Hair
May 19, 2019

The 21 Most Epic Curly Hairstyles I've Seen Recently

by Mica Ricketts

So far this year, I've debated going for the chop thanks to all of the amazing short hairstyles the most stylish women in the industry have been stepping out with. I've invested in a whole wardrobe of hair clips and headbands thanks to just how damn cool they look, and skipping the hairdryer in honour of the styling method Jennifer Aniston swears by.

Now, though, I'm turning my attention to texture, curls to be precise. From A-listers like Blake Lively and Kerry Washington to cool girls like Ada Oguntodu and Courtney Trop, I've noticed a wave of curly haired women embracing their natural texture and coils with styles that show off their spirals. Even straight-haired women are experimenting with curling wands and big blow-dries to add waves and bounce to their hair.

"People are embracing their natural texture again," confirmed Carly Price, head stylist at Muse of London. "Natural, effortless hairstyles that are full of texture have been showcased on many runway shows. … [but] I think the main reason for natural texture being on trend and making a resurgence is due to people starting to care more for their hair and not wanting to cause further damage to their hair with heat-styling tools."

If you're not already blessed with curls, however, there are ways that you can create similar looks. "Of course, you can use heat-styling tools such as hot irons or curling tongs," explained Price. "However, there are also some great ways to create these looks without the need to use heat-styling tools. One way is to sleep in braids overnight. When you take them out in the morning, brush them out loosely to create soft, effortless waves. Another easy way to create waves is to after washing your hair, tie your hair into a topknot and leave to dry naturally."

Keep scrolling for 21 of the best curly hairstyles I've seen recently if you're looking for some styling inspiration.

Zendaya

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@ZENDAYA

Pull a few tendrils free from your topknot and around your face to re-create Zendaya's laidback style.

Sandra Oh

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Sandra's elegant updo combines swept-back sides topped with piled-high tousles for a modern take on the updo.

Courtney Trop

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@ALWAYSJUDGING

It might look like a perm, but Courtney's '80s-style corkscrew curls are actually the result of the Chopstick Styler, a cult hair tool.

Rita Ora

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@RITAORA

Rita's loose ringlet waves have plenty of volume. Use texture spray at the roots of your hair when trying this look at home.

Frédérique Harrel

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@FREDDIEHARREL

Make like Freddie and play with volume layers by using kirby grips to keep hair close to your head at the roots before giving way to luscious curls.

Alyssa Coscarelli

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@ALYSSAINTHECITY

Alyssa's half-up, half-down hairstyle and bangs look so cute in curls.

Lupita Nyong'o

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This is a quirky take on the topknot. We love how the centre braid transforms Lupita's natural curls into an oversized bow.

Ellie Nesmon

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@SLIPINTOSTYLE

Hair clips are big beauty news, and Ellie's pearl one shows off her curly pixie cut perfectly.

Gabrielle Union

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Gabrielle's slicked-back high ponytail descends into blown-out curls for a major cool-girl look.

Yerrr

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@WUZG00D

Yerrr's cool-girl hair is the stuff of childhood dreams. Lilac scrunchies, glittery clips and lavender-tinged strands meet soft ringlets and a curly fringe.

Priyanka Chopra

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The Met Gala wasn't just about the great outfits; it was all about the beauty looks too. Priyanka's cute, curly bob was everything. Crown optional.

Beyoncé

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@BEYONCE

Channel your inner Rapunzel with tumbling, waist-length curls and a sleek centre parting. This is simple hair done the Beyoncé way.

Kerry Washington

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Try a mid-height ponytail like Kerry for a modern way to wear your hair up. Her lightweight, curly fringe lends a playful finish.

Lesley Buckle

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@ASOS_LESLEY

Topknot goals. By scraping all of her hair right onto the very top of her head, Lesley has added height and volume to this fun style.

Blake Lively

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Corkscrew curls and fuchsia lipstick scream '80s as Blake switches up her usual soft waves.

Jess Glynne

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Sometimes the simplest styles show off curls best, as demonstrated by Jess's fiery strands.

Ada Oguntodu

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@ADA_OGUNTODU

Ada shows us the fashion-girl way to wear curls: with a centre parting showing off her curly bunches.

Syana Laniyan

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@ASOS_SYANA

French plaits and curly bangs make for an unexpectedly cool summer style. Pull a few strands loose around your face for laid-back vibes.

Amber Heard

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Amber's red carpet look combines pinned-back waves and loose ringlets for a contemporary take on special-occasion curls.

Solange

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Solange goes bleach blonde—a great contrast against her all-black outfit and geometric earrings.

Yara Shahidi

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Another Met Gala special. Yara's curly style nods to a '60s beehive at the top, but the loose curls below are very much 2019.

Jessica Alba

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Another centre parting style (clearly, down the middle is the cool-girl way to wear your hair right now) is to try drying your hair with a big barrel brush to achieve Jessica's bouncy curls.

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