Curly hairstyles have always been a cornerstone of self-expression, and in 2025, the trend leans heavily into bold, confident, and versatile looks that embrace individuality. The «baddie» aesthetic—a mix of edgy and glamorous—is the perfect pairing for curly hair. Whether you’re looking for a hairstyle to rock at school, a party, or a casual outing, there’s something here for everyone. This article highlights innovative and stylish curly hairstyles that are bound to turn heads this year.
Sleek Half-Up Curly Ponytail
The sleek half-up curly ponytail merges sophistication and playfulness, making it perfect for both school and a night out. This style involves pulling the top half of your curls into a slick ponytail, while the rest cascades naturally. It’s a versatile choice, ideal for medium-length or long hair, and works wonderfully on short 3b or 4b curls as well. Oval and heart-shaped faces benefit most from the elongating effect of the ponytail, while hazel or green eyes pop against the high-gloss finish.
To create this look, you’ll need a smoothing serum and a strong-hold gel like Eco Styler to slick back the top section. Use a brush to secure it in place with a claw clip or elastic band. Maintain this style by refreshing curls with a hydrating mist like the DevaCurl Mist-er Right, ensuring the bottom half stays voluminous.
Baddie Short Wavy Bob
Short, chic, and undeniably stylish, the short wavy bob channels high-fashion vibes with minimal effort. This look is perfect for those with short hair who want a casual yet elevated style for school 2025 or a party. With soft waves and a sleek edge, this hairstyle flatters square and round faces while adding a playful balance to dark or warm-toned eyes.
Achieving this look requires a curling wand and a lightweight texturizing spray like Ouai Wave Spray. After curling small sections, gently brush them out for soft waves. Keep the style fresh with a dry shampoo to maintain bounce between washes.
Braided Crown with Curls Down
This romantic yet edgy hairstyle combines a braided crown with loose curls flowing freely. It’s a stunning option for school, weddings, or any event where you want to showcase your creativity. Best suited for medium-length to long hair, this look complements oval faces and enhances the vibrancy of blue or amber eyes.
To achieve this, braid two sections from each side of your head, securing them at the back to form a crown. Use a curling iron to define the loose curls, finishing with a shine spray. A silk scarf can protect this style overnight, ensuring it looks fresh the next day.
Slick-Back Curly Bun
The slick back curly bun is the epitome of polished chic, perfect for a formal party or going out. With its sleek front and voluminous bun, this style works well on short hair, 3a, or 4b textures. It flatters heart and diamond face shapes while accentuating the elegance of gray or green eyes.
Start by applying a smoothing cream and brushing your curls into a low bun. Use rubber bands to secure the bun and a fine-tooth comb for a clean slick-back finish. Maintain the look with a frizz-taming product like TGIN Smooth & Hold Edge Control.
Short Curly Claw Clip Updo
This playful updo uses a claw clip to pin up short wavy or short 3b curls, creating a fun and carefree aesthetic. It’s a go-to for school easy days or casual errands. The style suits round and oval faces and draws attention to dark brown or hazel eyes.
To create this look, gather your curls loosely at the crown and secure them with a claw clip, letting some strands fall naturally. Use a curl-defining cream like Cantu’s Coconut Curling Cream to enhance the texture and maintain moisture.
Easy Side-Part Curls
A simple yet stunning option, the easy side-part curls add volume and elegance to short, medium-length, or long hair. This look transitions seamlessly from school to a formal event, highlighting oval faces and complementing all eye colors.
Start by creating a deep side part and defining your curls with a diffuser. Add a few rubber bands to separate sections for a trendy twist. Finish with a lightweight hairspray to hold the style without weighing it down.
Baddie Curly Half-Up Bun
The half-up half bun is a trendy choice that balances casual and chic vibes. It’s perfect for school, a quick errand run, or a party. This style works well for medium-length or long hair, with its playful bun on top and cascading curls below. It flatters round and heart-shaped faces, especially when paired with bold makeup.
Pull the top half of your hair into a bun, securing it with an elastic or claw clip. Use a curl cream to define the loose curls below, and refresh the bun with a touch of styling gel if needed.
Low Ponytail with Rubber Band Accents
This unique style features a low ponytail adorned with rubber bands placed along the length for added flair. It’s a bold choice for school 2025 or a party, perfect for short wavy or short 4b hair. Diamond and oval face shapes look especially striking with this look, and blue or gray eyes stand out against the sleek styling.
To create this, smooth your hair into a low ponytail, securing it with a band. Add rubber bands at intervals, gently pulling sections for a bubble effect. A light-hold gel like Aussie Instant Freeze Gel keeps the style in place.
Curly Wig Glam
For those seeking versatility, a wig offers endless opportunities to experiment with baddie curly hairstyles. Choose a high-quality wig in short 3a or short 4b curls for a quick transformation. Perfect for school, going out, or a formal event, this style suits all face shapes and enhances any eye color depending on the wig’s hue.
Secure the wig with a wig cap and adjust it for a natural fit. Use a curl-defining product like SheaMoisture Curl Enhancing Smoothie to maintain its texture and keep it looking fresh.
Party-Ready Curly Side Braid
The curly side braid combines glamour and functionality, making it ideal for a party or a busy day at school. This style involves sweeping curls to one side and integrating a loose braid for added texture. Best suited for long hair, it flatters oval and heart-shaped faces while adding depth to light or dark eyes.
To achieve this, part your hair to one side and braid a section near the temple. Secure it with an elastic and use a curling wand to enhance the loose curls. A flexible hold spray ensures your braid stays intact all day.
Curly High Ponytail with Slicked Sides
This slick back high ponytail is a bold and elevated look perfect for school or a party. It combines polished sides with voluminous curls cascading from the ponytail, giving it a dramatic yet wearable vibe. Suitable for long hair or medium-length, it works best for heart-shaped faces and adds intensity to brown or green eyes.
To create this look, apply a smoothing gel to the sides and brush the hair upward into a high ponytail. Use a diffuser to enhance the curls’ bounce, and finish with a shine spray for a sleek finish.
Loose Curls with Claw Clip
This effortless claw clip hairstyle is all about embracing natural curls while adding a trendy twist. It’s ideal for school easy days or casual outings. Best for medium-length or short wavy hair, it flatters round faces and complements all eye colors with its carefree charm.
To achieve this look, gather your curls loosely at the nape and secure them with a claw clip, letting a few strands fall freely. Use a curl-enhancing cream like Moroccanoil Curl Defining Cream to maintain shape and hydration.
Short Curly Slicked-Back Wet Look
This slick back wet look is all about drama and elegance. Ideal for short hair like 3a or 4b curls, it’s a fantastic choice for school short or a formal evening event. Best for oval faces, it highlights features like high cheekbones and adds a striking edge to dark or hazel eyes.
To create this look, apply a wet-look gel like L’Oréal Paris Studio Line to your curls and comb them back for a sleek finish. Use a wide-tooth comb to maintain texture while securing the style with a strong-hold spray.
Curly Bun with Face-Framing Strands
This soft and romantic short bun is paired with loose, face-framing strands for a feminine touch. It’s perfect for school, a party, or a going-out look. Best suited for short 3b or medium-length hair, it complements heart-shaped faces and enhances light-colored eyes.
Gather your curls into a loose bun, leaving a few strands around the face. Use a curl cream to define the strands and a light-hold spray to keep the bun intact throughout the day.
Messy Curly Low Bun
The messy down low bun is a laid-back yet stylish option that works for both casual and semi-formal settings. Suitable for short wavy or short 4b hair, it’s a relaxed look that flatters round faces and highlights natural eye colors like brown or green.
To achieve this, loosely gather curls into a low bun, allowing a few tendrils to escape naturally. Use a texturizing spray to enhance the messy aesthetic, and secure the bun with bobby pins for all-day hold.
Curly Top Knot with Party Vibes
A bold top knot with loose curls radiates fun and energy, making it the go-to choice for a party or festive occasion. This look is ideal for medium-length or long hair and enhances oval or heart-shaped faces, especially when paired with glittery makeup.
Gather your curls into a high bun, leaving a few curls loose for a playful touch. Use a lightweight gel to slick the base and a curling wand to define any loose strands for added texture.
Curly Faux Hawk with Braided Sides
This wig-friendly style combines braided sides with a voluminous curly top for a bold, edgy aesthetic. Perfect for school or a going-out look, it works well on short 4b or medium-length hair and suits square or round faces while adding a dramatic edge to dark or light-colored eyes.
Braid the sides tightly and tease the top section for volume. Apply a curl-defining cream to the faux hawk and finish with a strong-hold spray to maintain the height and texture.
Conclusion
Curly hairstyles offer unmatched versatility, and these baddie looks for 2025 are no exception. Whether you’re heading to school, attending a party, or experimenting with your style, there’s a curly look for every occasion. Share your thoughts and favorite styles in the comments below, and don’t forget to try out these bold looks for the new year!
