces well, providing texture and personality to medium-length hair. Ideal for both casual and semi-formal events, this style lets the curls shine in a messy hair style that’s effortlessly stylish.

To style, apply a curl-enhancing mousse to damp hair, scrunching the curls to add volume. Use a diffuser to dry the hair and a texturizing spray for added lift. Regular trims help maintain the layers, and a curl-refresh spray can keep the look fresh throughout the day.

Curly Faux Hawk with Fade

For a modern twist, the curly faux hawk with fade combines a sleek fade on the sides with full curls on top, creating a fade hairstyle that’s bold and sophisticated. This style is excellent for angular and heart-shaped faces, making it a fantastic choice for professional settings or special occasions where you want to stand out.

To style, apply a curl cream and use a diffuser to enhance volume on top. The fade on the sides requires regular maintenance to keep it sharp, while the top can be refreshed with a curl-enhancing spray. Use a lightweight mousse to control frizz and maintain the curls’ natural shape.

Curly hairstyles in 2025 are all about embracing natural texture while having fun with styling and creativity. Whether you want something bold, cute, or professional, there’s a curly style here for every taste and occasion. Share your thoughts on these styles and let us know which ones you’re excited to try. Don’t forget to leave your own curly hairstyle recommendations in the comments below!