80+ Quick Curly Hairstyles for Busy Mornings

Mornings often feel like a race against time, especially if you have curly hair. With detangling, moisturizing and styling, it’s not hard to take an inordinately long time to prepare. But what if you could get gorgeous, defined curls in minutes? The good news? You don’t need to forego style for speed. So whether you have loose waves, bouncy ringlets or tight coils, there are plenty of fast, easy hairstyles that will keep your curls looking fabulous without the ordeal. From the textured ponytail to the topsy tail or messy bun, this guide covers 80+ quick curly hairstyles solutions for the most hustling mornings. From wash-and-go styles to protective updos, you’ll find options for every curl type and occasion.

80+ Daily Quick Curly Hairstyles 

Curly hair is gorgeous, but it’s a lot of work. Here’s why you need to master fast styling techniques:

✅ Time Saver  – Avoid an hour of diffusing or finger-coiling.
✅ Controls/Reduces Frizz  – Most quick styles work to create a barrier that locks in moisture and definition.
✅ Versatile  – Great for work, school, workouts, or a night out.
✅ Protective – Reduces breakage and preserves length.

Let’s get into the best quick curly hairstyles for any occasion!

Effortless Wash-and-Go Styles 🚿

The simple way to style curly hair? Leave it to do its job with the least amount of input required.

• Scrunch & Go — Curl-cream application followed by a scrunch and air-dry.
• Pineapple Method — Creating a loose high ponytail with hair to maintain curls overnight.
• Microplop – With a microfiber towel, scrunch excess water.
• Gel Casting – Use a gel for hold, scrunch out the crunch once dry.
• Shingling – Run fingers through curls to define for more bounce.

Pro Tip: For frizz-free definition, go for a leave-in conditioner followed by a lightweight mousse.

Quick Updos for Curly Hair 💁‍♀️

Updos are a morning-saver—they remove hair from your face, yet look with an air of chic.

• Messy Bun – Tip curls into either a high or low bun, leaving a few tendrils free.
• Pineapple Updo — A high, voluminous ponytail that looks like a pineapple.
• Twisted Crown – Twist tiny sections of hair and pin around your head like a crown.
• Half-Up, Half-Down — Use a claw clip or scrunchie to secure the top half.
• Gibson Tuck — A loose, romantic updo with tendrils peeking out.

Best for: Work, errands or when you need an elevated outfit quickly.

Braided Curly Hairstyles 🧵

Braids are a super simple way to give hair texture and definition while keeping it tamed.

• Single Braid – An easy side or back braid.
• Double Dutch Braids – Cute sporty not to mention high fashion.
• Fishtail Braid – A trendy braid that looks complex.
• Braided Ponytail – Braid a section before creating the ponytail.
• Rope Twist Braid – Twist two strands for a polished look.

Pro Tip: Spritz with water and a touch of oil prior to braiding to amp up the shine. ✨

Ponytail Variations 🐎

Ponytails are classic, easy and adaptable.

• High Puff Pony – Big and fierce.
• Low Curly Ponytail – Sleek until the ends are curled.
• Side Ponytail — Lively and uneven.
• Scrunchied Ponytail — Use a silk scrunchie for a retro feel.
• Twisted Ponytail – Add a tiny twist at the base for extra detail.

Best for: The gym, school  or when you want a no-fuss style.

Headband & Scarf Styles 🧣

Accessories can instantly dress up your outfit with no effort.

• Silk Headband — Looks polished and keeps hair back.
• Knot Headband – A trendy knotted scarf over the curls.
• Bandana Wrap – Fold a bandana as a headband.
• Boho Scarf Braid — Incorporate a scarf into a loose braid.
• Turban Style — A stylish wrap for day-old locks.

Tip: Frizz will be a thing of the past with satin/scarf/silk.

Twists & Bantu Knots 🌀

Time-saving protective styles in the long run.

• Two-Strand Twists – Easy and ideal for stretched curls.
• Flat Twists – Tight and close to the scalp.
• Bantu Knots — Super cute and great for a twist-out later.
• Twist-Out – Release twists for fluffy waves.
• Mini Twists – Tiny twists for a durable style.

Best for: When you need a style to last 3+ days. 📅

Clip & Pin Styles 📌

30-second, no-commitment looks.

• Claw Clip Updo  – An elegant updo in 30 seconds.
• Bobby Pin Waves – Pin out random bits for texture.
• Side-Swept Clips — Ornate clips for a boho vibe.
• Pinned Bangs – Removes hair strands from face.
• Hair Jewelry – Use glam pins with stones.

Use snap clips for a no-pulling hold — from the front.

Overnight Curly Styles 🌙

I never have to lift a finger in the morning.

• Satin Bonnet Method – To keep curls in place while you sleep.
• Pineapple with Scarf — Stifles flattening.
• Loose Braids – Creates waves when undone.
• Medusa Braids – Lots of mini plaits for texture.
• Flexi-Rod Set — To define curls in the AM.

Best for: Having curls ready to go come morning. ☀️

Half-Up Styles ↔️

Half up, half down (or best of both worlds).

• Half-Up Puff – A tiny poof on top.
• Twisted Half-Up – Two twisted bits clipped back.
• Bubble Half-Up – Elastic bands give a bubbled look.
• Braided Half-Up – A tiny braid makes a crown.
• Claw Clip Half-Up – The lazy girl’s style.

Best for: Laid-back adventures or work.

Pinned-Back Curls 📍

Stylishly out of your face hair.

• Side-Swept Pins – Soft and romantic.
• Crown Pins – Creates a halo effect.
• Twist & Tuck – Twist to sides and pin at back.
• Bobby Pin Designs – Fun geometric patterns.
• Peek-a-Boo Pins – Pins that hide for subtle detail.

Pro Tip: For a seamless look, choose bobby pins that match the color of your hair.

Refreshers for 2nd/3rd-Day Hair 🔄

Revive curls without washing.

• Water Spritz & Scrunch – Reactivate product.
• Leave-In Conditioner Refresh – Adds moisture.
• Oil Sheen Spray — Helps flatten fly-aways.
• Mousse Refresh – Increases the volume.
• Dry Shampoo for Roots – Absorbs excess oil.

Best for: Extending your style short of a full wash day.

Fun & Playful Styles 🎉

For those times you want to stand out.

• Space Buns — Two curly buns on top.
• Halo Braid – A plaited style twisted around the crown of the head.
• Curly Mohawk – Edgy and bold.
• Faux Hawk Ponytail – A more subtle approach to the mohawk.
• Bubble Braids – The sections of hair are held by multiple elastics.

Best for: Festivals, parties or simply feeling fun.

Work-Friendly Styles (Professional & Office-Friendly) 💼

Polished yet curly-friendly.

• Low Twisted Bun – Classy and tidy.
• Sleek Side Part– Smooth down with light gel.
• French Roll – A classic updo.
• Braided Low Bun — Elegant texturing.
• Pinned Back Curls – Formal, yet wavy.

Pro Tip: Apply edge control for a polished finish.

Gym & Workout-Friendly Styles 🏋️‍♀️

Stay stylish while active.

• High Braided Ponytail – A cute and secure braid.
• Double Buns — Keeps hair totally out of the way.
• Headband & Ponytail Combo – Sweat-proof.
• Loose Braid – Avoid tangling.
• Slicked-Back Bun – Low-maintenance and chic.

Best for: Yoga, running, or gym workouts.

Special Occasion Quick Curly Hairstyles💃

Glamming up in minutes.

• Tiara Hair — Talk about instant princess vibes.
• Sparkly Hair Pins – Adds a bit of bling.
• Side-Swept Curls — Elegant and red-carpet-worthy.
• Faux Hawk with Jewels — Edgy elegance.
• Floral Hair Clips – Perfect for weddings.

A Hairspray the Secret for Extra Hold on Big Days.

Quick Curly Hairstyles for Kids With Curly Hair 👧

For busy parents!

• Pigtails – Simple and cute.
• Puff Balls – Small puffs everywhere.
• Princess Braids — Small, dainty braids.
• Ribbon Curls — Brightly colored ribbons sewn in.
• Top Knot – A tiny curly bun.

Most suitable for: School, playdates or lazy weekends.

More Tips on Dealing with Curly Hair in the AM 🌅

• Reduce frizz with a satin pillowcase.
• Use leave-in conditioner to keep hair moist.
• For easy styling, invest in good clips & accessories.
• Fix, don’t rewash, to save time.
• Try out different styles to help discover your go-to’s.

Now, with these 80+ quick curly hairstyles, you can sleep in and still look absolutely amazing. From a glorious 5-minute updo to rinse-and-go routine, there’s a perfect curly look for every busy a.m.

Which way will you try first? Let us know in the comments! 💬