Curly buns are timeless, elegant, and incredibly versatile. Whether you’re attending a wedding, heading to work, or enjoying a casual day out, there’s a curly bun style that fits the vibe perfectly. From sleek and polished to soft and romantic, curly buns complement every hair texture and outfit.
These hairstyles not only highlight your natural curls but also give a chic, put-together finish without requiring hours of styling.
Here are 15 curly bun hairstyles that work beautifully for every event—plus, tips on why you should try them and how to style them effortlessly.
1. Classic High Curly Bun
The classic high curly bun is a timeless and elegant choice that showcases your natural curls while keeping hair neatly secured at the crown.
To achieve this style, gather your curls upward and secure them into a bun using pins or an elastic, ensuring volume and structure.
Perfect for formal events, dinners, or even everyday chic looks, this bun elevates your appearance while maintaining a polished, sophisticated feel. You can add a touch of shine serum to enhance curl definition and control frizz.
Why you must try this: It’s elegant, elongates your neck, and keeps your curls off your face.
Style suggestions: Pair with statement earrings and a sleek center part for a polished finish.
2. Low Romantic Curly Bun
The low romantic curly bun sits gracefully at the nape of the neck, exuding softness and sophistication.
Gather your curls loosely into a bun, allowing a few strands to fall naturally for a gentle, romantic effect. Ideal for weddings, evening parties, or any occasion that calls for understated elegance, this hairstyle combines comfort with refinement.
Light hairspray or curl-enhancing cream can help maintain definition while keeping the look effortless.
Why you must try this: It exudes classic elegance while highlighting your natural curl pattern.
Style suggestions: Leave a few tendrils around your face and pair with a flowy dress for a dreamy look.
3. Messy Curly Bun
The messy curly bun is all about relaxed charm and effortless style. Simply gather your curls loosely, allowing pieces to fall naturally, and secure them into a bun without worrying about perfect symmetry.
This carefree aesthetic works beautifully for casual outings, weekend events, or relaxed gatherings.
You can pull out a few strands around the face for added softness, and minimal styling products help maintain the natural bounce of your curls.
Why you must try this: It’s quick, trendy, and perfect for casual days or low-maintenance glam.
Style suggestions: Add a headband or decorative clips for a playful, boho vibe.
4. Top Knot with Defined Curls
This hairstyle combines a sleek base with a high bun full of defined, bouncy curls, creating a polished yet playful effect.
Pull the top portion of your hair into a secure knot at the crown while leaving the curls structured for volume and texture.
Suitable for workdays, parties, or social events, it strikes a balance between elegance and fun. Adding a curl-defining mousse enhances the bounce and longevity of this look.
Why you must try this: It balances sophistication and texture beautifully.
Style suggestions: Apply curl cream for definition and finish with a shine spray for a glossy effect.
5. Curly Bun with Braided Crown
The curly bun with a braided crown adds texture and visual interest to your updo. Begin by creating a small braid along your hairline, then gather the remaining curls into a low or mid bun.
This style works beautifully for weddings, brunches, or festive occasions, offering a blend of romantic curls and structured detailing.
Pins secure the braid and bun, while a light hairspray ensures lasting hold.
Why you must try this: It’s stunning for weddings, festivals, or any event where you want to stand out.
Style suggestions: Accessorize with floral pins or subtle gold accents for a bohemian finish.
6. Half-Up Curly Bun
The half-up curly bun is a versatile style that gives you the best of both worlds—volume and curl definition.
Pull the top half of your hair into a small bun while leaving the rest cascading down your shoulders. This look is perfect for casual events, date nights, or semi-formal occasions, adding height and dimension without sacrificing natural curl beauty.
Optional hair accessories like clips or pins can enhance the charm.
Why you must try this: It’s youthful, stylish, and easy to achieve in minutes.
Style suggestions: Add soft waves to the lower half for extra bounce and texture.
7. Curly Side Bun
The curly side bun is an asymmetrical, flirty, and elegant hairstyle. Sweep your curls to one side and secure them into a low bun near the ear.
This style is perfect for romantic dinners, evening outings, or formal events where you want a soft, eye-catching silhouette.
Loose tendrils around the face add softness and movement, enhancing the playful yet sophisticated vibe.
Why you must try this: It frames your face beautifully and works well for formal occasions.
Style suggestions: Pair with statement earrings and a side-swept fringe for added drama.
8. Ballet-Inspired Curly Bun
The ballet-inspired curly bun channels classic elegance while showcasing the volume of your curls. Gather hair into a sleek bun at the top or back of the head, allowing curls to create natural fullness.
This look is perfect for professional settings, formal events, or performance-inspired style, giving a neat, graceful, and refined appearance.
Smooth flyaways for a polished finish and maintain curl definition for a dramatic effect.
Why you must try this: It gives a clean, sophisticated finish without hiding your curls.
Style suggestions: Use gel or styling cream to smooth the base and keep flyaways in check.
9. Curly Bun with Bangs
Combine the texture of your curls with chic bangs for a youthful and modern look.
Whether your bangs are curly or straight, pair them with a high or low curly bun to frame your face beautifully.
This style is versatile for casual outings, parties, or office wear, offering personality and dimension while keeping hair elegantly styled.
Why you must try this: It softens your face shape and feels fresh and stylish.
Style suggestions: Keep bangs light and airy, and use a lightweight mousse for volume control.
10. Curly Bun with Scarf Wrap
The curly bun with a scarf wrap is a fun, retro-inspired twist that instantly elevates any outfit. Wrap a vibrant scarf around a high or low curly bun for added color and flair.
This playful style works for casual events, festivals, or street-chic looks, bringing personality and charm to your curls.
You can experiment with scarf textures, patterns, and tying techniques to match your personal style.
Why you must try this: It’s an easy way to make a statement with minimal effort.
Style suggestions: Match the scarf with your outfit or lipstick shade for a coordinated look.
11. Double Curly Buns (Space Buns)
Double curly buns, often called space buns, are a playful and youthful hairstyle that instantly adds personality to your look.
To achieve this style, part your hair down the middle and gather equal sections on either side of your head. Twist or braid each section loosely before securing them into high or mid-level buns.
This festival-ready look works beautifully for casual outings, concerts, or social events, providing a fun, trendy vibe. You can leave a few curls loose around your face for softness or add glitter or hair accessories for extra flair.
Why you must try this: It’s perfect for concerts, parties, or casual hangouts.
Style suggestions: Add glitter roots or mini braids for a fun, whimsical touch.
12. Curly Bun with Twists
The curly bun with twists offers a structured yet voluminous approach to showcasing natural curls. Start by taking small sections from the front or sides of your hair, twisting them toward the back, and then gathering all your curls into a bun.
This method keeps your curls defined while adding a decorative element to the bun. Ideal for date nights, semi-formal events, or casual gatherings, this style balances elegance with playful detail.
Using a light hairspray or curl cream helps maintain the twists and prevents frizz.
Why you must try this: It’s elegant and practical, keeping hair secure while looking stylish.
Style suggestions: Works beautifully with subtle makeup and dainty earrings.
13. Voluminous Curly Bun
The voluminous curly bun celebrates the natural fullness of your curls for a bold, statement-making hairstyle.
Gather all your hair into a high, mid, or low bun without overly compressing it, allowing the natural volume and texture of your curls to shine.
This dramatic style is perfect for occasions where you want to stand out, such as parties, weddings, or photoshoots. You can gently pull apart sections of the bun for even more volume or let some curls cascade down for a softer, romantic effect.
Why you must try this: It’s glamorous, confident, and looks great from every angle.
Style suggestions: Pair with a sleek outfit and minimal accessories to let your hair shine.
14. Curly Bun with Accessory Accents
Elevate a simple curly bun by adding decorative accents like hairpins, pearls, crystal clips, or barrettes.
Secure your curls into a high, mid, or low bun, then strategically place accessories to highlight the structure or texture of your bun.
This style works wonderfully for formal events, festive occasions, or even creative everyday looks, instantly transforming a basic updo into a statement hairstyle. Accessorizing allows for endless personalization, letting you match your bun to your outfit, mood, or event.
Why you must try this: Accessories instantly transform a basic bun into an event-ready look.
Style suggestions: Coordinate your hair accessories with your jewelry or outfit for a cohesive finish.
15. Low Sleek Curly Bun
The low sleek curly bun is refined, elegant, and perfect for formal occasions or professional settings. Smooth your hair down at the nape of your neck while keeping the curls intact and textured within the bun itself.
This hairstyle exudes sophistication, elongates the neck, and frames the face gracefully. Ideal for work events, dinner parties, or evenings out, the low sleek bun can be paired with subtle shine serum for a polished finish.
You can also leave a few curls or face-framing tendrils loose for a soft, romantic touch.
Why you must try this: It’s polished, versatile, and always on-trend.
Style suggestions: Use edge control for a smooth hairline and pair with bold earrings for extra sophistication.
Conclusion
Curly buns are proof that elegance and ease can go hand in hand. Whether you prefer romantic, messy, or ultra-polished looks, these 15 curly bun hairstyles offer endless versatility for every event.
From festivals to formal galas, there’s a bun style to match your outfit and vibe. Experiment with accessories, placement, and texture to make each look your own—because your curls deserve to shine in every setting.