3 maximalist curly updo hairstyles

When it comes to curly hair, updos often aim to ‘control’ your hair. But it’s time to turn the tables. Celebrate the individual character of your hair and let your curls take the lead to create some really cool curly hairstyles. 

The following three curly updo hairstyles for wavy hair or tight curls celebrate your hair rather than toning it down. With a few practical tips and tricks, you can bring out the best in your hair, give it definition, and perfect curly hair updos. 

The boldest of curly hairstyles: the stormy mohawk

The stormy mohawk is the coolest choice of all the curly updo hairstyles, perfect for tight curls that coil and stand on end by themselves. It celebrates the wild character and the bounce of your hair. If your hair has a naturally gentler wave rather than wild curls, you use a straightener to give them the bounce they need to rock this curly updo.

Braid your towel-dried hair into plaits, with approximately 3cm wide strands, and secure them with hairbands. The tighter you braid them, the stronger the waves will be. Take a straightener and work it over each plait from the roots to the tips. Make sure to heat every single part.

A straightener like the KeraShine Vivid Ends straightener from Philips is ideal, as it is made with SplitStop technology to protect your hair from friction and unnecessarily high temperatures. SplitStop  combines the UniTemp sensor with smooth ceramic plates which guarantee minimal friction for protected split ends and healthy looking, bouncy waves.

Remove the hairbands, loosen the braids and you’ll have the full head of curls that you’ve dreamed of!

Now you can try maximalist, curly updos like this stormy mohawk. Starting at the top of the hairline, use a comb to part a triangle-shaped section of hair that narrows into a point towards the back of your head. Use a claw clip to secure it and let the ends rest on your face.

Above your ears on the left and right sides of your head, gather sections of hair roughly 4cm in width and fasten them together right on the top of your head in a ponytail.

Bind a similar ponytail directly beneath this, so that a small section of hair is left loose in the nape. Twirl this into a little ponytail and secure it with a bobby pin at the back of your head. Take out the claw clip at the front and let the section hang over your forehead to finish off your curly hairstyle. If the curls don’t stand up by themselves, replaced the claw clip with a small hairband.

If your bun is too tight, you can loosen it carefully over the top of your head with your fingertips. A bun for thin hair might needs more hold, so push a few bobby pins into the base of your bun to secure it. Lightly fix in place with hairspray.

Curly updo hairstyles for wavy hair: romantic knot

You can rock knot hairstyles for wavy hair as well as curls. To create a soft, loose waves, try styling your hair after conditioning with a round brush and a hairdryer like the EssentialCare hairdryer from Philips. This hairdryer has ionic conditioning which eliminates static and brings out the shine in your hair for romantic curls without frizz.

1. After patting away excess moisture with a towel, twirl lengths of hair around a round brush and dry with the EssentialCare hairdryer, moving the brush slowly down each strand to the ends with the hair looped around it. Then, twirl the strand around while it’s still warm to enhance the spiral shape. For a natural look, you can twist each strand in a different direction – some towards the face, some towards the back.

2. Take the ends and make another knot approximately one centimetre further down, leaving a circular gap visible between the two knots. Fix them in place with bobby pins.

3. Now, your springy curls are ready to put into curly updos. To style a romantic knot, first draw your parting where it usually sits. Then take a small section of hair from the left and right, at approximately eye level, and gently knot them together at the back – the same way you would tie your shoes, except more carefully.

High ponytail curly updos

Gathering all your curls into a high ponytail means curly hair updos couldn’t be less complicated, or more versatile! Style your ponytail with a bright lipstick and a casual jumper or with smoky eyes and a long, elegant dress. Whatever your look, you can create beautiful curly hairstyles in no time.

Tip your hair upside down and gather as high as possible on your head into a ponytail.

Fix the ponytail with a hair tie. Stick two to three bobby pins upwards below the tail into your hair to prevent it from sliding down over the day.

Give your locks even more bounce and shine with the KeraShine Vivid Ends straightener. Its ceramic plates infused with keratin will help protect and nourish your curls as you apply the heat. Done!