If your curls are poppin’ and your vibe says main character energy, then baddie curly hairstyles are exactly what your hair mood board needs right now.
I’m talking looks that serve face, sass, and a whole lot of “who’s that?” energy. Whether you’re flaunting tight coils, loose waves, or anything in between, there’s a baddie look with your name written in glitter. And trust me, as someone who’s wrestled with a diffuser at 7 AM before coffee, I get the curly hair struggle.
So what exactly are baddie curly hairstyles? In short: they’re bold, confident, Instagram-worthy looks that make your curls the star of the show.
Think of them as the curly-haired cousin of that girl who never skips a brow appointment and always finds the perfect lighting. I’ve tested tons of baddie curly hairstyles—some fabulous, some… not so much—and I’m here to help you skip the flop phase and jump straight to the fire ones.
1. High Curly Ponytail
A high curly ponytail gives major attitude and lifts your whole face—yes, it’s basically a free contour.
It works best on medium to long curls and looks bomb with laid edges and big hoops.
I usually fluff mine with a wide-tooth comb for extra drama and hold it in place with a silk scrunchie to avoid breakage.
2. Curly Blunt Bob
When I chopped my hair into a curly blunt bob, I felt like I’d just walked off a runway in Paris—instant upgrade.
This look is trending because it adds volume while keeping things sleek and structured.
It’s perfect for oval and heart-shaped faces, especially if your curls have a medium to tight pattern.
For a vintage twist, try pairing it with some 90s short bob accessories.
3. Side-Part Curly Layers
Side parts are making a comeback, and with curly layers? Girl, the volume is unreal.
This style flatters round and square faces by adding height and shape. I switch up my part for extra lift and use a diffuser to enhance the bounce.
It’s my secret weapon for date nights or days I need to channel confident energy.
For even more texture inspo, check out these medium-length shag haircuts that also work beautifully on curls.
4. Defined Coily Curls
There’s something about super defined coils that just screams “power.”
As someone with 4A/4B curls, I’ve learned that finger-coiling and a gel with strong hold are key.
This look is perfect for natural hair queens who want a super sleek finish without straightening.
5. Curly Half-Up Bun
If I had a dollar for every time I’ve worn this look, I could probably buy more curl products I don’t need.
The curly half-up bun is playful, polished, and perfect for days when you want your hair out of your face but still cute.
It flatters every face shape and works for all curl types. I tease the crown a little before pinning to give it that effortless lift.
For more inspo like this, don’t miss these half-up half-down hairstyles.
6. Voluminous Curly Afro
The bigger, the better, right? A full, voluminous curly afro is the ultimate baddie statement—no explanation needed.
I fluff mine using an afro pick and love adding a side part for extra drama.
This look is made for bold personalities and works best on tight curls with lots of density.
If you love bold, unapologetic texture, check out these Latina curly baddie hairstyles for more flavor and fire.
7. Curly Shag Cut
Think ’70s rockstar meets modern-day cool girl. The curly shag cut is all about layers, texture, and a bit of wild energy.
I went for this look last spring, and the freedom it gives is unreal—it grows out beautifully and looks better messy.
Pro tip: a lightweight mousse helps define without weighing it down.
8. Bouncy Spiral Curls
Bouncy spiral curls are basically curls with a passport—they’re always ready for pics.
I get this look by using a small barrel curling wand when my natural curl pattern needs a little “oomph.”
It’s ideal for medium-textured curls and anyone craving definition with movement.
10. Short Curly Pixie
This one’s for the brave—and I loved every second of it.
A short curly pixie cuts the drama (and the detangling time) while still giving you edge and style.
It suits sharp jawlines and high cheekbones beautifully. Just keep a styling cream on hand and a satin pillowcase nearby, and you’re golden.
11. Curly Updo with Bangs
This hairstyle is my go-to for weddings and fancy dinners—it’s classy but still curly girl-approved.
The bangs add softness while the updo keeps it chic and snatched.
It works best on medium to long curls with some natural volume.
12. Wet-Look Curly Waves
Slick, sultry, and slightly rebellious—the wet-look curly wave is serving red carpet realness.
I rock this with a mix of gel and oil for hold and shine, then finger-comb my curls into loose waves.
It looks amazing on tighter curl types and holds especially well in the cooler months.
13. Curly Tapered Cut
This one gives you the best of both worlds: short in the back, drama on top.
When I tried a curly tapered cut, the compliments rolled in non-stop—it’s edgy but still very wearable.
Great for 3C–4C textures, especially if you love shape and volume.
14. Long Curly Layers
Long curly layers are the move when you want bounce without the bulk.
They let your curls move and breathe while keeping that voluminous, baddie vibe.
I swear by a leave-in conditioner and wide-tooth comb to maintain definition without frizz.
It’s ideal for round or oval faces and adds shape to longer hair.
15. Curly Faux Hawk
When I’m feeling bold and want to shake things up, the curly faux hawk is the move.
It’s edgy, eye-catching, and surprisingly easy to pull off—just pin up the sides and let the curls rise.
Works wonders on thick hair and makes a killer festival or night-out look.
Amazon Finds That Changed My Hair Game
YEAME Corn Wave Ponytail Extension Clip in – 22 Inch Long Wavy Curly Wrap Around Pony Tail
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