18 Curly Bun Hairstyles | Chic & Easy Updo Ideas
Curly hair has a personality of its own full of texture, bounce, and charm and when styled into a bun, it becomes the perfect blend of elegance and effortlessness.
Whether you’re heading to a wedding, a casual brunch, a day at the office, or simply want a chic way to keep your curls in check, curly bun hairstyles offer endless possibilities.
From sleek and polished updos to messy, carefree knots, each style celebrates the natural beauty of curls while adding a touch of sophistication.
With 18 versatile curly bun hairstyle ideas, you’ll discover fresh ways to flaunt your curls and express your unique style—no matter the occasion.
1. Messy Curly High Bun with Statement Earrings
This effortless style showcases natural texture beautifully. The hair is loosely gathered at the crown with curls spilling out in all directions, creating an intentionally undone look.
It’s perfect for those days when you want sophistication without the fuss. The key is leaving some pieces loose around the face to soften the overall appearance.
This works wonderfully for both casual brunches and elegant evening events.
2. Floral Crown Curly Updo
Transform your curls into a romantic masterpiece with delicate floral accents. The hair is twisted and pinned into an elaborate updo, with small white flowers scattered throughout like morning dew.
This style screams fairy tale romance and works beautifully for weddings or garden parties. The contrast between the dark curls and white blooms creates stunning visual interest that photographs beautifully.
3. Sleek High Curly Ponytail
Sometimes simplicity wins the day. This style features tightly pulled-back hair at the crown with gorgeous curls cascading from a high ponytail.
The front is smoothed to perfection while the back maintains all that beautiful natural texture.
It’s sporty yet elegant, making it ideal for everything from gym sessions to date nights when you want to show off your neck and shoulders.
4. Low Twisted Curly Chignon
Here’s elegance redefined. The curls are gently twisted and secured low at the nape, creating a sophisticated chignon that feels both classic and modern.
Loose tendrils frame the face beautifully, adding softness to the structured base.
This timeless style works perfectly for professional settings or formal occasions when you need to look polished but don’t want to sacrifice your natural texture.
5. Voluminous Curly Side Bun
Volume lovers, this one’s for you. The curls are swept dramatically to one side and secured in a full, bouncy bun that sits just behind the ear.
The height and texture create incredible drama while still feeling wearable. It’s the perfect balance between playful and sophisticated, ideal for those moments when you want to make a statement without going over the top.
6. Jeweled Curly Low Bun
Add some sparkle to your curls with delicate hair jewelry. This low bun features beautifully arranged curls adorned with small silver accessories that catch the light.
The placement is strategic, creating focal points throughout the style. It’s perfect for special occasions when you want your hair to feel like part of your jewelry collection, adding glamour without overwhelming your overall look.
7. Textured Curly Bun with Pearl Accents
Pearls and curls make the perfect pair in this sophisticated updo. The hair is arranged in loose, romantic sections with pearl-adorned pins strategically placed throughout.
The overall effect is soft and feminine, with just enough structure to feel formal.
This style bridges the gap between vintage charm and modern elegance, making it perfect for weddings or anniversary celebrations.
8. Voluminous Side-Swept Curly Updo
Drama meets elegance in this show-stopping style. The curls are swept dramatically to one side and built up into a voluminous updo that feels both retro and contemporary.
The height creates incredible impact while the curls maintain their natural bounce and movement. It’s perfect for special events when you want to feel like the main character in your own story.
9. Classic Low Curly Bun
Sometimes the classics are classic for a reason. This polished low bun showcases curls in their most refined form, with every curl carefully placed and secured.
The style sits elegantly at the nape, with a few face-framing pieces left loose for softness. It’s professional enough for the boardroom yet romantic enough for dinner dates, making it the ultimate versatile style.
10. Ornate Curly Updo with Crystal Hair Piece
Turn your curls into a masterpiece with this elaborate updo featuring a stunning crystal hair accessory.
The curls are arranged in multiple layers and sections, creating incredible depth and dimension. The crystal piece serves as the crown jewel, elevating the entire look to red-carpet status.
This style is perfect for those once-in-a-lifetime moments when you want to feel absolutely magical.
11. Elegant Twisted Low Bun
This sophisticated hairstyle combines sleek styling with intricate twisted details that wrap beautifully around a low-positioned bun.
The hair is smoothly pulled back from the face, creating clean lines that highlight facial features perfectly. The twisted elements add texture and visual interest while maintaining an overall polished appearance.
This versatile look works wonderfully for formal events, professional settings, or special occasions where you want to appear refined and put-together. The glossy finish and precise placement make it a timeless choice that complements any outfit or jewelry.
12. Voluminous Curly Updo
Here’s a stunning example of how natural texture can be transformed into an elegant updo. The curls are gathered high and arranged to create beautiful volume and dimension throughout the style.
This approach celebrates natural curl patterns while achieving a formal, sophisticated look that’s perfect for weddings or evening events. The height adds drama and elegance, while the curly texture provides movement and interest.
It’s an excellent choice for those wanting to showcase their natural hair texture in a more formal setting while maintaining comfort throughout long events.
13. Sleek High Curly Bun
This chic style features tightly curled hair gathered into a high, compact bun that sits proudly at the crown.
The contrast between the sleek sides and the textured curly top creates a modern, edgy look that’s both practical and stylish. Perfect for active lifestyles or when you need hair completely off your face and neck.
The golden hour lighting in this shot really emphasizes how this style can look glamorous in any setting. It’s a go-to option for gym sessions, work meetings, or casual outings where you want to look effortlessly cool.
14. Romantic Curly Top Knot
This playful yet elegant style showcases beautifully defined curls arranged in a high bun with plenty of texture and movement.
The curls maintain their natural bounce while being secured in place, creating a look that’s both carefree and polished. Some face-framing pieces are left loose to soften the overall appearance, making it incredibly flattering for most face shapes.
This style works particularly well for brunch dates, casual weddings, or any time you want to look put-together without appearing too formal or structured.
15. Sophisticated Braided Rose Bun
This intricate hairstyle transforms hair into an artistic masterpiece with carefully woven sections that form a rose-like pattern. The technique involves creating multiple braided elements that are then twisted and pinned to form this stunning dimensional bun.
It’s a show-stopping choice for special occasions where you want your hair to be a conversation starter.
The complexity of the style makes it perfect for formal events like galas, proms, or sophisticated dinner parties. Despite its elaborate appearance, when properly secured, this style can last throughout long events.
16. Textured Romantic Updo
Beautifully messy yet controlled updo features loose curls and waves that are artfully arranged to create a romantic, ethereal appearance.
The style has an intentionally undone quality that suggests effortless beauty while actually requiring careful styling and pinning. Perfect for outdoor weddings, garden parties, or any romantic occasion where you want to achieve that dreamy, windswept goddess look.
The varied textures and the way pieces catch the light create depth and movement that photographs beautifully from every angle.
17. Classic Low Curly Chignon
Timeless style features curls elegantly gathered at the nape of the neck, creating a sophisticated chignon with beautiful texture throughout.
The lower placement is both comfortable and classic, making it suitable for professional environments or formal occasions where understated elegance is preferred.
The curly texture adds interest to what might otherwise be a simple style, proving that classic doesn’t have to mean boring.
It’s particularly flattering for those with longer necks and works beautifully with statement earrings or necklaces.
18. Intricate Braided Crown Bun
This masterful creation combines multiple braiding techniques with curly textures to form an elaborate updo that resembles a beautiful crown.
The various braided elements weave together to create incredible detail and dimension, making it a true work of art.
This style requires significant skill and time to achieve but results in a breathtaking look that’s perfect for the most special occasions.
Whether it’s a wedding, prom, or cultural celebration, this style ensures you’ll stand out while honoring traditional braiding techniques with a modern twist.
Conclusion
Curly bun hairstyles are more than just a practical solution for managing textured hair—they’re a statement of confidence, creativity, and individuality. Each of these 18 ideas proves that your curls can be styled into looks that are glamorous, playful, professional, or romantic, depending on your mood and setting.
Whether you prefer a low, laid-back bun or a high, voluminous updo, the beauty of curly buns lies in their ability to highlight your natural texture while giving you endless styling freedom. Embrace the curl power, experiment with these stunning bun styles, and let your hair shine with personality every time you wear one.
