Embracing your natural curls is a journey of self-love and style discovery. For too long, curly hair was seen as a challenge, but today, it’s celebrated for its unique texture, volume, and personality. If you’re looking to refresh your look with a cut that’s both chic and manageable, mid-short curly hairstyles offer the perfect blend of elegance and edge. This guide will unveil 20 stunning styles that are sure to turn heads and inspire your next salon visit.
The Classic Curly Bob
A timeless choice, the classic curly bob hits just around the chin or collarbone, offering a sophisticated and polished look. This style works beautifully with various curl patterns, creating a frame for your face that highlights your features. Opt for a blunt cut to emphasize volume or subtle layers for movement.
Styling Tips: Use a curl-defining cream on damp hair, then diffuse on low heat for maximum definition and minimal frizz. Finish with a light holding spray.
Layered Shag with Curls
The shag is back and better than ever, especially with curls! This cut features choppy layers that create incredible texture and movement, giving off effortlessly cool vibes. It’s fantastic for adding volume to flatter curls or reducing bulk in thicker hair.
Styling Tips: Apply a texturizing spray or mousse to damp hair and air dry, scrunching occasionally. A dry shampoo can refresh roots and add volume between washes.
Asymmetrical Curly Cut
For those who dare to be different, an asymmetrical cut offers a bold and modern statement. One side is noticeably shorter than the other, creating a dynamic silhouette that highlights your unique curl pattern. This style adds an edgy twist to classic curls.
Styling Tips: Focus on defining curls with a strong-hold gel or mousse. Consider a deep side part to enhance the asymmetry.
Curly Pixie with Volume
Don’t let the word ‘pixie’ fool you—this isn’t just for straight hair! A curly pixie embraces your natural texture, often with slightly longer layers on top to allow for volume and definition. It’s incredibly chic, low-maintenance, and accentuates your facial structure.
Styling Tips: Work a small amount of curl cream through damp hair, then finger-style to create definition and lift at the roots. Air dry or diffuse gently.
Side-Swept Curly Lob
The ‘lob’ (long bob) is incredibly versatile, and when combined with curls and a deep side sweep, it exudes glamour. This style typically falls between the chin and collarbone, offering the perfect length to showcase bouncy curls while maintaining a sophisticated feel.
Styling Tips: Part your hair deeply on one side while wet. Apply a volumizing mousse and diffuse, directing airflow to lift the roots.
The Modern Curly Shag
A contemporary take on the classic shag, this version emphasizes softer, more blended layers that still deliver incredible texture and volume. It often includes a fringe or face-framing pieces, making it incredibly flattering and stylish.
Styling Tips: Use a lightweight curl enhancer and scrunch. Air dry for a more natural, lived-in look.
Curly Undercut Fade
For the truly adventurous, a curly undercut fade combines short, faded sides with longer, curly hair on top. This creates a striking contrast that is both bold and fashion-forward. It’s a statement style that showcases confidence.
Styling Tips: Keep the longer top curls well-hydrated and defined with a rich curl cream. Regular trims are essential for maintaining the fade.
Curly Bangs with a Midi Cut
Curly bangs can transform any mid-short curly cut, adding a playful yet chic element. They frame the face beautifully and add a touch of softness. Whether wispy or fuller, curly bangs are a fantastic way to refresh your look.
Styling Tips: Cut bangs dry to see their natural curl pattern. Use a light curl cream and finger-style them into place. Avoid over-styling.
The Textured Curly Crop
A slightly longer version of the pixie, the textured curly crop allows for more length and texture on top, while keeping the sides and back neat. It’s a youthful and energetic style that celebrates natural curl definition.
Styling Tips: Apply a curl-enhancing gel or balm and scrunch. Use a diffuser to boost volume and definition.
Voluminous Curly Afroette
A smaller, rounded Afro style, the afroette is perfect for showcasing dense, coily curls in a mid-short length. It’s a powerful and beautiful statement that celebrates natural hair texture and volume.
Styling Tips: Hydration is key. Use leave-in conditioners and curl creams. Pick out gently at the roots for added volume.
Curly A-Line Bob
Similar to a classic bob but with a distinct angle, the A-line bob is shorter in the back and gradually gets longer towards the front. This creates a chic, modern silhouette that beautifully frames the face and highlights the natural bounce of curls.
Styling Tips: Use a smoothing curl cream to define the curls and enhance the sleekness of the cut. Diffuse to maintain shape.
Ringlet Cascade Mid-Length
For those with tighter curl patterns that form beautiful ringlets, a mid-length cut allows these curls to cascade gracefully. Layers can be added to prevent a triangular shape and encourage movement, showcasing each individual ringlet.
Styling Tips: Apply a strong-hold curl gel or mousse to soaking wet hair. Gently scrunch and diffuse or air dry without touching to preserve ringlet formation.
Defined Spiral Curls
This style focuses on maximizing the definition of each spiral curl, creating a head full of perfectly formed, bouncy coils. A mid-short length prevents the hair from being weighed down, allowing spirals to spring up beautifully.
Styling Tips: Use the ‘squish to condish’ method with a rich conditioner. Apply a strong-hold gel and diffuse using the ‘pixie diffusing’ technique for maximum definition.
Loose Wavy Curl Bob
Not all curls are tight! For those with looser waves or a more relaxed curl pattern, a bob cut can enhance natural movement and volume. This style offers a softer, more romantic aesthetic.
Styling Tips: A sea salt spray or lightweight mousse can enhance waves. Air dry or diffuse on low heat for a beachy, effortless look.
Stacked Curly Bob
A stacked bob features layers cut in a way that creates a rounded, voluminous shape at the back, gradually tapering towards the front. With curls, this style creates incredible lift and body, making it a dynamic and stylish choice.
Styling Tips: Use a root-lifting spray or mousse at the crown while diffusing to maximize volume in the stacked area.
Curly Tapered Cut
A tapered cut gradually shortens towards the nape of the neck and around the ears, while leaving more length and volume on top. This creates a clean, sophisticated look that still allows your curls to shine. It’s excellent for showcasing a strong jawline.
Styling Tips: Regular trims are vital to maintain the taper. Use a lightweight curl product to define the longer curls on top.
The Wet-Look Curly Style
While often a styling technique rather than a cut, the wet-look works exceptionally well with mid-short curly hair. It creates a high-fashion, editorial aesthetic that’s both bold and sleek, making your curls appear intentionally styled and glossy.
Styling Tips: Apply a generous amount of strong-hold gel or mousse to wet hair. Comb through to distribute evenly, then let it air dry without touching for a sculpted finish.
Curly Half-Updo Mid-Length
Even with mid-short curls, you can achieve beautiful updos! A half-updo pulls back the top section of your hair, allowing the rest of your curls to flow freely. This is perfect for special occasions or simply to keep hair out of your face while looking polished.
Styling Tips: Use bobby pins or a small clip to secure the top section. Leave some face-framing curls loose for a softer look. A light hairspray will hold it in place.
Curly Layers with Highlights
Strategic layers enhance curl definition and movement, while subtle highlights can add incredible dimension and depth to your mid-short curly style. The highlights catch the light, emphasizing the unique texture of each curl.
Styling Tips: Use color-safe curl products to protect your highlights. Regular deep conditioning treatments will keep both your color and curls vibrant.
The Effortless Curly Fringe
A curly fringe, distinct from curly bangs, is often longer and blends more seamlessly into the rest of the hair, offering a softer, more grown-out look. It’s perfect for adding a touch of romance and mystery to your mid-short cut.
Styling Tips: Allow the fringe to air dry naturally or use a diffuser on a very low setting. Avoid over-manipulating to maintain its effortless vibe.
Key Styling Tips for Mid-Short Curls
- Hydration is paramount: Curly hair tends to be drier, so invest in moisturizing shampoos, conditioners, and leave-in treatments.
- Gentle drying: Use a microfiber towel or an old cotton t-shirt to blot excess water, then air dry or diffuse on a low heat setting.
- Product choice matters: Experiment with curl creams, gels, mousses, and serums to find what works best for your curl type and desired hold.
- Protect at night: Sleep on a silk or satin pillowcase or use a silk bonnet to reduce frizz and preserve your style.
- Regular trims: Keep your curls healthy and shapely with trims every 8-12 weeks to remove split ends.
Dos and Don’ts for Curly Hair Care
Do
- Do use a wide-tooth comb or your fingers to detangle, preferably when wet and coated with conditioner.
- Do embrace your natural texture and learn to love your unique curl pattern.
- Do deep condition regularly to keep your curls soft, hydrated, and strong.
- Do protect your hair from heat if you choose to use styling tools, always with a heat protectant.
Don’t
- Don’t brush dry curly hair, as this can lead to frizz and breakage.
- Don’t over-wash your hair; aim for 2-3 times a week, or less if possible, to retain natural oils.
- Don’t use harsh sulfates or silicones that can strip moisture or cause product buildup.
- Don’t constantly touch your curls while they are drying to prevent frizz.
Choosing a mid-short curly hairstyle is an exciting step towards showcasing your unique beauty. With these 20 inspiring cuts and expert styling tips, you have everything you need to find a look that not only suits your personal style but also celebrates the magnificent texture of your curls. Don’t be afraid to experiment, have fun, and let your amazing curls steal the show. Your perfect curly crown awaits!
