Top Hair Trends for Curly-Haired Women

For years, curly hair was treated as something to control, straighten, or hide. That mindset is fading fast. In 2025, curls are front and centre, and the biggest trend for curly-haired women is fully embracing their natural texture. Instead of battling your curls, the goal is to show off their bounce, volume, and character. From chic bobs that feel polished to shags that give an easy, cool look, today's styles let your curls stand out. This guide looks at the most popular cuts, styling tricks, and colour ideas showing up across Australia, helping every curly-haired woman find a fresh look that feels current and flattering.

What defines curly hair and why does it matter for trends?

Curly hair is formed by twists and spirals that give it strong personality and volume. Unlike straight hair, which grows from straight follicles, curly hair grows from curved follicles. Its bends are caused by uneven keratin along the hair shaft. Because of this structure, curly hair acts differently: it can dry out more easily, shrink when dry, and frizz more-but it also keeps styles well and often needs less daily work. Knowing these natural traits is key, because the best trends work with your curls, helping them look their best and making styling easier and more enjoyable.

Since curly hair behaves in its own way, one single trend won’t work for everyone. A cut that looks great on loose waves may not suit tight coils at all. This is why knowing your curl type is the base for choosing a look that really suits you. The idea is to match each trend to your own texture, so your hair looks great and feels manageable.

How to identify your curl type

Figuring out your curl type is the first step in choosing the right cut and routine. The most used guide is the Andre Walker Hair Typing System. It groups hair into:

Type 2 - Wavy
Type 3 - Curly
Type 4 - Coily

Each type is divided into A, B, and C based on how tight the pattern is.

To find your type, wash your hair with a sulfate-free shampoo and let it air dry without products. Then look at your natural pattern:

Type 2: loose S-shaped waves
Type 3: clear, springy ringlets
Type 4: tight, compact coils

Many people have more than one curl type on their head, so mixed patterns are normal. For example:

2A: very soft bends
2B: stronger S-shaped waves
2C: almost fully curly
3A: big, soft curls
3B: tighter ringlets
3C: small, dense corkscrew curls
4A: tight S-shaped coils
4B: very tight curls with less clear pattern
4C: the tightest curls, with lots of shrinkage

How curl type affects styling and haircuts

Your curl type guides which products to use and which cut will look and feel best. For wavy hair (Type 2), the aim is often to boost volume and movement without making hair heavy. Long bobs and soft layers usually work well, and moisture is important to reduce frizz.

For curly hair (Type 3), layered cuts, shoulder-length shapes, and curly bobs help keep bounce and form. Harsh brushing breaks up the pattern, so gentle detangling is key.

Coily hair (Type 4) is the most delicate and dries out easily, so it needs rich moisture and careful handling. Tapered cuts, afros, and layered shapes suit its natural volume. Protective styles help reduce breakage and keep moisture in. Curl type can also change over time due to heat, hormones, or chemical treatments, so check in with your hair from time to time and adjust your routine as needed.

What should you think about before choosing a curly hair trend?

Before jumping into a new look, pause and think about a few key points. A trend may look amazing on a celebrity, but it should suit your features, hair, and daily life to truly work for you. Treat trends as ideas you can adapt, not rules you must follow. The right look should help you feel confident and fit into your routine instead of adding stress.

A good haircut is the base of any style. Products can help, but a cut that suits your curl type makes the biggest difference. This is where expert advice can be very helpful.

Matching trends to face shape, lifestyle, and curl type

Your face shape matters a lot. For example, curly fringes often work best on longer faces, while an asymmetrical bob can break up roundness. Layers can highlight cheekbones and soften angles.

Your lifestyle also plays a big part. Do you enjoy spending time on styling, or do you want to wash and go? If you like quick routines, cuts like a curly pixie or a good shag are great choices. More detailed updos may be better for days when you have extra time. The "pineapple plop" is popular as a simple bedtime style that also looks cute during the day.

Your curl type is the main guide. A layered butterfly cut works well for Types 2B-3C that want volume without feeling bulky. A rounded afro makes the most of tight Type 4 coils. Styles like "stretched curls" are trending for Types 3-4 who want less shrinkage and a longer look without using heat.

When to consult a professional curly hair stylist

Online photos and videos are useful, but a skilled curly stylist brings trained eyes and hands. They can look at your curl pattern, thickness, and face shape, then suggest cuts and styles that suit you. A good curly stylist understands shrinkage and how curls sit once they’re dry, so they can cut shapes that support volume and definition.

Curly-focused salons, such as Vogue Nationale in Brisbane, use methods made for natural curls. They can add careful layers, shape your hair to your pattern, and give advice on keeping curls healthy. If you’re planning a big change in length or colour, booking a curly expert first is a smart step to get a result that looks great and stays healthy.

Which curly haircuts are trending for women in Australia?

Across Australia, more women are letting their natural curls show, and the 2025 trends reflect that. From short, playful cuts to long flowing layers, the focus is on movement, volume, and cuts that highlight each curl’s shape. Whether you want a bold change or a gentle update, there’s a style that will help your curls look their best without fighting them.

These trends are also flexible. Many can be adjusted for different curl types and lengths, proving curly hair offers many options. The main goal is to pick a cut that looks good and feels like “you,” so your hair matches your personal style.

Layered cuts for increased volume and shape

Layered cuts are a classic choice for curls and are especially popular in 2025. Layers help remove weight, stop curls from looking flat or heavy, and give a fuller, more balanced shape. They let curls spring up, adding bounce and movement and helping to avoid the wide “triangle” look by spreading volume more evenly.

Options include:

Long layers - great for wavy and curly hair to keep length but add definition
Face-framing layers - draw attention to cheekbones and soften the outline
Choppy layers - give a modern, textured feel and keep hair light

The "Curly Butterfly Cut" is trending because it pairs volume with soft pieces around the face, especially on Types 2B-3C. The "waterfall wolf cut" mixes shaggy layers with a softer fall of curls, building height at the crown and a gentle flow down the length.

The curly bob: versatility and style

The curly bob remains a favourite in 2025 thanks to its simple shape and flexibility. It’s ideal if you want a modern cut without losing your volume. With the right length and layers, a bob can sharpen curl definition and be easier to style than very long hair. Yara Shahidi is often held up as a great example of how chic a curly bob can be.

Choices include:

Chin-length bob - keeps tight curls springy and structured
Shoulder-length bob - works well for waves and loose curls with a relaxed feel
Asymmetrical bob - one side longer for a more daring look
French bob - chin-length, slightly blunt, with light layers and often a fringe

The French bob often includes side parts and brushed-out curls, giving a soft, stylish look that suits many curl patterns because the shape lies in the cut itself.

Curly shag for effortless texture

The curly shag, with its ’70s roots, is back in a big way. This cut uses lots of layers for movement and a lived-in feel. It gives an edge without needing complicated styling, making it a popular pick for people who like their hair to look relaxed but interesting.

The shag plays up volume and removes heaviness from thick curls, often needing just a scrunch with product and air dry. It works at many lengths:

Shoulder-length shag - great for wavy curls
Short shag - suits tighter curls that like strong shape

The "Shagged & Stacked" look for Winter 2025 builds on this with extra crown layers, soft fringe, and stronger shape. Natasha Lyonne’s curls are a popular reference, with chopped layers and shorter bangs giving character.

Pixie cuts and short curly styles

Short curly cuts like the pixie are making a statement. They show off facial features and feel light and modern. Short styles often need less product and less time, which is ideal for busy people. Stars like Tyla and Julia Garner have worn short curly cuts that show how stylish they can be.

Popular short options:

Textured curly pixie - longer on top, shorter at the sides
Soft layered pixie - gives a relaxed, grown-in look
90s Bixie cut - a mix of bob and pixie, with enough length to tuck behind ears

These cuts feel fresh, work well in warm weather, and can give a youthful, lifted effect around the face.

Long curls with face-framing layers

If you love long hair, long curls with layers around the face remain a go-to style. This approach keeps length while stopping curls from hanging too heavy. Layers help the curls move and stay full. Beyoncé’s long, layered curls are a prime example of how glamorous this can look.

Face-framing layers can be subtle or bold, but they always help highlight your eyes and cheekbones. A V-shaped outline at the back lets curls fall in a flowing shape without building up weight at the bottom. The "Long and Loose" look, promoted by hairstylist Aviva Jansen Perea, focuses on moisture, shine, and soft movement, often with a centre part. Very curly hair can be loosened slightly with heatless curlers or a large-barrel curler to get waves similar to Julia Roberts’ classic style.

Trending fringe and bangs for curls

Curly bangs are a big hit in 2025, adding fun and personality. Celebrity stylist Joseph says, "Bangs aren’t just for straight hair," pointing out that curl-friendly fringes at eyebrow level can frame the face beautifully. Chappell Roan’s layered fringe and front pieces, or Natasha Lyonne’s curly fringe with a curly updo, are good examples.

Popular fringe styles include:

Curtain bangs - soft, parted in the middle or slightly off-centre
Full curly fringe - thicker and bold
Micro fringe - very short, giving a quirky, confident look

The "Micro Fringe + Natural Curls" trend draws attention to the eyes and upper face while keeping styling simple. Curly bangs should be cut dry, so the stylist can see the true length once the curls spring up.

What are the most popular styling trends for curly-haired women?

Haircuts set the shape, but styling brings curls to life. In 2025, styling trends focus on showing off natural texture with looks that range from neat and defined to relaxed and messy. Curly hair can switch between many moods, so you can pick styles based on your schedule, event, or how you feel that day.

The aim is to boost what your curls already do well-bounce, volume, and movement-while caring for their health.

Defined natural curls and embracing texture

Soft, defined curls are one of the strongest trends this year. The focus is on curls that are moisturised, springy, and full of life, not stiff with product. Frizz is reduced, and each curl is allowed to form its own shape. Tyla’s short tapered curls with a wet finish, and Simone Ashley’s side-swept curls, both show this style well.

To get this look, many people use:

Curl creams
Mousses
Gels with flexible hold

These are usually applied to wet hair, then dried with a diffuser or left to air dry. The "hover diffuse" method-holding the diffuser close but not pushing it into the hair-is popular for gentle lift and less frizz. "Stretched curls" for Types 3-4, often done with twist-outs or special cuts, give a longer look without heat. "Brushed-through curls," like Taylor Swift sometimes wears, are also trending for a softer, larger curl pattern while still showing volume.

Half-up, half-down styles for curly hair

Half-up, half-down looks continue to be favourites. They keep hair off the face but still show length and fullness. Zendaya’s half-up ponytail at the Emmys is a good example of how polished this style can look on curls.

To do it, separate the top section of your hair (using your ears as a guide) and tie it into a ponytail or bun, leaving the rest loose. This lifts the crown while letting the bottom curls fall freely. It works for daily wear and special events, and it pairs nicely with layers or bangs.

High ponytails and top knots for curls

High ponytails and top knots are great choices for curly hair. They look neat but still let the texture show, and they’re quick to do. Stylist Joseph often suggests a top knot as a simple, fast updo, with Ciara’s versions as strong examples.

For a high ponytail, gather hair at the crown, secure it, and pull out a few strands at the front for softness. You can wrap a small section of hair around the elastic, like Jennifer Lopez often does, to hide it. For a top knot, twist the ponytail into a bun and pin it in place. Tracee Ellis Ross’s top knots with loose curls and baby hairs around the face show how this can look both easy and stylish.

Buns, updos and messy styles

Curls naturally lend themselves to buns, updos, and messy looks because of their texture and body. From sleek buns to undone chignons, these styles can feel both practical and special. SZA’s messy bun with pieces out in front at the Oscars is a great example of how "messy" can still look polished.

To recreate it, leave a small section of hair around your face, pull the rest into a high loose bun, and pin it in place. Let the front pieces curl freely for a soft frame. Lisa Bonet’s full loc updo and Yara Shahidi’s smooth twisted bun with curls left out at the bottom show other variations. The "pineapple pony," with curls tied high on top of the head so they fall forward, works both as a fun daytime style and as a night-time protective method.

Low maintenance looks for busy lifestyles

If your days are full, simple curly styles are your best friend. Many 2025 trends suit people who want great hair without long routines. With a good cut and a few reliable products, curls can look styled with very little effort.

Styles like the curly pixie, curly bob, or shag are often "wash, add product, scrunch, and go." Letting hair air dry with a curl cream or using a light texturising spray for a shag keeps things quick. Basic updos such as high ponytails or loose buns also work well because curls provide natural grip and shape. The main goal is to spend less time styling and still enjoy your natural texture.

Which hair colours and highlights suit curly hair trends?

Colour can add depth and shine to curls, and this year offers many shades that work well with texture. Since curls don’t reflect light as evenly as straight hair, careful colouring can make each curl stand out more. The focus is on soft, natural-looking shades that blend with your base rather than clashing with it.

Choosing a colour should match your skin tone and protect your hair’s health. Because curly hair dries out easily, bleaching and dyeing should be done with care and, ideally, by an experienced colourist.

Balayage and ombre for dimension

Balayage and ombre stay very popular for curls because they add depth without harsh lines. Balayage uses hand-painted highlights for a soft, sun-kissed effect, while ombre gives a clearer fade from dark roots to lighter ends.

Stylist Lordet loves ombre balayage on curls because it follows the hair’s shape and boosts texture. These techniques grow out smoothly, meaning fewer salon visits for root touch-ups. On long curls, balayage makes each wave and ringlet look brighter and more defined.

Copper, auburn, and blonde trends

Warm tones are big in 2025. Shiny copper, auburn, cinnamon, and similar shades look rich on curls and add warmth to the face, especially in cooler seasons. On textured hair, these tones catch the light and give a glowing effect.

Blonde is still very popular too. Hairstylist Devin Graciano says "blonde and/or pre-lightened curls always please," and many people agree. Blonde highlights or full blonde curls can show off the pattern of the hair, like Tyla’s short honey-blonde afro. For dark brunettes, light chocolate or soft caramel pieces help define curls. Sandy blonde can brighten natural brown or dark blonde bases.

Subtle highlights to enhance curls

If you prefer a gentler change, soft highlights can make a big difference. Very fine highlights, sometimes called "babylights," add a light shimmer and outline your curl pattern without a strong contrast.

Ideas include:

A few lighter strands around the face to brighten your features
Fine highlights spread through the hair to lift the overall colour

The aim is to make curls look as if they’ve naturally lightened in the sun. This method is also kinder to curls, which is helpful when your hair is already dry or fragile.

How to care for and maintain healthy curly hair

Trendy cuts and colours only look good when curls are healthy. Curly hair tends to be drier, more likely to frizz, and easier to break than straight hair, so a steady care routine is key. Think of it like caring for plants: with the right moisture, gentle handling, and protection, curls will stay shiny, defined, and strong.

Skipping proper care can lead to dullness, frizz, split ends, and loss of curl shape. When you listen to what your curls need and give them the right products and habits, they can become a source of pride instead of stress.

Recommended products for curly hair health

A few well-chosen products make a big difference. Look for ingredients that add deep moisture and softness, such as:

Castor oil
Shea butter
Aloe vera

Avoid silicones, harsh alcohols, and sulfates where possible, as these can dry hair or cause buildup. Choose sulfate-free shampoos and light formulas for leave-in conditioners, oils, and curl definers.

For styling, many curly people rely on:

Curl creams - define curls and reduce frizz
Mousses and foams - give light hold and volume
Gels - give stronger hold and help curls last longer

Anti-frizz products and shine serums help smooth the surface of the hair. A good mousse can also help keep styles like wavy boho braids neat overnight, especially with a silk bonnet. If you ever use heat tools, always apply a heat protectant first.

Moisture, definition, and frizz control

Three main goals for curly care are moisture, definition, and frizz control.

Moisture: Because natural oils struggle to travel down curly strands, deep conditioners and leave-in products are very helpful. Co-washing (using a cleansing conditioner instead of shampoo some days) can support moisture balance.
Definition: This comes from the right products and methods, such as scrunching. The "Curly Girl Method" often means applying gel or cream to damp hair, scrunching, then wrapping in a microfiber towel ("plopping") and letting it dry. This can give soft, springy curls.
Frizz control: Use cooler water, anti-frizz formulas, and avoid touching hair while it dries. Let curls dry fully so the cuticle can lie flat. Detangle only when wet and coated with conditioner, using your fingers or a wide-tooth comb.

Common mistakes to avoid with curly hair

Some habits can quickly damage curls or ruin definition. Try to avoid:

Over-washing - this strips natural oils. Washing every 3-5 days suits many curl types.
Harsh products - shampoos with strong sulfates and alcohol-heavy sprays dry hair out.
Skipping moisture - curls react well to regular conditioning and leave-ins.
Rubbing with a regular towel - this rough handling causes frizz; blot with a microfiber towel or cotton t-shirt instead.
Combing dry curls - this breaks the pattern and causes a halo of frizz. Always detangle when wet with conditioner.
Using too little product - not enough cream or gel can leave curls limp or undefined.
No night protection - cotton pillowcases can cause tangles and breakage. Silk or satin bonnets or pillowcases help.
Skipping trims - this leads to split ends and a shapeless cut.
Very tight styles every day - continuous tension can thin hair along the hairline.

Future curly hair trends: What’s predicted for the coming year?

Looking ahead to 2026 and beyond, curly hair trends are likely to keep building on current ideas: natural texture, personal style, and comfort. More people are moving away from trying to match one standard look and instead choosing shapes and routines that work with their own curl pattern.

Low-effort styles that still make an impact are expected to grow even more popular. As everyday life gets busier, there will be more interest in cuts that fall nicely as they grow and need only simple styling. Think refined wash-and-go cuts, updos that easily shift from day to evening, and shapes that hold well between salon visits. Cuts like the "bixie" and "waterfall wolf cut" are likely to spread further because they offer structure with an easy-going feel.

Focus on hair health will also increase. More people will look for gentle formulas and treatments that support curl strength and protect from sun, pollution, and heat. New products aimed at keeping curls defined for longer while feeding the hair from within are expected. Colour will probably stay soft and dimensional, with custom balayage and fine highlights giving curls a natural glow and depth that suits each person’s pattern and tone.