15 Chic Alt Curly Hairstyles You Should Try Today

Alternative hairstyles can make curly hair feel bold, personal, and far less predictable. The best looks do not fight the curl pattern.

They use sharp parts, unexpected clips, braids, volume, colour placement, and strong shapes to make the texture stand out.

These chic alt curly hairstyles include easy everyday options, dramatic cuts, and statement styles for concerts, nights out, creative events, or any day when you want your hair to show more personality.

1. Curly Wolf Cut With Choppy Bangs

This curly wolf cut combines short crown layers with longer pieces through the back for a shaggy, rebellious shape. It works especially well for thick curls that need lift and movement without losing all their length. The choppy bangs give it a clear alt finish that suits concerts, creative workplaces, and everyday outfits.

How to style it

1. Apply lightweight curl mousse to damp hair, focusing on the roots and shorter crown layers.
2. Scrunch the curls upward and finger-coil a few sections around the bangs.
3. Diffuse with the head tilted forward to create height through the top.
4. Separate the dry curls with your fingers and lightly rough up the crown for a less polished finish.

Quick tip

Ask for piecey, uneven bangs rather than a perfectly rounded fringe to keep the cut feeling alternative.

2. Braided Side Curly Undercut Illusion

This style creates the look of an undercut without removing any hair by braiding one side close to the scalp. It is ideal for women who want a bold asymmetrical shape but are not ready for a permanent shave. The contrast between the neat braids and full curls makes it perfect for parties, concerts, festivals, or nights out.

How to style it

1. Create a deep side part and separate the smaller side into three narrow rows.
2. Cornrow each section backward toward the centre of the head.
3. Pin the braid ends beneath the loose curls.
4. Refresh the fuller side and lift the roots to increase the contrast.

Quick tip

Add small silver cuffs to one braid for extra detail without making the style feel crowded.

3. Curly Space Buns With Hanging Braids

These space buns combine full curly texture with thin hanging braids for a playful grunge-inspired look. They work well for medium to long curls and are especially useful when you want the hair off your neck without creating a polished updo. The loose braid details make the style suitable for concerts, parties, or creative weekend plans.

How to style it

1. Create a centre part and leave two narrow sections loose near each side of the face.
2. Gather the remaining hair into two high ponytails.
3. Wrap each ponytail loosely into a bun and secure it with pins.
4. Braid the loose front sections, add small cuffs if desired, and pull a few curl ends free from the buns.

Quick tip

Keep the buns slightly uneven and textured so the style feels relaxed rather than overly neat.

4. Short Curly Mullet With Micro Fringe

This short curly mullet keeps the sides compact while creating volume at the top and extra length through the back. It is a strong choice for anyone who wants an obvious alternative haircut that still celebrates natural texture. The micro fringe adds a sharp detail that works well with bold makeup, piercings, or minimalist dark outfits.

How to style it

1. Apply curl cream to damp hair through the crown and longer back section.
2. Finger-coil the micro fringe and any curls that need stronger definition.
3. Diffuse the top upward while allowing the back to fall naturally.
4. Separate the dry curls and smooth the shorter sides with a small amount of styling balm.

Quick tip

Ask for enough length at the nape to keep the mullet shape visible after curl shrinkage.

5. Curly Bubble Pigtails With Zigzag Part

These bubble pigtails use a zigzag part and compact sections to create a playful cyber-inspired shape. They work best for medium to long curls and help control the hair while keeping plenty of texture visible. The style is bold enough for festivals and concerts but easy enough for casual days.

How to style it

1. Use a rat-tail comb to create a zigzag part from the forehead to the nape.
2. Secure the hair into two high pigtails.
3. Add small elastics down each pigtail and gently pull the sections outward.
4. Arrange the bubbles evenly and shape the loose front curls.

Quick tip

Use black, silver, or clear elastics to keep the style edgy rather than overly colourful.

6. Deep Side-Part Curly Faux Hawk

This faux hawk sweeps the curls dramatically across the top while pinning one side close to the head. It creates a bold asymmetrical silhouette without requiring a haircut or braids. The style is especially striking for dinners, parties, photo shoots, or evening events.

How to style it

1. Create a deep side part and separate the smaller side.
2. Smooth that side upward and secure it with several crossed bobby pins.
3. Direct the fuller curls across the crown and toward the opposite side.
4. Lift the roots, arrange the curls for height, and finish with flexible hairspray.

Quick tip

Let a few silver pins remain visible in a clean diagonal line for a deliberate alt detail.

7. Curly Bob With Razor Bangs

This short bob uses piecey bangs and uneven ends to create a softer alternative to a blunt curly cut. It works well for loose curls and waves that look best with natural separation and movement. The style feels edgy without being difficult to wear for work, school, dates, or casual plans.

How to style it

1. Apply a small amount of curl mousse to damp hair.
2. Twist random sections around your fingers, keeping the pieces different in size.
3. Diffuse while scrunching the bob lightly.
4. Separate the bangs and ends with styling wax to create a more piecey finish.

Quick tip

Avoid brushing the curls into one rounded shape, as the uneven outline is part of the look.

8. Bantu Knot Sides With Curly Centre

This style uses neat Bantu knots along the sides to create a sculpted mohawk-inspired centre. It is a creative option for natural curls and coils because the knots add detail while keeping the side sections secure. The finished look works especially well for festivals, birthdays, fashion events, or nights out.

How to style it

1. Separate a wide central strip from the forehead to the nape.
2. Divide both side sections into small squares or triangles.
3. Twist each section and wrap it into a compact Bantu knot.
4. Define the centre curls and lift them upward to create a strong continuous shape.

Quick tip

Keep the knots small and evenly spaced so the central curls remain the main focus.

9. Curly Claw Clip Updo With Chain Detail

This claw clip updo adds a removable chain detail to an otherwise simple curly twist. It is a quick way to make second-day curls feel more alternative without creating a complicated style. The look works well for casual plans, concerts, art events, or nights out.

How to style it

1. Leave two small curls loose around the face.
2. Gather the rest of the hair at the nape and twist it upward.
3. Secure the twist with a strong matte claw clip.
4. Attach a lightweight hair chain to the clip and arrange the loose curl ends around it.

Quick tip

Use a hair-safe chain made for clips rather than attaching a heavy necklace directly to the curls.

10. Split-Dye Curly Shag

This curly shag combines short crown layers with a bold two-tone colour split for a clear alternative finish. It works best for anyone comfortable with regular colour maintenance and a high-contrast look. The layered shape keeps the curls light while the colour makes the haircut feel even more distinctive.

How to style it

1. Apply colour-safe curl cream to damp hair, keeping the two colour sections separate.
2. Scrunch both sides evenly and finger-coil the bangs.
3. Diffuse on low heat to protect the colour and preserve definition.
4. Fluff the crown and arrange the part so the split remains clear.

Quick tip

Choose a darker fashion shade on one side if you want the contrast without frequent bleaching.

11. Curly Ponytail With Spiked Crown Sections

This ponytail uses several small crown sections to create a raised, spiked texture before the curls gather at the back. It is a wearable way to add a punk-inspired detail without using stiff products or sharp accessories. The style works well for medium to long curls worn to concerts, parties, or creative events.

How to style it

1. Divide the crown into three or four small sections running from the hairline backward.
2. Twist each section and secure it with a tiny elastic, leaving a little lift at the base.
3. Gather all the sections and remaining curls into a high ponytail.
4. Fluff the ponytail and gently shape the raised crown pieces.

Quick tip

Keep the crown sections soft and rounded rather than stiff so they blend with the curls.

12. Half-Shaved Curly Pixie

This asymmetrical pixie combines a closely shaved side with longer curls swept across the top. It is a strong permanent choice for anyone who wants a low-maintenance cut with a clear alternative identity. The longer section can be styled smooth, lifted, or tousled depending on the occasion.

How to style it

1. Apply curl gel to the longer section while the hair is damp.
2. Finger-coil selected pieces and direct them across the forehead.
3. Diffuse or air-dry while lifting the roots.
4. Smooth the shaved side and separate the dry curls for extra texture.

Quick tip

Keep the longer section slightly heavier near the front so the asymmetry remains visible.

13. Gothic Curly Crown With Black Ribbons

This crown hairstyle combines soft twists with narrow black ribbons for a romantic gothic finish. It works beautifully on long curls because the texture gives the crown fullness while the dark accessories add contrast. The style suits dinners, concerts, parties, or alternative formal events.

How to style it

1. Take one broad section from each temple and twist both pieces backward.
2. Cross the twists at the back and secure them with hidden pins.
3. Thread narrow velvet ribbons through or around the twists.
4. Loosen the crown slightly and pull out a few face-framing curls.

Quick tip

Use thin ribbons and small knots so the accessories do not overwhelm the curl texture.

14. Curly Mohawk With Safety-Pin Barrettes

This pinned mohawk uses decorative safety-pin-style barrettes to secure the sides and create a raised strip of curls. It is a bold temporary style for medium or long curly hair and works well when you want an obvious punk detail without cutting the hair. Wear it for concerts, festivals, parties, or styled photo sessions.

How to style it

1. Divide the hair into a wide centre section and two side sections.
2. Smooth each side upward toward the centre.
3. Secure the sides with hair-safe decorative barrettes shaped like oversized safety pins.
4. Fluff the central curls and arrange them into one continuous raised shape.

Quick tip

Use accessories designed specifically for hair rather than actual safety pins, which can snag or injure the scalp.

15. Curly Jellyfish Cut With Long Tendrils

This jellyfish cut combines a short rounded upper section with several noticeably longer curls underneath. It is one of the more dramatic options on the list and works best for women who enjoy sharp contrast and experimental shapes. The cut feels especially current for creative spaces, fashion events, concerts, and strong everyday personal style.

How to style it

1. Apply curl cream separately to the short top section and the longer lower pieces.
2. Define the upper curls into a rounded bob-like shape.
3. Finger-coil the long tendrils so they remain clearly separated.
4. Diffuse on low heat and gently lift the short section without blending it into the longer pieces.

Quick tip

Keep the long sections limited and deliberate so the haircut looks graphic rather than uneven.