26 Most Iconic Curly Hairstyles Of All Time

Shirley Temple

Who could resist the classic bouncy ringlets that gave Shirley Temple her signature look? While her hair was naturally straight, Temple’s mother is said to have styled 56 pin curls to create the famous look.

Judy Garland

These curls made it down the yellow brick road and home again. Tied with a simple ribbon, Judy Garland’s hair as Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz looked as beautiful in black-and-white as it did in color. We love her ringlets-for-days look.

Lucille Ball

These vintage curls look extra dreamy swept up in what’s known as The Poodle. Soft curls are pinned up toward the crown to create this iconic hairstyle.

Olivia Newton-John in 'Grease'

These memorable curls were only in the last scenes of Grease, but they made a lasting impression. Olivia Newton-John’s curls were teased to create the ultimate big hair.

Elizabeth Berkley in 'Saved by the Bell'

While many of the era opted for perms to achieve this look, these curls were natural. A diffuser and shaper spray boosted Elizabeth Berkley's air-dried curls. For those with similar coils, a squeeze of hair product and the rake and shake method is the best way to let natural curl do its thing.

Julia Roberts

Who didn’t try to recreate Julia Roberts’ curls in the '90s? Roberts’ hairstyles have been setting trends for decades, from tousled curls to long waves. Keep an all-day curl with a styling product that offers medium hold and won’t give you crunchy curls.   

Kate Winslet in 'Titanic'

The ringlets spilling out of Kate Winslet’s glamorous updos in Titanic look just as dazzling worn loose and down in her character's later moments of defiance. Stylists curled her hair every day for the famous movie scenes.

Meg Ryan in 'When Harry Met Sally'

Spanning the decades as Sally Albright in When Harry Met Sally, Meg Ryan’s hairstyles changed with the times from a feathered '70s look to a curly shag with bangs. This wash-and-go cut still looks classic.

Nicole Kidman

Known for her natural curls, Nicole Kidman lets her long locks air-dry. The secret to beautifully shaped curls is staying hands off—don’t touch them while they dry.

Sarah Jessica Parker

Before Sex and the City, this mane was famous for its waves and curls in '80s hits. While Carrie Bradshaw’s hairstyles changed throughout the series, these curls are the ones we dream about.

Fran Drescher in 'The Nanny'

From her eye-catching wardrobe to her full updos, Fran Drescher made big waves with her long curls. These show-stopping voluminous twirls get a boost from hairspray and a little teasing.

Kate Hudson

You can’t beat the low maintenance of Kate Hudson’s golden ringlets. They’re natural! Add in some face-framing curls, and we’re even more envious.

Mariah Carey

When these long ringlets appeared on Mariah Carey’s self-titled debut album, we wanted the curls as much as her music. You can use small rollers to recreate your own version of this classic '90s hairstyle.

Rita Wilson

Whether she wears Hollywood-glam loose waves or lets her natural curls shine, Rita Wilson is the curly-hair inspiration we’re looking for.

Bette Midler

From red to blonde to gray, Bette Midler’s natural curls have been bobbed, cropped, and shaggy through the decades. This blonde shoulder-length hairstyle with bangs is a favorite.

Style An Elegant Braided Updo

If you're looking for wedding, bridesmaid, or event hair inspiration, look no further than this oh-so-elegant hairstyle from our friend Hannah Holsomback Griffin. Known on Instagram as @bighairedhannah, this Birmingham, Alabama-based stylist and Southern belle has mastered the art of the braid, from luscious French braids to crowns to long, textured fishtails. This sweet, Southern look by Hannah combines a fishtail braid with a messy bun and is much less complicated than it looks. It's a great, easy updo to keep the Southern heat from ruining your hair and it looks incredibly impressive from all angles. You can easily dress up this look with a formal gown and some heels, or play it off as more casual in a sundress at an outdoor wedding. One key to this Elegant Braided Updo is to spray liberally. This will hold the look in place as well as provide some texture to your 'do.

Hair: Hannah Holsomback
Model: Ellen Mitchell

Brooke Shields

This sweet vintage '80s hair has gained popularity again. And Brooke Shields still wears those soft voluminous waves we love.

Janet Jackson

Janet Jackson has long been a hair trendsetter. Nobody wears these soft mega curls better than this pop legend.

Charlize Theron

Famous for short, flirty looks, Charlize Theron sets the bar high when it comes to hairstyles. These golden curls are soft, feminine, and fun.

Carrie Underwood

Her voice wasn’t the only thing that scored points with viewers. When Carrie Underwood won season 4 of American Idol, her springy curls also won hearts.

Taylor Swift

Taylor Swift has worn her natural curls bobbed, long, up, down, wavy, and glam. For Swifties, every look is iconic. But this vintage-inspired 'do earns high marks.

Emmy Rossum

These big spiral curls add volume to Emmy Rossum’s tresses. Though her natural curls are just as inspiring, this flirty style is a favorite out-on-the-town look. A curling iron achieves flawless results.

Jennifer Lopez

This Marylin Monroe-inspired look stuns with soft, sweeping, shoulder-length curls. Fluffy curls frame the face in this classic hairstyle.

Beyonce

She may be Queen Bey onstage, but she’s also the queen of curls with these lustrous locks. Beyonce’s natural hair features long coils, and the Hive cannot get enough.

Kerry Washington

Layers add movement to this long, beautiful style. Kerry Washington’s natural curl is timeless and chic.

Tori Kelly

This Grammy winner gives her S-shaped curls height with a deep side part. Tori Kelly embraces her curls and even wrote a children’s book, The Curly Girl Blues, to inspire curly-haired kids to love theirs too.