Curls soften the hard edges of a mohawk, turning a punk classic into something sculptural and surprisingly feminine. This gallery collects twenty-five versions across the commitment scale. At the bold end are a long-top hawk with a skin fade and a single shaved line, a blonde curly mohawk with an undercut, a heart shaved into the side and a canary yellow hawk. In the middle sit faux hawks with closely clipped (not shaved) sides and rose gold fronts. At the gentle end are mohawk updos, including a pastel blue cotton-candy version, where the sides are simply pinned tight.
Curly and coily textures are ideal because the curls supply volume and structure on their own; straighter hair needs more teasing and product to stand up. Short curls can be stretched for extra height, while long curls can be piled, twisted or braided into a crest.
A mohawk sharpens cheekbones and draws attention to the eyes and lips, and the height elongates round faces. Shaved or faded sides need regular clipper work, so factor in barber visits every two to three weeks.
1. Sharp Lines, Clean Fade
A precise skin fade and one clean shaved line give this long-top mohawk a modern edge on a traditional shape. The line also makes trimming easier, since it marks exactly where to tidy up. Curls rather than spikes add a feminine softness to an otherwise androgynous cut.
Inspiration: @Instagram
2. A Fierce Mohawk Updo
A curly mohawk updo lets you fake the look without picking up clippers. The sides are pinned flat while the curls are piled into a crest down the middle. Setting gel, hairspray and plenty of bobby pins keep it secure all day.
Inspiration: @Instagram
3. Purple Passion
Brown curls with a bold shot of magenta purple make this faux hawk unmistakably feminine. Mixing a traditionally masculine shape with bright colour and soft texture creates a striking contrast. Purple fades quickly, so use colour-depositing conditioner.
Inspiration: @Instagram
4. Blonde Ambition
Sunny blonde curls with well-placed highlights crown an undercut mohawk that highlights the cheekbones, eyes and lips. There is no need for outrageous colour; the shape and thick curls do the work. A neat, defined hairline adds polish.
Inspiration: @Instagram
5. A New Take on the Feathered Look
Straightened black hair flipped at the ends recalls the sheen of a crow’s wing rather than a curly crest. Not every female mohawk needs to be curly. A flat iron and a little pomade give the spikes definition and personality.
Inspiration: @Instagram
6. Put a Little Love in Your Hair
A heart shaved into the side of this curly mohawk shows how artistic the style can get, complete with shading. Detailed designs like this should only be cut by a highly skilled barber, as mistakes can only be fixed by shaving the area completely.
Inspiration: @Instagram
7. A Debonair ‘Do
Bangs with a retro, fifties feel lend charm to this everyday curly mohawk. The colour is simple, the shape traditional and the curls look natural. It is a wearable option for anyone wanting an approachable version of the style.
Inspiration: @Instagram
8. The Elegant Mohawk
Careful styling and a bit of hairspray turn a curly mohawk into an elegant look fit for a formal event. Smooth the sides, define each curl and shape the crest neatly. It proves edgy cuts can still be refined.
Inspiration: @Instagram
9. Going for the Grunge Look
Gently stretching short curls reveals surprising length. Spiking and tousling the blonde top with mousse or hairspray gives a gritty grunge finish. The look is effortless and perfect for casual days. Finish with a firm hairspray so the spikes last all day.
Inspiration: @Instagram
10. A Faux ‘Hawk Throwback
Blonde and brown curls form a faux hawk that eases you into the style without full commitment. Spikes, curls and loose tendrils give a pretty, playful look. It is a strong comeback option reinvented for women.
Inspiration: @Instagram
11. Swoop, There It Is
Somewhere between a curly mohawk and a faux hawk, this structural style has curls shaped into waves that swoop over the forehead. The fringe draws attention to the eyes. Use a light gel to set the waves in place.
Inspiration: @Instagram
12. Long Hair, Luscious Mohawk
Long curls create a voluminous, punk-inspired mohawk with plenty of oomph. The extra length allows for maximum height and drama. Diffuse curls upward and pick the roots to build the crest. Keep the ends moisturised so the long curls stay springy and defined.
Inspiration: @Instagram
13. Faux but Fierce
A rose gold front set against darker curls makes this faux hawk eye-catching. The look also suits a grown-out mohawk, so you can go longer between clipper touch-ups. The two-tone colour is worth copying. A rose gold toner refresh keeps the front bright.
Inspiration: @Instagram
14. Short Hair, Don’t Care
Purposefully uneven blonde curls form a short faux hawk with high-fashion androgyny. Short curly hair can absolutely support a mohawk. The choppy finish adds an extra grunge edge. Rough up the curls with a little paste and skip the brush so the uneven pieces stay defined.
Inspiration: @Instagram
15. The Chic ‘Hawk
Neatly clipped sides, beautifully structured curls and a flattering blonde shade make this short mohawk chic and tender. It shows the style can be feminine and soft. Curl cream helps keep the definition crisp. Keep the sides tidy with regular trims.
Inspiration: @Instagram
16. A Casual Updo
A real mohawk with a long top can be twisted, braided or pinned into an updo, as this casual version shows. It suits everyday wear, yet with extra effort the same length can create a formal style.
Inspiration: @Instagram
17. Yellow but Not Mellow
Bright canary yellow curls make for a seriously bold mohawk. Vivid colours are fun to try, though a softer shade may be easier to live with. Yellow requires pre-lightened hair and frequent refreshing. A sunshine or mustard yellow is a softer alternative.
Inspiration: @Instagram
18. Real or Faux?
Slick sides pinned into the tail of the crest make this blonde updo hard to distinguish from a real mohawk. It is an excellent way to test the look before committing. Expect it to take time and patience to perfect.
Inspiration: @Instagram
19. The More Mohawk, the Merrier
With far more hair than a narrow strip, this backcombed mohawk covers much of the head. Frosty ombre colour and perfect curls add glamour. Teasing at the roots creates the generous volume. Refresh the frosted ends with a toner every few weeks.
Inspiration: @jacquelynmarieh
20. Mohawk Updo in Blue
Pastel blue curls form a cotton-candy mohawk updo that needs no shaving. The essential trick is to pull the sides really tight. Pastel colour fades quickly, so wash with cool water and sulphate-free shampoo. Pin the sides firmly before shaping the curls on top.
Inspiration: @Instagram
21. Mohawk With Soft Fluffy Curls
A wide strip of long curls is backcombed upward and allowed to tumble toward the forehead. The sides are closely clipped rather than shaved, a classic choice for female mohawks. The result is stylish and soft.
22. Lush Messy Mohawk
Springy black and brown spirals piled on top and very short sides create a lively, flirty mohawk. Curls sticking out in every direction give a fun, carefree look. Ideal for anyone who loves casual, playful style.
23. Gorgeous Curly Mohawk With A Silky Finish
Shortened temples let you keep luscious long curls while adding a mohawk edge. The contrast between the cropped sides and silky curls opens up the face. It is a smart compromise for anyone reluctant to cut length.
24. Short Mohawk With Distinct Parting
Backcombed roots set with strong-hold product form a crest defined by colour along its edges. A distinct parting separates the longer and shorter sections. The base is a boyish cut, yet all the mohawk traits remain.
25. Exquisite Mohawk-Inspired Updo
Sleek sides swept up into a sculpted crest create a stunning mohawk-inspired updo. It allows you to try the legendary style without regular temple trims. A great choice for weddings or evening events. Smooth the sides with gel and secure them with plenty of pins.
Trying a curly mohawk before you shave
An updo is the best way to test the shape. Gather the top section into a strip from forehead to nape, then smooth each side back tightly with gel and a brush and pin it under the central curls with crossed bobby pins. Fluff and lift the curls along the crest with a pick. If you like how it frames your face after a week of wearing it this way, you can commit to clipping.
Caring for the curls on top
- Refresh with a water and leave-in conditioner mist rather than rewashing daily.
- Use a curl cream or custard for definition and a light gel for hold.
- Pick at the roots, not the ends, to add height without frizz.
- Protect the crest at night by sleeping on satin or loosely pineappling the curls.
- Ask your barber to keep a defined line where the curls meet the sides; a crisp edge makes even grown-out curls look intentional.