Change is in the air, and I do not know about you, but I can already feel that desire to do something different in my hair. The usual refresh? It’s not enough anymore. I want brazen curls, new shapes, surprise volume, something that makes people say to me, “Where did you get that done?” Now here is the question, what will curly hair be in 2026?
Will the undone curl be still being loved? Will you come back in shining ringlets? And what of the never-surpassing braid revival – do we still braid it upon our appearance or do we drop it? In this post, I am entering the world of five curly styles that seem to be defining the future of textured hairstyles in my opinion. Imagine self-confidence, originality, and that non-extravagant glamor that everybody yearns to.
The styles that follow are not only fashionable, but they can be worn. They all have an added element, and believe me, when you have tried one of them, you will never revert to plain buns.
High Glam Volume with Structured Curls
This appearance is instilling refined power. The curls are well coiled, consistent, and bouncy and are sculpted into a high ponytail that does not only raise the hair but the entire mood. I like the cleanliness of the hairline the most. It is smooth at the top, and then falls into this torrent of rippling curls that shake with you. The juxtaposition of the draw-in tension and bulky length contributes to some sort of drama without too much effort. It is a daring-but-beautiful makeover to all who need that high-impact look.
This is a diva maintenance-wise, but it is well worth the work. I would apply a curling mousse such as the Ouidad Advanced Climate Control Heat & Humidity Gel prior to the styling, and apply a light shine spray. The hold edge control is quite strong and cannot be compromised to make that snatched top appear fresh. Silk pillowcase at night. Always.
I had something like that last fall on the opening of a gallery and how many people came up to me I cannot count. The charm was in the belief it gave me – how snug and uplifted a pony can give you a natural facelift and a feeling that you are a hundred feet tall. It is not a haphazard throw-it-up-and-go appearance. This is one which you would like to enter the room.
This dramatic curly hair does not require any accessories, however, I would still have it necessitate oversized hoops as well as this one because it perfectly frames the face. This is the style that will make people respect you yet feel like a woman.
Side Braided Crown with Glossy Spirals
It is a warrior-goddess-style, somehow office appropriate. There are tight, shiny curls that are directed, hair is styled, the side braids are turned in the direction and the hair is directed to go back as it forms almost like runway to your curls. The contrast between the detailed braids around the scalp and the less detailed though fuller curls underneath is gorgeous. And the braiding detail? It’s not just decorative. It is able to model the head, carve out the profile, and allow you to tuck the volume into precisely the location desired.
This fashion requires preparation and time. I would use a curl lengthening cream such as Pattern Styling Cream and on those braids, a light pomade to ensure that they stick to shape without getting crispy. You can not leave out the diffuser during drying process, it is the key to getting that plush curl volume without losing structure.
Such braids make me remember why I like curly hair very much, because it is such versatile hair. One day you are a free flowing and the next day you are a serving sculptural vibe. Also, it has the added benefit of being protective hair style, particularly when you are either growing out your curls or in between. This one is certainly a spring rotation.
This is really elevated to the next level with the addition of statement earrings or glasses. It is becoming cool-girl-who-is-reading-Virginia-Woolf-but-who-is-still-softly kisses Rihanna. Yes, I’m talking about you.
Romantic Soft Updo with Face-Framing Waves
That is what they refer to when they talk of effortless elegance. This hair is drawn back only to the point of feeling put together but the strands that drape around the face? So soft it is there. The waves are slack, extended in S form and they move, not jump. The old school is just so modern here. It is whispering bridal, but it is also a night at the opera or a dinner with a person that makes your heart flutter like a butterfly.
This is the type of a style that requires low heat + good preparation. I would spray on a light curly reactivator such as the Mizani 25 Miracle Milk and then I would make the curl stretch slightly with the use of the wide barrel. Secure the curls gently – there is no aim of curls being tight, just soft. Beauty with a flexible hold spray. No crunch allowed.
I did attempt this appearance at the engagement party of my best friend – and, in fact, it lasted all night. It is the type of style that appears more appealing the freer it becomes during the night. I didn’t want to take it down.
Great in spring weddings or garden brunches or in moments when you feel like being the lightest person in the room, this updo speaks of luxuriousness.
Short Tousled Curly Bob with Blonde Highlights
It is the sort of cut which tells you, I have just woken up this way, – but plainly you see it is a well-dressed sort of messy hair. The curls are specified but slack, as though coiled by fingers and flattened. The top is pinned up to the extent that the volume is maintained, and the sides just dropped with the flow. The blonde hair pieces are not thick, but smeared in just the right amount, as in sun-kisses at the end of the hair.
Cuts such as these are short and curly, and they need hydration to ensure that such coils do not dry up. On the second or third day, I would be using Bumble and Bumble Curl Reactivator, and finger-style with a small amount of curl butter. And do not load it with heavy oils–the shape must be lifted at the knees.
What is special to me is the liberation in the form. It is non-frizzy, undress, and non-frizzy. The best choice when one does not want a complex routine but at the same time wants to make their curls shine. I would wear this to a comfortable Sunday and client meeting with creativity.
I also like the combination of this style with heavy sweaters – something about texture-on-texture seems to be appropriate in early spring.
Side-Swept Curls with Golden Ombre Touch
Okay, this is the showstopper. The curls are identified, fat, and with a side part letting the volume of the hair fall just in the right place not symmetrically but purposefully. The golden ombre is smooth and fades away in warm brunette roots and shining honey at the extremities. It brings immediate glow to the face even when one does not have to get a complete dye job. That little detail? One side a feather clip stuck to. Minimal but unforgettable.
In order to maintain this color bright and healthy, I would apply Redken Color Extend Magnetics line. The curls themselves are another great thing to use a blend of leave-in conditioner and gel – Kinky Curly Knot Today with Uncle Funky Curl Magic is my preferred choice to get a defining involved without flaking.
Chris Appleton told once that there is no expensive-looking hair as there is healthy shine and this hair is that one. I would wear this type of style to spring rooftop parties or just to feel like the lead character.
This is a step to take in case you have been considering testing color but have not been much committed. Request your colorist to give you root-smudge so that it is low maintenance.
Hollywood Cascade with Red Carpet Shine
This fashion is the meaning of glamour at its core. The curls have been gently formed into a half-up ponytail which cascades in the exact spirals down the back. The balance, neither too tight nor too loose, the slight rise at the top and the romantic tendrils that settle around the face have just the right amount of frame to make this one feel so current in 2026. It possesses that hazy Sunday best feel yet it is not too precious. This could be worn with ease to a prom or a ball, and even worn to a candlelit dinner when you need to feel special but not necessarily in princess mode.
In the future, the style will be achieved by using a large-barrel curling iron or wand and locking my curls with a light thermal setting spray such as the Kenra Platinum Hot Spray 20. Curling is followed by a little brushing through with a boar bristle brush and then using bobby pins to hold the top with a slight volume. Never leave out the shine spray – you can use a shine spray like Oribe Dry Shine this will lend that shiny, almost reflective look.
When I encounter the styles such as this, I always tend to think of the traditional red carpet styles but with a 2026 twist that is less forceful and fresher. It causes you to feel like putting on perfume, drinking champagne and uttering some mystery. Is not such power as that worth pursuing now and then?
High Pony with Sculpted Bang Curls
Well, this is opinion with a twist. the high ponytail is not new -but with those baby-bang curls? Instant edge. It seems somehow futuristic, but so comfortable. The pony base is slicked and shiny, the ends jutting in big and distinct coils. And those miniature curls hung down the forehead? They also make the appearance soft without losing the structure. It is the high fashion and street style having a very chic baby.
This one is certainly one that needs prep. I would begin with a smoothing serum (such as Kerastase Discipline Oleo-Relax) and then brush the hair up, then use a small barrel wand to set the curls or go ahead and curl hair by fingers. To style the bangs, a mini flat iron is required and then the bangs are pinned until they become cool to maintain their curved form. You will need a good hold gel on the exposed back and a fine tooth comb to have it razor clean.
I have always been fond of styles that are contrasted with each other, and this style is a classic example. Structured and free. Sleek and voluminous. When you like to make some heads turn and at the same time keep the hair off your neck, it is a great statement look. Gallery night, remarkably, launch party, or an unexpectedly fashion moment of a power dinner.
Low Romantic Twist with Soft Spiral Detail
This is feminine essence. The hair has been arranged in a low, humped chignon, with certain strands of hair left to hang about in the proper spots. It is romantic, all right, though not old-fashioned. It has structure on the bottom and movement on the curls, making it contemporary. I love this appearance because it is wearable. You might find it during a wedding or a baby shower or even on a Sunday brunch. It is not screaming styled, but whispers grace.
A light foam mousse, such as DevaCurl Frizz-Free Volumizing Foam, would help me achieve such polished curls, with the help of a medium barrel iron to form the curls. Pin in loosely rolled in a low knot, so that a few of the discernible strands may fall loose. It is also one of the styles, in which an additional dose of highlighter on your cheekbones is a sensible choice.
On a personal level, I believe any curly haired girl requires her own style of go to low bun that does not make her feel mature. This is mine. It is unobtrusive lavish and highly convenient, particularly in cases when the weather is unpredictable. Extra marks on the way it outlines for the collarbones.
Two-Tone Curls with Retro Side Volume
Something strong in dimension there is–and this two-tone appearance is like a tidal wave of the same. Its base is a deep, neutral brown which fades to champagne blonde curls as it runs along the lengths. The curls per se are full and romantic, yet it is all luxe with that exaggerated side part. It is vintage, okay, but not costumey. Glam enough but not too glam. I like the fact that it makes old Hollywood with a touch of present.
Here, there is color maintenance. I would apply Matrix Brass Off at least once a week to maintain those blonde ends, and condition my hair with such products as the Amika Soulfood Nourishing Mask on a regular basis. Even the curls themselves must be defined, hence a cocktail of a leave-in cream and a defining gel will be necessary.
I have previously been wearing a similar color melt and what was interesting was the dynamic appearance of the same in motion. It is one of those types of fashion which make people look twice – the colour reflects light and the curls swing. It is the time to change to change your curl pattern without having to sacrifice it.
Messy Top Bun with Boho Curl Escape
This one’s pure personality. A top bun that is messy and tall in volume with curls that are free spirited and cascading around the face. It is that combination of I did not make such an attempt and yes, I know what I am about. And a paisley scarf tied round the head? It seals the vibe. Here is a carefree and almost European summer look. As you have just left a street cafe and are in your finest hour.
I would put very little style in this one, second or third-day curls are the best. Simply add life back to the form with a water spray can and a pump of Ouai Curl Creme, and then heap it all up and left to cascade in the areas of your choice. It is in not letting it get to your head. The scarf may be anything, be it silk, cotton or vintage, provided that it creates texture.
It is that type of appearance I tilt my head to achieve when I feel like being playful and at the same time being drawn together. It works best on hotter days, during traveling or when you just feel hot over doing your hairstyle. It keeps your hair safe and it seems like you have excellent taste. Win-win.
Classic Sculpted Waves with Glossy Finish
Something old fashioned about this appearance – the manner in which the curls are tenderly chiseled and twisted back in an old fashioned pinned down shape brings about a feel that it is simply vintage screen siren versus current muse. The feel is smooth, the finish is smooth and the tendrils that frame the face provide the right bit of tenderness. It is not too formal but it has the I planned this in the best sense. The style would fit well in either a small cocktail party or even in a fancy event where elegant beauty is required.
I would wash the hair with Shu Uemura Essence Absolue Nourishing Oil, then use a large-barrel curling wand to make the curls. When pinned up, the whole will be made soft with a mist of pliable hold hairspray (such as L’Oreal Elnett Satin). And leave not the pomade, but that little on the ends keeps the frizz out without straightening the curl.
It is the type of hair style to wear that does not scream of getting attention, it attracts it. The type of fashion that photographs admirably and will stand all evening. I had something like this last spring at a rooftop party and I felt so elegantly dressed. In some cases, it is true that less is more.
Copper-Infused Mid-Length Corkscrews
It is a look of dimension, bounce and the golden-hour look. The curls are medium size corkscrews of a very beautifully layered form, falling naturally but defined. The subtle copper undertone, warm and rich and in the right spot to capture the light is what makes it really stand out. It provides the same level of color inspo as Pinterest without coming out of control. In case you consider changing shade to pass spring of 2026, this shade is such a clever choice.
Curly hair should be colored. I am a devout user of Olaplex No.3 as a weekly treatment and the Aveda Color Conserve line as a means of keeping it vibrant. In order to not make this shape stiff, apply a hair styling gel such as Curlsmith Curl Defining Souffle and dry with a diffuser. Do not brush after drying, but just scrunch a little with a bit of oil on your fingers.
The best thing is that this style is easy-going. It appears young, sportive and deliberate without being fussy. It is putting on that this is my natural texture – with a glow-up. And honestly? That’s the dream.
Structured Side Braid with Royal Wave Finish
Here there is drama in the details. It is a style characterized by a heavy side braid that is structured and sweeping along the crown, and deep, royal waves, sweeping like cloth. The volume is anchored by the braid and is sculpturally shaped, and the length is all a flowing motion. It is not too soft without being romantic. Certain and graceful and a little highborn.
To remove this, begin with a curling wand or rollers to provide a smooth texture of the waves. The plait needs to be neatly sectioned out as well – I always use a rat-tail comb, and a bit of Bed Head Wax Stick (TIGI) to hold it. The braid is given a slight tease at the roots which gives the hair lift and support. To finish it off apply a shine serum to that shiny flow.
I had a similar style of the braid on one of my family weddings and frankly speaking it remained perfect throughout the day. There is always something about a braid that makes one feel secure like all is in order- literally and emotionally. Bonus: It is extremely photogenic in all angles.
Precision Cornrows with Voluminous Curl Ends
This appearance is the ideal combination of safeguarding hair care and carefree massiveness. The sharp lines that the cornrows form are clean and graphic along the scalp with all the ends culminating in a burst of voluminous ends that are perfectly curled. It is sportive, fashionable and powerful, yet so feminine. The geometrical makeup of the braids creates structure and the bouncing on its ends makes it fun. When you are fond of combining functionality with the fashionable style, it is the type worth to attempt.
As always, cornrows must be applied on wet and unbraided hair, I would use Mielle Organics Leave-In Conditioner, and seal them with a little light oil. In the case of the curl ends, flexi rods can be used during the night or a small curling wand. In order to keep everything fresh, it is a must to have a satin bonnet or scarf in the night.
Personally, I enjoy this type of hybrid outfit as a way of traveling, it is protective, lasts long, and it does not take much effort in the morning. And it has that I-intended-this feel though you did not. Simply rub on a lip gloss and get out.
Curly Side Sweep with Pearl Accent Pins
Curls and pearls? Yes, please. It is a natural texture and has been taken to the next level with smooth placement and glitzy pearl clips. The separation is intense and it forms face-framing drama that is flirtatious and audacious. Even the curls are of mid-size and fluffy and defined with a tendency to fall on one side in the shape of a perfect cascade. It is sensitive, though not without malice. Feminine, yet edgy.
To make that un-frizzy, I would apply the The Doux Mousse Def Texture Foam and have a quick steam session in a diffuser on the second day. Gently confuse the roots with a wide-tooth comb, and have the hairpins in place to hold the part in place. Select clips of character – pearls, metallics or antiques.
Such is the type of style that narrates a small story. You did not simply do your hair, you edited an appearance. I wear it during spring occasions or even in date nights when you do not need anything fancy yet you can remember it long. It is soft glamour reengineered in 2026.
Twisted Crown Updo with Defined Ringlets
Such is what occurs when sculpture is combined with softness. The curls are twisted into thick, perfect pieces and handpinned into a crown-like hairstyle giving the effect almost of a flower. The texture is not accidental, it is glossy ringlets with a satin finish and which appear to be too pretty to be natural. And yet, there’s no stiffness. This is classy with swagger and I can already envision it in the trend of high-class spring events and in the trend of proms in the modern world.
To style, I would apply Sebastian Shaper Plus hairspray to hold and Moroccanoil Curl Cream. Hot rollers or flexi rods are the most efficient in achieving that standard curl and a boar-bristle brush can be used to flatten roots without messing the curl pattern. It is a pinning trick that must be done carefully, neither tugging nor tucking.
Frankly speaking, this appearance reminds me of the street style at the fashion week elegant yet daring. It is a type of style that one knows what he/she is doing. This is what every one who wants to make heads turn and feel safe throughout the night.
Milkmaid Braid with Cascading Loose Curls
Something is magic-romantic about this appearance, in a plush, wide, milkmaid-braid, which crowns cascading, long curls. The braid is not tight and not heavy and the curls are naturally bouncy. It is providing fairy-tale energy, but without kitchiness. It is one of the bridal favorites re-done into simple class.
To make everything soft, yet controlled, I would apply Briogeo Curl Charisma Rice Amino Avocado Leave-In and a light mousse. The braid is best applied when hair is somewhat grippy and therefore no need to use the super-silky smoothing serums. Curl ends with the middle size wand and part with fingers.
I enjoy the way of balancing effort and intent. It is an ideal day-to-evening appearance and is suitable during spring wedding, garden parties or even photo shoots. I had a similar one when I went on vacation in France, and I was complimented by strangers all day long.
Top Knot with Whimsical Bang Curls
This would be the hairstyle of sunshine. Bangy hair, with a huge messy top knot swamped over with airy curls, and curly bangs that curve around the face at all the right spots. It is relaxed, carefree and movement-filled. This is screaming Saturday morning farmer market or breezy afternoon in a flowered dress.
This hairstyle works well with second or third-day hair. Apply a dry texture spray, such as Ouai Texturizing Hair Spray, and pull the hair loosely together and use sections of the bun to allow the curls to fall where they will. In the bangs, I apply a small curling wand to make them look fresh and allow them to cool in shape.
I like that it is low-maintenance but it does not make it lazy. The curls which are little and fall on the jawline give it charm without trying. It is a glance that indicates that the person is calm yet he or she cares.
Side Ponytail with Clean Clip Accents
Playful but structured this side ponytail makes that Y2K clip revival come back in 2026 with a twist to be curled. The curls are fulfilled and complete, dotted to one side, with glittering metallic clips holding the volume back at the front. The back enables it to have a runway advantage due to its contrast of the slick side part and the voluminous back, and I am here because of it.
In order to repeat this, I begin by creating curls using Camille Rose Curl Maker. After that I separate and fix the top using ornamental clips or barrettes. Take a wide-tooth comb and quickly rake curls to one side using it and have an elastic to hold it in place invisibly.
I use it when I am in a rush to look good to myself in five minutes. The video clips say it all and the curls add some tenderness. It is ideal at brunch, on a casual date, or even on a zoom to add some extra flair to it.
Mohawk-Inspired Curl Sculpt with Undone Edges
Talk about bold. This mohawk style of curl is to the risk taker, the fashion leader, the one who comes to the event and initiates the trend. The sides are flicked back, the center portion is raised into a coronet of clear and definite, sculptural curls. It’s not punk — it’s polished. Strong but soft at the same time.
I would use a strong hold gel such as Eco Styler Olive Oil Gel on the sides, and on the curls, I would use a setting foam and finger coils. Pick each part when it cools and fluff. Lift is all about this style and volume of the roots is a major element in this style – it can be pumped up using a pick or diffuser.
I have not yet tried this one anyway, but it is still on my spring mood board. I would picture it with a few gold pieces of jewelry and a black jumpsuit. It is strong, catches off guard and is gorgeous in editorial.
