Hey, gorgeous! I’m Belle Hathaway, and if there’s one thing I’ve spent my entire career celebrating, it’s the raw, undeniable power of curly hair. From my early days training in New York City to working backstage at some of the most electric fashion shows, I’ve had my hands in more curly hairstyles than I can count — and honey, I am never tired of it. Curly hair has this incredible energy. It’s bold, it’s expressive, it’s free, and when you style it right? It is the definition of baddie.
I grew up watching my mother get ready for special occasions, watching her transform with confidence in front of the mirror, and so much of that transformation came from how she wore her hair. That image never left me. It shaped everything I do as a makeup artist and beauty educator today — the belief that the way you present yourself, from your skin to your hair, is a form of storytelling. And curly hair? It tells the most beautiful stories.
So today, I’m putting together this guide for all my curly girls who want to show up and show out. Whether your curls are tight coils, loose waves, or somewhere in the middle, I’ve got fourteen stunning baddie curly hairstyles that will have you stepping out with your head held high. Let’s get into it.
Wash-And-Go Curls
What The Wash-And-Go Is Really About
If you’ve been in the natural hair community for any amount of time, you already know that the wash-and-go is practically sacred. But let me break it down for you the way I explain it to my clients. A wash-and-go is exactly what it sounds like — you wash your hair, apply your products while it’s soaking wet, and let your natural curl pattern take over. There’s no stretching, no twisting, no heat. Just you, your curls, and the confidence to let them do what they do naturally. I love this style because it strips everything back to the essentials. It’s honest. It’s real. And done right, it is absolutely stunning.
Who This Style Was Made For
The wash-and-go truly shines on looser curl patterns — think type 2c through 4a — where the curls spring up easily with minimal product manipulation. However, and I mean this with all the love in my heart, girls with tighter coils can absolutely rock a wash-and-go too. It just requires a bit more intentionality with product selection and application technique. If you have fine hair, this style keeps things light and bouncy. If you have thick, dense hair, the wash-and-go gives you volume without the weight. It’s also perfect for women who want a low-manipulation routine that still looks incredibly polished.
How To Get Flawless Results Every Time
The secret to a beautiful wash-and-go starts in the shower. Always detangle while your conditioner is in and your hair is saturated. Rinse with cool water to help your cuticles close and your curls clump together. Then, while your hair is dripping wet, apply a curl-defining cream from roots to ends, scrunching upward in sections. Follow with a light-hold gel to lock everything in place. Diffuse or air dry — both work beautifully. And please, do not touch your hair while it’s drying. Let it set completely, then scrunch out any crunchiness. The result? Soft, defined, absolutely baddie curls.
High Curly Puff
Breaking Down The Curly Puff
Oh, the curly puff. This is one of those hairstyles that looks effortless but actually requires a little bit of technique to truly nail. A high curly puff is essentially a high ponytail where your curls are left out in their full, glorious, voluminous state rather than being smoothed down. It creates this incredible crown effect that is powerful, feminine, and completely eye-catching. I have styled so many clients in a curly puff before a shoot or an event, and every single time, the moment they look in the mirror, their entire energy shifts. There is something about height and volume on natural curls that just radiates confidence.
Best Suited For Your Curl Type
The curly puff is one of those universally flattering styles, but it truly sings on hair with lots of volume and texture — type 3b through 4c curls especially. The more shrinkage and density you have, the bigger and more dramatic your puff will be, and trust me, that is a feature, not a flaw. If you have longer curls, your puff might be more elongated and flowing. If your hair is shorter or tighter, you’ll get a full, rounded puff that commands a room. Either way, the effect is stunning. This is also a great protective style because it keeps your ends tucked away while still looking absolutely gorgeous.
Pulling Together The Perfect Puff
Start with freshly moisturized, detangled hair. Apply a light edge control or gel along your hairline first, then gather all of your hair to the very top of your head. Use a soft, fabric-covered hair tie to secure it without causing breakage. Once your puff is up, use your fingers to gently fluff and shape the curls outward in all directions. If your edges need a little extra love, lay them down with a soft brush and some edge control, then use a silk scarf to press them down for a few minutes. Remove the scarf, and you have a sleek, sophisticated, high curly puff that is nothing short of baddie royalty.
Half-Up Half-Down Curly Look
The Magic Behind This Style
I honestly think the half-up, half-down curly look is one of the most versatile hairstyles in existence. It gives you the best of both worlds — the elegance of a pulled-back style with the freedom and volume of wearing your curls completely down. I’ve used this style on so many different clients for so many different occasions, from casual daytime outings to formal evening events, and it always delivers. What makes it baddie is that it’s not trying too hard. It looks effortlessly put-together, like you just threw it together and happened to look incredible — which is the highest compliment in fashion and beauty.
Who It Works Beautifully For
This style is genuinely flattering on almost every face shape and curl type. If you have a rounder face, pulling the top section up adds length and definition to your features. If you have a longer face, the volume on the sides and bottom adds width and softness. Curl-wise, this works especially well on type 3a through 4b hair where the curls have enough definition to look intentional both in the pulled-up section and the loose section. It’s also a great style for those in-between wash days when your roots need a little help — gather the top section and let the freshest, most defined curls frame your face from below.
Your Step-By-Step Guide To The Look
Separate the top half of your hair from the bottom half using a tail comb or your fingers. The top section should include everything from your temples to just past the crown of your head. Secure this section with a hair tie, scrunchie, or even a decorative clip for extra flair. Leave the bottom section completely free, and use a little curl refresher spray to revive any curls that need waking up. You can also add accessories like pearl pins, gold cuffs, or ribbon for a more elevated look. For a softer finish, pull a few face-framing curls out from the front of your secured section and let them fall naturally.
Defined Twist-Out
Understanding The Twist-Out Technique
The twist-out is one of the most beloved styles in the natural hair world, and for very good reason. The technique involves twisting sections of your hair while it’s damp and product-covered, allowing it to dry completely, and then unraveling each twist to reveal beautifully defined, elongated curl patterns. What you get is a style that looks more polished and defined than your natural wash-and-go, with a gorgeous stretch that shows off the true length of your hair. I did my first proper twist-out years ago in my tiny New York apartment, and I remember being absolutely blown away by the definition. I’ve been obsessed with the technique ever since.
Curl Types That Thrive With Twist-Outs
Twist-outs work across almost all curl types, but they are particularly transformative for type 4a, 4b, and 4c hair where natural shrinkage can hide a significant amount of length. If your curls tend to clump together on their own, a twist-out will give you even more defined and uniform curl clusters. If your hair tends toward frizz, the twist-out method with the right products creates a beautiful, frizz-free finish that lasts for days. Fine-haired curlies also love this technique because it adds body and fullness without weighing the hair down. It’s truly one of those rare techniques that speaks to almost every curly hair type.
Nailing Your Twist-Out Every Single Time
Start on freshly washed, deep-conditioned hair for the best results. While your hair is still damp, apply a leave-in conditioner followed by a curl cream and a small amount of gel to each section before twisting. Twist each section firmly from root to tip, making sure to keep tension consistent throughout. Allow your twists to dry completely — overnight is ideal — before unraveling them. When you’re ready to take them down, separate each twist gently at the root using your fingers, adding a tiny drop of oil to your fingertips to prevent frizz. Fluff from the roots only, and style as desired. The more patient you are with the drying process, the more defined your results will be.
Curly Bob
What Makes The Curly Bob So Baddie
Let me tell you something — there is nothing quite like a well-executed curly bob. It is sharp. It is confident. It is edgy without trying. The curly bob is a shorter hairstyle where the length sits anywhere from the chin to just below the jaw, and because it’s cut to work with your natural curl pattern rather than against it, it bounces and moves in the most gorgeous way. I’ve worked with clients who’ve been hesitant to cut their hair short, and every single one of them who has gone for the curly bob has never looked back. It’s one of those styles that just immediately reframes your face and gives you this incredible energy.
Who Should Rock This Cut
The curly bob is particularly flattering on oval and heart-shaped faces, where the shorter length draws attention to the cheekbones and jaw. However, with the right styling — adding volume at the crown and keeping the sides close — it can work beautifully on round and square face shapes too. In terms of curl type, this style works best on type 2b through 3c curls, where the shrinkage factor keeps the length at a flattering point. If you have very tight coils, you might find the bob sits shorter than expected due to shrinkage, so talk to your stylist about your desired dry length before committing to the cut.
Tips For Styling Your Curly Bob
The key to a stunning curly bob is keeping the curl definition crisp and the frizz at bay. After washing, apply a curl-defining cream generously to each section, using the praying hands method to smooth the product through without disturbing the curl pattern. Diffuse using a low heat setting, lifting sections from underneath to encourage volume at the roots. Once dry, use a wide-tooth pick to gently lift the roots at the crown for added height. Finish with a light-hold hairspray to seal everything in and keep your curls bouncy and defined throughout the day. Refresh on day two with a little water and curl cream spritzed lightly over your curls.
Space Buns With Curls
Why Space Buns Hit Different With Curls
Space buns have had a serious moment over the past few years, and when you add natural curls into the mix? The whole look becomes something entirely its own. Space buns with curls are playful, bold, and undeniably baddie. They carry this perfect balance of cute and fierce that very few hairstyles can achieve. I’ve styled this look for editorial shoots that called for something fun yet high-fashion, and it always translates beautifully on camera and in real life. What I love most about this style is that it’s genuinely expressive — it says that you’re someone who takes fashion seriously but doesn’t take herself too seriously. That’s a very specific kind of confidence, and it’s magnetic.
Perfect For These Occasions And Hair Types
Space buns with curls are honestly perfect for festivals, creative events, casual outings, and even certain editorial or avant-garde fashion moments. They’re also an amazing option when you want a protective style that doesn’t look like a protective style. In terms of hair type, this style works best on medium to long hair with type 3a through 4b curl patterns, where the bunned sections hold their shape well and the curls that escape or frame the face are lush and defined. If your hair is on the shorter side, you can still achieve a version of space buns with smaller, tighter buns and extra product to keep everything in place.
How To Create Your Curly Space Buns
Part your hair evenly down the center from front to back. Gather one side into a high ponytail at the crown area, securing it loosely with a hair tie. Twist the ponytail around its base to form a bun and secure with bobby pins, leaving some curls to stick out around the bun for a more relaxed, voluminous effect. Repeat on the other side. For the finishing touch, pull out a few face-framing curls at the front and use a light gel or curl cream to define them. You can also add accessories like rhinestone pins, mini clips, or ribbon throughout the buns for extra personality and style.
Bantu Knot-Out
The Story Behind Bantu Knots
Bantu knots are not just a hairstyle — they are a cultural legacy. Originating from the Zulu people of southern Africa, bantu knots have been worn for centuries as a symbol of identity, culture, and beauty. As a beauty educator, it’s really important to me that I always acknowledge where our most beloved styles come from. In the modern beauty space, bantu knots have been embraced and celebrated by naturals everywhere, and when you wear them — or the knot-out that results from them — you’re tapping into something with real depth and history. The bantu knot-out specifically is the result of wearing the knots overnight and then unraveling them to reveal incredibly defined, springy curls.
Who This Technique Works Best For
The bantu knot-out is a technique that truly shines on type 4a through 4c hair, where the tightly coiled curl pattern responds beautifully to the stretching and setting that the knots create. However, it can also work on looser curl types for a more dramatic, voluminous curl effect. What makes this technique so versatile is the size of the knots — smaller knots create tighter, more defined curls, while larger knots give you looser, flowing waves. This style is also a wonderful choice for those who want length and definition without heat, making it a staple in protective and heat-free styling routines. If you haven’t tried a bantu knot-out yet, this is your sign.
Getting Your Bantu Knot-Out Just Right
Start with freshly washed hair that is lightly damp. Work in small sections and apply a butter or curl cream to each piece before twisting. To form the knot, twist the section of hair tightly from root to tip, then coil the twisted strand around its own base until it forms a small, flat knot against your scalp. Tuck the end under to secure it. Some girls use bobby pins for extra security — totally fine. Let the knots sit overnight or for at least eight hours. When you’re ready to unravel, add a drop of oil to your fingers and gently separate each knot in the opposite direction of the twist. Separate and fluff gently from the roots for maximum volume.
Sleek Curly Ponytail
Defining The Sleek Curly Ponytail
There is something incredibly powerful about a sleek, high ponytail with a burst of curls at the top. It’s one of those styles that bridges the gap between polished and wild in the most satisfying way. The sleek curly ponytail involves smoothing down the body of the hair — the sides and back — while leaving all of that curly volume at the top of the ponytail to flow freely. It’s a look I’ve reached for time and time again when a client needs to look simultaneously put-together and effortlessly cool. Whether you’re heading to a rooftop event, a dinner date, or a creative shoot, this hairstyle carries an authority that is hard to ignore.
Why This Style Suits Every Baddie
The sleek curly ponytail is one of those rare styles that flatters nearly every face shape and every occasion. The sleekness along the temples and sides creates a clean, elongating line that works for oval, round, and heart-shaped faces alike. The curls at the top add softness and dimension, preventing the style from looking too severe or stark. For curl types, this works beautifully on type 3b through 4c hair — the natural volume and texture of the curls make the top of the ponytail look full and lush without any extensions needed. If you want to add even more drama, a curly drawstring ponytail is your best friend.
The Secret To A Flawless Curly Ponytail
Apply edge control or a firm-hold gel generously along your hairline and temples before gathering your hair. Use a soft-bristle brush to smooth everything back and up toward the crown of your head. Secure with a strong hair tie, then wrap a small section of hair around the base of the ponytail to conceal the hair tie for a more polished look. Secure with a bobby pin underneath. Now, let your curls at the top of the ponytail breathe — use your fingers to gently separate and fluff them upward and outward. If your curls need a refresh, spritz lightly with water and scrunch in a little curl cream. Lay your edges down last for a flawless finish.
Wild Afro Curls
Embracing The Wild Afro Curl Energy
I want to take a moment to just celebrate the afro in all its glory, because this is a hairstyle that has carried so much cultural and political weight over the decades, and wearing it today is still an act of pride and power. Wild afro curls are not a styled look in the traditional sense — they are your curls allowed to exist in their fullest, most unapologetic form. No definition required. No curl clumping necessary. Just volume, texture, and pure natural beauty radiating from your head like a crown. I always tell my clients — if your hair grows up and out, let it. The world needs to see it in its full glory.
Who Was Born For This Look
Honestly? Every single woman with natural hair was born for this look, but it particularly thrives on type 4b and 4c hair where the curl pattern creates the densest, most voluminous afro shapes. If your hair has significant shrinkage, you’ll find that a fully picked-out afro shows you just how much length and volume you actually have — and it’s usually way more than you expected. This style is perfect for everyday wear, creative events, editorial looks, and any moment when you want to walk into a room and be absolutely, unmistakably seen. There is no quiet entrance with a full afro, and that is entirely the point.
How To Define And Rock Your Afro Curls
For a hydrated, healthy-looking afro, start with a fresh wash and a deep conditioning treatment. Apply a thick leave-in conditioner to your hair in sections while it’s still soaking wet, then let it air dry without disturbing your curl pattern. Once completely dry, use an afro pick to gently lift from the roots outward, working in sections and always picking from underneath to preserve volume. To keep your afro moisturized and defined throughout the day, use a light oil or butter to add sheen without weighing the hair down. At night, pineapple your afro with a loose scrunchie at the very top of your head and cover with a satin bonnet to preserve the shape.
Curly Frohawk
What Is The Curly Frohawk
The frohawk is one of my all-time favorite baddie hairstyles because it takes the drama of a traditional mohawk and translates it into the natural hair world in the most stunning way. A curly frohawk is achieved by styling the sides of your hair flat or smoothed against the head while allowing the center section to rise up in full, glorious curl volume. The result is a bold, architectural hairstyle that turns heads and commands attention wherever you go. I’ve styled frohawks for editorial shoots and creative events, and they always photograph beautifully — there’s a structural quality to the style that the camera absolutely loves.
Best Hair Types For The Frohawk
The curly frohawk works best on medium to long type 3c through 4c hair where there’s enough volume and length in the center section to create a dramatic rise. The tighter your curl pattern, the more volume your frohawk center section will have, which honestly just makes the whole look even more impactful. If your hair is on the shorter side, you can still achieve a mini frohawk effect by flattening the sides tightly against your head and using pins to secure them before picking out the center curls. This style is perfect for those who love bold, avant-garde looks but want to keep everything natural and chemical-free.
Creating Your Bold Frohawk Moment
Begin by sectioning your hair into three parts — the two sides and the center strip running from your forehead to the nape of your neck. Apply a smoothing gel or edge control to the side sections and use bobby pins to lay them flat against your scalp, pinning them downward and slightly toward the back of your head. For the center section, apply a curl cream or defining gel and use an afro pick to lift the curls upward for maximum height. You can also twist the center section loosely and allow it to set before picking it out for even more defined volume. Finish with a light-hold hairspray to keep everything in place throughout the day.
Finger Coils
Understanding Finger Coils
Finger coils are one of those styles that take a little patience to create but deliver absolutely breathtaking results. The technique involves wrapping small sections of hair around your finger in a coiling motion to create tight, springy, perfectly uniform curls that pop with definition. It’s a style I often recommend to my clients with looser curl patterns who want to achieve that tight, coily look without using any heat or chemical processing. It’s also incredible for tighter curl types who want enhanced definition and length retention. The finished look is polished, intentional, and incredibly striking — exactly what a baddie hairstyle should be.
Who Benefits Most From Finger Coils
Finger coils are genuinely transformative for type 4a and 4b hair where the natural curl pattern lends itself beautifully to the technique. However, they work across a wide range of curl types, with different results depending on your natural texture. Looser curl types like 2c and 3a will get softer, more beachy coils, while tighter curl types will get small, defined spirals that are absolutely gorgeous. This style is also wonderful for those who are experiencing frizz or struggling with curl definition, as the finger coiling technique essentially resets and redefines each curl individually. It’s a style that rewards patience — the more carefully you coil, the more stunning the result.
Your Technique Guide For Perfect Coils
Start on freshly washed, conditioned hair that is damp but not dripping. Apply a curl cream or defining gel generously to a small section of hair — no bigger than your fingertip width. Hold the end of the section between your index finger and thumb, then wrap the hair around your index finger in a downward spiraling motion, keeping the tension consistent from root to tip. Slide your finger out slowly while keeping the coil intact, and allow it to spring up. Work through your entire head in this manner, section by section. Once complete, let your hair air dry completely without touching the coils. Diffusing works too, but be gentle to avoid disturbing the curl structure you’ve worked so carefully to create.
Curly Side Swept Style
The Allure Of The Side Swept Curl
There is something deeply romantic and undeniably glamorous about a side-swept curly hairstyle. This look involves gathering and directing most of your curls to one side of your head, allowing them to cascade softly over one shoulder or frame one side of your face. It’s a style that I’ve used backstage and on set for moments that called for a more editorial, fashion-forward curl look — something that felt intentional and artistic without losing that natural, effortless quality that curly hair inherently carries. The asymmetry of the side sweep creates a visual interest that makes the style instantly striking and memorable.
Occasions And Hair Types It Loves
The curly side-swept look is one of the most occasion-appropriate styles on this entire list. It transitions beautifully from daytime to evening, from casual to formal, making it an incredibly versatile choice. It’s especially gorgeous for events like weddings, date nights, galas, or any occasion where you want to look polished and put-together while still showcasing your natural curl texture. In terms of curl types, this style sings on type 3a through 4a hair where the curls have enough length to drape elegantly over one shoulder. If your curls are shorter, a side sweep can still be achieved by pinning one side behind your ear and allowing the curls to fall forward on the opposite side.
Making The Side Swept Look Effortless
Begin with freshly defined curls using your preferred wash-and-go or twist-out technique. Once your curls are fully dry and defined, use your fingers to gently gather most of your hair to one side. Use a large, decorative clip, a jeweled pin, or even a soft silk scrunchie to loosely secure the gathered side just behind and above one ear. Allow the curls to cascade freely down past your shoulder. On the opposite side of your face, leave a few soft, spiraling curls free to frame your cheekbone. If you want to add extra drama, you can use a hooded dryer or diffuser to add a little extra lift at the roots before sweeping everything to one side.
Messy Curly Bun
Why The Messy Bun Is Always Baddie
Let me be very clear about something — a messy curly bun is never actually a mess. It is a carefully orchestrated piece of art designed to look effortless while actually being completely intentional. The messy curly bun takes your natural curl texture and plays with it in the most flattering way, allowing curls to escape in all the right places while still maintaining the overall structure of an updo. It’s the hairstyle you reach for when you want to look like you put in minimal effort but actually look completely stunning. I’ve worn this style myself on some of my busiest days, and it never fails to pull a whole look together.
Who This Look Was Created For
The messy curly bun is truly for every curly girl. No matter your curl type or hair length, there is a version of this style that works for you. If you have very long, loose curls, your messy bun will be large, dramatic, and flowing. If you have shorter or tighter curls, your bun will be compact and perfectly round, with coils spiraling outward in the most beautiful way. This style is particularly wonderful for busy women who need a hairstyle that looks intentional without taking more than five or ten minutes to create. It’s also a great protective option, keeping most of your length and ends secured while still looking incredibly stylish.
Getting That Perfectly Imperfect Bun
Here’s the thing about the messy bun — the secret is to not try too hard. Gather your hair loosely at the crown or nape of your neck, whichever you prefer, using a large fabric-covered hair tie. Instead of smoothing everything neatly, allow some curls to escape around the hairline, at your temples, and around the bun itself. Once your hair is loosely secured, pull the bun apart slightly from the sides to create volume and dimension — the messier, the better. Pin any particularly large escaped pieces back toward the bun if needed, but leave the small, wispy curls around your face completely free. Finish with a very light spritz of flexible-hold spray to keep everything in place without making it look stiff.
Pineapple Updo
What Is The Pineapple Updo
If you’re a natural hair girl, you’ve probably heard of pineappling as a nighttime technique for protecting your curls while you sleep. But the pineapple updo has graduated from bedroom routine to full-on baddie hairstyle in its own right, and I am completely here for it. The pineapple updo involves gathering all of your curls at the very top of your head and securing them with a loose hair tie, allowing the curls to fountain outward and downward from the top like — you guessed it — a pineapple. When done intentionally with styled, defined curls, the result is playful, voluminous, and absolutely gorgeous.
Why Every Curly Girl Needs This Style
The pineapple updo is one of those hairstyles that looks amazing at literally any stage of your wash cycle. Freshly washed and defined curls give you a lush, bouncy pineapple. Day two or three curls give you a more relaxed, effortlessly cool pineapple. Either way, the style works, and that versatility is exactly why every curly girl needs it in her rotation. It’s also one of the easiest styles on this list to achieve, making it perfect for those mornings when you need to look amazing but don’t have a lot of time. It’s great for type 3b through 4c hair and truly delivers its most dramatic, voluminous effect on longer lengths with significant shrinkage.
Styling Your Pineapple Like A Pro
To take your pineapple from bedtime routine to daytime baddie look, start by refreshing your curls with a spritz of water and a little curl cream or refresher spray. Scrunch your curls back to life, then gather everything at the very top of your head — as high as you can get it. Secure loosely with a satin scrunchie to avoid creasing your curls. Once it’s up, use your fingers to arrange the curls falling from the top so they fan out in all directions. You can also carefully separate some of the curls at the top for more volume and dimension. Lay your edges down with a soft brush and edge control, and finish with a light-hold gel or spray over the entire style for a polished, put-together pineapple that goes from morning to evening with ease.
Conclusion
Well, there you have it, my loves — fourteen absolutely stunning baddie curly hairstyles that prove beyond any doubt that curly hair is one of the most versatile, expressive, and powerful hair textures in existence. From the effortless beauty of the wash-and-go to the bold drama of the curly frohawk, from the romanticism of the side sweep to the playful energy of space buns, curly hair can do it all and then some.
As someone who has dedicated her entire career to celebrating beauty in all its forms, I can tell you with complete certainty that the most important element of any hairstyle is not the technique or the products or even the curl pattern — it’s the confidence with which you wear it. I learned that lesson watching my mother get ready as a little girl in Savannah, and I’ve seen it proven true over and over again throughout my career working with women from all walks of life.
Your curls are not a problem to be solved. They are not difficult or unruly or unprofessional. They are extraordinary. They are yours. And every single one of these fourteen styles is simply a way of celebrating what was already there, already beautiful, already worthy of being shown to the world.
I always say, makeup isn’t about hiding — it’s about amplifying your best self. And the same is absolutely true for your hair. These styles aren’t about changing who you are. They’re about saying yes to who you already are, out loud, boldly, and without apology.
So the next time you’re standing in front of your mirror, wondering what to do with your curls, I want you to remember this — you have fourteen incredible options right here, and every single one of them was made for you. Pick the one that matches your mood, your moment, your energy. Then step out and let your curls tell your story. Because trust me, gorgeous, it’s a story worth hearing.