Medium-length curly hair is the best of both worlds — long enough to style in creative ways, but short enough to be easy to manage. 💁♀️ From loose waves to tight coils, bouncy ringlets, and hair that’s a mix of textures, 2025 offers a collection of new and inspiring 75+ curly hairstyles for medium hair to invigorate your next look. 🌟
Ready to import some inspiration for your lovely curls? 💖 From easy wash-and-go hairstyles to polished updos, there’s a look for every curl pattern and every personality.
Why Medium-Length Curly Hair Is a Total Game Changer in 2025 🔥
Short and medium hair (shoulder to armpit length) is unbelievably versatile. It’s easier to care for than long curls but has way more styling potential than short hair. In 2025, it’s all about enhancing natural texture, reducing heat damage, and embracing low-maintenance yet chic looks.
Top Trends for Curly Hairstyles for Medium Hair in 2025 🌈
✅ Layered Cuts – Adds volume and movement
✅ Curtain Bangs – Softens the face and frames curls perfectly
✅ Wolf Cuts & Shags – Edgy yet wearable for curly hair
✅ Headband & Scarf Styles – Effortlessly chic
✅ Half-Up, Half-Down – The perfect mix of polished and playful
✅ Braided Accents – Adds flair to natural curls 3
75+ Elegant Curly Hairstyles for Medium Hair in 2025
2025’s top Curly Hairstyles for Medium Hair—think bouncy layers, effortless shags, and chic updos. Perfect your texture with low-maintenance styles, trending cuts, and pro tips to make your curls pop.
Short, sleek, and to the point! Let me know if you’d like any tweaks. 😊
1. The Classic Wash-and-Go 🚿
The simplest way to wear curly hair? Let it air-dry naturally! Apply a curl-defining cream for extra bounce and frizz control.
2. Layers with Face-Framing Pieces ✂️
Layered cuts prevent curls from looking triangular while adding dimension.
3. Curly Wolf Cut 🐺
A modern take on the shag, the wolf cut enhances curly hair’s natural texture with an effortlessly cool vibe.
4. Curly Bob with Bangs 💇♀️
A shoulder-length curly bob with wispy front bangs is playful and chic.
5. Half-Up, Half-Down Curly Puff 🎀
Pull the top section into a puff for a cute and youthful look.
6. Curly Ponytail with Scrunchie 🦋
A high or low curly ponytail is elegant while keeping hair off the face.
7. Pineapple Updo for Curly Hair 🍍
Perfect for preserving curls overnight or rocking a voluminous daytime look.
8. Curly Side Part 👑
A deep side part adds drama and elegance to medium curls.
9. Curly Mohawk (Faux Hawk) 🦅
For a bold statement, gather the sides and let the middle curls stand tall.
10. Curly Space Buns 👽
Two high buns give a fun, festival-ready appearance.
11. Curly Lob (Long Bob) ✨
A curly lob sits just above the shoulders, offering a chic, modern feel while keeping curls bouncy.
12. Curly Fringe with Voluminous Crown 👑
Bangs add a youthful touch, while extra volume at the crown balances the look.
13. Twisted Curly Updo 🎀
A loose updo with twisted sections keeps curls elegant yet effortless—perfect for weddings or date nights.
14. Curly High Bun with Face-Framing Tendrils 💫
A sleek high bun with a few curly strands left out softens the face beautifully.
15. Curly Fringe with Tapered Ends ✂️
Tapered layers prevent curly bangs from looking too bulky.
16. Curly Shag Cut ✨
The shag is back in 2025—choppy layers add rockstar edge to medium curls.
17. Side-Swept Curls 🌊
Sweep all your curls to one side for a glamorous, red-carpet-ready look.
18. Curly Half-Up Crown Braid 👑
A small braid along the hairline adds a boho touch to half-up styles.
19. Curly Low Bun with Scarf 🧣
Wrap a silk scarf around a low bun for a vintage-inspired, polished finish.
20. Curly Pixie Cut (For Grow-Out Phase) ✂️
If growing out a pixie, embrace the curly texture with tapered sides and volume on top.
21. Curly Mohawk Braid 🎀
A single braid down the center with loose curls on the sides makes a bold statement.
22. Curly Top Knot 🎯
Pull curls into a high top knot for a sporty yet stylish vibe.
23. Curly French Twist 🇫🇷
A modern take on the classic French twist—great for formal events.
24. Curly Wet Look (Using Gel) 💦
Apply strong-hold gel for a sleek, glossy finish that lasts all day.
25. Curly Side Braid 🎀
A loose side braid keeps hair out of your face while showcasing texture.
26. Curly Afro Puff ✊🏾
A high puff at the crown celebrates natural volume and texture.
27. Curly Undercut (Hidden Design) ✂️
Shave a subtle design underneath for an edgy surprise when hair is up.
28. Curly Bantu Knots (For Stretch & Definition) 🎀
Wear Bantu knots as a style or undo them for stretched, defined curls.
29. Curly Faux Hawk with Clips 📎
Use decorative clips to create a faux hawk without cutting.
30. Curly Low Ponytail with Wrap 🎀
Wrap a small section of hair around the base of a low ponytail for a polished touch.
31. Curly Finger Coils 👆
Perfect for tighter curl patterns—finger coiling enhances definition.
32. Curly High Ponytail with Volume 🦄
Tease the crown slightly before tying for extra height.
33. Curly Braided Headband 🎀
A small braid across the forehead acts as a natural headband.
34. Curly Twisted Ponytail 🌀
Twist two sections before securing into a ponytail for added flair.
35. Curly Slicked-Back Bun ✨
Use edge control for a sleek bun with curly ends peeking out.
36. Curly Side-Parted Ringlets 💍
A deep side part with well-defined ringlets looks timeless.
37. Curly Tousled Waves 🌊
For looser curls, rake through with fingers for a beachy effect.
38. Curly Double Buns 🎀
Space buns aren’t just for straight hair—curly texture makes them even cuter!
39. Curly Low Twists (Flat Twist Style) ✨
Flat twists along the hairline keep hair neat while showcasing curls.
40. Curly High Puff with Headband 🎀
A stretchy headband adds a retro touch to a voluminous puff.
41. Curly Side-Swept Updo 💃
A loose updo swept to one side feels romantic and effortless.
42. Curly Blowout (For a Fuller Look) 💨
Use a diffuser to stretch curls slightly for a voluminous blowout effect.
43. Curly Criss-Cross Pinned Updo ✖️
Cross bobby pins in an “X” pattern to secure curls stylishly.
44. Curly Low Twisted Bun 🌀
Twist hair into a low bun for an elegant, no-fuss updo.
45. Curly Side Ponytail with Scarf 🧣
A silk scarf tied around a side ponytail adds a pop of color.
46. Curly Mini Puffs (Multiple Small Puffs) 🎀
Divide hair into small puffs for a playful, youthful style.
47. Curly Braided Ponytail 🎀
Incorporate a braid into your ponytail for extra texture.
48. Curly Side Cornrows with Loose Curls 🌾
A few cornrows on one side add edge while the rest flows freely.
49. Curly Slicked-Back Ponytail ✨
A high-gloss gel ponytail keeps curls sleek and defined.
50. Curly Twisted Crown 👑
Twist two front sections and pin them at the back for a regal look.
51. Curly Low Afro Bun ✊🏾
A bun at the nape of the neck keeps curls chic and contained.
52. Curly Side Fishtail Braid 🐠
A fishtail braid adds intricate detail to a half-up style.
53. Curly High Top Fade (For Short-Medium Hair) ✂️
A fade on the sides with curls on top creates a bold contrast.
54. Curly Pinned-Up Bangs 📍
Pin curly bangs to the side for a change of pace.
55. Curly Bubble Ponytail 🎈
Use hair ties to create a fun, bubbled ponytail effect..
56. Curly Side Roll (Vintage-Inspired) 🎞️
Roll one side back and pin for a classic Hollywood look.
57. Curly Low Twisted Ponytail 🌀
Twist the base of a low ponytail for a polished finish.
58. Curly Double French Braids 🇫🇷
Two French braids keep curls secure while looking stylish.
59. Curly Side Twist with Hair Jewelry 💎
Add a decorative pin or chain to a side twist for glam.
60. Curly Half-Up with Claw Clip 🦀
A large claw clip holds half the hair up effortlessly.
61. Curly High Braided Bun 🎀
A braided high bun adds sophistication to curly hair.
62. Curly Side-Swept Curtain Bangs 🪟
Bangs brushed to the side soften facial features.
63. Curly Low Ponytail with Curly Bangs 🎀
A low pony with curly bangs keeps it simple yet stylish.
64. Curly Tucked-In Ends (Faux Bob) ✂️
Tuck ends under to create a temporary curly bob illusion.
65. Curly Side Bun with Tendrils 🌿
A side bun with loose tendrils feels romantic and soft.
66. Curly Braided Updo for Weddings 💒
Intricate braids woven into an updo make a stunning bridal look.
67. Curly Low Pigtails 🐷
Yes, pigtails can be chic—especially with curly texture!
68. Curly Side-Pinned Curls 📍
Pin one side back for an asymmetrical, face-framing effect.
69. Curly High Ponytail with Wrap-Around Braid 🎀
A braid wrapped around the base elevates a basic ponytail.
70. Curly Twisted Half-Up Style 🌀
Twist small sections before pinning for added detail.
71. Curly Low Chignon 💫
A curly low bun at the nape feels elegant and timeless.
72. Curly Side Braid with Beads 📿
Add beads to a side braid for a playful, bohemian touch.
73. Curly Slicked-Back with Curly Ends ✨
Smooth the top and let the ends pop for contrast.
74. Curly Double Twisted Ponytails 🌀🌀
Two twisted ponytails give a fun, youthful energy.
75. Curly High Bun with Curly Fringe 🎀
A high bun with curly bangs keeps the look balanced.
Styling Tips for 2025 Curly Hairstyles for Medium Hair
✔ Less Heat, More Definition – Use mousse, gels, and creams instead of straightening.
✔ Accessorize – Clips, scarves, and headbands add instant flair.
✔ Protective Night Styles – Pineapple or silk-wrapped curls prevent frizz.
✔ Regular Trims – Keep ends healthy for bouncier curls.
Which Curly Hairstyles for Medium Hair Will You Try? 🤔
With 75+ curly hairstyles for medium hair in 2025, there’s no shortage of inspiration! Whether you want effortless, elegant, or edgy, your perfect curly look is waiting.
💬 Tell us in the comments—which style is your favorite? 🎤
Christy Connors is a beauty enthusiast and the creative force behind CharmyChick.com, where she explores the latest in beauty trends, skincare, and self-care. With a background in fashion business and merchandising, Christy brings a unique blend of style, strategy, and storytelling to the beauty space.