There’s one thing that unites the chicest hair trends of 2026 so far and that’s an undeniable shift towards more relaxed low-maintenance styling and natural-looking cuts. Far from the blunt bobs and red carpet blowouts that dominated the tail end of last year, the coolest spring hair trends have taken a meaningful shift towards showing off your texture in all its glory. And that means that curly hairstyles are everywhere right now.
From air-dried waves to high-definition coils, the spectrum of curly hairstyles to take inspiration from right now feels never-ending. But please rest assured: this isn’t about a fleeing trend either. From celebrity hairstyles to the haircuts people are actually asking for in salons right now, there’s a clear focus on natural texture, lived-in styles and celebrating your hair’s natural shape. And we’ve found the very best curly hairstyles to prove it.
Ahead, discover curly crops, cascading waves and coily updos to inspire your own hair looks for the season ahead, as well as the best products for curly hair.
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Curly Hairstyle Inspiration
1. Soft Bixie
A mix between a bob and a pixie, Zendaya looks so chic in this curly bixie style.
2. Twisted Topknot
Rachel Anne Sennott’s combination of loose tendrils and prom-esque topknot are giving major Y2K vibes.
3. Box Bob
The light and choppy nature of a box bob means it works so well on curly hair textures as Yara Shahidi proves here.
4. Pixie Cut
Let Julia Garner’s platinum pixie cut be all the inspiration you need if you’ve been considering chopping your curly hair short.
5. Half-Up, Half-Down
It’s a classic for a reason—Nico Parker’s half-up, half-down hairstyle is just as perfect for awards season as it would be a relaxed weekend brunch with friends.
6. Retro Glam
Olivia Dean can do no wrong when it comes to hair looks, and these soft waves ooze ’70s glam.
7. Beach Waves
The wet hair trend rolls around every summer, and Simone Ashley’s tousled beach waves will be top of my list to recreate.
8. High Pony
Chase Infiniti’s ultra-high ponytail feels red carpet-ready thanks to the cascading coils around her face.
9. Disco Curls
A nod to Studio 54, Sabrina Carpenter takes a more-is-more approach to her long, layered curly cut.
10. Bouncy Blowdry
A bouncy blow-dry is a timeless option for textured hair, and Madeleine Brewer’s XL ringlets look seriously glam.
11. Curly Crop
Taraji P Henson’s French crop is so incredibly chic.
12. Mermaid Waves
Storm Reid takes the uniform approach to texture with her sleek, shiny mermaid waves.
13. Feathered Fringe
If you’ve been on the fence about cutting bangs, then let Tracee Ellis Ross‘s soft, feathery fringe convince you about just how beautiful it looks with curls.
14. Ghost Waves
A huge trend last year, ghost waves make the perfect low-maintenance option for 2026.
15. Baby Braids
A playful Y2K hair trend that’s always fun for the spring and summer months, Rita Ora shows off her curly crop with a smattering of cute baby braids.
16. Italian Bob
Elsa Hosk shows how the Italian bob can make a great option for wavy hair with a finer texture, as it adds so much volume.
17. Low Pony
This ethereal low ponytail looks so pretty on Havana Rose Liu’s soft waves.
18. Slicked Back
I can see Tessa Thompson’s sleek, slicked-back waves being one to copy when summer hits this year.
19. Boho Tendrils
Margot Robbie‘s romantic boho curls were all we could look at during this year’s Wuthering Heights press tour.
20. Strawbery Ringlets
From the strawberry blonde hue to the high definition ringlets, everything about Emma Laird’s curly hairstyle is kitsch perfection.
21. Vintage Glamour
Laura Harrier‘s throwback style takes inspiration from ’20’s pin curls at the front before descending into a riot of ’70s volume.
22. Curly Bob
Cute and classic, Indya Moore’s bob is the most beautiful rounded shape that shows off every single curl.
23. Side Swept
Side partings are back, and Chloë Moretz’s simple wavy style is the perfect way to illustrate it.
Curly Hairstyle Styling Picks
L’oreal Professionnel
Curl Expression Shampoo
Before you even think about the hairstyle, make sure your curls are in the best condition with a specialist shampoo to moisturise, detangle and hydrate every strand.
Curlsmith
Hydrate & Plump Leave-In Conditioner
Packed with nourishing oils and protective plant extracts, this leave-in formula locks in moisture to add shine and boost volume.
Dyson
Supersonic Nural™ Hair Dryer – Curly+Coily
Protect delicate curly hair while you’re drying it with this innovative Dyson hairdryer designed to look after your hair and scalp. This set contains a wide-tooth comb to help detangle coily hair and a wave+curl diffuser to help define curly textures without adding frizz.
GHD
Wave Triple Barrel Waver
Color Wow
Curl Wow Flo-Etry Vital Natural Curly Hair Serum
This hair serum is basically glass hair in a bottle for curly textures, with a blend of jojoba, pequi and coconut oils that work to hydrate and add shine to every strand of hair.
JVN Hair
Complete Air Dry Cream
If you don’t have time for a full heat-styling session then this leave-in cream will define natural texture and add softness and shine while you go about your day.
Shark Beauty
Flexstyle 4-In-1 Air Styler and Hair Dryer
Whether you want to create a soft, bouncy blow-dry or more defined, uniform ringlets, you’ll be able to do it all with this hair multi-styler.
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