23 – 10 Cute Curly Hair Styles to Save Time

According to a recent survey, nearly 70% of curly-haired individuals spend over 20 minutes daily styling their hair. That’s a lot of time — especially when you’re juggling kids, classes, work, or, let’s face it, just trying to survive the day.

Don’t worry, I’ve got you. Whether you’re sporting tight coils, loose waves, or bouncy ringlets, these 10 curly hairstyles are quick, trendy, and absolutely doable, even when you’re low on time or energy. Some you can throw together in under 5 minutes. Others may need a spritz or twist — but they’re all time-savers with major cute points.

Let’s dive into the curly goodness, shall we?

1. The Pineapple Updo

Simple, sassy, and a literal lifesaver on busy mornings — the pineapple updo is a classic in the curly community for good reason.

To pull it off, just flip your head over, gather your curls at the very top of your head, and loosely secure them with a silk scrunchie or a soft elastic band. Boom. Done. The curls cascade forward like a juicy pineapple — hence the name. You can fluff it up or tame it down depending on your vibe.

This updo is not only frizz-friendly and protective (especially if you’re trying to preserve a twist-out or wash-n-go), but it also adds instant volume and flair. Pair it with statement earrings and you’re ready for anything — grocery run, brunch, or even a casual work Zoom.

2. Half-Up Curly Bun

Half-up, half-down? Total win. This curly hairstyle is perfect for those moments when you want your hair out of your face, but still want to flaunt your texture.

Start by parting your hair from ear to ear and gather the top half into a high ponytail. Then twist it into a messy bun and secure it with bobby pins or a cute scrunchie. Leave the bottom half loose — your natural curls will handle the drama from there.

It’s playful, practical, and works for short, medium, or long curly hair. For a polished finish, smooth down the edges with a little styling gel. Want to go extra? Add a couple of decorative pins or mini clips on the sides for a trendy twist.

3. Wash-and-Go Defined Curls

Nothing beats the confidence boost of bouncy, defined curls. And yes — this can be a quick go-to style when done right.

After your morning shower, apply a lightweight leave-in conditioner followed by a curl cream or gel that suits your hair type. Rake or scrunch through your curls, then diffuse or air dry. If you prep your hair the night before, all you’ll need in the morning is a bit of refreshing spray and fluffing at the roots.

The wash-and-go routine is a lifesaver if you’ve nailed your product combo. No twists, no accessories — just your curls in all their glory. And trust me, this minimalist approach works beautifully for time-conscious queens who still want that defined bounce.

4. Curly High Puff

This one’s bold, fast, and full of attitude. The high puff takes center stage — literally — and gives you volume without the extra effort.

To create this look, pull your curls upward with a stretch band or shoelace, securing it at the top of your head like a crown. You don’t need to flatten the back or worry about every flyaway — the beauty lies in its natural shape and lift.

Perfect for tight curls or coily textures, this is a protective style that also draws attention to your face. Want to jazz it up? Add a headband, wrap, or a pop of color on the lips. The high puff doesn’t just save time — it amplifies your natural curl pattern with barely any styling tools involved.

5. Low Curly Ponytail

Classy, easy, and endlessly versatile — the low curly ponytail is ideal for both quick errands and dressed-up moments.

Gather your curls at the nape of your neck and secure them with a soft band. You can part your hair in the middle, go slick-back, or keep it natural and fluffy. Smooth the edges or leave them wispy — there’s no wrong way here.

To elevate the style, wrap a piece of hair around the elastic and pin it underneath. That tiny detail makes your ponytail look instantly more polished. Great for medium to long curls, this style can handle any situation, from work to weddings.

6. Side Part with Clip

Sometimes, all you need is a quick part and a cute clip to transform your day.

Flip your hair to one side to create a deep part — this instantly adds volume and drama. Then grab a hair clip, barrette, or a couple of pins to secure a section behind your ear. Simple, right?

Yet the side part with accessory combo never fails to look intentional. Whether you’re wearing it to brunch or a virtual meeting, it brings effortless chic to the table. It’s also a subtle way to frame your face and show off those curls without doing much at all.

7. Curly Space Buns

Who said grown-ups can’t wear space buns? This playful look is back — and curly girls are slaying it with confidence.

Part your hair down the middle and create two high ponytails on each side. Twist each pony into a bun and pin it in place. Let some curls escape for that perfectly undone vibe.

Not only is this fun and youthful, but it’s also a go-to for gym days, picnics, or just when you want something different. If you’re into accessories, throw in some colored scrunchies or glitter pins for a little sparkle.

8. Twist-Out Faux Hawk

Want volume, edge, and definition all at once? The twist-out faux hawk is your jam.

Start by parting and twisting your hair into chunky two-strand twists overnight. In the morning, unravel them gently for maximum curl definition. Then pin the sides of your hair upward to create the mohawk illusion, leaving the center section loose and voluminous.

It’s a stylish option for medium-length curls and coils — and it works especially well for protective styling. The twist-out also extends the longevity of your curls, making it a time-saver throughout the week.

9. Messy Curly Bun

The curly bun is your go-to when you just don’t have the time — but still want to look cute and collected.

Gather all your curls into a loose bun on top or at the back of your head. Let a few strands fall out to soften the look. Use a silk scrunchie to minimize breakage and frizz, and you’re all set.

This bun works for almost any curl pattern and length. It’s casual yet effortlessly chic — especially with a pair of sunglasses or gold hoops. Trust me, no one will know you styled it in less than 2 minutes.

10. Curly Headband Look

We’re ending with a classic: the curly headband style. It’s nostalgic, comfy, and insanely practical.

Slip a wide or printed headband over your curls to push them back and frame your face. This works especially well on days when your curls are in between washes or just not cooperating. Add a little water or leave-in to refresh them, and you’re ready to rock the day.

This style is especially great for humid weather or lazy Sundays. Plus, headbands come in every style imaginable — so you can dress it up or down depending on your mood.

Conclusion

Let’s be real — curly hair is gorgeous, but it doesn’t always play nice with our schedules. Luckily, with these 10 cute curly hairstyles, you’ve got a toolkit of go-to styles that are both quick and beautiful.

From the bold pineapple to the laid-back headband look, each one is designed to keep your curls thriving without eating up your time or energy. And the best part? They work with what you already have — natural texture, a couple of tools, and a little bit of creativity.