Best Curly Hairstyles: Vogue, Allure, Harper's Bazaar Inspired Guide

Explore the best curly hairstyles inspired by Vogue, Allure, and Harper's Bazaar! From chic short curly cuts to elegant natural curly styles and trendy fade hairstyles for curly hair, our guide helps you find your perfect look. This article also includes detailed curly hair care tips to keep your curls healthy and vibrant. Click now to use our AI hair-changing feature and preview these stunning curly styles on yourself!

🌀 Curly Hair Introduction

Curly hair is a beautiful and versatile hair type that can showcase unique charm through different styles. Whether your curls are loose waves or tight coils, there are countless hairstyles that can make your hair stand out and boost your confidence. This article will explore some of the best curly hairstyles, drawing inspiration from top fashion magazines like Vogue and Harper's Bazaar, to help you find the perfect style for your curls. We'll cover everything from chic short curly hairstyles to elegant natural looks, and even touch on modern trends like fade hairstyles for curly hair. We will also share some curly hair care tips to ensure your hairstyle stays fresh and vibrant.

Curly Hair Introduction
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✂️ Short Curly Hairstyles

Short curly hair is not only fashionable but also reduces daily maintenance time, giving you a carefree and trendy look. Below are some popular short curly hairstyles recommended by Vogue, inspired by celebrity red carpet looks, suitable for various occasions from everyday to special events:

Pin Curls

This retro style adds volume and evokes the classic 1940s vibe. The method involves dividing damp hair into small sections, pinning them into curls, and removing the pins after drying to achieve voluminous waves. This hairstyle is perfect for parties or formal occasions, exuding elegance.

Zendaya's retro pin curls hairstyle, golden curls creating an elegant 1940s vibe
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  • Celebrity Example: Zendaya wore this hairstyle at the Golden Globes, stunning everyone.
  • Product Recommendation: Use styling products suitable for curly hair, such as light mousse, to set the style.

Finger Waves

Finger waves are another classic style, very suitable for short curly hair. Create S-shaped waves with your fingers and fix them with setting spray to achieve a vintage and delicate look.

Lori Harvey's finger waves short curly hairstyle, classic retro wave styling
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  • Celebrity Example: Lori Harvey showcased this elegant hairstyle at the premiere of Snowfall.
Lori Harvey's finger waves at the Snowfall premiere, an elegant short curly hairstyle
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Brushed-Out Curls

This hairstyle is soft and textured, ideal for those seeking a light and airy feel with their curls. Use light mousse and a diffuser to dry the hair, then gently brush it out to create a relaxed and natural curly effect.

Miley Cyrus's voluminous natural brushed-out curls, a casual and elegant short curly hairstyle
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  • Celebrity Example: Miley Cyrus used this hairstyle at the Gucci art film premiere, displaying a carefree beauty.
  • Product Recommendation: T3 AireLuxe Hair Dryer and Brush Set.

Twist-Outs

This hairstyle enhances the definition of curls. Divide damp hair into small sections, apply styling cream or butter, twist them tightly into small braids, and unravel after drying to get clear curl patterns.

Yara Shahidi's twist-outs curly hairstyle, clear curl definition, showcasing natural hair texture
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  • Celebrity Example: Yara Shahidi wore this hairstyle at the Christian Dior Spring/Summer 2023 fashion show, full of vitality.

Coily Pixie

Ideal for tight curls, this short hairstyle emphasizes shape and shine. Use curl cream to enhance natural curls and apply light hold products at the hairline for a neat appearance.

A model with very tight, coily curls styled into a neat pixie cut
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  • Celebrity Example: Suitable for those who want to highlight their natural curl texture.
  • Product Recommendation: Dove Amino Curl Define Curl Cream.

Tucked Side With Deep Part

By creating a deep part and tucking the sides back, this hairstyle creates a fuller look. It's perfect for those who want to add dimension to their curly hair.

Julia Garner with a deep side part curly hair
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  • Celebrity Example: Julia Garner showcased this cool style.

Short Afro

This style emphasizes shape and softness, suitable for soft and defined curls. Use curl cream and a sponge brush to enhance volume, creating a fluffy and natural look.

A model with Short Afro curls hair
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  • Celebrity Example: Jodie Turner-Smith made a stunning appearance with a short afro at a Victoria's Secret event.
  • Product Recommendation: SheaMoisture Coconut Hibiscus Curl Enhancing Smoothie.

Sculpted Afro

Similar to the short afro but with more emphasis on structure. Use a pick to shape it and lightly spritz with rose water or aloe mist to keep it fresh, ideal for formal occasions.

  • Celebrity Example: Lupita Nyong'o wore this hairstyle at the Essence Awards, exuding a powerful presence.

Thick Curls

This dreamy hairstyle requires high maintenance. Use a deep conditioning mask once a week to maintain moisture and ensure the curls are soft and shiny.

Alanna Arrington with Thick Curls hair
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  • Celebrity Example: Alanna Arrington showcased this hairstyle at the 2018 Night of Stars event.
  • Product Recommendation: Pattern Transition Mask.

Slicked Sides & Curly Top

A combination suitable for short curly hair, with slick sides and curly top. Use edge control to slick the sides back and apply mousse or cream to the top to maintain curl definition.

Logan Browning's short curly hairstyle, with slicked sides and a curly top
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  • Celebrity Example: Logan Browning displayed this modern look at the event for The Six Triple Eight.

Half-Up Half-Down

This hairstyle is elegant and chic, dividing the hair into two parts with the top tied into a bun and the bottom left loose.

  • Celebrity Example: Lucy Boynton showcased this graceful style at Paris Fashion Week.

Delicate Bow

Add a bow accessory to the hairstyle and finish with a shine spray to add a sweet or vintage touch.

Maya Hawke's short curly hairstyle, with Delicate Bow
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  • Celebrity Example: Maya Hawke added fun to her look with this hairstyle at Paris Fashion Week.
  • Product Recommendation: Matrix Instacure Anti-Breakage Porosity Spray.

Sparkle & Shine

Use jeweled pieces or metallic foil to add interest to the hairstyle, perfect for parties or special occasions.

  • Celebrity Example: Danai Gurira attracted attention with this hairstyle at the Black Panther premiere.
  • Product Recommendation: Jennifer Behr Kira Hair Magnet Set.

Wash & Go

A voluminous style for thick curls, which can be air-dried or dried with a low-power diffuser for a natural look.

  • Product Recommendation: Design Essentials Almond & Avocado Mousse.

Layered Pixie

A sleek short style with layers for lift, especially for thin curls.

Janelle Monae with Layered Pixie thin curls
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  • Celebrity Example: Janelle Monae looked elegant with this hairstyle at the 89th Academy Awards.

Faux Hawks

Perfect for thick curls, use a rich curl cream and castor oil or shea butter to shape for a bold and avant-garde look.

Viola Davis with Faux Hawks thick curls
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  • Celebrity Example: Viola Davis showed off her personality with this hairstyle at the 93rd Academy Awards.
  • Product Recommendation: Camille Rose Curl Love.

🌿 Natural Curly Hairstyles

For girls who prefer to keep their hair long, the following natural curly hairstyles recommended by Harper's Bazaar can perfectly showcase your natural hair texture, suitable for various hair types from 2A waves to 4C coils. These styles focus on shape and versatility, perfect for different occasions:

Curly Mullet

This modern mullet hairstyle is characterized by fluffy layers, with a neat front and a free-flowing back, presenting a unique "business in the front, party in the back" style. Use a curl spray containing glycerin and jasmine oil, along with an air-dry mousse that enhances texture, to define the curls and maintain bounce and shine.

A model with a stylish curly mullet, showcasing voluminous, layered curls around the face and a longer, looser cascade down the back, embodying a trendy and playful look
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  • Product Recommendations: Redken Refreshing Curl Mist, Crown Affair Texturizing Air Dry Hair Mousse, Bread Hair-Gel.

Shape-Shifters

This symmetrically cut hairstyle is designed according to face shape, blending loose and tight curls, suitable for various hair textures from loose waves to tight coils. For 4B or 4C tight curls, a round cut can better highlight the structure of the hairstyle. Use leave-in conditioner and styling cream to maintain the definition and moisture of the curls.

Tracee Ellis Ross with her iconic natural curls styled into a shape-shifter cut
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  • Celebrity Example: Tracee Ellis Ross often showcases the versatile charm of natural curls with this hairstyle.
  • Product Recommendations: Amika Un.Done Volume and Matte Texture Spray, Pattern by Tracee Ellis Ross Styling Cream, Lobie Peptide Leave-In Mask.

Curly Bangs

Tapered curly bangs can add a unique touch to the hairstyle, suitable for a wash-and-go style, presenting soft and slightly rebellious curls. This hairstyle is ideal for those who want to add interest to their daily looks. Use curl cream and a diffuser to achieve the best effect, ensuring the bangs coordinate with the overall hairstyle.

Curly curtain bangs for long hair
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  • Celebrity Examples: Beyoncé and Sabrina Carpenter have both stunned with curly bangs.
  • Product Recommendations: Color Wow Dream Coat for Curly Hair, Ouidad 3-in-1 Universal Diffuser, Cécred Nourishing Hair Oil.

💈 Fade Hairstyles for Curly Hair

For those looking for a contemporary and sharp look, fade hairstyles for curly hair offer a fantastic blend of defined curls and clean lines. This style typically involves gradually shortening the hair on the sides and back, creating a seamless transition from very short to longer curls on top. This contrast highlights the texture of your curls while giving a neat and stylish finish.

Why choose a fade?

A fade can add structure and a modern edge to any curl pattern, from loose waves to tight coils. It's also a great way to manage volume on the sides, directing attention to the beautiful curls on top.

Popular variations

Curly Hairstyles
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Low Fade Curly Top

The fade starts just above the ears, offering a subtle yet clean look.

Low Fade Curly Top
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Mid Fade Curly Top

The fade extends higher up the sides, creating a more pronounced contrast.

Mid Fade Curly Top
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High Fade Curly Top

The fade begins very high on the head, providing a bold and dramatic appearance.

High Fade Curly Top
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Styling Tips

To maintain fade hairstyles for curly hair, regular trims are essential to keep the fade sharp. For the curly top, use curl-enhancing products like gels, creams, or mousses to define the curls and control frizz.

🧴 Tips for Caring for Your Curly Hair

1

Use sulfate-free shampoo

Sulfates can dry out curly hair; choose gentle, sulfate-free shampoos to preserve natural oils.

2

Regular deep conditioning

Use a deep conditioning mask once a week to replenish moisture and prevent frizz.

3

Comb hair when wet

Avoid combing dry hair to prevent damage. After washing, apply conditioner and use a wide-tooth comb, starting from the ends and working up to the roots.

4

Air dry or use a diffuser

Let your hair air dry or use a diffuser attachment on your blow dryer to protect the shape of your curls and reduce frizz.

5

Use leave-in conditioner and styling products

Apply leave-in conditioner or curl cream to define your curls, control frizz, and enhance shine.

For more detailed care tips, refer to Allure's curly hair care guide. For example, Allure suggests reducing the frequency of washing hair; for fine curls, wash every other day, and for thick curls, once a week is sufficient to maintain natural moisture.

🎉 Conclusion

Embracing your natural curls opens up a world full of stylistic possibilities. Whether you choose bold short curly hairstyles, elegant natural curly styles, or sharp and trendy fade hairstyles for curly hair, there's a look that will make you feel confident and beautiful. Remember to use nourishing and defining products for your curls, and don't be afraid to try different styles. With proper care and styling, your curls will become your proudest crown. Whether for everyday looks or red carpet appearances, these hairstyles inspired by Vogue and Harper's Bazaar will help you stand out in any setting.

Frequently Asked Questions

Get answers to the most common questions about curly hairstyles.

What are the best curly hairstyles for short hair?

Some of the most stylish short curly hairstyles include the Coily Pixie, Sculpted Afro, and Tucked Side with Deep Part. These styles emphasize volume and texture while being easy to manage.

How can I make my curls more defined?

Use curl-enhancing products like mousse or defining cream on damp hair. Finger-coiling or using a diffuser when blow-drying can also help create more definition.

Are curly hairstyles hard to maintain?

Curly hairstyles can be easy to maintain with the right routine. Regular moisturizing, gentle detangling, and using sulfate-free shampoos help keep curls healthy and frizz-free.

What's the difference between natural curly styles and twist-outs?

Natural curly styles embrace your hair's original curl pattern, while twist-outs involve twisting wet or damp hair and unraveling it for a more controlled, defined curl look.

Can kids wear the same curly hairstyles as adults?

Yes! Many curly styles like pin curls, finger waves, or the half-up half-down look are versatile and great for both kids and adults. Just ensure the style is comfortable and age-appropriate.

What haircut works best to reduce volume in thick curls?

Layered pixie cuts or sculpted afros can help reduce bulk while keeping curls structured. Ask your stylist for layers that lighten weight without sacrificing shape.

How often should I trim curly hair?

It's recommended to trim curly hair every 8-12 weeks to remove split ends and maintain the shape of your style. Regular trims also help prevent excessive frizz and tangling.

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