I love how a curly bun can feel both effortless and polished at once, so I’m excited to show you a handful of styles that do just that. I’ll walk through easy techniques for shaping volume, keeping curl definition, and adding little details—braids, twists, and wrapped strands—that make a bun look intentional, not thrown-together.
Stick around if you want quick, wearable options for everything from coffee runs to special nights out…
Messy High Curly Bun With Face-Framing Tendrils
I usually reach for a messy high curly bun when I want something quick but still flirty—it’s my go-to for days when my curls need a lift and my patience is low.
I pull hair up loosely, secure with a soft elastic, and tug a few tendrils free to frame my face.
It’s effortless, playful, and perfect for casual outings or last-minute glam.
You can create a variety of looks by experimenting with different bun updo placements and textures to suit your style.
Sleek Low Curly Bun With Defined Part
If a messy high bun is my lazy-girl flirty go-to, a sleek low curly bun is my polished, no-fuss upgrade for nights when I want to look put-together without the fuss.
I part hair precisely, smooth roots, then gather curls at nape for a neat, elegant knot.
Little face-framing curls soften the look; it feels chic, intentional, and surprisingly quick.
This style pairs beautifully with other curly updo options for every occasion.
Voluminous Top Knot for Tight Curls
When my tight curls need a little drama, I pull them up into a voluminous top knot that says “effortlessly bold” without the actual effort.
I tease roots gently, gather hair high, and secure with a soft elastic, letting coils fan out for shape. A few face-framing tendrils soften the look. It’s quick, lively, and perfect when I want height and personality.
Adding a mid-length option can make this style work beautifully for more curl types, especially those looking for Mid Length Curly Hairstyles as a versatile choice.
Braided Crown Leading Into a Curly Bun
Since I love a hairstyle that feels both polished and a little mischievous, I braid a crown around my head and tuck the rest into a bouncy curly bun for an easy, romantic vibe.
I tease the crown slightly for texture, secure with discreet pins, and let a few tendrils escape. It’s effortless, flattering, and perfect when you want pretty without fuss. Brides often choose updos for their timeless elegance.
Twisted Side Curly Bun for Asymmetry
I love how a soft face-framing twist gives a curly bun instant romance and movement.
I’ll show you how to twist a few pieces and sweep them into a secure low-side bun for that perfectly off-center look.
It’s easy, keeps curls defined, and stays put all day with just a few pins.
Messy updos are versatile for every occasion and can be adapted with simple techniques like pinning and texturizing to create effortless volume for messy updo hairstyles.
Soft Face-Framing Twist
Leaning into asymmetry, I twist a few face-framing pieces and sweep the rest into a low side bun — it’s my go-to when I want soft curls to look effortful but totally styled.
I tease those twists lightly, let tendrils fall, and tuck ends so the shape feels relaxed not stiff.
It’s quick, flattering, and perfect when I want a casual-meets-dressed-up vibe.
Secure Low-Side Bun
For a polished look that still feels relaxed, I gather my curls to one side and twist them into a low, secure bun that sits just behind the ear — it’s my go-to when I want asymmetry without fuss.
I tuck stray tendrils, secure with pins, and loosen a few face-framing curls. It’s effortless, comfy, and instantly chic for day or evening.
Double Bun Playful Curly Look
I’m all about rocking a Double Bun Playful Curly Look when I want something fun and fuss-free; it instantly turns ordinary curls into a flirty, youthful vibe.
I split my hair, twist each half into messy buns, and secure with pins or bands.
It’s quick, keeps curls defined, and feels mischievous — perfect for weekends, festivals, or when I need a cheerful boost.
Low Romantic Curly Bun With Soft Flyaways
When I want something softer and a little more grown-up, I pull my curls into a low romantic bun and let a few tendrils escape to frame my face.
It feels effortless, chic, and a touch undone. I loosen pieces around my temples, mist with light-hold spray, and smile—this look dresses up dates or casual days without fuss, yet reads utterly intentional.
Half-Up Curly Bun With Loose Waves
If you like the soft vibe of a low romantic bun but want something breezier, I’ll show you how a half-up curly bun with loose waves keeps that undone charm while adding a playful, lifted feel.
I gather top sections, twist loosely into a small bun, and let face-framing waves tumble. It’s quick, flirty, and perfect when you want movement without fuss.
Accessorized Curly Bun With Decorative Pins
Tucking a few decorative pins into a curly bun instantly lifts the whole look, and I love how a tiny metallic or jeweled accent can turn casual hair into something party-ready.
I tuck, twist, and pin with a grin. My go-to tips:
- Mix sizes
- Cluster asymmetrically
- Secure with bobby pins
- Match metal to jewelry
Simple, playful, and effortlessly chic.
Slicked-Back Curly Bun for Formal Events
I love how a few pins can glam up a messy bun, but for formal events I reach for a slicked-back curly bun that feels polished without being stiff.
I smooth the edges with gel, gather curls low at the nape, and secure with sturdy pins.
It reads elegant yet relaxed, holds through toasts, and lets your natural texture do the sophisticated talking.
Textured Sock Bun Adapted for Curls
I love using a sock bun to get that perfect rounded shape, but with curls you’ve got to start by prepping a curl-friendly base—moisture, light gel, and gentle detangling.
Then I twist and tuck the hair around a rolled sock, letting the natural texture peek through so the bun stays soft and bouncy. Stick with a few strategic bobby pins and a spritz of flexible hold, and you’ve got a textured sock bun that actually celebrates your curls.
Preparing Curl-Friendly Base
Because curls need extra care, I tweak the classic sock bun to give you a textured, secure base without squashing your pattern.
I prep damp hair, use leave-in, and diffuse until just damp. Then I:
- Apply curl cream
- Loosely gather into a low pony
- Stretch with fingers
- Secure with a soft donut
It holds texture and bounce.
Shaping With a Sock
Now we’ll rig the sock bun so your curls keep their life and shape — I like to think of it as tucking in without flattening.
I roll a tube sock into a donut, thread my ponytail through, then gently spread curls around it.
I pin loose coils, tease for texture, and leave face-framing tendrils.
It’s quick, secure, and keeps bounce.
Curly Bun With Wrapped Ponytail Detail
With a quick twist and a little patience, I can show you how a curly bun with a wrapped ponytail detail turns a simple updo into something playful and polished.
I love this look for texture and ease. Try these steps:
- Smooth base ponytail
- Wrap tail around bun
- Tuck ends neatly
- Pin and mist for hold
Knotted Low Curly Bun With Volume at the Nape
If you want a look that feels effortless but actually reads chic, I’ll show you how a knotted low curly bun with extra volume at the nape gives that just-right mix of softness and structure.
I tease roots gently, gather curls low, knot sections loosely, then secure with pins.
It’s romantic, practical, and holds all day without feeling stiff—perfect for day or night.
Messy Halo Bun With Tousled Curly Edges
I love how the knotted low bun plays with structure, but sometimes I want something airier—enter the messy halo bun with tousled curly edges.
I tuck curls around my crown, leave face-framing tendrils, and loosen for movement.
Try these quick tips:
- Prep with light mousse.
- Pin loosely.
- Pull pieces gently.
- Finish with flexible spray.
Elegant Chignon-Style Curly Bun
When I want something polished but still soft, I reach for an elegant chignon-style curly bun that tucks curls into a neat, low knot with a few artful loops and face-framing wisps.
I twist and pin, letting texture whisper sophistication.
It’s quick, feels fancy without fuss, and survives a busy day.
Add a comb or ribbon for instant charm.
I hope this little tour of curly bun ideas got you excited to try something fun — if you want messy romance, sleek polish, or playful asymmetry.
I love how these styles celebrate your natural texture while still looking pulled-together, and most only take a few easy steps and products to hold their shape. Play around with tendrils, braids, or a ribbon, and don’t worry if it’s imperfect — that’s half the charm.
