1. Single Braid

I know lots of curly girls that sport cornrows or loose braids during the summer. However, I think one of the more unique hairstyles for curly hair is a single, loose braid. Just because your hair is a little bit wild or unmanageable doesn’t mean you can’t rock an awesome fishtail or French braid! If you prefer shorter styles, like curly bobs, a side braid can still work wonders to frame your face.

2. Afro

I know it isn’t 1977 anymore, but who says you can't still wear your hair in an afro today?! I think girls who can work the afro look really work it; if you think you can too, try it out. A retro look is always a breath of fresh air, and an afro can be fun and easygoing, perhaps even the perfect style for you! Nourishing your scalp with natural oils like jojoba or argan oil helps maintain volume and shape for a full, healthy look.

3. Lion’s Mane

I live in a house full of curly girls, and all of our bathroom cupboards are filled with hair products. But some days, you can just let your hair do whatever it wants! It may be a look you haven’t tried before, but the all natural lion’s mane style will look fabulous if you decide to try it out. Rocking a lion mane haircut on curly hair celebrates natural volume and texture. Instead of trying to tame your curls, letting your wild hair roar gives off an effortlessly bold and confident vibe.

4. Chop, Chop!

At one point, I had had enough of my long, thick hair. Curly hair is a hassle, as most curly girls know, so a few years ago I decided to chop it all off! Now I’m able to sport Lupita Nyong'o's look, with as little hair as possible atop my head, during the hot summers and I love it! If you’re ready to take that step, go ahead and take it! Nothing should be stopping you from the amazing feeling of short, curly hair.

5. Brush It out

I know that most curly girls don’t like to “anger the beast” and thus comb their hair while it’s wet, then try to avoid it the rest of the day. But sometimes brushing out your curly tresses is the best thing you can do when looking for a new, creative look. Brushed out, purposefully frizzy hair probably isn’t a look you’ve tried out in the past, but is definitely a look you should consider for the future! It pairs wonderfully with a voluminous lion's mane style when you want full texture and drama.

6. Bob

Personally I think that curly bobs are among the cutest hairstyles on this planet! They’re so innocent and sweet, and remind me of Shirley Temple! But you don’t need to be a little girl to rock this look. You can try it out at any age to give you a youthful glow and fresh look. Plus, once your hair is shorter, it will be so much easier to manage and save you ample time in the mornings. Using quality defining cream from brands like SheaMoisture keeps curly bobs bouncy and frizz-free all day long.

7. Middle Part

Some may think that a middle part only works on sleek, straight hair, but I think that a lot of curly girls can really rock middle part curly hair! It takes a lot of courage to pull off this look, but you definitely can as long as you have the face for it. You can even combine a sharp middle part with a single braid for a refined, modern twist.

It took me a while to come to terms with being a curly girl. After all, when you have naturally curly hair, it’s like you’re constantly at war with your own “lovely locks.” But now, I love my curly hair and am so thankful for it. After trying all of these styles, I couldn’t imagine having straight hair without the option to be suddenly curly after a quick shower. What style do you think will make you embrace your curly hair even more?