Trending Hairstyles for Curly Hair to Try Right Now

By Carol's Daughter — Updated May 2026

Quick Answer: The most popular trending hairstyles for curly hair right now blend retro throwbacks with modern updates. Top picks include fishtail braids, curtain bangs, mini bangs, layered cuts, face-framing highlights, claw-clipped half-ups, the curly shag, the overgrown pixie, and embracing big natural texture. Most work across curl types (2A–4C); the right styling products — moisturizing leave-ins, lightweight oils, and curl-defining creams — make trend styles actually wearable day-to-day.

Trends come and go, but the best ones stick around because they actually work for natural hair.

Some of these are throwback styles having a moment (claw clips, mini bangs, curtain bangs, the shag). Others are evergreen looks that never really left (natural texture, layered cuts, fishtail braids). All of them work beautifully on curly and natural hair with the right products and a little patience.

Here are 15 trending curly hairstyles worth trying — plus the products that make them work.

Find Your Personalized Routine

Different curl types carry different trends differently. The Curl Quiz helps you understand your hair before trying any of these styles.

Take the Curl Quiz → A 5-step quiz that identifies your hair type, main concerns, and the products built for your texture.

1. Fishtail Braid

The braid that's been trending for years and shows no signs of slowing down.

Two main variations:

Fishtail ponytail — gathered into a high or low pony, then fishtail-braided to the ends
Fishtail bun — fishtail-braided, then coiled and pinned into a bun

For shine and frizz control:

Spritz the Goddess Strength 7-Oil Blend Hair & Scalp Oil along the finished braid for that glossy, polished look.

For broader braid inspiration, see our 25 stunning braided hairstyles for natural hair guide.

2. Mini Bangs

Micro bangs are bold, but when done well they look chic — not costume-y.

The look: Bangs cut to 1–2 inches past your hairline. Way shorter than traditional fringe.

Why they're worth trying:

They won't fall in your eyes (problem most bangs cause)
When they grow out, you naturally land in curtain-bang territory
They make a real statement without committing to a whole haircut

Maintenance:

Mini bangs need frequent washing — they're up against your forehead, so they pick up oil fast. Use the Wash Day Delight Sulfate Free Shampoo for Curly Hair — lightweight, lathers gently, won't weigh the bangs down.

3. More Layers

Heavily-layered cuts add dimension, movement, and face-framing shape to medium-to-long hair.

Why layers work so well on curly hair:

Reduce bulk at the ends
Showcase curl definition at multiple lengths
Frame the face naturally as they fall

For healthy, shiny ends:

A dime-sized amount of the Goddess Strength 7-Oil Blend Hair & Scalp Oil applied before bed keeps ends moisturized, helps prevent split ends, and reduces tangles.

For more on managing layered cuts and split ends, see our complete guide to split ends.

4. Face-Framing Highlights

Also called money-piece highlights or hair contouring — lighter color applied only to the hair around your face.

The technique: A soft, lighter shade (typically honey, caramel, or soft blonde) painted onto the hair directly framing your face. The rest of your hair stays your natural color.

The result: A modern, soft version of '90s and Y2K highlights with a refined, contouring effect.

For color-treated curly hair:

Pre-treat with the Born to Repair 60-Second Moisture Treatment with Shea Butter to add slip and protection before coloring
Deep condition weekly with the Goddess Strength Cocoon Hydrating Hair Mask to keep color-treated curls strong

For more on caring for color-treated curls, see our complete guide to repairing bleach-damaged hair.

5. Flipped-Out Ends

A '90s throwback that's been showing up on red carpets — flipped-out ends with a blunt cut.

How to achieve the look:

Best on a blunt cut (not heavily layered)
Style the ends to flip outward, away from the face
Use a round brush or flexi-rods at the ends

For added body:

Wash with the Goddess Strength Fortifying Conditioner with Castor Oil — gives strands lift and body to make the flipped ends pop.

6. Space Buns

Two high (or low) buns on either side of your head — playful, polished, and not going anywhere.

For a hydrating styling base:

Apply the Goddess Strength Divine Strength Leave-In Cream with Castor Oil before parting. It moisturizes, defines, and helps each bun hold its shape.

7. Major Volume

Big hair has always been beautiful — and intentional volume is officially a trend.

Embrace it:

Let your natural curl pattern do its thing
Add a pick to lift the roots
Don't fight humidity — work with it

For healthy, strong volume:

Use the Goddess Strength Cocoon Hydrating Hair Mask once a week — castor oil, ginger, and black cumin seed strengthen weak spots and lock in moisture. Strong hair holds volume better than fragile hair.

8. Curtain Bangs

If mini bangs feel like too much, curtain bangs are the wearable alternative — longer, swept to either side of the face, blendable into the rest of your hair.

Why they work for curly hair:

Easy to grow out (they naturally blend back into layers)
Less daily styling than traditional fringe
Flatter most face shapes
Can be straightened or kept curly depending on your mood

For hold and definition:

Apply a small amount of the Coco Crème Curl Shaping Cream Gel with Coconut Oil to your curtain bangs — gives them shape and hold without flaking or stiffness.

9. The Simple Bob

The bob is back — and this iteration is blunt, edgy, and Parisian-cool.

Best for: longer-than-jaw, shorter-than-shoulder cuts. Works on most face shapes but can be harder to pull off than other lengths.

Try before you commit:

If you're unsure, sport a bob via wig or bohemian box braids cut to bob length first. No commitment, full vibe.

10. Claw Clips

The accessory that made styling easy again.

The look:

Pull a few face-framing pieces out for softness
Twist the rest of your hair loosely
Secure with a jumbo claw clip at the back of your head

Pro tip for curly hair: Make sure your claw clip is wide enough for your hair volume. Standard small clips won't hold thick natural hair.

For revived second-day curls:

Apply the Hair Milk Original Leave-In Moisturizer throughout the hair before clipping back. It revives limp curls and adds moisture without weighing anything down.

11. Natural Texture

The biggest "trend" of all: natural texture, worn confidently and unapologetically.

The point: No straightening, no chemical alteration, no hiding your curl pattern. Just your hair, defined and cared for.

For polished natural texture:

Apply the Hair Milk Original Leave-In Moisturizer on damp hair — preps for styling, adds softness, shine, and defrizzes. Then layer with a styler depending on the style you're going for.

Style options to play with:

Wash-and-gos — see our complete guide to the wash-and-go
Twist-outs — see our defined twist-out tutorial
Braid-outs
Finger coils — see our finger coils tutorial

Rock that texture with confidence.

12. Overgrown Pixie

Pixie meets mullet, pixie meets bob — the in-between cut that's having a moment.

The look:

Shorter on the sides
Longer on top
Added layers and texture throughout

Works beautifully on curly hair because the natural texture adds dimension to the cut.

13. Sleek and Straight

For when you want a break from curls — perfectly straight hair with a glassy, polished finish.

The technique:

Blow out with a round brush for the foundation
Flat-iron section by section
Finish with a smoothing oil

For shine and moisture on heat-styled hair:

Apply a quarter-sized amount of the Goddess Strength 7-Oil Blend Hair & Scalp Oil to the bottom half of your hair shaft after straightening. Adds shine without weighing the style down.

Important: Use heat protection and don't overdo it. Repeated flat-ironing without protection causes heat damage. For more on heat damage repair, see our complete guide to repairing heat-damaged curly hair.

14. The Buzz Cut

The boldest cut on this list — and a powerful, freeing choice for those ready to take it there.

Why it's trending: Low-maintenance, striking, and impossible to do half-heartedly.

Maintenance:

Frequent touch-ups (every 2–4 weeks)
A good scalp oil — the Goddess Strength 7-Oil Blend Hair & Scalp Oil keeps the scalp moisturized and healthy

If you've got the confidence, do it.

15. The Tousled Shag

Layered, lived-in, deliberately undone. The cut that looks effortless because it was designed to.

The features:

Heavy layers throughout
Curtain bangs or face-framing pieces
Tousled finish (never too neat)
Works with natural texture beautifully

For the lived-in finish:

Air-dry with the Coco Crème Curl Shaping Cream Gel with Coconut Oil and let your curls do their thing. The cut creates the shape; the product holds it together.

Frequently Asked Questions About Trending Curly Hairstyles

Which trending hairstyle is easiest to try without committing to a haircut?

The space buns, the curly faux hawk, the claw-clipped half-up, and the fishtail braid all work on any hair length without requiring a cut. Try a few before committing to mini bangs, curtain bangs, or the overgrown pixie.

Are mini bangs hard to maintain on curly hair?

They require more frequent washing than the rest of your hair (since they're against your forehead picking up oil). Otherwise, they're surprisingly low-maintenance — they air-dry quickly and don't fall in your eyes.

What's the best trending style for type 4 hair?

All of these work for type 4 hair, but the major volume, natural texture, fishtail braid, overgrown pixie, and buzz cut are particularly flattering. Type 4 texture amplifies the visual impact of each.

How do I prep curly hair for face-framing highlights?

Get your hair as strong and moisturized as possible before coloring. Deep condition weekly with the Goddess Strength Cocoon Hydrating Hair Mask for 2–3 weeks before your appointment, and pre-treat with the Born to Repair 60-Second Moisture Treatment right before the color service. For more, see our complete guide to repairing bleach-damaged curls.

Can curtain bangs work with type 4 hair?

Yes — but they often look best when slightly stretched or air-dried rather than fully shrunken. A small amount of styling product applied to damp bangs as they dry helps them sit in the soft, swept-to-the-side shape that defines the trend.

Should I cut my hair myself to try these trends?

For mini bangs, curtain bangs, the bob, the overgrown pixie, the buzz cut, and the shag — visit a curly-hair-experienced stylist. Cutting curly hair is technically different from cutting straight hair (most stylists cut dry curls, not wet), so the right stylist matters a lot.

What's the most versatile trending style?

Curtain bangs and the heavily-layered cut. Both work across face shapes, curl types, and don't lock you into one specific look — they grow out gracefully and can be styled multiple ways.