As the leaves turn amber and the air grows crisp, your hairstyle can beautifully echo the cozy, romantic vibes of fall. Curly hair, with its natural volume and texture, lends itself perfectly to seasonal styling that feels warm, effortless, and full of life. From soft, cascading curls to intricate updos that showcase your hair’s natural bounce, fall is the perfect time to experiment with curls that complement sweaters, scarves, and layered outfits. Below are 11 gorgeous curly hairstyles to inspire your autumn look, whether you’re heading to a casual coffee date, a festive gathering, or a cozy evening by the fire. These styles highlight curls in all their glory, combining practicality with sophistication and a touch of whimsy.
1. Loose Romantic Curls with Side Part
Soft, loose curls create a timeless romantic vibe that fits perfectly with the mellow glow of fall. Starting with freshly washed curls, use a wide-tooth comb to gently part your hair deeply on one side, allowing curls to cascade naturally over one shoulder. This style exudes effortless elegance while showcasing your hair’s natural body and texture. Pairing this look with a chunky knit sweater or a velvet blazer enhances the cozy yet polished autumn aesthetic. To add an extra touch of warmth, tuck one side behind your ear and adorn with a delicate hairpin or autumn-themed accessory, such as a leaf-shaped clip or a warm amber stone. This hairstyle works well for all curl types and lengths, especially those with medium to long hair, because it embraces the natural movement of curls without overwhelming the look.
2. Half-Up Twisted Crown
For a more intricate yet easy-to-achieve look, the half-up twisted crown is a stunning choice. Begin by gathering the front sections of your curly hair from both sides and twisting them toward the back, securing with bobby pins or a decorative clip. The twist creates a soft halo effect around your face, allowing the rest of your curls to fall freely. This style balances romance and structure, perfect for transitional fall weather when you want your hair off your face but still want to highlight your curls’ natural volume. This look pairs beautifully with flowy dresses or layered scarves and is especially flattering with highlights or natural color variations that catch the autumn light. Adding a hint of shine serum or light hairspray will help control frizz while keeping curls bouncy and touchable.
3. Voluminous Curly Ponytail with Face-Framing Tendrils
A high ponytail is a versatile fall hairstyle that transforms when you let your curls shine in all their glory. Gather your hair high on the crown and secure it with a strong elastic, then gently pull a few tendrils loose around your face to soften the look. The key here is volume — fluff out the curls in the ponytail for a full, dramatic effect that’s playful yet chic. This hairstyle is perfect for busy days when you want your hair out of the way but still crave a stylish, put-together appearance. Pair this look with oversized sweaters and leather jackets for an edgy fall vibe. To enhance the shine and reduce frizz, consider a moisturizing curl cream applied before styling. This style works best on medium to long curls and can be accessorized with colorful scrunchies or fall-inspired scarves tied around the ponytail base.
4. Messy Curly Bun with Loose Strands
When you want to keep things casual yet captivating, a messy curly bun is the go-to hairstyle for fall. Simply gather your curls into a loose bun at the nape of your neck or slightly higher, allowing strands to fall naturally around your face and neck. This undone style embodies the relaxed spirit of autumn days spent outdoors or lounging with a warm drink. The loose strands soften the look, framing your face and adding a bohemian touch. To elevate this look for evening outings, use a decorative hair comb or vintage-inspired pins to add subtle sparkle. The messy curly bun complements layered outfits, such as scarves and cardigans, by balancing structure and softness. This hairstyle embraces natural curl textures without demanding perfection, making it a favorite for all curl types and lengths.
5. Defined Ringlets with Deep Side Part
Defined ringlets offer a polished, sophisticated look that beautifully contrasts with the cozy textures of fall fashion. Achieve this style by using a curling wand or diffuser to accentuate your curls’ natural spiral pattern, focusing on creating uniformity and shine. Part your hair deeply to one side, which adds a flattering asymmetry and frames your face elegantly. This hairstyle exudes a vintage glam vibe, perfect for autumn weddings or festive events. Pair with bold lipstick and a tailored coat to complete the look. To maintain curl definition throughout the day, use a lightweight gel or curl cream, and avoid heavy products that weigh curls down. Defined ringlets are especially striking on medium-length hair but can be adapted for longer curls as well.
6. Curly Bob with Soft Layers
For those rocking a shorter cut, the curly bob with soft layers is a chic fall hairstyle that embraces natural texture while offering manageable volume. Layers help reduce bulk and encourage curls to spring up and out, creating a flattering frame around the face. This cut pairs well with turtlenecks, oversized scarves, and cozy hats, making it a practical yet fashionable choice for cooler weather. Styling is simple — a bit of curl-defining cream and air-drying or a gentle diffuser can enhance the bob’s bounce and movement. The curly bob exudes modern sophistication and is perfect for women who want a low-maintenance look without sacrificing style. Adding highlights or balayage in warm caramel or chestnut tones brings extra dimension and fall-inspired warmth to the hair.
7. Side-Swept Curly Updo with Braided Accents
A side-swept curly updo with braided accents combines elegance and a touch of boho charm, making it an ideal hairstyle for fall festivities or weddings. To create this look, loosely gather your curls to one side, pinning them into a low bun or chignon. Incorporate small, delicate braids on one or both sides to add texture and visual interest. The interplay of soft curls and structured braids creates a romantic silhouette that pairs beautifully with lace, velvet, or knit fabrics common in autumn fashion. This hairstyle works well with medium to long curls and can be accessorized with floral pins or metallic clips that reflect the changing season. The side-swept design also frames the face in a flattering way, adding softness and movement.
8. Curly Bangs with Layered Waves
Curly bangs add a fresh, youthful edge to fall hairstyles, especially when paired with layered waves that cascade naturally down your shoulders. This style softens the face and highlights your eyes while adding texture and volume. Whether you have naturally curly bangs or choose to style them with a curling wand, this look radiates playful charm. It pairs wonderfully with casual fall outfits like chunky sweaters and denim jackets, adding a bit of flair and personality. Maintaining curly bangs requires regular trims and moisturizing products to keep them defined and frizz-free. This style suits all curl types and lengths but shines brightest on those with medium-length layered hair for optimal movement.
9. Half-Up Curly Bun with Volume
The half-up curly bun is a whimsical, flattering hairstyle perfect for fall’s cozy yet festive atmosphere. By pulling the top half of your curls into a loose, voluminous bun while letting the rest cascade freely, you create a look that is both structured and carefree. This hairstyle keeps hair away from your face while still showing off your natural texture. It works beautifully with oversized sweaters and statement earrings, making it a versatile choice for both day and night events during autumn. To maximize volume and bounce, use a curl-enhancing mousse before styling, and gently tease the bun for extra fullness. This style suits all curl types and is particularly stunning on longer hair.
10. Defined Curly Ponytail with Wrapped Base
Elevate the classic ponytail with curls by adding a wrapped base detail that conceals the elastic and adds polish to the look. Gather your curls into a mid or high ponytail and take a small section of hair from underneath to wrap around the base, securing it with a bobby pin. This simple addition makes the ponytail look sleek and intentional while allowing the natural curl pattern to shine. The volume and bounce of curly hair give the ponytail a dramatic flair, perfect for both casual and dressy fall occasions. Use curl-enhancing spray or cream to define curls, and add a touch of shine serum to keep frizz at bay. This style works wonderfully on medium to long hair lengths.
11. Twisted Curly Halo
The twisted curly halo is a romantic and ethereal hairstyle that beautifully complements the warm tones of fall fashion. To achieve this look, take two front sections of your curls and twist them back toward the crown, pinning securely to create a “halo” effect that frames your face. The rest of your curls should remain loose and voluminous, cascading naturally. This style adds a touch of elegance without appearing too formal, making it perfect for cozy autumn brunches or casual outdoor gatherings. Pair this look with earthy tones and natural makeup to complete the seasonal vibe. The twisted halo enhances the natural movement of curls and suits all lengths and curl types, creating a soft and feminine silhouette.
Fall is the perfect season to embrace the natural beauty and versatility of curly hair, with styles that range from soft and romantic to bold and playful. These 11 gorgeous curly fall hairstyles capture the essence of autumn’s warmth and coziness while celebrating the unique texture and volume that curls provide. Whether you’re drawn to loose waves, intricate updos, or effortless ponytails, there’s a look here to inspire every mood and occasion. As you step into the season, let your curls be a statement of confidence and style, perfectly paired with your favorite fall fashions and festivities. Embrace the change of seasons by refreshing your hairstyle with these stunning, head-turning curls that honor both the beauty of autumn and your individual flair.
