Soft curls have a way of making a maternity shoot feel instantly dreamy and feminine, photographing beautifully from every single angle. Curly textures frame the face, highlight the bump, and add gorgeous movement to every twirl, walk, and cuddle.
Below you will discover twenty glamorous maternity curl ideas, from soft loose waves to romantic updos, each one designed to feel comfortable, modern, and easy to maintain throughout your session.
Side Part Curls Maternity Shoot
Side part curls deliver instant glamour and are ideal if you love classic, red-carpet waves for your maternity session. With this look, all the curls are directed away from one side of your face, creating a sweeping line that photographs beautifully in profile.
It is especially stunning with off-shoulder or one-shoulder gowns, since the curls cascade over the open side. Curling each section in the same direction helps create that smooth, uniform pattern.
Brushing the curls out gives soft movement rather than stiff spirals, while a shine spray makes them catch the light in close-ups. Pin it for timeless, glamorous waves.
Soft Loose Curls For Maternity Shoot
Soft loose curls are one of the most requested maternity looks because they feel romantic yet wonderfully natural. The idea is big, airy curls that gently fall over your shoulders and frame your bump without looking stiff.
This curl pattern works with most gowns, from fitted bodycon styles to flowy chiffon maxis. Polished, brushed-out curls rather than tight ringlets give your hair lovely movement in walking and spinning poses.
A large-barrel iron and light-hold hairspray help curls last through outdoor wind or studio fans, and a side part keeps things soft. Save it for a romantic, natural-feeling shoot.
Boho Maternity Curls With Braid
Boho curls with a braid are perfect if your shoot is outdoors in a field, beach, or park and you want a relaxed vibe. The base is loose, textured curls, while one or two small braids are woven through the top or sides.
Those braids help control the front pieces that tend to fall into your face when you look down at your bump. The finish is intentionally imperfect, with some curls left free to blow in the breeze.
It pairs beautifully with floral crowns, wide-brim hats, or floaty boho dresses, and a texturizing spray keeps everything light and touchable. Pin it for an easy, earthy maternity look.
Half Up Curls Maternity Photoshoot
A half up curly style is perfect when you want hair down but hate pushing it out of your face between shots. The top section is gently pinned or tied back, while the rest falls in loose curls down your back and over your shoulders.
This shape shines when you are looking down at your bump or holding your belly, keeping your face open to the lens. Adding volume at the crown balances fuller maternity dresses and creates a flattering profile.
Soft tendrils left around the face keep it romantic, and a small matching clip adds a sweet detail. Save it for the best of both worlds.
Natural Curly Hair Maternity Shoot
If you already have natural curls, a maternity shoot is the perfect time to celebrate them rather than straighten them. Defined, hydrated curls frame your features and highlight that pregnancy glow in both color and black-and-white photos.
Focus on prep the night before: deep condition, detangle gently, and apply curl cream or mousse for definition and frizz control. On shoot day, refresh with water and leave-in conditioner so curls look bouncy without crunch.
A middle or soft side part depends on your face shape and neckline, and the look pairs well with simple dresses and minimal jewelry. Pin it to keep all attention on your hair and bump.
Loose Braided Crown With Curls
A loose braided crown with curls combines boho charm with practical hold, which is great when you move a lot during your shoot. The stylist creates a soft braid or twist around the front or top, then lets the rest fall into big curls.
This keeps hair away from your eyes while leaving plenty of length and texture flowing down your back. It looks beautiful with lace, tulle, and chiffon gowns, especially in outdoor fields or gardens.
Weave in tiny flowers or pearls to match your outfit, and keep the braid relaxed rather than tight. Save it for a soft, organic, romantic feel.
Low Ponytail Curls Maternity Photoshoot
A low curly ponytail is a smart choice if you want a polished look that will not collapse halfway through. Hair is gathered comfortably at the nape, then curled into loose, bouncy sections.
This keeps your neck and shoulders visible for close-ups of your jewelry, neckline, and bump. Leaving a few curled pieces out around the hairline keeps it from feeling too strict.
It works with both fitted gowns and flowy dresses, since the sleek top balances the volume below. Pin it after wrapping a small strand around the elastic for a clean finish.
Side Swept Curly Maternity Hair
Side swept curls bring focus to one shoulder, which can be lovely in portraits shot from a three-quarter angle. All your curls are gathered and pinned over one side, usually the side showing the bump.
This creates a gorgeous line across your chest and down your torso that guides the viewer’s eye. It pairs well with strapless or scoop-neck dresses, adding softness and drama around the neckline.
Hidden pins at the back keep things secure, while light hairspray allows movement when you walk or sit. Save it for an elegant, asymmetrical maternity moment.
Vintage Pin Curls Maternity Photos
Vintage pin curls bring old Hollywood glamour to maternity photos, especially if you love classic, retro-inspired looks. Hair is set in structured curls close to the head, often paired with a deep side part and smooth waves.
It works beautifully with fitted satin gowns, long gloves, or simple elegant dresses that echo vintage silhouettes. Because the curls are more controlled, they hold up wonderfully under studio lights and multiple poses.
Brushing out the set carefully blends the curls into sculpted waves rather than ringlets, and a bold lip completes the look. Pin it for timeless, cinematic glamour.
Curly High Ponytail Maternity Look
A curly high ponytail brings playful, youthful energy while still feeling chic and put together. Hair is lifted high on the crown, then curled into full, bouncy coils or waves.
This instantly opens your face, neck, and shoulders, which is great for warm-weather sessions. The high placement adds height and lengthens your silhouette in full-body shots.
Keep the top sleek for polish or add root texture for a relaxed finish, with soft face-framing curls keeping it gentle. Save it for a fun, fresh maternity vibe.
Curly Maternity Bun With Tendrils
A curly bun with face-framing tendrils is ideal if you want your hair up but still love the softness of curls. The bulk is twisted into a low or mid bun, with curls pinned loosely so the shape feels full and romantic.
Strategically left tendrils around your face and nape add movement and keep the look from feeling severe. This style stays secure through posing on the floor, sitting, and standing while hugging your bump.
It pairs well with high-neck or detailed gowns where you want to showcase the neckline. Pin it, then mist with a light, flexible hairspray to control frizz.
Shoulder Length Curly Maternity Hair
Shoulder length curls are perfect if your hair is not very long but you still want a full, bouncy look. Adding layers helps curls sit neatly and creates more shape around your cheekbones and jawline.
Aim for defined yet soft curls that sit just above or below the shoulders. This length works well with both structured and flowy dresses because it never competes with fabric or details.
A slight side part adds volume, while a middle part keeps things modern, and a curl-defining cream with a diffuser enhances definition. Save it for full, frizz-free shoulder curls.
Long Layered Curls Maternity Photos
Long layered curls create a dramatic, princess-like effect that many moms-to-be adore for maternity portraits. Layers prevent the hair from looking heavy by adding movement and shape through the mid-lengths and ends.
Large, cascading curls show off the layers beautifully, especially in back-view and over-the-shoulder shots. This look pairs gorgeously with fitted gowns that flare below the bump or with long, flowing dresses.
Volumizing mousse at the roots and heat protectant on the lengths set you up for success, with a gentle brush-through keeping curls soft. Pin it for romantic, fairy-tale volume.
Curly Maternity Hair With Headband
Curly hair with a headband creates a sweet, polished look that also keeps hair off your face. Start with soft curls or waves all over, then slide on a simple satin, pearl, or floral headband that matches your outfit.
The accessory adds interest on top without needing complex braids or pins. This works especially well for studio sessions where the focus is on your face, bump, and outfits.
Choose a comfortable headband so you can move and change poses easily, and keep jewelry minimal for balance. Save it for an easy, accessorized charm.
Curly Maternity Hair With Flower Crown
Curly hair paired with a flower crown is a favorite for outdoor sessions in fields, gardens, or near water. The curls create a soft base, while the crown adds height and a romantic, nature-inspired feel.
Choose fresh blooms for a delicate, organic look or faux flowers that withstand heat and wind. Position the crown slightly back so your hairline shows and your face is not overshadowed.
Keep curls loose and textured so they blend naturally with the floral details, and let neutral or pastel dresses complete it. Pin it for a dreamy, garden-goddess vibe.
Beachy Curl Maternity Photoshoot Hair
Beachy curls are perfect if your shoot is at the beach or has a relaxed, coastal theme. These curls are more like loose, piecey waves with lots of texture and movement, not tight spirals.
A salt spray or texturizing spray gives that lived-in, slightly tousled finish that looks great in breeze and sunlight. This style pairs beautifully with simple slip dresses, linen gowns, and bare feet in the sand.
Part your hair where it naturally falls and avoid heavy products so it moves freely. Save it for an effortless, sun-soaked look.
Curly Ponytail Maternity Side Look
A side curly ponytail is a lovely choice for something playful that still feels intentional and styled. Hair is gathered low and to one side, then curled into soft ringlets or waves cascading over your shoulder.
This showcases your curls in profile shots and highlights one shoulder and neckline. It works well with asymmetrical or off-the-shoulder dresses where that side is already the focal point.
Keep the top slightly relaxed rather than super tight for a gentle, romantic finish, and add a small accessory at the base if you want sparkle. Pin it for playful elegance.
Simple Curly Maternity Hair Down
Sometimes the best maternity hair is simply letting your curls fall down naturally with minimal styling. This is especially true if your everyday look already includes curls and you want photos that feel true to you.
Focus on healthy, shiny curls with good definition rather than elaborate updos or complicated braids. A soft middle or side part, plus a bit of root volume, is usually enough for beautiful photos.
This look pairs with almost any dress shape and setting, and a little extra curl cream handles quick touch-ups. Save it for an authentic, low-effort glow.
Curly Maternity Hair With Clips
Curly hair with clips is a modern way to keep strands out of your face while adding small, stylish details. Start with soft curls all over, then use pearl, gold, or rhinestone clips to pin back one or both sides.
This creates clean lines around your cheeks and eyes, which is flattering in close-up bump shots. Place clips symmetrically or stack several on one side for more personality.
The rest of your curls stay free and flowing, giving movement when you walk or twirl, while coordinated clip colors keep everything cohesive. Pin it for a fresh, contemporary finish.
Messy Curly Updo Maternity Shoot
A messy curly updo is ideal if your shoot is long or outdoors and you want minimum fuss with maximum romance. Hair is loosely pinned up, often at the back, with curls arranged to create a soft, full shape.
A few tendrils are left out around the face and neck to keep things relaxed. This style photographs beautifully from every angle, especially in close-ups and over-the-shoulder shots.
It pairs well with both boho dresses and more formal gowns, and because it is intentionally undone, it still looks lovely even if a little wind shifts pieces. Save it for romantic, carefree ease.
Final Thoughts
Curly hairstyles bring softness, movement, and personality to maternity photos, helping every pose feel more alive and expressive. Whether you choose simple loose curls, romantic half up looks, or a secure updo, the goal is feeling comfortable and beautiful from start to finish.
Keeping hair away from your face while still framing your features is especially helpful when you look down at your bump or cuddle your partner. Hydrate your curls, use heat protection when styling, pack a small touch-up kit, and choose a look that matches your dress and mood so everything feels cohesive and your joy shines through.
