If you’re scrolling through your feed and seeing gorgeous hairstyles popping up left and right, chances are you’ve stumbled upon the latest craze sweeping South Africa: straight back hairstyles with curls.
This trend is absolutely everywhere in South Africa right now, and honestly, I’m obsessed.
Think about it: you’ve got these super neat, sleek braids starting at your hairline, creating this clean, almost polished look, and then boom – a burst of beautiful curls takes over.
Seriously, it’s the best of both worlds. It’s chic enough for a fancy dinner, but also cool and casual enough for just hanging out.
Whether you’re rocking tight coils, loose waves, or something totally unique, there’s a straight back and curls look out there with your name on it.
So, if you’re looking for some serious hair inspiration, especially if you’re in Mzansi or love South African hair trends, stick around!
Straight Back Hairstyles With Curls at The End
1. Half Cornrows Half Curly
This style perfectly balances the neatness of cornrows with the playful bounce of curls.
Typically, the front section of the hair is styled into cornrows that run straight back towards the crown.
The remaining hair is left natural or styled into curls, creating a beautiful contrast.
This look is fantastic for showcasing both your natural texture and intricate braiding skills.
2. Curly Ponytail with Cornrows
Imagine sleek cornrows leading into a voluminous cascade of curls gathered in a high ponytail. This is the essence of the curly ponytail with cornrows.
The cornrows provide a secure base, keeping the front section neat and off your face, while the curly ponytail adds height and drama.
This style is perfect for workouts, a night out, or any occasion where you want a polished yet playful look.
3. Ombre Box Braids with Curls
Ombre box braids introduce a gradient of color, adding depth and dimension to the classic box braid style.
When combined with curls at the ends, the effect is truly mesmerizing.
The braids are installed straight back, consistent with our theme, and the ombre effect enhances the texture of the curls.
4. Lemonade Braids with Geometric Patterns
Lemonade braids, popularized by Beyoncé, are known for their intricate side-swept cornrow patterns.
However, incorporating curls into this style adds a unique twist.
While the braids themselves follow a straight back or diagonal pattern, the curls soften the overall look and introduce a feminine touch.
5. French Curl Braids
French curl braids are a beautiful protective style that combines the elegance of French braids with the softness of curls.
The braids are typically done close to the scalp, gradually incorporating more hair as they move down the length.
At the ends, the hair is left loose and styled into curls, creating a romantic and feminine look.
6. Curly Bob with Cornrows
This style is a modern twist on a classic bob. Cornrows are braided from the forehead back to the crown, stopping around the nape of the neck.
The remaining hair is cut or styled into a bob shape with defined curls.
This combination is chic and edgy, offering a contemporary take on straight back hairstyles with curls.
It’s a great option for those with shorter hair who still want to experiment with braids.
7. Half Cornrows, Half Curls
Let’s delve deeper into this popular style. Half cornrows, half curls involves braiding the front section of your hair, usually from the hairline to the mid-scalp or crown, in straight back cornrows.
The back portion of your hair is then styled into curls. This contrast in textures adds visual interest and allows you to showcase both sleek braiding and bouncy curls.
You can vary the size and number of cornrows for different effects, and choose any curl pattern you prefer, from tight coils to loose waves.
8. Cornrows & Tight Curls
Cornrows paired with tight curls create a striking and textured look. The sleekness of the cornrows, tightly braided close to the scalp, provides a smooth foundation.
This contrasts beautifully with the volume and definition of tight curls, creating a dynamic and eye-catching style.
This combination is particularly flattering for those with naturally curly or coily hair, as it emphasizes their natural texture.
Consider adding hair accessories like beads or cuffs to the cornrows for an extra touch of flair.
9. Half Braided Hairstyle
While similar to the half cornrows style, this category encompasses a broader range of braid types, including Dutch braids, French braids, or even fishtail braids.
The key is to braid only a portion of the hair, typically the top or sides, leaving the rest free to be styled into curls.
This style is incredibly versatile, allowing for creativity with different braiding patterns and curl types.
10. Patterned Crown
Instead of simple straight back cornrows, the braids are styled in intricate patterns that create a crown-like effect around the head.
This can involve geometric shapes, swirls, or other creative designs.
The remaining hair is then styled into curls, creating a stunning contrast between the intricate braiding and the soft texture of the curls.
11. Braids & Curls on Long Bob
This style combines the chicness of a long bob with the texture of braids and curls.
A few cornrows or other braid styles are incorporated into the front section of the hair, leading back towards the crown.
The rest of the hair is styled into loose or defined curls, maintaining the length and shape of the long bob.
This creates a balanced and stylish look that’s both modern and feminine.
12. Long Goddess Braids with Curls
Long goddess braids are thick, voluminous braids that often extend past the shoulders.
When paired with curls, they create a truly majestic and head-turning style.
The braids are typically done using extensions, creating a dramatic and luxurious look.
The ends of the braids are left loose and styled into curls, adding movement and softness.
13. Goddess Braids Style with Low Pigtails
Instagram @braidzbynadz
This style offers a playful twist on the classic goddess braids.
The braids are styled in the usual thick and voluminous manner, but instead of leaving all the hair loose, the ends are gathered into low pigtails.
These pigtails can then be styled into curls, creating a cute and youthful look.
This style is perfect for a more casual setting or when you want to add a touch of fun to your look.
14. ZigZag Braids With Curl
This style features braids that are styled in a zigzag pattern across the scalp, creating a unique and eye-catching design.
The intricacy of the braids provides a striking contrast to the softness of the curls.
This style is perfect for those who want to showcase their braiding skills and make a bold statement.
The zigzag pattern adds a modern and edgy touch, while the curls maintain a feminine feel.
15. Feed-in Goddess Braids
Instagram @dmvprobraids
Feed-in goddess braids are created by gradually adding synthetic hair to the natural hair as the braid is being created.
This technique creates a seamless and natural-looking braid that starts thin at the hairline and gradually becomes thicker.
When combined with curls, this style offers a beautiful blend of sleekness and texture.
16. Jet Black Braids with Curls
The deep, rich black color of the braids provides a bold foundation, emphasizing the texture and definition of the curls.
This style works beautifully with various braid types, from cornrows to box braids, and can be customized with different curl patterns, from tight coils to loose waves.
The contrast between the sleek braids and voluminous curls creates a captivating visual impact.
17. Luscious Curls
While not strictly a “straight back” style in itself, luscious curls are often the perfect complement to straight back braids.
Imagine sleek cornrows or other straight back braids flowing into a cascade of voluminous, healthy-looking curls.
This combination adds a touch of glamour and femininity. To achieve luscious curls, focus on hydration and definition.
Use curl-defining products and consider techniques like finger coiling or flexi-rods to enhance your natural curl pattern.
18. Goddess Braids With a Weave
Instagram @braid_fanatic11
Goddess braids, known for their thickness and volume, look stunning when paired with a weave that adds length and texture.
The goddess braids are typically styled in a straight back pattern, creating a sleek and polished look.
The weave is then incorporated to create a seamless transition into a cascade of curls.
This style offers versatility, allowing you to experiment with different curl patterns, lengths, and colors.
19. Half Cornrows Half Curls
The front section of the hair is neatly cornrowed straight back, providing a clean and polished look.
The remaining hair is styled into curls, creating a playful and voluminous contrast.
This style is incredibly versatile, allowing for customization with different cornrow patterns, curl types, and hair accessories.
20. Black Lemonade Braids with Curled Pieces
Instagram @_trancasatelie
Black lemonade braids, popularized by Beyoncé, are characterized by their intricate side-swept pattern.
While not strictly straight back, they often incorporate elements of straight back braiding near the roots.
The curls add softness and movement, contrasting beautifully with the sleek braids.
21. High Ponytail Braids into Curls
Braids, typically cornrows or feed-in braids, are styled straight back and gathered into a high ponytail.
The hair within the ponytail is then styled into curls, creating a voluminous and eye-catching look.
This style is perfect for keeping hair out of your face while showcasing your texture and braiding skills.
It’s also a great option for workouts or any activity where you want a secure and stylish hairstyle.
22. Scalp Braids with Curly Clip-in
For a quick and easy way to achieve a straight back style with curls, consider scalp braids paired with curly clip-ins.
Scalp braids, which are very thin and close to the scalp, are styled straight back.
Curly clip-ins are then attached to the ends of the braids or strategically placed throughout the hair to create volume and texture.
This method is perfect for those who want to experiment with different curl patterns and lengths without committing to a long-term style.
23. Long Knotless Braids with Curls
Knotless braids, known for their lightweight and comfortable feel, are a great option for protective styling.
When styled long and paired with curls, they create a stunning and effortless look.
The braids are typically styled straight back, providing a sleek and polished foundation.
The ends of the braids are then left loose and styled into curls, adding movement and volume.
24. Straight Back Cornrows into a Ponytail
This style offers a sleek and practical approach to straight back hairstyles with curls.
Cornrows are neatly braided straight back from the forehead to the crown or slightly beyond.
The remaining hair is then gathered into a ponytail, which can be high, mid, or low depending on your preference.
To add the curly element, the ponytail itself can be styled into curls, creating a voluminous and textured finish.
25. Caramel Brown Braids with Curls
Introducing color can add a whole new dimension to straight back styles.
Caramel brown braids provide warmth and depth, creating a softer and more natural look compared to jet black.
When paired with curls, the caramel brown shade complements various skin tones and adds a touch of sophistication.
The curls can be styled in various patterns, from loose waves to tight coils, to further enhance the overall look.
26. Four Cornrows Style with Synthetic Curls
Four cornrows are braided straight back from the forehead, creating a clean and defined look.
Synthetic curls are then attached to the ends of the braids or integrated throughout the hair to add volume and texture.
This method is perfect for those who want to achieve a curly look without having to style their natural hair.
This style is also a great option for those on a budget, as synthetic hair is generally more affordable than human hair.
27. Chestnut Brown Hair with Braids and Soft Curls
Instagram @mandy_jacobz
Similar to the caramel brown option, chestnut brown hair provides a warm and inviting tone.
When combined with braids and soft curls at the end, this color creates a natural and romantic look.
The braids, typically styled straight back, provide a sleek foundation, while the soft curls add movement and dimension.
The chestnut brown shade complements a wide range of skin tones and works well with various braid types and curl patterns.
28. Sweetheart Cornrow Braids
@braidsjunkie
Sweetheart cornrow braids are characterized by their unique heart-shaped design at the front of the head.
While the braids themselves may not be entirely straight back, they often incorporate straight back elements leading into the heart shape.
The remaining hair can then be styled into curls, creating a beautiful contrast between the intricate braiding and the soft texture.
This style is perfect for special occasions or when you want to add a touch of personality to your hairstyle.
29. Tribal Braids on Long-Coiled Hair
Instagram @drenya_trancista
Tribal braids encompass a wide range of braiding patterns and techniques, often incorporating intricate designs and embellishments.
While some tribal braid styles may not be strictly straight back, many incorporate straight back elements near the roots or throughout the design.
The combination of tribal braids and long coils creates a beautiful contrast between the sleekness of the braids and the natural texture of the hair.