When you’ve got naturally curly hair, your life seems to be an epic battle between a frizzy lioness mane and enviably cascading waves. You live each day by that #curlyhairstruggle. You cringe when it’s humid, you stay far away from brushes, and going to bed with wet hair feels like setting yourself for failure. Never fear curly collegiettes, we’ve got some gorgeous hairspiration that will help you tame your curls.
1. Triple threat
It looks super complicated, but it’s actually not that hard to achieve! Just separate your hair into three sections and braid each loosely. Once you reach the end, start crisscrossing the braids over each other. Be creative. Pin the braids so they overlap, then use elastic to tie them off into one section. Just like that, you’ve got a super cool, salon-worthy hairstyle.
2. Retro glam So it’s not a natural look, but it’s still cute for a formal occasion. Divide hair at your normal part. Wrap hair around a curling iron, and pin the curls to your scalp. Be sure to wrap the curl around your finger before pinning it so it won’t lose its shape. When hair has cooled, give it a spritz with Got2b Kinkier Double Curling Power Amplify Curling Spray Gel ($5.99) to get lasting curls with a bit of shine.
3. Effortless cool
Short on the sides, fluffly on top! Beachy, wind-blown texture is the perfect compliment to any cropped style. Prep hair with a heat protectant. Wrap small sections of hair around a curling iron. Run your fingers through your waves and give it a little tousle for added texture. Use light hairspray to keep your style in tact all day long.
4. Braided crown
Let your curls roam free, but keep the strands out of your face with this ‘do. A braided crown is a style trick any girl should have in her hairstyle arsenal. You can do two smaller braids and crisscross them to create a hairband effect. Or gather your front section into a large braid for a cool and functional style. Section off as much hair as you want out of your face and braid. Tie off hair with an elastic or pin it off to the side. The choice is yours!
5. Sock bun
This tried and true bun method looks great with curly hair, too! Run a texturing product, like Not Your Mother’s Kinky Moves Curl Defining Hair Cream ($4.74), through your hair. Gather hair into sock or bun scrunchie, fold over the sides, and roll it down slowly. You can position your bun on the top of your head for a chic, ballerina bun or try it lower and off to the side.
6. Hairband pile-up
Versatile and easy, this hairstyle lends itself to early a.m. classes and to the office! You can get this look one of two ways. One option is to gather your hair in a ponytail, letting the curls flow. The second option is to gather hair into a messy bun and pin into place. Choose a pretty hairband like H&M 3-Pack of Hairbands ($7.95), and slide them on. Use the end of a rattail comb to pull up hair in between the hairbands.
7. Romantic up-do
Gorgeous doesn’t have to mean a complicated updo! Get this simple style without a lot of hassle. Curl your hair with your preferred method: curling wand, overnight curlers or pin curls. Gather your front section of hair, twist and push it forward. You want just a little volume; think a small scale pompadeur. Pin into place with either bobby pins or a pretty barrette. Give your curls some nourishment with Moroccanoil Glimmer Shine ($27.20) and you’re all done.
8. Pumped-up pony
A cool way to rethink your ponytail game! Gather the top section of your hair into a half-ponytail and tie it off. Gather the rest of your hair into a ponytail. Arrange your hair so it covers the bottom section—and that’s it. Use Bumble and Bumble Curl Conscious Defining Creme ($29) to help sculpt your curls.
9. Waterfall braid
A unique alternative to the french braid, a waterfall braid will spruce up your half-up half-down look.
Time to embrace those curls—let us know which style is your go-to!