Got curls? If that’s a yes, then you’ve probably plopped, scrunched, and pineapple-d your way to finding the perfect styling routine for your hair. You’ve probably layered and cocktailed products, wet-set, air-dried, or diffuser-dried, all in the name of freeing your spirals from frizz and flatness.
So maybe you’ve got your system so down, you could do it half-asleep and blindfolded. And that’s awesome. But there’s plenty of fun still to be had in experimentation. That’s why we teamed up with OGX. We’re bringing you all the fresh, curly-hair inspo you could possibly need, whatever your texture and type. And because we could all use an extra five (or, let’s be real, 30) minutes of sleep, you won’t find any time-consuming, complicated styles here—and none that involve hot tools. Instead, these are quick looks that fit into even the most rushed, can’t-believe-I-overslept-again mornings. Because no matter when your alarm finally goes off, every day should start with a little play time.
1. Half-Up Crown Braid
The braid is the star of this show, so don't be afraid to let it shine. And to do that, the key is to make it chunky and wide. "The trick is to gently pull the braided hair to expand the width as you go," explains hairstylist Jasmine Santiago. Part your hair on the side and, starting at the part, braid along the hairline, continuing around the back of your head. Use your fingers to pull apart random sections of the braid.
2. Pulled Back
We promise you can do this one in less than a minute. It's the perfect example of how simple can also be chic—like the hair version of a classic, perfectly fitted white tee. "Separate your hair into two sections and sweep them away from the face," says Santiago. "Overlap those sections and secure them into place using bobby pins."
3. Messy Bun
This is less of a bun and more of a pile of curls—but, of course, it doesn't matter, since the whole point is that it looks messy and effortless. Your secret weapon: a thick, stretchy headband, which holds your hair without being too tight. First, slide the headband up so your hair just begins to gather, and then anchor it with pins. Then, "add [more] bobby pins to the base of random sections of hair," explains Santiago. "Once they're in place, those pretty curls look like they're tumbling down."
4. Side Cornrows
Full, kinky curls stand out all on their own, so you don't have to work too hard to make a statement with this hair type. Create a deep part in your hair. On the side closest to your ear, section off your hair and braid it into three small cornrows, angling each one so they meet at one point. "This easy styling method can give your curly hair a fun look," says Santiago.
4. Half-Up Braided Bun
Take your mini topknot up a notch by adding a braid around it. It only takes an extra minute or two, and the woven detail keeps the bun from looking like a last resort. Section off the top portion of hair, braid it, then "gently wrap the braid around and secure it with a bobby pin," says Santiago. "Then, spray OGX Thick & Full Biotin & Collagen Weightless Healing Oil Mist to add shine to your curls and help seal in moisture."
Curly Hair Toolkit
This post is sponsored by OGX.
Photos: Ashley Batz/Bustle; Makeup: Ashleigh Ciucci; Hair: Jasmine Santiago; Stylist: Haley Loewenthal; Set Designer: Pakayla Biehn; Models: Emily Freeman, Victoria Gomez/Jag Models, Zahra Jabini, Lexi Novak, and Sonia Sells
Art Direction: Isla Murray/Bustle; Editor: Irma Elezovic/Bustle; Senior Editor: Lexi Novak/Bustle; Production: Nancy Valev & Lucy Haller/Bustle; Additional Creative Development: Jenna Wexler/Bustle
