Cute & Simple Beach Hairstyles for Curly Hair

Loose Curly High Ponytail

Honestly, this is my go-to when I want my curls off my neck but still looking fun and beachy. A loose curly high ponytail just feels young and effortless, especially when the wind hits at the beach. I usually flip my hair upside down, gather it high (not too tight, trust me), and secure it with a soft elastic. I’ve found that pulling out a few curls around the front makes it look softer and not like I’m heading to the gym.

To be fair, the trick is not brushing your curls too much before tying them. Let them stay a little wild. I sometimes scrunch in a bit of curl cream before tying it up so the ponytail looks defined instead of frizzy. And if the elastic shows? I just wrap a small curl around it. It’s simple, cute, and perfect for salty beach air.

Half-Up Half-Down Curly Style

In my opinion, this is the ultimate beach hairstyle for curly hair. It gives you the best of both worlds — volume at the bottom and control at the top. I usually grab the top section from temple to temple and secure it with a clip or small band. Honestly, it takes less than five minutes, which is exactly what I need before heading out.

What I love most is how it shows off natural curls while keeping hair out of my face. Sometimes I twist the top section before pinning it, especially if my curls are feeling extra fluffy that day. I’ve noticed this style actually looks better as the day goes on and gets a little messy from the breeze. It’s soft, romantic, and totally beach-approved without trying too hard.

Curly Messy Bun

Okay, I have a love-hate relationship with messy buns, but for the beach? They just work. The key is not overthinking it. I gather my curls loosely at the crown or slightly lower, twist them gently, and secure with pins instead of one tight elastic. Honestly, the less perfect it looks, the better it feels.

I’ve found that letting a few curls fall around the neck and forehead makes it look intentional rather than lazy. If your curls are freshly washed, it might slip a bit, so I sometimes use a little texture spray first. To be fair, beach humidity actually helps this style look even better. It becomes softer and fuller. It’s the hairstyle I choose when I want to relax, feel breezy, and not worry about constant touch-ups.

Side-Swept Curly Braid

Whenever I want something a little more styled but still beachy, I go for a side-swept curly braid. I bring all my curls to one side and start braiding loosely, not pulling tight at all. Honestly, tight braids and curly hair don’t mix well at the beach — they just look stiff.

I usually pancake the braid slightly by pulling at the edges to make it fuller. That little step makes such a difference. I’ve worn this style during sunset beach photos, and it photographs beautifully with curls peeking out. Even if some pieces slip out, it actually adds charm. In my opinion, this is perfect for beach dinners or walks by the shore when you still want your curls to shine but in a controlled way.

Double Dutch Braids for Curls

Double Dutch braids with curly hair are honestly underrated. At first, I thought my curls were too thick for neat braids, but once I tried it loosely, I was obsessed. I part my hair down the middle and braid each side underhand, keeping it slightly relaxed instead of super tight.

The best part? When you take them out later, the curls look even more defined and wavy. I’ve found this style super practical for swimming or beach games because it keeps everything secure. And to be fair, even if the braids get a little fuzzy from humidity, they still look cute and textured. It’s sporty, fun, and gives that cool beach-girl vibe without much effort.

Curly Pineapple Updo

If you have curly hair, you’ve probably heard of the pineapple method for sleeping. But honestly, I love wearing it out at the beach too. I gather all my curls at the very top of my head and secure them loosely so the curls fall forward like a fountain.

It looks bold and playful, especially with big curls. I’ve found that using a satin scrunchie helps prevent frizz and breakage. The best thing? It keeps my curls from getting tangled in the wind. In my opinion, this is perfect for super hot days when you want zero hair on your neck. It’s simple, dramatic, and shows off curl volume in the best way.

Low Curly Bun with Scarf

I didn’t try this style until a windy beach trip basically forced me to. And now? I’m hooked. I gather my curls into a low bun at the nape of my neck and tie a lightweight scarf around it. Honestly, the scarf makes everything look styled even if the bun underneath is messy.

I usually let the ends of the scarf flow a bit — it looks so pretty in beach photos. I’ve found cotton or silk scarves work best because they don’t slip. Plus, they protect curls from too much sun exposure. To be fair, this style feels a little vintage and feminine, which I personally love. It’s practical, protective, and effortlessly chic.

Beachy Curly Space Buns

Okay, space buns are just fun. There’s no serious explanation for them. Whenever I want something playful for a beach party or vacation photos, I part my curls down the middle and twist each side into a bun. I don’t smooth them too much — I let the curls puff naturally.

Honestly, they look better slightly uneven. I’ve found that using bobby pins instead of tight elastics keeps the buns softer and fuller. And if a few curls stick out? That’s the vibe. In my opinion, this is perfect for younger, carefree beach days when you want to stand out a little. It’s bold, cute, and surprisingly comfortable.

Curly Top Knot

The curly top knot is my emergency beach hairstyle. When my curls start misbehaving because of humidity, I just pile them on top of my head and twist into a knot. I don’t even try to make it neat anymore. Honestly, neat top knots with curls rarely last long at the beach anyway.

I’ve learned that securing it with both an elastic and a few pins makes it stay put. Sometimes I pull a few curls loose around the face to soften the look. It’s quick, practical, and still shows off your natural texture. In my opinion, every curly-haired girl needs this in her beach hairstyle rotation.

Natural Open Curls with Headband

Sometimes, I just let my curls do their thing. No tying, no twisting — just natural open curls with a cute headband. Honestly, beach air gives curls this soft, lived-in look that I actually love. I usually apply a little leave-in conditioner before heading out to control frizz.

The headband keeps hair out of my eyes while still letting my curls shine. I’ve found stretchy fabric bands are the most comfortable and don’t cause dents. To be fair, this style is the most “me” because it celebrates natural texture instead of hiding it. It’s easy, confident, and perfect for those relaxed beach days when you just want to feel free.