20 Sweet 16 Hairstyles With Curls, Bows and Pretty Updos
Looking for sweet 16 hairstyles to go with your birthday outfit? From long curls with a big bow to piled-up twists with a tiara, there’s plenty of inspo here.
I especially love the little sparkling details tucked into the half-up styles.
You can keep things simple or go all out. Pick a hairstyle you love first, then decide whether you want a crown, a ribbon or no accessories at all!
Birthday hairstyles worth saving
high half-up curls
We’re starting off strong with these gorgeous blonde curls. The top section is swept into a high half-up ponytail, with long spirals falling down the back.
Leave a curled piece out at the front if you want to follow this look. I’d keep it without accessories so those curls get all the attention.
a big pale blue bow
How cute is this bow? The pale blue looks so pretty against the blonde hair, with long ribbon tails sitting over the loose curls.
Try a bow that picks up a color from your birthday outfit. Keep it at the back of a half-up style like this one.
curly updo and tiara
If you are looking for a full birthday-princess look, this one is for you. A sparkling tiara sits in front of the high curly updo, with loose ringlets around the face.
Read also: 20 Quinceanera Hairstyles With Curls, Crowns and Pretty Braids
The dangling earrings are such a pretty addition. You could choose a smaller pair if you’d rather keep the focus on your crown.
sleek side-part ponytail
Don’t want curls and want something a little sleeker? Look no further because this long, straight ponytail is for you.
I love the deep side part and the smooth section wrapped around the base.
twists and tiny sparkling flowers
This half-up hairstyle may just be one of my favorites here. I love the little flower-shaped decorations scattered along the twisted sections.
The long brown curls are just as pretty.
Ask for the accessories to follow the twists on both sides rather than gathering them all in one spot.
crowned twists and curls
I am obsessed with this tiara hairstyle. The twists are gathered high behind the crown, with long curls falling over both shoulders.
The two twists left loose at the front are worth keeping if you want this same look. There’s already so much pretty detail without adding any more accessories.
pinned loops and loose tendrils
How pretty are these big loops? The brown hair is gathered into a curly updo, with lighter strands showing through the pinned sections.
Leave a few loose curls beside your face and at the nape for a similar finish. Those heart-shaped earrings are a cute extra touch.
a bow made from hair
Who needs a ribbon when your hair can be the bow? This blonde half-up style has two wide loops and a wrapped center above a whole cascade of curls.
Read also: 20 Prom Hair Down Ideas With Curls, Braids and Pretty Accessories
Save the back view to show your stylist. The bow shape is the detail I’d want to keep.
high curls with face-framing pieces
If you love a big updo, then this one is for you. There’s so much to like here, from the loose rolled sections at the top to the long curl beside the face.
I especially love how the lighter streaks show through the brown hair. You don’t need a tiara to dress this one up.
dark bow and glossy curls
This is another bow made from hair, but the shape is a little more rounded. I love the smooth loops against the long dark curls.
Ask for the bow to sit across the back of your head with the lower lengths left down, just like this.
swept-back blonde spirals
Here’s that blonde half-up look again, so you can take another look at the swept-back sides. The gathered section sits high while the lower hair falls in long, defined spirals.
If you’re choosing between an updo and wearing your hair down, this gives you a little of both.
little braids and a half-up bun
Don’t want your birthday hair to look too polished? No problem! Try this loose half-up bun with small side braids and wavy lengths.
I love the mix of narrow braids and bigger twisted sections. Leave some hair loose at the front to follow the same relaxed look.
a sparkling leafy hair vine
This is such a pretty way to dress up a twisted half-up style. The leafy decoration follows both sides and meets in the middle above the long curls.
The lighter brown pieces running through the curls are gorgeous too. I’d skip a second accessory and let the little leaves stand out.
blonde loops piled high
I am obsessed with this high blonde updo. The big loose loops and the curled front piece look so pretty together.
Read also: 20 Wedding Guest Bun Hairstyles With Pretty Twists, Braids and Bows
If you want to show off your earrings, try sweeping the sides back like this. The gold-tone hoops are a lovely choice.
low curls and swept sides
Want an updo that sits a little lower? This dark hairstyle gathers the curls near the nape, with broad sections sweeping across the back.
The little curl beside the cheek is my favorite part. Ask to keep that detail rather than pulling every piece back.
long twists with curly ends
These long twists are so pretty all on their own. The neat sections at the crown lead into lots of slim twists, with little curls through the lengths and at the ends.
If you want to add a birthday detail, a few small hair cuffs could be a cute option. This version keeps the look accessory-free.
a curly half-up bun
Can’t decide between a curly bun and loose waves? Try both!
This hairstyle gathers the top into a loose, looped bun while the rest falls down the back.
I love how the curls continue right from the bun into the lengths below. Keep the accessories simple if you want a similar look.
big loops and a loose nape curl
Here’s another view of the highlighted updo from earlier. You can see the big loops at the back and the little spiral left hanging near the nape.
That loose finish is so pretty. Show your stylist both views if this is the one you’re saving for your birthday.
a side braid and loose curls
The braid fans are going to love this! A wide braid runs along the side toward the back, with the rest of the blonde hair left in loose curls.
Read also: 20 Prom Hair Half Up Ideas With Curls, Braids and Pretty Details
Ask for a braid with larger sections like this if you prefer it to the tiny braids above.
a black bow ponytail
Last but definitely not least, we have this gorgeous curly ponytail. I love the big black bow at the top!
The long brown curls and the loose piece beside the face make it even prettier.
Choose a black ribbon for this same look, or try one that matches your birthday dress.
