14 Curly Pigtail Hairstyles for a Playful Look

Two sections, two pigtails, and a lot of personality. These curly pigtail hairstyles work for every curl pattern from 2C waves to tight 4C coils, and they look just as good on a workday as they do on a weekend.

Each look below includes the curl type and length it suits best, plus a simple way to build it. Start with hair that is moisturized and detangled, and let your curls set into their natural shape before you section.

1. Sky-High Puffs

Two high puffs placed at the crown give you a bold, cheerful silhouette that frames the face. The volume comes from the coils themselves, so you do not need to tease or add extra product.

Part your hair down the center and detangle each side with a wide-tooth comb. Gather each section just above the ear level at the top of the head, wrap with a small elastic, and fluff the coils with your fingers. Mist with water and a light leave-in, then leave the ends loose so the puffs stay soft.

2. Low Side Pigtails

Low pigtails feel relaxed and grown-up while still being playful. They suit looser 2C and 2B curls because the weight of the hair pulls the ringlets into soft, bouncy shapes.

Section the hair into two equal parts, one on each side of the head. Gather each side low at the nape, secure with a satin-covered elastic, and separate the curls at the ends with your fingers. Use a curl cream on damp hair and avoid brushing once dry.

3. Braided-Base Pigtails

The braided base keeps the hair secure and gives the pigtail a structured shape. It works well for 4C coils that tend to shrink and need a bit of anchoring to stay put.

Part the hair into two sections. Braid the top two inches of each side, then tie the braid off. Let the remaining hair fall, fluff it outward, and wrap a clear elastic around the braid base. Apply a stiff butter or cream to the ends for definition.

4. Twisted Pigtails

Twists give 3B curls a sculpted, defined look that holds its shape all day. Chin-length hair is short enough to twist neatly but long enough to make a visible pigtail.

Divide the hair into two parts and separate each side into small sections. Twist each section, then gather the twists together at the nape. Secure with an elastic and smooth the edges with a small amount of gel. Untwist gently after two days to keep the curls fresh.

5. Bubble Pigtails

Bubble pigtails are the classic playful look, and the spaced bands make the hair appear to float in soft puffs. Long 3A ringlets have enough length to create several distinct sections.

Split the hair down the center and gather each side high or mid-height. Wrap an elastic at the base, then pull a small section of hair out above it to form a puff. Repeat two or three times down the length. Finish with a light oil on the ends to keep the ringlets shiny.

6. Space-Bun Pigtails

Space buns are a quick way to start, and by loosening them you turn them into pigtails in seconds. Short 4C coils look especially tidy in this style because the shape stays compact.

Gather each side into a high bun at the crown. When you are ready to change the look, slide the elastic down to the nape and let the hair fall into a pigtail. Add a little water and a styling cream to the ends to restore the coil pattern.

7. Scarf-Wrapped Pigtails

A printed scarf adds color and a retro touch to a pigtail. The wrap protects the ends from friction and keeps moisture in, which makes it a practical choice for 3C hair.

Section the hair into two parts and gather each side low. Wrap a silk scarf around the base, then tie it in a bow at the bottom. Lift the coils slightly from the scarf so they look full. Remove the scarf at night and sleep on satin to preserve the shape.

8. Ribbon Pigtails

Ribbon pigtails bring a childlike charm that suits long, loose 2C curls. The ribbon hides the elastic and frames the pigtail with a clean line of color.

Part your hair down the middle and gather each side at the desired height. Tie a ribbon over the elastic, then knot it once and let the ends hang. Use a leave-in conditioner on the length of the hair before pulling it back so the ribbon does not snag the curls.

9. Half-Up Pigtails

Half-up pigtails give you a polished frame around the face while keeping the pigtail shape. They work best on longer 3A hair because the top section needs enough length to gather.

Pull the top third of the hair back and secure it at the crown with a claw clip or elastic. Divide the remaining hair into two sections and gather each side at ear level. Tie off and let the ringlets fall out freely. Scrunch the ends with a light cream for definition.

10. Deep Side-Part Pigtails

A deep side part changes the balance of the pigtails and gives a more modern, asymmetrical look. The pigtails sit at slightly different heights, which feels relaxed and intentional.

Part the hair deeply on one side, then divide it into two sections. Gather the larger section lower and the smaller one higher. Secure each with an elastic and shape the curls with your fingers. Refresh the look overnight with a light mist of water.

11. Pineapple Pigtails

Pineapple puffs usually sit on top of the head, but splitting them into two side puffs makes a pigtail-style look. Mixed 4B and 4C coils hold the shape well and show off the texture.

Gather the hair at the top of the head, then divide it into two sections. Tie each section high on each side with a scrunchie. Pull a few strands out around the edges for softness. Protect the look at night with a satin bonnet or pillowcase.

12. Wet-Look Defined Pigtails

A wet-look finish gives you a glossy, sculpted pigtail with crisp curl clumps. It is ideal for 2C curls that tend to look soft and can use extra definition.

Apply a leave-in conditioner and a gel-cream mix to wet hair. Scrunch the curls and let them dry partially. Part the hair into two sections, gather each side low, and tie with a satin elastic. Once dry, scrunch again to separate the clumps without adding frizz.

13. Banded Pigtails

Banded pigtails break the hair into small, tidy sections that look polished and playful. Long 3C coils show off the banding best because each segment has room to puff.

Divide the hair into two equal sections. On each side, place the first elastic near the top of the head and add two or three more down the length, leaving an inch between each. Fluff the coils between the bands and seal the ends with a light oil.

14. Claw-Clip Pigtails

Claw clips make a pigtail feel effortless and easy to adjust through the day. They suit 4A curls because the clip grips the hair without pulling on the curl pattern.

Section the hair into two parts and gather each side low at the nape. Slide a large claw clip over the base of each pigtail. Loosen the clips slightly so the hair is not pulled tight, and separate the curls at the ends. Refresh with water and a light cream as needed.