Curly hair offers a unique natural volume that makes updos look effortlessly full and romantic. Adding loose tendrils softens the look and highlights your natural texture beautifully.
These 17 Hairstyles for Curly Hair Updo Looks with Loose Tendrils provide endless inspiration for any occasion. Whether for a formal event or a casual day, these styles shine.
Embrace your curls with these creative and elegant designs. From high buns to intricate braids, there is a perfect look waiting for your specific curl pattern and length.
1. The Classic Pineapple with Face-Framing Curls
The pineapple is the ultimate go-to for curly hair because it preserves the integrity of your ringlets while keeping hair off the neck. By gathering the hair at the very top of the head, you create a fountain of curls that showcases your natural volume.
To elevate this from a sleep style to an updo, pull out several spiraled tendrils around the ears and forehead. These loose pieces soften the silhouette and create a deliberate, stylish frame for your face.
Use a silk scrunchie to secure the base to prevent breakage and frizz. This look works exceptionally well for those with tighter coils or high-density curls that naturally stand upright.
2. Low Messy Bun with Soft Side Strands
A low messy bun is the epitome of effortless elegance for textured hair. Instead of a tight pull-back, allow the curls to sit loosely at the nape of the neck for a relaxed vibe.
The key to this look is the intentional placement of tendrils near the temples. By pulling out two or three distinct curls on each side, you break up the roundness of the bun and add a romantic touch.
Secure the bun with U-shaped pins rather than a tight elastic to maintain the “messy” aesthetic. This approach allows the curls to breathe and prevents the hair from looking too flat against the scalp.
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A braided crown offers a regal appearance that perfectly complements the texture of curly hair. The friction of the curls helps the braid stay in place without needing excessive hairspray or styling products.
While the braid encircles the head, leave several loose ringlets hanging freely at the back of the neck and around the ears. This contrast between the structured braid and the wild tendrils creates a beautiful balance.
This style is perfect for outdoor events where wind might normally ruin a sleek look. Because it is meant to be slightly “undone,” a few extra flyaways only add to the bohemian charm of the style.
4. Double Space Buns with Wispy Strands
Space buns are a playful way to manage curly hair while keeping the look balanced and symmetrical. By splitting the hair down the middle, you distribute the volume evenly across both sides of the head.
To make this look more sophisticated, allow wispy strands to fall from the underside of the buns and the hairline. This prevents the buns from looking too “costume-like” and gives them a soft, modern finish.
Use a light curl cream on the loose tendrils to ensure they stay defined throughout the day. This style is particularly effective for those with medium-length curls who want a fun, high-energy look.
5. French Twist for Curls with Side Tendrils
The French twist is usually associated with straight hair, but curls give it a much-needed boost of volume and grip. The natural texture makes it much easier to secure the twist with just a few large pins.
Instead of tucking every hair away, let the ends of the curls spill out at the top. Pair this with long, loose tendrils at the sides of the face to add movement and a touch of modern flair.
This hairstyle transitions perfectly from a professional setting to an evening out. The loose tendrils prevent the style from looking too stiff or overly traditional, keeping it fresh and youthful.
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A half-up top knot allows you to show off your length while keeping hair out of your eyes. The top section is gathered into a small, curly bun, while the rest of the hair flows freely.
To enhance this look, pull out specific tendrils from the bun itself and the hairline. Having curls that cascade down from the knot adds a sense of height and vertical interest to the overall silhouette.
This is a great option for those in the “in-between” stages of hair growth. It manages the bulk of the hair while highlighting the beauty of individual ringlets falling around the shoulders.
7. Romantic Side-Swept Chignon
A side-swept chignon creates an asymmetrical look that is incredibly flattering for curly textures. By pinning the hair to one side, you create a focal point that draws attention to the neckline.
Allow a few long, loose curls to hang on the opposite side of the bun to create visual balance. These tendrils should look as though they naturally escaped the updo, adding to the romantic, ethereal vibe.
This style works best when the hair is not brushed out, as the natural clumps of curls add the necessary texture for the chignon. It is a favorite for weddings and formal celebrations.
8. Triple Twisted Updo with Bohemian Tendrils
If you have very thick curly hair, a triple twisted updo is an excellent way to manage the weight. Divide the hair into three horizontal sections and twist each into its own small bun at the back.
Intertwine the buns slightly to create a seamless look, and then pull out delicate tendrils from each section. The result is a complex-looking style that actually takes very little time to execute.
The loose tendrils at the nape of the neck and the ears help to soften the horizontal lines of the twists. This creates a more organic, bohemian feel that highlights the natural bounce of your hair.
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A faux hawk allows curly-haired individuals to embrace their volume in a bold, edgy way. By pinning the sides of the hair upward toward the center, you create a striking ridge of curls.
To keep the look feminine, ensure that the edges are soft by pulling out thin, spiraled tendrils along the temples. These small details contrast with the height of the center for a balanced aesthetic.
Use a firm-hold gel on the sides to keep the hair sleek and close to the scalp, while leaving the center curls product-free for maximum fluff. This creates a stunning texture contrast throughout the style.
10. Sleek Front Bun with Textured Neck Tendrils
This look combines a sleek, polished front with a textured, loose back. The front of the hair is smoothed back into a bun, while the hair at the nape is allowed to fall in loose ringlets.
The contrast between the tight “up” section and the loose “down” tendrils makes this a modern standout. It offers the control of an updo with the visual appeal of loose, flowing curls.
This is particularly effective for those who want to show off their curl pattern without having hair in their face. It highlights the jawline while maintaining the softness of curly texture at the back.
11. Scarf-Wrapped Bun with Peeking Ringlets
Accessories like silk scarves can add a pop of color and help secure a curly updo. Wrap a scarf around the base of a high or low bun, leaving the ends to hang down with your hair.
Pull out several small ringlets to peek out from under the scarf and around the face. The fabric provides a smooth background that makes the texture of the loose tendrils really stand out.
This is a fantastic “day two” or “day three” hairstyle when your curls might need a little extra help. The scarf hides any frizz at the roots while the loose tendrils showcase your best curls.
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Dutch braids are “inside-out” braids that sit on top of the hair, making them perfect for showing off curly highlights. Braid two sections back into a low bun or a series of pins.
Instead of aiming for perfection, allow “flyaways” and loose curls to escape the braid naturally. This creates a soft, hazy effect around the head that looks beautiful in natural lighting.
The loose tendrils should be concentrated around the hairline to frame the face. This style is sturdy enough for a full day of activity while remaining soft and approachable.
13. Twisted Low Ponytail with Soft Wisps
A twisted low ponytail is a step up from the basic pony, offering more visual interest. Take two side sections, twist them inward, and secure them with the rest of the hair at the nape.
Leave a few delicate wisps of hair free at the front to break up the sleekness of the twists. These loose pieces should be lightly coached with a bit of oil to give them a healthy, shiny finish.
This look is perfect for those who prefer a more understated updo. It keeps the hair contained and manageable while still celebrating the natural movement of the curls in the tail and tendrils.
14. Waterfall Braid into a Bun with Front Curls
The waterfall braid is a stunning technique where pieces of hair are “dropped” through the braid. For an updo, take those dropped pieces and pin them into a soft bun at the back.
Keep several of the dropped pieces loose near the front of the face to act as long, elegant tendrils. This creates a cascading effect that looks intricate and professional.
Because this style involves many small sections, it is great for highlighting different tones in your hair color. The loose tendrils add a layer of depth and dimension to the finished look.
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For a high-fashion look, create a series of three or four small buns in a vertical line down the back of the head. This mimics the shape of a mohawk but with the soft texture of curls.
Pull out loose tendrils from the sides of each bun to create a “fringed” effect. This softens the vertical line and makes the hairstyle look more expansive and voluminous.
This style is excellent for short to medium curly hair that might not fit into one single bun. The multiple anchors ensure that all the hair is secured while the tendrils provide a playful finish.
16. Floral Accented Updo with Garden Tendrils
Adding flowers—real or decorative—to a curly updo enhances its natural, organic beauty. Pin your curls into a loose, airy bun and nestle small blossoms between the ringlets.
The loose tendrils in this look should be slightly longer and more relaxed, mimicking vines in a garden. This creates a whimsical, fairytale aesthetic that is perfect for special outdoor occasions.
Focus the tendrils around the ears and the back of the neck to create a 360-degree look of soft texture. This style feels very “live-in” and comfortable, even for long durations.
17. Infinity Braid Updo with Feathered Strands
The infinity braid is a unique pattern that looks like a figure-eight, providing a sophisticated texture for an updo. Secure the braid in a circular fashion at the back of the head.
To keep the look from being too formal, pull out “feathered” strands—very thin, light tendrils—from the hairline. This adds a mist-like quality to the hair, making the overall look feel lighter.
Use a light-hold hairspray to keep the infinity braid in place while allowing the feathered tendrils to move naturally. This is a high-impact style that looks great from every angle.
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To keep loose tendrils defined and frizz-free, apply a small amount of lightweight curl cream or water-based gel to each strand. Avoid touching the tendrils once they are set, as the oils from your fingers can disrupt the curl pattern and cause flyaways.
Can I achieve these looks with short curly hair?
Yes, many of these looks, such as the multi-bun mohawk or the half-up top knot, are perfect for shorter curls. For styles that require more length, you can use bobby pins to “fake” the look of a fuller bun by pinning individual curls in a cluster.
What is the best way to pull out tendrils without ruining the updo?
The best technique is to use the tail of a rattail comb or your pinky finger to gently hook a small section of hair before you finish securing the updo. Pulling them out after the style is tightly pinned can cause tension and potentially mess up the structure of the bun or braid.
Should I style my hair wet or dry for these updos?
For the best volume and “loose” feel, it is usually better to style these looks on dry, day-two hair. Dry hair has more grip and “fluff,” which helps the loose tendrils look more intentional and romantic rather than flat or stringy.
How do I choose which tendrils to leave out?
Focus on the areas that naturally frame your features, such as the temples, the area just in front of the ears, and the nape of the neck. For a balanced look, try to pull out a similar amount of hair on both sides, though slight asymmetry can add a modern touch.
Will these styles work for all curl patterns?
Absolutely. Whether you have loose waves or tight coils, the principle of the updo with loose tendrils remains the same. The only difference will be the volume of the bun and the thickness of the tendrils, which you can adjust based on your hair’s density and texture.
