15 Trendy Curly Mohawk Hairstyles You’ll Love

A curly mohawk can look bold without feeling too extreme. The key is choosing a shape that works with your curl pattern, hair length, and comfort level, whether that means pinned sides, neat braids, a tapered cut, or a row of soft buns.

These trendy curly mohawk hairstyles include everyday options, protective styles, party-ready looks, and polished ideas that still let your curls stay full and visible.

1. Soft Pinned Curly Mohawk

This soft mohawk creates a tall line of curls through the centre while keeping the sides neatly pinned rather than shaved. It is a great choice for medium to long curly hair and offers a bold shape without requiring a permanent haircut. Wear it for dinners, parties, concerts, or any day when you want your curls to feel more styled.

How to style it

1. Refresh the curls and divide the hair into a wide centre section with two side sections.
2. Smooth each side upward toward the centre using a small amount of styling cream.
3. Secure the sides with crossed bobby pins, working from the nape toward the crown.
4. Fluff the central curls and pull out one or two soft pieces near the forehead.

Quick tip

Cross the pins beneath the curls so they stay hidden while providing stronger hold.

2. Braided Side Curly Mohawk

This braided mohawk uses close cornrows along both sides to direct attention toward a full centre section of curls. It works especially well for thick natural hair because the braids keep the sides secure while leaving the texture visible. The style is bold enough for festivals and parties but can also last through several days with proper care.

How to style it

1. Separate a wide strip of hair through the centre from the forehead to the nape.
2. Divide each side into several even rows and cornrow them toward the central section.
3. Secure the ends beneath the loose curls or blend them into the centre.
4. Define the central curls with cream and lift the roots for extra height.

Quick tip

Sleep with a satin scarf around the braided sides and a loose bonnet over the curls to protect the style.

3. Curly Faux Hawk Ponytail

This faux hawk uses stacked ponytails to create the look of one continuous strip of curls through the centre. It is an easy option for long or thick curly hair because it adds structure without requiring braiding or shaving. The style works well for birthdays, nights out, concerts, and creative daytime events.

How to style it

1. Divide the hair into three horizontal sections from the forehead to the nape.
2. Secure each section into a small ponytail placed directly below the one above it.
3. Pull the curls from each ponytail outward until the sections overlap.
4. Pin any visible gaps and fluff the curls into one connected shape.

Quick tip

Place the elastics close together so the curls blend without showing the separate ponytail bases.

4. Tapered Curly Mohawk Cut

This tapered cut keeps the sides short while leaving enough length through the centre for soft, defined curls. It is ideal for women who want a permanent mohawk shape that still feels feminine and easy to maintain. The cut looks polished with casual outfits, workwear, or bold evening looks.

How to style it

1. Apply curl cream to damp hair, concentrating the product through the longer centre section.
2. Finger-coil any curls that need more definition.
3. Diffuse the centre upward while keeping the cropped sides smooth.
4. Separate the dry curls lightly and add a small amount of edge control if needed.

Quick tip

Ask for a gradual taper rather than a sharp disconnect if you want the haircut to grow out more softly.

5. Bubble Curly Mohawk

This playful style divides the centre into several rounded curly bubbles while keeping the sides smooth. It is a fresh alternative to a standard faux hawk and works especially well for medium to long curls. Wear it for festivals, birthdays, concerts, or fun weekend plans.

How to style it

1. Divide the hair into three or four horizontal sections through the centre.
2. Secure each section with a small elastic, placing each ponytail directly below the last.
3. Gently pull each section outward to create a soft rounded bubble.
4. Blend the curls between the bubbles and smooth the sides with styling cream.

Quick tip

Keep the bubbles soft rather than tightly rounded so they blend with the natural curl pattern.

6. Curly Mohawk With Flat Twists

This style replaces tight cornrows with softer flat twists that meet beneath a strip of loose curls. It is a lovely option for women who want a braided effect with less tension around the scalp. The finish feels polished enough for dinners, weddings, church, or formal celebrations.

How to style it

1. Separate a wide centre section and divide both sides into two or three broad rows.
2. Flat-twist each side section upward toward the centre.
3. Pin the twist ends beneath the loose curls.
4. Define the centre curls and arrange them so they cover the pins completely.

Quick tip

Keep the twists broad and slightly soft for a more elegant finish.

7. Curly Mohawk With Shaved Sides

This bold mohawk pairs closely shaved sides with a dense strip of natural curls through the centre. It works best for women who want a strong haircut with a clear shape and very little styling needed around the sides. The contrast makes it especially striking for fashion events, nights out, or creative everyday looks.

How to style it

1. Apply curl-defining cream through the longer centre section while the hair is damp.
2. Use your fingers or a small brush to shape the curls upward.
3. Diffuse until dry, lifting the roots to create height.
4. Finish with a light oil on the ends and smooth the shaved sides if needed.

Quick tip

Regular side trims will help the mohawk keep its clean, intentional shape.

8. Triple Curly Bun Mohawk

This updo uses three rounded buns to create a structured mohawk line down the back of the head. It is a practical choice for long curly hair because it keeps the length contained while still showing texture. The style works well for parties, weddings, dinners, or days when you need a secure updo.

How to style it

1. Divide the hair into three horizontal sections from the crown to the nape.
2. Secure each section into a ponytail placed directly below the one above it.
3. Wrap each ponytail loosely into a bun and pin the curl sections in place.
4. Pull a few curl ends free and adjust the buns until they form one balanced line.

Quick tip

Keep the buns close together so the style reads as one mohawk rather than three separate updos.

9. Curly Mohawk With Side Finger Waves

This polished style contrasts soft curls through the centre with smooth finger waves along the sides. It is ideal for shorter curly hair and creates an elegant, vintage-inspired shape without feeling old-fashioned. Wear it for weddings, cocktail events, formal dinners, or styled photo sessions.

How to style it

1. Separate the centre curls from the shorter side sections.
2. Apply firm styling gel to one side and use a fine-tooth comb to shape smooth S-waves.
3. Repeat on the opposite side and allow the waves to set.
4. Define the centre curls and lift them gently for height.

Quick tip

Use small metal clips to hold the finger waves while they dry, then remove them carefully.

10. Loose Curly Mohawk Updo

This romantic updo pins individual curls into a soft centre line instead of creating a tight, sculpted mohawk. It is a beautiful choice for weddings, dinners, graduations, and special occasions where you want something bold but still graceful. The loose tendrils keep the finished look soft around the face.

How to style it

1. Separate a few narrow curls around the hairline and leave them loose.
2. Divide the remaining hair into several horizontal sections.
3. Roll or loop each section toward the centre and secure it with hidden pins.
4. Arrange the curls into one flowing shape and mist lightly with hairspray.

Quick tip

Pin the curls in different directions so the updo looks full and natural rather than too uniform.

11. Curly Mohawk With Bantu Knot Sides

This creative mohawk uses small Bantu knots along the sides instead of braids or shaved sections. It is a strong option for natural hair because the knots keep the side sections secure while adding their own visual detail. The style works beautifully for festivals, birthdays, concerts, and fashion-forward events.

How to style it

1. Separate a wide central section and divide both sides into small square or triangular sections.
2. Twist each side section tightly and wrap it around itself to create a Bantu knot.
3. Secure each knot close to the scalp with a small elastic or pin.
4. Define the central curls and fluff them upward to complete the mohawk shape.

Quick tip

Keep the knots small and evenly spaced so they support the centre rather than competing with it.

12. Short Curly Mohawk With Defined Coils

This short mohawk keeps the centre compact and well defined while the sides are tapered close to the head. It is easy to refresh and works well for tight curls or coils that naturally hold their shape. The haircut feels sharp enough for evenings out but simple enough for everyday wear.

How to style it

1. Apply curl gel or cream to damp hair through the centre section.
2. Finger-coil small sections for clear, even definition.
3. Diffuse or air-dry while gently lifting the roots.
4. Separate a few coils once dry and smooth the tapered sides.

Quick tip

Avoid heavy oils before styling, as they can make short coils lose height.

13. Curly Mohawk Ponytail With Braided Base

This style begins with a centre braid and finishes in a high curly ponytail that creates the final mohawk shape. It is a good choice for long curly hair because the braid adds structure while the ponytail keeps the curls lively and visible. Wear it for parties, workouts, festivals, or busy days when you want a secure style.

How to style it

1. Separate a narrow centre strip from the forehead toward the crown.
2. Braid the strip backward until it reaches the ponytail position.
3. Gather the braid and remaining curls into a high ponytail.
4. Secure the base firmly, fluff the curls, and smooth the sides.

Quick tip

Keep the centre braid slightly raised so it flows naturally into the ponytail.

14. Side-Part Curly Faux Hawk

This asymmetrical faux hawk uses a deep side part and one tightly pinned side to create a dramatic sweep of curls. It is easier to wear than a full centre mohawk and works well for medium or long curls. The shape is flattering for dinners, cocktail events, parties, and evening photographs.

How to style it

1. Create a deep side part and gather the lighter side upward toward the centre.
2. Smooth and pin that side firmly with crossed bobby pins.
3. Direct the fuller section of curls across the top and toward the opposite side.
4. Arrange the curls for height and finish with light-hold spray.

Quick tip

Place the pins in a diagonal line so they follow the direction of the swept curls.

15. Pearl-Pinned Curly Mohawk Updo

This elegant mohawk updo combines a soft central line of curls with small pearl pins tucked between the sections. It is a beautiful choice for weddings, graduations, formal dinners, and dressy celebrations. The pearls add detail without hiding the natural texture or making the style feel too heavy.

How to style it

1. Divide the hair into several horizontal sections from the forehead to the nape.
2. Fold and pin each section toward the centre to build a soft raised shape.
3. Arrange the curls so the pinned sections blend into one continuous updo.
4. Add small pearl pins between the curls and finish with light hairspray.

Quick tip

Use only a few pearl pins and space them unevenly for a softer, more modern finish.