20 Stylish Hiking Hairstyles for Curly Hair Every Outdoor Girl Needs

If you have curly hair and you love hitting the trails, you already know the struggle. Sweat, wind, humidity, and tree branches all team up against your curls the moment you step outside. But here is the good news: you don’t have to pick between looking cute and staying comfortable on a hike. With the right hairdo, your curls can stay out of your face, survive a few miles of uphill climbing, and still turn out lovely in your trail photos.

This post walks you through 20 hiking hairstyles made specifically for curly hair. Each one is simple to create, works with different curl patterns, and stands strong under real outdoor conditions like sweat and wind. Let’s get into it.

Why Curly Hair Needs Special Hairstyles for Hiking

Curly hair behaves differently than straight hair, especially outdoors. Curls tend to shrink and frizz with sweat and moisture, they get tangled more easily in wind, and they can trap heat close to your scalp on a hot climb. A look that works fine for a walk around the block might turn into a frizzy mess three miles into a mountain trail.

The best hiking hairstyles for curly hair do three things: pull hair off your neck and face, shield your curls from friction against a backpack strap, and hold their shape without needing constant fixing along the way.

Quick Tips Before You Style Your Curls for a Hike

Before jumping into the styles themselves, a few quick tips will help any hairdo last longer on the trail:

Start with clean, product friendly curls rather than freshly washed hair, since day old curls tend to hold shape better.
Use a lightweight curl cream or gel to tame frizz without weighing your curls down.
Pack a few extra hair ties, bobby pins, and a small travel size hairspray in your backpack.
Pick accessories like headbands or scarves made from breathable fabric so your scalp doesn’t overheat.

Now let’s get into the looks themselves.

1. The Classic Curly Ponytail

A simple high ponytail is a hiker’s best friend. Pull your curls up and fasten them with a strong elastic that won’t snag. This look pulls hair off your neck, which matters a lot on hot, sweaty climbs.

2. Low Bun for Backpack Comfort

If you’re carrying a backpack, a low bun sits below where your straps rest, so there’s no rubbing or tangling. Twist your curls into a loose bun at the nape of your neck and pin it in place.

3. Double Dutch Braids

Dutch braids are a favorite for curly haired hikers because they stay neat for hours, even through wind and rain. Two braids running along your scalp tuck away flyaways and give your look a sporty, put together feel.

4. Braided Half Up Half Down

For those who want some curls left loose, try a half up half down look with a small braid on top. It clears your eyes while letting the rest of your curls flow freely.

5. Space Buns

Space buns are playful, practical, and surprisingly handy for hiking. Splitting your curls into two sections and twisting each into a bun locks everything in place and adds a fun touch to your trail outfit.

6.Twisted Crown Braid

A crown braid wraps around your head like a halo, tucking curls fully away from your face and neck. It takes a bit more time to create at home, but once it’s done, it lasts an entire day outdoors.

7. High Puff with a Headband

For naturally curly or coily hair, a high puff paired with a cute headband is both cute and functional. The headband pins baby hairs and edges in place while your curls sit proudly on top.

8. Braided Ponytail Combo

Combine a few small braids near your hairline with a ponytail underneath. This mix tidies up the front section while giving your ponytail a little extra texture and hold.

9. Curly Top Knot

A top knot works well for shorter hikes or warm weather days. Gather your curls at the crown of your head and twist them into a knot. It’s fast, breathable, and cools your neck instantly.

10. French Braid Pigtails

Pigtail braids aren’t just for kids. Two neat French braids on either side of your head are wonderful for longer hikes since they spread tension evenly and stay put for hours.

11. Curly Bandana Style

Tie a bandana around your head before pulling your curls into a loose ponytail or bun. This combo shields your scalp from sun exposure and adds a rugged, outdoorsy feel to your look.

12. Twist Out Updo

If you already wear a twist out, gather it into a loose updo before your hike. This preserves the definition of your twists intact while still getting hair off your neck.

13. Braided Bun

Take a single thick braid and coil it into a bun at the back of your head. It’s neat, tight, and stays looking fresh even after a sweaty climb.

14. Curly Afro Puff

For natural curls and coils, a rounded afro puff at the crown of your head is simple to do and looks amazing in photos. Fasten it with a soft scrunchie to avoid breakage.

15. Side Braid

A single side braid draped over one shoulder is easy to create and works well for shorter or moderate hikes. It gathers most of your hair together while still feeling relaxed.

16. Scarf Wrapped Bun

Wrap a lightweight scarf around a low bun for extra hold and a stylish finish. This is especially useful on windy trails where loose curls tend to fly around.

17. Curly High Bun with Face Framing Pieces

Pull most of your curls into a high bun but leave a few curly pieces out to frame your face. This gives a soft, natural look while keeping the bulk of your hair tucked away.

18. Braided Mohawk

For something bold, try a braided mohawk look down the center of your head with the sides pulled back. It’s a fun pick for longer hikes where you want your hairdo to make a statement.

19. Loose Twists Pulled Back

If your curls are styled in twists, simply pull them back with a headband or clip instead of a full updo. It’s low effort but still clears hair out of your face.

20. Wash and Go with a Clip

Sometimes the simplest option is best. Let your curls do their natural wash and go thing, then clip back the front section with a claw clip. This works nicely for shorter trails where you’re not worried about hours of movement.

How to Choose the Right Style for Your Hike

Not every look fits every trail. For short, easy walks, simpler options like a puff or wash and go with a clip work just fine. For longer hikes with more sweat and movement, braided looks and tight updos perform much better. If you’re hiking in windy or rainy conditions, snug styles like Dutch braids or a scarf wrapped bun are your safest bet.

Products That Help Curly Hairstyles Last Longer Outdoors

A few products can make a real difference in how long your hairdo survives on the trail:

A lightweight, non greasy gel to define curls without leaving them stiff.
A small travel size edge control for taming flyaways around the hairline.
Dry shampoo, which is handy for multi day hiking trips when a full wash isn’t possible.
A silk or satin lined hat, which shields curls from friction and frizz caused by regular fabric.

Final Thoughts

Curly hair and hiking trails can absolutely get along. With a bit of planning and one of these 20 hairstyles, you can spend less time worrying about frizz and more time enjoying the view. Try a few different looks on your next few hikes and see which ones perform best for your curl type and the kind of trails you love.