How Can I Pull Up My Curly Hair?
For some natural hair wearers, putting hair into a curly updo is the easiest style to achieve when time is not on their side. The fact of the matter is, hair care needs are a lot more manageable when hair is up and pulled away from our face.Creating curly updos and getting a curly hairstyle to last are two very different things. When styling your perfect curly hairstyle, you will need a hairbrush, comb, elastic bands, bobby pins, and a couple of natural hair products (hello, hairspray!)
For bobby pins or clips, opting for a color that is close to your natural hair color is the best route to go. Most updos require a lot of pins, and having one uniform color (that doesn’t show easily) will be beneficial. Hairspray will then help keep the style in place for hours to come. Bonus tip: We find updos work better on your natural hair texture sans wash; this can help keep your updo in place and intact.
12 Curly Hair Updo Ideas
We have a few tips to ensure your style has long-lasting durability: make sure hair is pinned tightly enough and invest in a good hairspray. Below are 12 curly hair updos all natural hair owners can try at home (or request at the salon), complete with natural hair product recommendations and essential tips and tricks.Curly Updo #1: Three Threaded Updo
With hair pins, elastic bands, hairspray, and quadruple-strung thread, you can style curly hair in a three threaded updo—and it only takes six easy steps. First, tie all your hair into a high ponytail with a scrunchie, then use the quadruple-strung thread to tie the ponytail into a bun. Next, take a new piece of string and tie it around your head like a headband. Tie two more pieces of string tight around the bun so the bun will stay in place. To finish, top with hairspray.
Curly Updo #2: Curly Top Knot
We love curly updos, and a curly top knot is one of the best. It’s simple to create and offers a pulled-together look. Secure all of your hair into a ponytail, then divide the pony in half. Next, wrap the top half around to form a bun and pin it into place. Do the same with the bottom half and use pins to secure.
Curly Updo #3: The Scarf Bun
Perfect for warm summer days or days in the office (Zoom calls, too!), the scarf bun incorporates a fun fashion scarf into your natural hair routine. For longer lasting results, spray the Coco Creme Curl Perfecting Water Coco Mist Spray on your hair, and then bunch when you brush your hair before styling. This will tame frizz and help keep stray strands in place. Put your hair into a ponytail, and then tie the scarf around it. The result should leave the ends of the scarf hanging down. Divide the pony into two, then twist both sections together to form a bun.
Curly Updo #4: Folded Ponytail Updo
Often seen in weddings, the folded ponytail updo is one of class and romance. For this style, we encourage a curly hair product. Use curl defining or enhancing cream, like the Black Vanilla Moisture and Shine Hair Smoothie, prior to the updo to ensure tight definition and hold while curls are in the updo. Loosely comb back your curls and tie them into a low pony, then pull the pony half way through the elastic. Follow by loosening some wisped curls from your sideburns.
Curly Updo #5: High Puff
The high puff has been around forever and is one of the most beloved styles for putting curls on display. You can slick back hair into a high bun, and instead of twisting the ends of the hair in and putting a scrunchie or pining with bobby pins, let the hair puff stand on its own. With a couple of curly hair products, like Monoi Intense Repair Inner Strength System and Goddess Strength 7 Oil Blend Scalp & Hair Oil, to create the look and Hair Milk Refresher Spray to revive your curls in the morning, you’ll be good to go.
Curly Updo #6: All-Over Crown Bun
Also known as the cinnamon bun or halo braid in the natural hair community, this curly updo hairstyle will sit in a braided crown all around. Start at one side of your head, left or right, and weave the hair into a dutch braid around your head. If your hair is multiple lengths or textures, you can create a couple of braids, but always start at one ear and finish at the opposite ear. When you finish your braid(s), secure the ends with bobby pins. Once all of your curls are clipped and braided, you can accessorize with gold beads or flowers for a chic curly hair updo.
Curly Updo #7: Traditional Braided Bun
A classic braided hairstyle, like the braided bun, is by far the most low-commitment curly hair updo. To wear this style, secure the top of your hair into thinner braids, then twist them into a full braided bun. Add in beads and don’t forget to lay your edges with an edge control like Black Vanilla Edge Control Smoother. This style is great for both day-to-day life and special occasions because it can easily be dressed up or down.
Curly Updo #8: Braided Messy Bun
So, how do you do a messy updo with curly hair? With a bun and a wide-tooth comb. First, comb or brush out the hair to remove any knots and tangles. Then, make a diagonal part, leaving hair in two sections, pin up the larger section for the time being. Braid the non-clipped section and continue to add hair so the braid is aligned with the diagonal part. Once hair gets to the center, tie the braid with an elastic band and repeat. We find this style works best when hairspray is added to the elastic bands and clips prior to styling to give them more grip, which leads to a better hold.
Curly Updo #9: Pineapple Bun
Sleeping with hair in a pineapple can help you live your best curl life, but this style can also be worn out as a cute curly hair updo. This method of wrapping hair is best for reducing frizz and preserving a style. To execute, you’ll need a large silk or satin scarf and a loose scrunchie for tying your hair.
Tilt your head over and fold the scarf into a triangle, so the sides and back portion of your hair are inside the scarf. Next, tie a knot at the hairline in the middle of the forehead. Once hair is wrapped, let curls spill over the top like a pineapple. When you wake up in the morning, remove the scarf and use a rattail comb to fluff the hair at the roots. If you aren’t satisfied with your level of curl definition, you can always use flexi-rods to create tighter curls. Post-scarf, apply shine oil or a gloss like Black Vanilla Moisture & Shine Hair Sheen for the perfect final touch.
Curly Updo #10: Sleek Bun
Even the simplest buns can make for an award-winning protective hairstyle when paired with the right curly hair care products. Start by using a gel or a cream to get the hair to pull back neatly. In addition to hair products, keep your spray bottle close by to add water as needed, keeping the hair damp. Once slicked back, lay on an edge control for the ultimate chic vibes.
Curly Updo #11: Bantu Knots
Another time-friendly style, bantu knots can take as little as 20 minutes, depending on the length and texture of your hair. How many bantu knots you put in your hair is entirely up to you, but start by sectioning your hair, brushing out each section, and twisting them into mini buns. The result is a head of organized mini buns. Bantu knots will work best when hair is optimally hydrated. Try a moisturizing product like Sacred Tiare 4-IN-1 Combing Creme prior to installing and spray it on every day to retain moisture.
Curly Updo #12: Curly Faux Hawk
A great, edgy hairstyle to try this summer is the curly faux hawk. Slick back your sides with a gel like Coco Creme Curl Shaping Cream Gel With Coconut Oil and keep curls loose on top—that’s all there is to it.
Curly Updo #13: French Side Braid
French side braids are often worn with longer curls, but when turned into an updo, this style can even work with short curly hair—for the ideal summer look. They work great with both thin and thick braids and do a great job at keeping flyaways at bay. To accomplish this, put hair to one side of your head and tie it into a ponytail. Next, twist the pony into a french braid, allowing it to be messy. To create a side-swept bang effect, pin the front of the hair to the side. To finish, apply hairspray. Bonus tip: criss-cross bobby pins to make sure they stay in place.
If you can’t seem to get enough of curly hair updos, click through for more curly hair tutorials.
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