30 Medium Curly Hairstyles for Women 2025 – Stunning Looks for Every Age and Face Shape
Curly hair is having its moment in 2025, with effortless volume, natural texture, and modern layering techniques taking center stage. Whether you’re embracing your natural curls or looking for fresh ways to style your medium-length locks, there are endless options to suit different face shapes, ages, and personal styles. From soft, shoulder-length curls with layers to edgy mullet-inspired cuts, this year’s trends cater to women who want to express their individuality while keeping their hair manageable and stylish. Below, we explore the best medium curly hairstyles for women, breaking down each look in detail.
1. Soft Shoulder-Length Curls with Wispy Bangs
This voluminous curly hairstyle blends natural curls with a modern, effortless shape. The soft, layered curls frame the face beautifully, while the wispy bangs add a touch of playfulness. Perfect for women in their 40s and 50s, this style is ideal for those looking to keep their curls defined without overwhelming their features. The shoulder-length with layers approach ensures movement and bounce, making it a fantastic choice for those who want a stylish yet easy-to-maintain look. To enhance the curls’ definition, a lightweight curl cream or mousse is recommended.
2. Classic Rounded Curly Bob for Effortless Volume
A universally flattering cut, this shoulder-length bob features rounded layers that add shape and volume without sacrificing length. The curls have a soft, defined look, making this a fantastic choice for women over 50 who want a youthful and lively hairstyle. This cut works well on round faces, as the volume elongates the face and creates balance. The natural depth of this style allows for a seamless transition from casual to formal settings. Styling tip: Use a diffuser when drying to maintain curl structure while adding volume.
3. Sun-Kissed Blonde Curly Layers
For those who love dimension and brightness in their curls, this shoulder-length with layers hairstyle is a showstopper. The blend of honey and caramel blonde highlights enhances the texture, making each curl pop. Layers add movement and prevent the curls from appearing heavy or bulky. This is an excellent option for women in their 40s and 50s who want to embrace their curls while adding a fresh, youthful glow. To maintain the vibrancy of the highlights, use a color-safe shampoo and a hydrating hair mask regularly.
4. Curly Mullet with Undercut for an Edgy Twist
A bold and fashion-forward choice, this mullet-inspired curly haircut embraces the fusion of retro and modern aesthetics. Featuring short layers on the top and longer curls cascading down, this look is perfect for women who love an alternative, effortless style. The slight undercut around the sides gives it an edgy touch while making styling easier. This look works well for women over 30 and 40 who want to experiment with their curls in a fun, rebellious way. To style, apply a curl-enhancing mousse and scrunch the hair for added volume and texture.
5. Long-Lasting Defined Curls with Blonde Ombre
This glamorous take on natural curls features hair with layers curls, enhancing the shape and preventing bulkiness. The soft, cascading ombré from dark roots to golden blonde tips adds dimension while maintaining a natural aesthetic. This style is perfect for women of all ages, particularly those in their 50s and 60s, as the lighter hues bring a youthful radiance to the face. To keep the curls hydrated and defined, use a leave-in conditioner and a curl refresher spray between washes.
6. Voluminous Curly Bob with Golden Highlights
This chic short curly bob is perfect for women who want volume, structure, and an effortlessly modern look. The tight, defined natural curls add shape, while the shoulder-length with layers technique prevents the hair from looking too bulky. The golden blonde highlights bring warmth and dimension, making this hairstyle especially flattering for women in their 40s and 50s. This style works beautifully with round faces, as the layers create height and balance. To maintain curl definition, a curl-defining cream or gel is essential.
7. Long, Dimensional Curls with Face-Framing Highlights
For those who love length but still want the volume of a medium curly hairstyle, this look is a great balance. The cascading curls fall effortlessly, with subtle hair with layers curls adding movement. The face-framing blonde highlights provide contrast and enhance facial features, making this style a fantastic option for women of all ages, especially those in their 30s and 40s. This hairstyle suits all face shapes but looks particularly stunning on round faces as the longer curls elongate the face. To enhance definition, use a lightweight mousse and a diffuser for styling.
8. Playful and Voluminous Curly Shag
The curly shag continues to be a trendy choice for women embracing their natural curls in 2025. This style incorporates layers to create a voluminous, structured shape without feeling weighed down. The medium length makes it versatile and low-maintenance, while the warm brown tone gives the curls depth. Women in their 50s and 60s can wear this effortlessly stylish look, as the curls add a youthful, playful energy. This cut is especially ideal for those who love a carefree, lived-in aesthetic. For added definition, scrunch in a curl cream while hair is still damp.
9. Bold, Asymmetrical Afro with Natural Texture
For women looking to celebrate their natural curls, this bold, asymmetrical cut is a statement-making choice. The undercut effect on one side gives it a trendy, edgy vibe, while the voluminous curls add softness. This style is perfect for women in their 30s and 40s who want a powerful yet effortless look. The uneven shape adds a high-fashion feel, making it a great option for those who love experimenting with their hair. To keep the curls soft and frizz-free, a hydrating leave-in conditioner is a must.
10. Soft, Romantic Shoulder-Length Curls
This shoulder-length curly hairstyle is all about softness and romance. The rich chocolate brown color enhances the natural shine of the curls, making this style perfect for women in their 40s and 50s. The subtle hair with layers curls technique ensures volume without excessive bulk, making it ideal for those with round faces who want to elongate their features. This look is elegant and timeless, working well for both casual and formal occasions. To enhance the curl pattern, use a defining gel and a silk pillowcase for overnight protection.
11. Golden Blonde Layered Curls for Effortless Volume
This stunning shoulder-length curly hairstyle is all about dimension and movement. The golden blonde highlights enhance the natural curls, giving them depth and shine. The hair with layers curls technique ensures volume without creating excessive weight, making this an ideal style for women in their 40s and 50s who want a fresh, youthful look. The slightly off-center part adds a natural lift at the roots, complementing round faces beautifully. To maintain these defined curls, use a lightweight curl-enhancing mousse and let the hair air dry for a natural, bouncy effect.
12. Edgy Black Curly Shag with Soft Bangs
For those who love a bold and edgy aesthetic, this black curly shag is a perfect choice. The short wavy layers add texture and movement, while the soft, tousled bangs frame the face beautifully. This look works well for women over 50 who want a modern yet easy-to-maintain hairstyle. The dark hue enhances the shine of the curls, giving a sophisticated and polished finish. Styling tip: A diffuser can help maintain the curl definition while adding volume at the crown for extra dimension.
13. Cascading Curly Layers with Bangs
This shoulder-length with layers style embraces natural texture while keeping the curls defined and controlled. The loose curls blend seamlessly into the subtle bangs, creating a youthful and playful effect. The mix of honey and caramel highlights enhances the overall look, making it a great choice for women in their 40s and 50s who want to add warmth and brightness to their style. This hairstyle works well for various face shapes, especially round faces, as the layers elongate the features. Use a lightweight curl cream to enhance the texture and prevent frizz.
14. Defined Curls with Peekaboo Blonde Highlights
This voluminous curly hairstyle features natural curls enhanced by subtle peekaboo highlights, adding a trendy contrast to the deep black base. The shoulder-length cut creates a balanced, full-bodied look that is both chic and manageable. Perfect for women in their 40s and 50s, this style provides an elegant way to experiment with color while keeping the curls defined and lively. To maintain the health of color-treated curls, use a sulfate-free shampoo and deep conditioning treatments weekly.
15. Romantic Half-Up Curly Hairstyle with Bow Accessories
For a playful and feminine take on medium curly hairstyles, this romantic half-up style is perfect. The natural curls cascade freely while the addition of soft bows brings a vintage, girly charm to the look. This hairstyle is a fantastic choice for women of all ages, particularly those in their 30s and 40s looking for a fun, youthful aesthetic. The shoulder-length with layers approach adds bounce and keeps the style from feeling heavy. For extra hold, use a light mist of flexible hairspray to keep the curls defined throughout the day.
16. Classic Defined Curls with a Middle Part
This timeless shoulder-length curly hairstyle features deeply defined, voluminous curls that frame the face beautifully. The sleek middle part adds symmetry, making this a flattering choice for women with round faces as it elongates the features. The richness of the dark curls enhances the hair’s natural shine, making it perfect for women in their 40s and 50s who want a sophisticated and easy-to-style look. To maintain the bounce and definition of these curls, using a leave-in conditioner and a curl-defining cream is essential.
17. Bold and Natural Afro-Textured Volume
For those who love embracing their natural curls, this voluminous style showcases stunning texture with effortless movement. The slightly asymmetrical shape creates a modern touch, making this a great look for women who want to celebrate their curls with confidence. Perfect for those in their 30s and 40s, this style pairs well with bold fashion choices and structured outfits. To keep the hair hydrated and full of life, use a moisturizing curl cream or oil to enhance shine and prevent frizz.
18. Soft Curly Layers with a Fringe
This shoulder-length curly hairstyle is a perfect blend of effortless volume and controlled shape. The soft short wavy fringe adds a playful touch, while the cascading curls provide movement. The cut is ideal for women in their 40s and 50s who want a chic, modern look that is still easy to manage. This hairstyle works well for round faces, as the face-framing layers help create a slimming effect. Styling tip: Use a light styling gel to keep the fringe in place while keeping the rest of the curls bouncy and natural.
19. Classic Glossy Curls with a Soft Wave Pattern
For those who love shoulder-length with layers, this hairstyle embraces natural shine and definition. The glossy curls are perfectly shaped, giving a polished and refined look. This style is excellent for women in their 50s and 60s who prefer an elegant and timeless curly hairstyle. The subtle volume at the roots adds dimension, while the soft layers prevent the hair from feeling too heavy. To maintain this sleek, frizz-free finish, use a smoothing serum or lightweight styling cream.
20. Casual Half-Up Curly Ponytail
This half-up curly hairstyle is the perfect mix of casual and trendy, offering a playful yet sophisticated look. The curls remain defined and full while the top section is pulled back into a sleek ponytail, creating a flattering shape for all face types. Women in their 30s and 40s will love this style for its versatility—it works for both casual days and nights out. To keep the ponytail smooth while maintaining volume in the curls, use a soft hold gel for definition and a boar bristle brush for sleek edges.
21. Ultra-Defined Spiral Curls with Maximum Volume
This mesmerizing curly style is all about high-definition coils and stunning volume. The shoulder-length with layers cut helps prevent the curls from becoming too heavy while maintaining a structured shape. The well-defined spirals make this an excellent choice for women with natural curls who want a polished yet bold look. Ideal for women in their 30s and 40s, this style radiates confidence and works well for both casual and elegant occasions. To maintain the curl structure, use a defining custard or gel with strong hold.
22. Side-Parted Curly Lob with Flawless Edges
A perfect mix of sophistication and effortless beauty, this short wavy curly lob with a side part adds structure while enhancing the natural bounce of the curls. The sleekly styled edges bring a polished look, making it a fantastic choice for women over 40 and 50 who want a timeless yet trendy hairstyle. The layered cut ensures volume and movement while keeping the hair manageable. A light curl mousse and a soft bristle brush are ideal for maintaining smooth edges and curl definition.
23. Glamorous Vintage-Inspired Curly Lob
This chic shoulder-length curly hairstyle brings a vintage-inspired elegance with well-structured curls that frame the face beautifully. The subtle lift at the roots adds volume, making it a great choice for round faces as it helps elongate the features. Perfect for women in their 50s and 60s, this sophisticated look is ideal for both formal and casual settings. To keep the curls soft yet structured, a lightweight setting spray or mousse is recommended.
24. Curly Bob with Wispy Bangs for a Soft Feminine Touch
This short curly hairstyle features soft, airy bangs that add a playful, youthful touch. The tousled, voluminous curls enhance the texture, making it a great option for those looking for an easy-to-style yet effortlessly chic look. This cut works beautifully for women over 50 who want a modern and fresh take on natural curls. To keep the bangs in place while maintaining a natural movement, use a small amount of styling cream or a flexible-hold hairspray.
25. Elegant Side-Pinned Curly Hairstyle with Accessories
For a polished yet effortless style, this shoulder-length with layers curly hairstyle features an elegant side-pinned look with delicate hair accessories. The pinned-back section adds structure while allowing the curls to remain voluminous and free-flowing. This look is ideal for women in their 40s and 50s, as it combines sophistication with a relaxed, wearable aesthetic. Adding decorative pins or clips can elevate the style for formal events. To maintain the curls’ bounce, use a curl-enhancing mousse and refresh with a spray-on conditioner as needed.
26. Tousled Beachy Waves with Caramel Highlights
This effortlessly chic short wavy hairstyle is perfect for those who love a relaxed, carefree vibe. The tousled waves add volume, while the caramel highlights create warmth and dimension. This look is ideal for women in their 30s and 40s, as it exudes a youthful yet sophisticated charm. The deep side part enhances facial features, making it especially flattering for round faces. To achieve this look, use a texturizing spray and lightly tousle the waves with your fingers for a natural finish.
27. Classic Curly Bob with Defined Ringlets
A timeless shoulder-length curly hairstyle, this look is all about well-defined curls with a structured shape. The voluminous ringlets frame the face beautifully, adding elegance and sophistication. Women in their 40s and 50s will appreciate the easy maintenance of this style while enjoying its modern flair. This cut works well with natural curls, giving them the perfect balance of volume and definition. To enhance curl definition, apply a lightweight mousse and diffuse for extra bounce.
28. Burgundy-Toned Tight Curls with Bangs
For those looking to make a statement, this natural curls style in a deep burgundy tone is both bold and elegant. The shoulder-length with layers cut keeps the curls lively, while the bangs add a playful, youthful touch. This look suits women of all ages but is especially great for those in their 30s and 40s who want to experiment with color. To maintain vibrancy and curl definition, use a sulfate-free shampoo and a deep conditioning mask.
29. Playful Auburn Curls with Shaggy Layers
This fun and energetic short wavy curly style embraces the beauty of layers to create a dynamic, voluminous look. The auburn hue enhances the depth of the curls, making them pop in the light. Ideal for women over 40, this hairstyle adds a lively, fresh touch to any look. The mullet-inspired cut with shorter layers on top keeps the shape light and full of movement. Use a curl cream to define the curls and prevent frizz.
30. Big, Fluffy Natural Curls with a Denim Chic Aesthetic
For those who love natural curls, this big, voluminous look is all about embracing texture. The structured yet soft curls create a beautifully rounded shape, perfect for women in their 50s and 60s who want a striking yet easy-to-maintain hairstyle. The shoulder-length with layers design allows for maximum volume without feeling overwhelming. To keep the curls hydrated and full of bounce, apply a light curl soufflé and use a satin bonnet overnight.
Medium curly hairstyles for 2025 are all about embracing natural texture, volume, and versatility. Whether you prefer defined ringlets, shaggy layers, or soft waves, there’s a style to suit every personality and face shape. Women in their 30s, 40s, 50s, and even 60s can find inspiration in these looks, proving that curls are timeless and effortlessly stylish. Which of these styles would you love to try? Do you prefer soft waves or bold, voluminous curls? Let us know in the comments below!