People with curly hair have always faced extra challenges when it comes to styling their manes. From the wild perms of the ‘80s to the braid crimps of the early 2000s, curly girls once worked to hide their natural texture. Things finally started to change when new hair technology, pioneered by John Frieda Frizz Ease, started making curl management more accessible at home.
Now, we’re in the midst of a curly revolution, where natural curl patterns, volume, and individuality are being embraced and celebrated. Curls aren't just a hairstyle — they’re a cultural statement evolving across decades. Join us as we take a look back at that evolution and share our forecast for what trends will be next in the world of curl!
The Past: How Curly Hair Defined Every Decade
The approach to curly hair has changed through the decades, from dramatic volume to relaxed, beachy waves.
The 1970s & 80s: Big Hair, Disco Volume & The Perm Era
The ‘70s and ’80s were all about making a big statement with your hair. Disco-era style embraced fluffy, bouncy curls and sky-high volume, while the perm trend of the ‘80s made it possible to transform naturally straight or wavy hair into everything from soft waves to tight spirals or even afros.
From feathered, full-bodied curls to gravity-defying silhouettes, bigger was often considered better. Styling routines could be elaborate, but the goal was clear: maximum volume, movement, and personality — and you needed a salon for all of the above!
The 1990s & Early 2000s: The Frizz-Control Revolution & Defined Tendrils
By the 1990s and early 2000s, curly hair began to shift from all-out volume toward more controlled, defined styles. Ringlets, piecey face-framing tendrils, and beachy crimp-waves became signature looks, often paired with the era’s bias toward more tamed, polished hair.
At the same time, the conversation around frizz was changing. John Frieda’s iconic Frizz Ease Serum helped revolutionize curl styling by smoothing and providing humidity protection to hair without the stiff, crunchy finish associated with traditional gels. For curly-haired consumers, it offered a new way to embrace texture while keeping frizz in check, and for the first time, you could do it at home!
The 2010s: The Natural Hair Movement & Curly Girl Method Boom
The 2010s featured a major shift toward embracing curls in their natural state. As the natural hair movement gained momentum and the Curly Girl Method became more widely adopted, people began stepping away from flat irons and heat styling in favor of routines designed to nourish and define their natural texture.
Sulfate-free, hydrating formulas became increasingly popular, while techniques like microfiber towel drying, scrunching, and curl-by-curl styling entered the mainstream. Rather than trying to change the shape of their curls, people were learning how to embrace and enhance them. Celebrating coils, waves, and curls became an essential part of personal style!
The Present: What’s Trending Right Now
There have never been more ways to style your curly hair, or more products to help you do it! The 2020s are all about enjoying your individuality and doing what works for you, not what’s “trendy” at any given time.
Modern Shags, Wolf Cuts & Deconstructed Layers
Today’s curly cuts are embracing shape, movement, and personality. Modern shags, wolf cuts, and other deconstructed styles use shorter layers around the crown to encourage curls to spring up naturally, creating volume without sacrificing definition. The result is an intentionally “undone” look that lets your natural texture do most of the work.
The "Glass Curl" & High-Shine Finish
Move over pin straight glass hair, because glass curls are totally stealing the spotlight. Instead of the matte, heavily textured curly looks of the past, the “glass curl” trend focuses on intensely hydrated, high-shine strands that look healthy and touchably soft.
If you want this look, products like John Frieda Frizz Ease Extra Strength Serum and Dream Curls Daily Styling Spray can help smooth, define, and enhance shine while keeping curls looking polished.
Lazy Styling & "Wash-and-Go" Hydration
Curly hair routines are getting simpler, and the “lazy styling” trend is all about style with ease. Lightweight hydration is key for these types of looks: a quick wash-and-go routine can help curls look refreshed, defined, and bouncy without weighing them down.
Frizz Ease Dream Curls Curl Reviver Mousse is an easy addition for bringing moisture and definition to curls when you want great-looking hair without spending all morning on it.
Forecast: What’s Next for Curly Hair Trends
So, what’s next for curly hair? Here’s what we’re seeing in our crystal ball.
Trend 1: Architectural Curls & Sculpted Bangs
We’re expecting curly cuts to get a little more experimental, with sculptural shapes designed specifically around natural texture. Micro-bangs, dramatic layers, and precise face-framing pieces could bring a more architectural feel to curls. Hydration and curl definition will be more important than ever for these types of cuts!
Trend 2: Ultra-Volume "Cloud Curls"
Volume is poised for a comeback, but we’re expecting it to come with a softer, more modern finish. “Cloud curls” combine the airy, brushed-out fullness of ’70s hair with more defined root lift and moisture that keeps curls from feeling too dry or fluffy.
For those with fine or thinning curls who still want this volume, the John Frieda Ultra Filler+ System can help create the appearance of thicker hair and fuller-looking roots while still allowing natural movement!
Trend 3: Scalp-First Curl Care
The next evolution of curl care may start before styling… with the scalp! As skincare-inspired hair care continues to get more popular, we expect to see more attention on scalp serums, exfoliating treatments, and detox routines designed to create a healthier environment for hair to grow from the very start.
How to Style Any Curly Trend with John Frieda
Regardless of the look you’re going for, John Frieda is your beautiful curl bestie! Here’s a simple four-step routine that works as a base for any curly hairstyle!
Wash: Create a blank canvas for haircare by using a shampoo and conditioner that cleanses hair without leaving it feeling dry. We recommend Frizz Ease Dream Curls Shampoo and Conditioner.
Treat: Healthy hair is beautiful hair, so prep both your hair and scalp with a nourishing serum before styling, like Frizz Ease The Rescuer Weightless Serum.
Style: Now, it’s time to style! To get touchable definition without that crunchy feeling, use a styling product like the bestselling Frizz Ease Dream Curls Curl Reviver Mousse or Daily Styling Spray.
Seal: To protect your look from humidity throughout the day, use a high-shine serum like Frizz Ease The Controller Extra Strength Serum
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ Section)
How do I transition my curls from flat/damaged to trendy and voluminous?
To heal damaged curls, prioritize adding moisture and removing heat styling to give them a chance to bounce back. Then, build volume with lightweight, curl-enhancing products and a fresh, layered cut. For an extra boost, the John Frieda Ultra Filler+ System can help fine or thinning curls look fuller and more voluminous.
How can I get 90s-style defined curls without frizz in humid weather?
The key to getting ‘90s-style curls is locking in definition with an anti-frizz product before humidity has a chance to take over. Try working Frizz Ease through damp curls, then let them dry without disturbing the curl pattern for a glossy finish. Once dry, you can create added texture by finger-combing.
What is the best way to cut curly hair to stay on trend?
For many curly textures, dry cutting can make it easier for a stylist to see each curl’s natural shape and account for shrinkage, while wet cutting tends to work better on straighter natural hair. The best approach depends on your curl pattern and desired style, so look for a stylist experienced in cutting curly hair and ask for a shape that works with your natural texture rather than against it.
Finding a Curly Style That Suits You
These days, finding the perfect curly hair style is less about pinpointing trends and more about finding a look that works with your natural texture and curl pattern and celebrates your individuality.
Of course, keeping that hair healthy, shiny, and moisturized will make any style feel more glamorous. Find your custom frizz solution to unlock your most beautiful hair ever, and the Dream Curls Collection is the perfect place to start.