I still remember the first time I picked up a curling iron — I was barely a teenager sitting in my mother’s bedroom in Savannah, watching her transform her hair into the most gorgeous, bouncy curls I had ever seen. That moment planted a seed in me that never stopped growing. The nineties were something else when it came to hair. Everything was bigger, bolder, and unapologetically expressive. Curly hair wasn’t just a style — it was a statement. It was confidence wrapped in coils, personality dancing in ringlets, and freedom living in every spiral.
Now, years later, standing in my studio in Los Angeles with brushes and products lining every wall, I still find myself reaching back to that decade for inspiration. The beauty of the nineties curly hairstyles is that they were never really gone — they just took a little break. And right now, they’re back harder than ever. Whether your curls are natural, enhanced, or somewhere in between, this decade gave us looks that flatter every texture and every face shape.
So let me walk you through fourteen of my absolute favorite nineties curly hairstyles that I believe every curl lover needs to know. I’m talking styles I’ve recreated on clients, worn myself, and fallen completely in love with. Let’s dive in.
Big Bouncy Curls
There is something about big, voluminous curls that just fills a room with energy. The moment someone walks in with hair that bounces with every step, you feel it. This look defined an entire era and it’s one I return to again and again with my clients because it never, ever fails to deliver.
Understanding The Allure Behind Those Full, Gorgeous Bouncy Curls
Big bouncy curls are exactly what they sound like — large, full curls that sit wide and round, creating an incredible amount of volume and movement. This look was everywhere in the nineties, from fashion runways to everyday street style. What makes it so special is its ability to feel both glamorous and fun at the same time. The curls are typically set wide, meaning they’re not tight ringlets but open, loose spirals that fluff out and give the hair that signature voluminous shape. Think of it as curls that have a personality of their own — they move when you move, they bounce when you laugh, and they command attention without you having to say a word.
Why This Look Works Beautifully For Medium To Long Hair
Big bouncy curls work especially well for those with medium to long hair because the weight of the hair helps the curls settle into that beautiful, open shape rather than springing up too tight. If you have naturally wavy or lightly curly hair, this style is practically made for you — your hair already has a head start. It also works wonderfully for anyone with thicker hair that tends to have a lot of natural body. The style is incredibly versatile too, meaning it translates perfectly from a daytime casual look to a full evening glam moment without much adjustment.
Expert Tips To Recreate Big Bouncy Curls At Home
Start with freshly washed hair that has been dried about eighty percent with a diffuser. Apply a volumizing mousse from roots to ends before you begin styling. Use a large-barrel curling wand — I usually reach for one between an inch and a half to two inches — and wrap sections of hair loosely around the barrel, holding for about eight seconds before releasing. Once all curls are set, let them cool completely before touching them. This is the step most people skip and it makes all the difference. Then, with your fingers spread wide, gently shake the roots to lift and separate, and finish with a light-hold flexible hairspray to keep that bounce alive.
The Spiral Perm
Oh, the spiral perm. If there is one hairstyle that I think captures the full spirit of the nineties, it is this one. It was everywhere, it was dramatic, and it was absolutely fabulous. When a client sits in my chair and asks for something bold with major personality, this is often where my mind goes first.
What Defines The Signature Spiral Perm Look
A spiral perm involves chemically setting the hair into long, defined, tightly coiled spirals that run vertically down the head. Unlike a regular perm that creates an all-over wave, the spiral perm uses long, thin rods placed vertically to create those distinctive corkscrew curls. The result is a head full of consistent, elongated spiral curls that have incredible definition and bounce. In the nineties, this look was styled big and proud — no one was trying to calm it down or sleek it out. It was meant to be full, dramatic, and completely eye-catching. What I love most about it is the texture — there is so much dimension and movement in each individual spiral.
Hair Types That Respond Best To The Spiral Perm Treatment
The spiral perm works best on hair that is in good, healthy condition — I always say your hair needs to be strong enough to handle the chemical process without breaking. Medium to thick hair tends to hold a spiral perm beautifully because there’s enough density to support the curl pattern. People with fine hair can still get this look but need to be extra careful with aftercare to keep the hair healthy and moisturized. Hair that is between shoulder and mid-back length is the ideal canvas, as it allows the spirals to elongate and really show off that gorgeous vertical curl pattern without becoming too heavy at the roots.
Styling And Care Tips To Keep Your Spiral Perm Thriving
After a spiral perm, your hair care routine becomes everything. Switch to a sulfate-free shampoo immediately and only wash your hair two to three times a week to preserve the curl pattern. When it’s wet, use a wide-tooth comb only — brushing permed hair while dry is the fastest way to turn your beautiful spirals into a frizzy mess. Apply a curl-defining cream or leave-in conditioner every wash day, scrunch it in gently, and then diffuse on low heat. Never touch the hair while it’s drying. And please, please — use a silk pillowcase or a satin bonnet at night. Your spirals will thank you.
The Curly Bob
I have such a special place in my heart for the curly bob. It’s one of those cuts that feels effortlessly cool no matter when you wear it, and in the nineties it was the ultimate power move. Short, defined, full of attitude — this is the cut that said I’m in charge without a single word.
Breaking Down The Classic Curly Bob’s Enduring Appeal
The curly bob sits between the chin and the collarbone, with curls that are tight enough to lift the hair off the shoulders but loose enough to frame the face beautifully. What makes this style so interesting is that it plays with the natural tension between a structured cut and organic curl movement. The bob shape creates a clean perimeter while the curls fill in the silhouette with texture and life. Depending on how tight or loose your curls are, the bob can look polished and intentional or effortlessly tousled. Both versions are gorgeous. In the nineties, this cut was often paired with defined, glossy curls for a look that felt sleek yet textured at the same time.
Why Almost Every Face Shape Loves The Curly Bob
The curly bob is genuinely one of the most universally flattering haircuts in existence. For oval and heart-shaped faces, the volume of the curls around the chin area creates beautiful balance. For round faces, the cut can be slightly angled to elongate the face. For square faces, the softness of the curls naturally offsets strong jawlines. And for long faces, the width that curls create at the sides adds the most gorgeous proportion. Regardless of your face shape, there is a version of the curly bob that was made for you — and that’s honestly what makes it so magical.
Simple Techniques To Style And Maintain Your Curly Bob
The key to a great curly bob is keeping those curls consistently defined so the shape of the cut always looks intentional. On wash day, apply a generous amount of a curl-defining gel or cream and use the praying hands method to smooth it through each section. Then scrunch the hair upward toward your scalp to encourage curl formation. Diffuse on low heat until the hair is about ninety percent dry, then let it air dry the rest of the way. Once it’s fully dry, scrunch out any crunchiness with a tiny bit of oil on your palms. Trim every six to eight weeks to maintain that clean bob shape — curly hair shrinks, so a trim that feels minor when wet makes a significant difference in how the style looks when dry.
Half-Up Half-Down Curls
This is the style I wore constantly through my early career and I still love it to this day. The half-up half-down with curls is the kind of look that works for literally everything — a casual coffee run, a client meeting, a Saturday evening out. It’s effortless, romantic, and it shows off your curls in the most flattering way possible.
The Romantic Story Behind Half-Up Half-Down Curly Styles
The half-up half-down style is exactly what it sounds like — the top half of the hair is gathered and secured while the bottom half hangs freely in soft curls. In the nineties, this look was often dressed up with scrunchies, decorative clips, or even little butterfly barrettes nestled into the gathered section. What makes it so lovely is that it’s not trying too hard. It keeps the hair out of your face while still letting you show off the length and texture of your curls. The top section adds a touch of intention while the loose curls below feel relaxed and natural. Together it creates this beautiful contrast between structure and flow.
Best Occasions And Hair Types That Suit This Versatile Style
The half-up half-down look genuinely suits everyone, but it particularly shines on people with long and medium-length curly hair because the loose bottom section has enough length to really show off the curl pattern. It’s ideal for outdoor events, casual outings, and anywhere you want to look put-together without looking overdone. For people with fine curly hair, gathering the top section can actually create the illusion of more volume at the crown, which is a beautiful effect. For those with thick, heavy curls, it helps lift the hair off the neck while still letting you show off all that gorgeous texture.
How To Create The Perfect Half-Up Half-Down Look For Your Curls
Start by fully styling and drying your curls the way you normally would. Once your hair is completely dry and you’re happy with the curl definition, use your fingers — not a comb — to gently section off the top half of your hair. The exact amount you gather is entirely personal, but I like to take everything from the temples up. Gather it loosely so you’re not pulling or disrupting the curl pattern, then secure it with a scrunchie or a decorative clip. Pull a few face-framing pieces out at the front to soften the look. Finish with a tiny spritz of shine spray and you’re done. The whole thing takes under three minutes and looks absolutely stunning every single time.
Crimped Curls
Crimped hair was the wildcard of the nineties and I absolutely loved it for that. It was edgy, textured, and completely unlike anything else — and done right, it still looks incredible today. This is the style that tells the world you’re not afraid to take risks.
What Crimped Curls Are And Why They Were So Bold
Crimped curls are created using a crimping iron — a tool with a zigzag-patterned plate that presses a sharp, angular wave pattern into the hair. Unlike traditional curls which are round and soft, crimped hair has a geometric, almost angular texture that catches the light in a completely unique way. In the nineties, crimping was done all over the head for a full-on textured effect, and it was often paired with big volume at the roots for an extra dramatic finish. The look is bold, graphic, and incredibly expressive. What I find beautiful about it is that it celebrates texture in a way that feels both artistic and fun, and it’s one of those styles where the more you lean into it, the better it looks.
Who Should Give The Crimped Curl Look A Try
Crimped curls work particularly well on thick or medium-density hair because the hair holds the shape more easily and the overall result looks fuller and more intentional. If you have naturally straight or lightly wavy hair, crimping can add an incredible amount of texture and dimension without any chemical process. It’s also a wonderful option for anyone who wants to experiment with a statement look for a special occasion without committing to anything permanent. People with naturally curly hair can use partial crimping on stretched sections to create a mixed texture effect that is truly stunning and very editorial.
Simple Tips For Getting Beautiful, Lasting Crimped Curls
Always start with clean, completely dry hair and apply a heat protectant spray from roots to ends before you begin. Divide your hair into sections — smaller sections create a finer, more pronounced crimp while larger sections create a chunkier, more relaxed wave. Work from the bottom layers up, clamping the crimping iron down for two to three seconds per section. Once the entire head is crimped, do not brush it out — just use your fingers to gently lift the roots for volume. Finish with a medium-hold hairspray to preserve the texture throughout the day. The key is to avoid over-touching the hair once it’s styled.
Ringlet Curls
When I think about the most elegant curly hairstyle the nineties ever produced, ringlets are what come to mind. Defined, elongated, and completely gorgeous — ringlets are the kind of curls that feel both timeless and deliberately beautiful.
The Elegance And Definition Of Classic Ringlet Curls
Ringlets are small, tightly coiled curls that form a spiral shape and hang in a distinct cylindrical pattern. What sets them apart from other curl types is their incredible definition — each ringlet is a complete, separate curl that maintains its shape and structure throughout the day. In the nineties, ringlet curls were often enhanced with curl-defining products that gave them a slightly glossy, polished finish, making them look almost too perfect to be real. They were popular for both everyday wear and formal occasions because of their inherently refined quality. The beauty of ringlets is in their consistency — a full head of uniform, well-defined ringlets is one of the most visually striking hairstyles you can achieve.
Face Shapes And Hair Types That Are Made For Ringlets
Ringlets work best on naturally curly or coily hair types that have a tight curl pattern, as the hair already wants to form this shape and simply needs a little encouragement and definition. People with heart-shaped or oval faces absolutely shine in ringlets because the elongated curl shape draws the eye downward in the most flattering way. For longer face shapes, ringlets styled with more width at the sides help create beautiful balance. Medium-density hair tends to produce the most camera-ready ringlets — thick enough to have body but not so heavy that the curls lose their shape by midday.
Your Detailed Guide To Getting Gorgeous, Defined Ringlets
The secret to perfect ringlets is product application and the way you handle the hair while it’s wet. Start with freshly washed, soaking wet hair and apply a generous amount of curl-defining cream or gel, working it through section by section. Then use the finger coiling method — take a small section of hair, place your index finger at the root, and gently wrap the hair around your finger as you work your way down to the tip. Once coiled, slide your finger out and allow the curl to set. Repeat this process across the entire head, then diffuse on low heat to set the ringlets in place. Once dry, apply a tiny drop of oil to each curl to add shine without disrupting the definition.
The Bouncy Blowout
Not every curly style in the nineties relied on letting the natural texture do all the work. The bouncy blowout was a gorgeous look that used heat and technique to create big, round, brush-curled shapes that were absolutely iconic. I learned this technique early in my career and it quickly became one of my most requested looks.
Defining What Made The Bouncy Blowout So Iconic
The bouncy blowout is achieved by blow-drying the hair using a large round brush, which creates big, smooth, rounded curls that are voluminous at the root and soft at the ends. Unlike air-dried curls, blowout curls have a more polished, finished quality — the surface of the hair is smoother and the shape is more uniform. In the nineties, this look was often associated with a kind of luxurious, put-together glamour that felt special and elevated. It’s the kind of style that looks like significant effort went into it, even though with a little practice it becomes genuinely quick to achieve. The curls are bouncy, shiny, and incredibly full of life.
When The Bouncy Blowout Is The Ideal Style Choice
The bouncy blowout is ideal when you want a curly look that also feels refined and polished — it’s perfect for professional settings, formal events, or any occasion where you want your curls to look intentional and well-groomed. It works beautifully on naturally curly or wavy hair that has been stretched with heat, as well as on naturally straight hair that needs some curl added. People with medium to long hair get the most dramatic results because the round brush needs enough length to fully wrap the hair and create that rounded curl shape. If you’re going somewhere special and want your curls to look their absolute best, a bouncy blowout is often the answer.
How To Nail The Bouncy Blowout With A Round Brush
Apply a heat protectant and a light volumizing product to damp hair before you begin. Divide your hair into four sections and clip them out of the way. Working one section at a time, place a large round brush underneath a subsection of hair near the root, apply medium heat from your blow dryer, and slowly roll the brush downward through the hair while directing the air down the hair shaft. As you reach the end of the section, roll the brush under and inward to create the curl shape, hold the heat on it for a moment, then switch to cool air to set the shape before releasing. Repeat until the entire head is complete, then use your fingers to gently loosen and separate the curls.
Side-Swept Curls
There is something deeply romantic about side-swept curls that I have never been able to fully explain — it’s just one of those styles that makes a person look like they belong in a beautiful memory. This look was everywhere in the nineties and it remains one of my personal favorites to recreate.
The Romance And Softness Of Side-Swept Curly Hairstyles
Side-swept curls involve styling the hair so that all of the volume and curl falls dramatically to one side of the head, while the other side is swept back or pinned. The result is an asymmetrical, deeply romantic silhouette that draws the eye and creates an incredibly feminine aesthetic. In the nineties, this look was often accessorized with a decorative pin or clip holding the swept-back side in place, adding a little extra glamour to the overall effect. The curls themselves are typically soft and loose — big enough to make an impact but relaxed enough to feel effortless. This style has a way of making even the most casual outfit look like you dressed up intentionally.
Perfect Face Shapes And Settings For Side-Swept Curls
Side-swept curls are particularly flattering for oval, round, and square face shapes because the asymmetry created by the sweep naturally elongates the face and draws attention away from width. They’re also wonderful for people with longer face shapes who want to add a sense of soft drama without adding more length. This look translates beautifully across a range of occasions — from a romantic evening dinner to a daytime outdoor gathering to a styled photo shoot. It’s one of those styles that always photographs beautifully because the asymmetry creates interesting visual tension in images.
Creating Effortless Side-Swept Curls At Home With Ease
Style your curls as you normally would and allow them to dry completely. Once fully dry, use your fingers to gently guide all of your curls to one side, letting them cascade over one shoulder. Use a small amount of a light-hold cream or pomade to tame any pieces at the crown that aren’t cooperating. If you want to take the look further, pin the opposite side back with a decorative clip or a few bobby pins tucked close to the hairline. Pull one or two curls down at the front to soften the look and frame the face. A little flexible hairspray applied by hand rather than spritzed directly onto the curls will hold the style without making it stiff.
Curly Fringe And Bangs
I know that curly bangs can sound terrifying to some people and I completely understand that feeling. But when done well, curly fringe is one of the most flattering and fun hairstyles you can wear. The nineties fully embraced this look and it absolutely delivered every single time.
Getting To Know The Playful World Of Curly Fringe Styles
Curly bangs are a fringe that follows the natural curl pattern of the hair rather than being straightened or pinned flat. They can be full — covering the entire forehead — or light and wispy, sitting just at the top of the forehead with the curls framing the face softly. What makes curly bangs so distinctive is their texture — they add an incredible amount of personality to any look and immediately make a hairstyle feel more intentional and unique. In the nineties, curly fringe was often worn full and defined, sitting just at the brow line and adding a cheeky, playful energy to the overall style. They work beautifully with both natural curls and enhanced ones.
Who Benefits Most From Adding Curly Bangs To Their Style
Curly bangs work especially well for people with oval and heart-shaped faces because they help balance the proportions of the face beautifully — covering a wider forehead or adding softness around the upper face. People with naturally curly hair are the ideal candidates because their bangs will match the texture of the rest of their hair seamlessly. Wispy curly bangs work well for people with finer hair who want the look without the weight, while full, defined curly bangs work beautifully for those with thicker, denser curl patterns. This is also a great style choice for anyone who wants to refresh their look without a major change.
Tips For Styling And Actually Managing Your Curly Bangs Daily
The key to maintaining curly bangs is consistency. On wash days, apply the same curl-defining product you use on the rest of your hair to your bangs and allow them to air dry or diffuse them separately using the lowest heat setting. If you wake up with frizzy or misshapen bangs, a small amount of water in a spray bottle is your best friend — spritz them lightly, apply a tiny bit of curl cream, and scrunch them back into shape. Trim them slightly more often than the rest of your hair — every four to five weeks — because curly bangs have a tendency to suddenly feel too long or too heavy. And always cut them dry so you can see exactly where they sit.
Natural Afro-Textured Curls
This style holds a particularly meaningful place in my heart. Natural afro-textured curls in the nineties were a celebration — a bold, beautiful declaration of identity and pride. And what I find so exciting is that this style has only grown more powerful and celebrated with time.
Celebrating The History And Beauty Of Natural Afro-Textured Curls
Natural afro-textured curls encompass a range of tightly coiled and kinky curl patterns that form a round or elongated shape when allowed to grow and expand naturally. In the nineties, wearing natural hair in its unmanipulated state was a deeply meaningful style choice — a celebration of heritage and individuality that went against the grain of many mainstream beauty standards at the time. The result was — and still is — breathtakingly beautiful. The fullness, the texture, the way the hair catches light and creates dimension — there is truly nothing else like it. As a makeup artist and beauty educator, I have always believed that the most powerful thing about natural afro-textured curls is the confidence they represent.
Embracing And Enhancing Your Natural Coil Pattern
Natural afro-textured curls look their absolute best on people who embrace them fully — meaning using products and techniques that enhance the natural coil pattern rather than fight it. Deep conditioning regularly is non-negotiable for this hair type because moisture is the foundation of healthy, defined coils. The style works beautifully on all face shapes because the rounded silhouette of a full natural style adds a beautiful, balanced frame around the face regardless of its shape. This style is also one of the most flexible — it can be worn full and round, stretched into a puff, twisted into a formal look, or styled in countless other ways that all start from the same natural foundation.
Nourishing And Defining Your Natural Afro Curls For Best Results
Moisture is the word that should be at the center of every product decision you make for afro-textured natural hair. Start your routine with a moisturizing shampoo and follow it immediately with a deep conditioner left on for at least twenty minutes. Once you rinse, apply a leave-in conditioner while the hair is still soaking wet, then layer a curl cream on top, working in small sections to ensure full coverage. If your hair craves extra hold, a light gel applied on top of the cream as your last step will give you definition without stiffness. Seal all of that moisture in with a small amount of a natural oil worked over the surface of each section. Sleep on satin and refresh with water and product as needed between wash days.
The Curly Updo
I saved this one for the moments when clients come to me before a very special occasion and ask for something that feels elevated but still unmistakably them. The curly updo from the nineties is one of the most elegant hairstyles ever created and it does everything right.
What Makes A Curly Updo So Timelessly Beautiful
A curly updo involves gathering the hair upward and pinning it into a style that keeps the length off the neck and shoulders, while still allowing curls to flow, fall, and add softness to the overall shape. Unlike sleek, structured updos, a curly updo embraces the natural texture of the hair, creating a look that feels romantic, organic, and luxurious. In the nineties, popular versions included curly buns with loose tendrils framing the face, piled-high curly chignons secured with pearl-tipped pins, and twisted updos where the curls were coiled into elaborate shapes. Each version is unique but all of them share that same beautiful quality — they look effortlessly gorgeous while clearly being deliberately styled.
Occasions And Hair Types That Are Perfectly Suited To Curly Updos
The curly updo is ideal for formal events, celebrations, and any occasion where you want to look completely polished and put-together. It works beautifully on medium to long hair because there is enough length to create a full, dimensional updo with plenty of curls. Naturally curly hair is perfect for this style because the curls add organic texture and movement that makes the updo feel alive rather than stiff. The look also works wonderfully for people with heat-enhanced curls who want a style that feels special. Any face shape benefits from a curly updo as the swept-up silhouette draws the eye upward and elongates the neck beautifully.
Building A Beautiful Curly Updo Step By Step At Home
Start by styling your curls as you normally would and diffusing them completely dry. Once dry, gently gather the hair into a high or mid ponytail at the back of the head, being careful not to disturb the curl pattern too much. Secure with a fabric-covered hair tie. Then take sections of the curly ponytail and pin them loosely around the base, tucking ends under and securing with bobby pins in a color that matches your hair. Allow some curls to fall free at the back for a soft, romantic finish, and pull a few small tendrils down at the temples and nape. The goal is a look that appears beautifully imperfect — each curl contributing to the overall shape without everything being rigidly in place.
Wet-Look Curls
The wet-look curl was one of the most daring and editorial hairstyles the nineties produced. It took confidence to wear, it looked absolutely incredible, and it’s making a serious comeback right now. I’m here for every single second of it.
The Cool And Defined World Of Wet-Look Curly Hair
Wet-look curls are created using a high-hold gel or styling product that gives the hair a glossy, damp appearance even when it is completely dry. The curls appear sleek at the root and defined along their length, with a sheen that catches light beautifully. In the nineties, this style was often worn slicked back from the face with the curls cascading down the back or over the shoulders, giving the look a very sophisticated, intentional quality. What I love about wet-look curls is that they flip the script on frizz — instead of fighting the humidity or the product build-up, you lean into it and create a look that is intentionally sleek and sculpted. It’s one of the most editorial styles in the curly hair repertoire.
Who Can Confidently Pull Off The Wet Curl Aesthetic
Wet-look curls work best on naturally curly and coily hair types because the hair’s natural curl pattern shows through the product beautifully, creating that defined, sculpted effect without the hair looking plastered down. People with fine curly hair might find this look heavier than comfortable, but for those with medium to thick curl patterns it is absolutely transformative. This style is perfect for anyone who embraces a bold, confident aesthetic and isn’t afraid of a high-impact look. It also works wonderfully in warm or humid climates where other styles might frizz — the gel essentially creates a humidity-resistant barrier that keeps the curls defined all day.
How To Achieve And Lock In The Wet Curl Look Perfectly
The key to nailing this style is applying a high-hold gel generously to soaking wet hair — do not let the hair begin to dry before you apply the product or you will lose the sleek, defined quality that makes this look work. Apply the gel in sections, smoothing it over each section with your palms to ensure complete coverage. For a sleeker finish, use a fine-tooth comb to smooth the gel through the hair before the curls start to form. Allow the hair to air dry completely or diffuse on the lowest heat setting, and do not touch the hair until it is entirely dry. Once dry, the gel will create a crunchy cast over the curls — scrunch this cast gently with a small amount of oil on your palms to reveal the soft, defined, glossy curls underneath.
Butterfly Clip Curls
If I had to choose one style that perfectly represents the fun, carefree spirit of the nineties, butterfly clip curls would be it without any hesitation. They were playful, they were practical, and they made getting ready feel like something to look forward to.
Revisiting The Iconic And Beloved Butterfly Clip Curl Style
Butterfly clip curls involve using those small, spring-loaded claw clips that were absolutely everywhere in the nineties — you know exactly the ones I’m talking about — to pin sections of curly hair up against the head in a loose, artful arrangement. The curls are left partially down while various sections are pinned back and up with clusters of butterfly clips, creating a half-up effect that is both functional and incredibly charming. The clips themselves became a decorative element of the style, often chosen in complementary or contrasting colors to add personality. What made this look so special was how personal it was — no two people wore their butterfly clips exactly the same way, and that individuality was part of its entire appeal.
Why This Style Works So Beautifully For So Many People
Butterfly clip curls are genuinely one of the most accessible hairstyles ever created because they require absolutely no heat, very little skill, and barely any time. For people with curly hair who have already styled their curls, adding butterfly clips is a thirty-second decision that completely transforms the look. The style works on almost any curl pattern and any hair length above the shoulders. It’s a wonderful solution for second-day hair that needs a refresh, for hot days when you want your hair off your face, or simply for days when you want to add a little nostalgic fun to your look. It’s also a great style for younger clients who are just beginning to experiment with and appreciate their natural curl texture.
Fun And Creative Ways To Use Butterfly Clips On Your Curls Today
There are so many creative ways to work butterfly clips into a curly hairstyle. The classic method involves pinning sections of hair at the crown and sides while leaving the rest down, but you can also use a single large clip to gather all of the hair at the back for a twisted-up effect. Try mixing sizes — use a large clip at the back and smaller ones at the temples for a layered, intentional look. For a more editorial approach, let the clips run in a diagonal line across the crown from one ear to the other. Choose clips in tortoiseshell, metallics, or bright colors depending on your mood and the occasion. And for a truly nineties-authentic feel, stack two or three small clips close together at the back for that quintessential nineties finishing touch.
Layered Curly Hair
This is the hairstyle I come back to most often for clients who want curls that look effortless and move beautifully without any effort at all. Layers and curls were made for each other, and in the nineties, the layered curly cut was one of the most beloved styles across every hair texture.
Understanding Why Layers And Curls Are A Natural Dream Team
Layered curly hair involves cutting the hair at multiple different lengths throughout the head so that each layer reveals itself as the curls spring up and separate. The shortest layers sit at the top and create volume and lift at the crown, while the longer layers at the bottom add length and movement. What layers do for curly hair is remove bulk and weight, which allows the curls to form more freely and with more definition. Without layers, thick or long curly hair can become very heavy, causing the curls to stretch out and lose their shape. Layers give each curl its own space to coil fully and freely, resulting in a style that looks like your curls have been professionally enhanced even if all you’ve done is let them air dry.
Best Curl Types And Hair Textures For A Layered Curly Cut
Layered cuts work brilliantly on almost all curl types but they are truly transformative for thick, dense curly hair that tends to become heavy and shapeless without some strategic cutting. Type two wavy hair benefits enormously from layers because they allow the waves to move and separate rather than clumping together in a flat, undefined mass. Type three and type four curly and coily hair also respond beautifully to layering — the curls become more defined, more buoyant, and more dimensional when the weight is removed through strategic layering. One important note — always have your layers cut while your hair is dry if your stylist is knowledgeable about curly hair, as the curl pattern determines where the layers actually fall once the hair is styled.
Expert Tips For Cutting And Styling Your Layered Curls At Home
If you’re adding layers at home, use sharp scissors and work in small sections, cutting at a slight angle to create soft, blended layers rather than blunt, disconnected ones. When styling, apply your curl products in sections and use a diffuser to dry the hair with your head tipped forward — this encourages the layers to separate and the curls at the crown to get maximum lift. Avoid brushing or combing layered curly hair when it’s dry, as this disrupts the layer structure and creates frizz. Instead, use your fingers to gently separate and fluff the layers once the hair is fully dry. A light oil applied over the top layer of curls adds shine and helps blend the layers into a cohesive, beautiful silhouette.
Conclusion
If there’s one thing I’ve learned in all my years as a makeup artist and beauty educator, it’s that the most powerful hairstyles are the ones that make you feel like the best version of yourself. And the nineties — chaotic and bold and completely fearless as they were — gave us an extraordinary collection of curly hairstyles that do exactly that.
Every style in this list tells a story. Big bouncy curls speak of joy and confidence. Spiral perms declare boldness without apology. The curly bob says I know exactly who I am. Natural afro-textured curls celebrate identity and heritage with breathtaking power. And even something as simple as butterfly clips on your curls is really just another way of saying I’m having fun with this and I refuse to take it too seriously.
As Belle Hathaway, I’ve spent my career encouraging every single person who sits in my chair to see their hair — whatever its texture, whatever its pattern — as a canvas for self-expression. And curly hair? Curly hair is the most expressive canvas of all. It moves. It lives. It responds to weather, to humidity, to how you slept last night, to the products you used this morning. It is dynamic and alive in a way that no other hair type quite matches.
The nineties understood something important about curls — they’re not something to be managed or tamed. They’re something to be celebrated, enhanced, and shown off with complete and utter confidence. So whatever style from this list speaks to you, I want you to try it knowing that you already have everything you need. Your curls are not a problem to be solved. They are your greatest beauty asset.