Curly hair has officially taken over the red carpet, and it is not slowing down. From tight coils to loose spirals, A list stars are proving that natural texture belongs front and center at every major event. If you have been searching for curly hairstyle inspiration that actually works in real life, celebrity red carpet looks are one of the best places to start, because they show how different curl patterns, face shapes, and hair lengths can be styled with confidence.
This roundup breaks down 21 of the most memorable celebrity curly hairstyles, what makes each one work, and how you can recreate a similar look at home or in the salon chair. Whether you have fine curls, thick coils, a tight afro texture, or soft beachy waves, there is a star on this list whose hair story can guide yours.
The Best Curly Hairstyle Ideas for 2025
Curly hair trends in 2025 lean into celebrating natural texture rather than fighting it. Instead of heat styled uniform ringlets, stylists are embracing curl shrinkage, layered shaping, and face framing pieces that work with a curl’s natural movement. Below, you will find a mix of short curly haircuts, long curly styles, curly bobs, and updos, each paired with practical styling notes.
Zendaya
Zendaya has become something of a masterclass in versatility, and her curly looks are no exception. She has worn everything from a glamorous retro inspired wavy bob with a deep side part to fuller, bouncier curls that read as vintage Hollywood glamour. Her hair is naturally textured, and her styling team frequently uses lightweight mousse and a diffuser to build volume at the root without weighing the curls down.
This look works particularly well on medium to long hair with a loose to medium curl pattern. If you want to copy it, ask your stylist for face framing layers around the cheekbones, which help the curls catch light and frame the face during photos.
Best for: oval and heart shaped faces Maintenance level: medium, regular trims every 8 to 10 weeks keep the shape crisp
Simone Ashley
Simone Ashley rarely reaches for a flat iron on the red carpet, and that is exactly why her hair stands out. She tends to let her fluffy, spiral curls do the talking, often finished with a glossy serum for shine rather than a heavy hold product that can create crunch.
Her curls have a defined S pattern that photographs beautifully under studio lighting. To get a similar effect, apply a curl cream to soaking wet hair, scrunch upward toward the scalp, and avoid touching the curls again until they are fully dry to prevent frizz.
Best for: those with a naturally springy curl type looking for a low manipulation red carpet style Common mistake to avoid: brushing curls dry, which breaks up the curl clumps and creates unwanted frizz
Lupita Nyong’o
Lupita Nyong’o has built a reputation for bold, architectural short curly cuts, particularly styles that work with a tight, textured coil pattern. One of her most talked about looks is a geometrical short cut that flatters a side part and highlights her facial structure rather than hiding it.
This kind of cut requires precision from the stylist, since every curl needs to fall into place around the shape of the head. It is a fantastic option for anyone with 4A to 4C hair textures who wants a low maintenance daily routine paired with high impact styling for special occasions.
Best for: round and oval face shapes, tight coily textures Styling tip: a small amount of edge control along the hairline keeps the geometric shape crisp for hours
Julia Roberts
Julia Roberts has been a reference point for curly haired women for decades, and her most recent red carpet styling keeps that legacy going with long, glossy, voluminous waves. Rather than tight ringlets, her curl pattern leans toward a looser wave that feels effortless rather than overly polished.
For long hair with this texture, a large barrel curling iron used in alternating directions creates a natural, undone finish. A light shine spray at the end adds the glossy red carpet effect without adding grease or weight.
Best for: long hair, wavy to loosely curly textures Maintenance level: low to medium, occasional trims prevent split ends from weighing curls down
Gugu Mbatha-Raw
Gugu Mbatha-Raw regularly wears her natural curls on the red carpet, often in a shape that celebrates volume and movement rather than sleekness. Her hair tends to be styled with attention to symmetry, which keeps voluminous curls from looking one sided in photographs.
If you have a similar curl pattern, ask your stylist about diffusing in sections rather than all at once. Working in smaller sections helps distribute product evenly and prevents some curls from drying flatter than others.
Best for: medium to thick curly hair, all face shapes when styled with side volume Products that help: a lightweight curl defining gel to avoid a stiff or crunchy finish
Juno Temple
Juno Temple’s fluffy curls tend to look their best when they are worn completely natural, without heavy manipulation. One of her standout looks is a half up hairstyle that shows off her curl volume while keeping hair out of her face, all without a single heat tool involved.
This style is ideal for anyone who wants an easy, no heat option for events. Simply gather the top half of dry, styled curls into a small ponytail or clip, and let the rest fall naturally.
Best for: fine to medium curly hair that holds volume well Styling difficulty: easy, beginner friendly
Nathalie Emmanuel
Nathalie Emmanuel often chooses styles that highlight her curl definition through a sleek, chin grazing bob shape. The graphic, tightly shaped curls paired with a shiny finish give the cut a polished red carpet look while still reading as completely natural.
Curly bobs like this one require regular trims, since even a small amount of length loss can change how the curls sit around the jawline. Ask your stylist for a dry cut, which allows them to see exactly how each curl falls before trimming.
Best for: short to medium curl patterns, square and oval face shapes Salon upkeep: trims every 6 to 8 weeks to maintain the shape
Viola Davis
Viola Davis has become one of the most respected voices in the natural hair movement, frequently choosing to wear her curls in their natural gray and silver tones rather than covering them. Her styling often favors fuller, rounded shapes that add presence without looking overly done.
This kind of style works beautifully for anyone transitioning to gray hair or simply wanting to embrace natural color alongside natural texture. A purple toning shampoo used occasionally can help keep gray curls looking bright rather than dull or yellow.
Best for: natural gray or silver curls, thick textures Expert insight: gray hair tends to be drier, so a richer leave in conditioner is often necessary to keep curls defined
Ariana DeBose
Ariana DeBose is known for confidently wearing short, cropped curly cuts that highlight her facial features. Her styles often incorporate a close cropped side with more volume left on top, creating contrast and movement.
Short curly cuts like this one require frequent trims, roughly every 4 to 6 weeks, to maintain the shape as hair grows out. This is a great option for anyone who wants a bold, low maintenance daily routine with high visual impact for events.
Best for: those wanting a bold, editorial curly look Styling tip: a small amount of curl defining cream on the top section keeps curls separated rather than clumping into one mass
Julia Garner
Julia Garner’s naturally red, curly hair tends to be styled in soft, romantic waves that complement her coloring. Rather than tight definition, her looks often favor movement and softness, which works particularly well with finer curl patterns.
If your curls are on the finer side, avoid heavy products that can weigh hair down. A mousse applied at the root, followed by air drying or diffusing on a low heat setting, tends to give the best volume without sacrificing curl integrity.
Best for: fine to medium curls, red or warm toned hair colors Maintenance level: low, minimal daily styling required
Tyla
Tyla has quickly become a red carpet favorite for her ability to pair curly textures with unexpected shapes, including a curly blonde pixie that turned heads at a major fashion event. The style proved that short curly cuts can be just as glamorous as long, voluminous hair.
A curly pixie requires confidence and a skilled cut, since there is very little hair to hide behind. Regular trims are essential, and a lightweight curl cream helps keep short curls defined without looking overly styled.
Best for: those wanting a dramatic, statement making short cut Common mistake to avoid: using too much product on short curls, which can flatten volume instead of enhancing it
Arsema Thomas
Arsema Thomas often wears her natural curl pattern in fuller, rounded silhouettes that add drama to red carpet looks. Her styling frequently emphasizes symmetry and volume at the crown, which helps balance her overall silhouette in formal gowns.
For similar volume, curls should be dried upside down or with the head tilted to encourage lift at the root. Once dry, a light shake out with fingers, rather than a brush, keeps the shape full without disrupting curl clumps.
Best for: thick, voluminous curl patterns Styling tip: avoid touching curls too much once they set, since overhandling can cause frizz
Vanessa Hudgens
Vanessa Hudgens tends to favor soft, beachy waves rather than tight curls, giving her red carpet looks a relaxed, California inspired feel. Her texture sits closer to a loose wave, which is achieved with a large barrel wand and minimal product for a natural finish.
This style is approachable for anyone with naturally wavy hair who wants a slightly more defined red carpet finish without looking overly styled. A texturizing spray can help enhance natural wave patterns for those who do not have naturally curly hair.
Best for: wavy to loosely curly textures, most face shapes Styling difficulty: moderate
Blake Lively
Blake Lively is often associated with loose, romantic curls that fall in soft waves rather than tight coils. Her signature look tends to involve curling hair away from the face in large sections, then brushing through lightly to soften the curl into a wave.
This technique works well for straight or slightly wavy hair that needs help holding curl throughout an event. A strong hold hairspray applied while curls are still warm helps the style last through hours of photos and events.
Best for: those wanting long lasting, soft red carpet waves Products that help: heat protectant spray and a flexible hold hairspray
Also Read This : 33 Best Low-Maintenance Haircuts for Thick Hair in 2026 (Easy & Stylish Ideas)
Whitney Peak
Whitney Peak often embraces her natural curl texture in ways that feel modern and effortless, favoring styles that highlight curl shrinkage rather than stretching curls out. This approach gives her looks a youthful, authentic quality on the red carpet.
For a similar effect, avoid brushing curls out after they dry, since this can create frizz rather than definition. Instead, separate curls gently with fingers once fully dry to maintain clumping and shine.
Best for: medium to tight curl patterns, younger and editorial inspired looks Maintenance level: medium
Nicole Kidman
Nicole Kidman has naturally curly red hair, though she has worn it both straightened and curly throughout her career. When she does embrace her natural texture, the result is soft, romantic curls that complement her coloring beautifully.
For those with naturally curly hair who typically straighten it, occasionally embracing the natural texture, as Kidman has done, can be a refreshing change. A hydrating mask used weekly helps curls that are used to heat styling regain some of their natural bounce.
Best for: naturally curly hair transitioning away from frequent heat styling Expert insight: curls that are regularly heat styled often need extra moisture to bounce back into their natural pattern
Natasha Lyonne
Natasha Lyonne’s curly red hair is one of her most recognizable features, and she tends to wear it in its natural, voluminous state rather than smoothing it out. Her texture reads as a looser curl with significant volume, giving her red carpet looks a distinctive, unmistakable quality.
This kind of natural, undone curl look works well for anyone who wants their hair to feel like a genuine extension of their personality rather than an overly polished styling choice. Minimal product, mostly a lightweight curl cream, tends to be all that is needed.
Best for: loose, voluminous curl patterns Styling difficulty: easy, low manipulation required
Alexandra Shipp
Alexandra Shipp often wears defined, medium length curls that showcase clean curl separation and shine. Her styling tends to favor a more polished curl definition compared to some of the looser, undone styles on this list.
To achieve well separated curls like this, apply a curl defining gel section by section while hair is wet, then diffuse or air dry without disturbing the curl clumps. Once fully dry, a small amount of shine oil on the palms, smoothed lightly over the surface, adds a glossy finish.
Best for: medium curl patterns wanting a polished, defined finish Maintenance level: medium
Imaan Hammam
Imaan Hammam, a model known for her striking natural curls, often wears her hair in its full, voluminous natural state on the runway and red carpet alike. Her curl pattern tends to be full and springy, and her styling rarely involves heavy manipulation.
This look celebrates natural volume above all else. For similar results, avoid combing curls once they are dry, and instead focus on scrunching product through soaking wet hair to encourage natural clumping and shape.
Best for: thick, voluminous natural curl patterns Styling tip: a diffuser attachment on a blow dryer helps speed up drying time without disrupting curl formation
Tracee Ellis Ross
Tracee Ellis Ross has become one of the most vocal advocates for curly and coily hair, even founding her own haircare line dedicated to textured hair. Her red carpet looks frequently celebrate maximum volume and natural shrinkage, proving that big, bold curls belong in high fashion spaces.
Her approach to styling emphasizes moisture first, since well hydrated curls hold their shape and shine far better than dry, brittle ones. A rich leave in conditioner followed by a curl cream, then air drying or diffusing, tends to be the foundation of her voluminous looks.
Best for: thick, coily, and highly textured curl patterns Expert insight: curls with tighter shrinkage often look their fullest and most defined when moisture is prioritized over hold products
Choosing the Right Curly Style for Your Hair Type
With so many curl patterns represented on this list, from Julia Roberts’ loose waves to Lupita Nyong’o’s tight coils, it helps to think about your own curl type before choosing a style to recreate.
| Curl Pattern | Similar Celebrity Look | Maintenance | Styling Difficulty |
| Loose waves | Julia Roberts, Vanessa Hudgens | Low to medium | Moderate |
| Springy spirals | Simone Ashley, Julia Garner | Medium | Moderate |
| Voluminous curls | Tracee Ellis Ross, Imaan Hammam | Medium to high | Moderate to advanced |
| Tight coils and afro texture | Lupita Nyong’o, Ariana DeBose | Low daily, frequent trims | Advanced for cutting, easy for daily styling |
Face shape also plays a role in how a curly style will read on camera and in person. Rounder curl shapes tend to add width, which flatters longer face shapes, while cuts with more height at the crown, like Lupita Nyong’o’s geometric style, work well for rounder faces by adding visual length.
Practical Tips for Styling Curly Hair Like a Red Carpet Pro
- Always apply styling products to soaking wet hair rather than damp hair, since this helps lock in more moisture and definition.
- Scrunch product upward toward the scalp instead of pulling downward, which can stretch out curl pattern.
- Avoid touching curls while they dry whenever possible, since this is one of the most common causes of frizz.
- Use a diffuser on a low heat, low speed setting to preserve curl shape while speeding up drying time.
- Sleep on a silk or satin pillowcase to reduce friction and frizz overnight.
- Schedule regular trims, since curly hair that is not properly maintained can look shapeless as it grows out.
Conclusion
From Zendaya’s polished vintage waves to Tracee Ellis Ross’s voluminous natural curls, this list proves that there is no single way to wear curly hair on the red carpet. Every curl pattern, from loose waves to tight coils, has the potential to look striking when it is styled with the right products and techniques for that specific texture.
The biggest takeaway from these 21 celebrity curly hairstyles is that working with your natural curl pattern, rather than against it, almost always produces the most flattering and long lasting results. Whether you are inspired by a short geometric cut or a long, glossy curl, the right red carpet look is simply the one that celebrates the texture you were born with.
