Embrace the bounce, celebrate the texture! Short curly hair is not just a style; it’s a statement of confidence, charm, and effortless chic. This year, we’re seeing an incredible surge in playful, sophisticated, and utterly adorable short curly looks that prove short hair can be just as versatile and captivating as long locks. If you’ve been contemplating a chop or simply seeking fresh inspiration for your natural curls, you’ve come to the right place.
From daring pixies to elegant bobs and everything in between, we’re diving deep into over 27 cute short curly hairstyles that will have you falling in love with your curls all over again. Get ready to discover your next signature look, complete with expert tips on cuts, colors, and styling to perfectly complement your unique curl pattern and personality.
The Playful Pixie Curl
A daring yet delightful choice, the pixie curl highlights your facial features with its cropped sides and voluminous top. This style is perfect for those who want a low-maintenance look with high impact.
Texture and Cut
Ideal for tighter curl patterns, the pixie can be cut close on the sides and back, leaving more length on top to showcase your natural bounce. Layers are key to prevent a ‘helmet’ look and add movement.
Styling Tips
Use a curl-defining cream or gel on damp hair, scrunching gently. Air dry or diffuse on low heat. Finish with a light hold hairspray. Delicate earrings complement the exposed neckline beautifully.
The Chic Chin-Length Bob
The chin-length bob is a timeless classic, offering a sophisticated frame for your face. When curly, it adds a playful yet polished dimension, perfect for both professional settings and casual outings.
Texture and Cut
This style works beautifully with looser curls and waves. A blunt cut at the chin provides structure, while subtle layering can add volume and prevent a triangular shape. A side part often enhances the elegance.
Styling Tips
Apply a leave-in conditioner and a curl mousse. Diffuse until mostly dry, then let it air dry completely for natural volume. Accessorize with a chic headband or a subtle barrette for an extra touch of flair.
The Modern Shag with Curls
Bringing back retro vibes with a modern twist, the curly shag is all about layers, texture, and effortless cool. This cut works wonders for adding volume and shape to naturally curly hair.
Texture and Cut
Characterized by choppy layers throughout the crown and sides, with shorter pieces framing the face, the shag is versatile for various curl types. It’s often paired with soft, curly bangs that blend seamlessly.
Styling Tips
Embrace a natural, undone look. Use a sea salt spray or texturizing mousse on damp hair, scrunch, and air dry. Finger-comb to avoid frizz. A bohemian scarf or bandana can enhance the relaxed aesthetic.
The Asymmetrical Curly Cut
For those who love to make a statement, the asymmetrical curly cut offers an edgy yet elegant appeal. One side is noticeably shorter than the other, creating a dramatic and stylish silhouette.
Texture and Cut
This bold cut can be tailored to any curl type. The key is in the precise length difference and how the layers are cut to maintain balance and movement. It often features a deep side part.
Styling Tips
Define your curls with a strong-hold gel or cream. Use a diffuser to enhance volume, especially on the longer side. Keep the shorter side sleek with a touch of pomade. Minimalist jewelry works best to highlight the cut.
The Curly Undercut
An undercut adds an unexpected element of rebellion and style to short curly hair. It’s a fantastic way to manage thickness and add a unique personal touch.
Texture and Cut
The sides or back are shaved or closely cropped, leaving the curls on top to create a striking contrast. This works well with all curl patterns, allowing the natural texture to shine on the longer sections.
Styling Tips
Focus on defining the curls on top with a lightweight curl cream. For the undercut, keep it neat with regular trims. This style pairs well with bold makeup and modern, structured accessories.
The Curly Buzz Cut
The ultimate statement in confidence and freedom, the curly buzz cut is incredibly low-maintenance and highlights your facial features beautifully. It’s surprisingly chic and empowering.
Texture and Cut
This style involves cutting the hair very short all over, allowing the natural curl pattern to create a soft, textured fuzz. It works for all curl types, from wavy to coily.
Styling Tips
Minimal styling needed! A light leave-in conditioner to keep the scalp moisturized and a touch of hair oil for shine are usually sufficient. Experiment with bold earrings or statement necklaces.
The Graduated Curly Bob
A sophisticated take on the classic bob, the graduated curly bob is shorter in the back and gradually lengthens towards the front, creating a beautiful stacked effect and added volume.
Texture and Cut
This cut is excellent for adding body and shape, especially for curls that tend to fall flat. Layers are stacked towards the nape, creating a rounded, voluminous silhouette. Works best with medium to tight curls.
Styling Tips
Apply a volumizing mousse at the roots and a curl cream through the lengths. Diffuse upside down for maximum lift. Avoid over-brushing to maintain the stacked shape. Pair with elegant, simple outfits.
The Curly Lob (Long Bob)
If you’re not ready for a super short cut, the curly lob offers a perfect compromise. Falling between the chin and collarbone, it provides length while still being easy to manage.
Texture and Cut
The lob is incredibly versatile and suits all curl types. It can be blunt for a modern look or layered for more movement and bounce. Face-framing layers can enhance your features.
Styling Tips
Use a curl-enhancing serum and a diffuser for defined curls. For a more relaxed look, let it air dry. Half-up styles, low ponytails, or pinning back the front sections are great options for this length.
The Curly Bowl Cut Reinvented
Forget the childhood memories, the curly bowl cut has been reinvented as a chic, fashion-forward statement. It’s bold, artistic, and incredibly stylish when done right.
Texture and Cut
This modern version features softer, textured edges and layers that prevent it from looking too severe. It works well with tighter curls, allowing the natural texture to soften the overall shape.
Styling Tips
Define curls with a strong-hold product and diffuse. Emphasize the unique shape by keeping the hair sleek and frizz-free. This cut pairs well with avant-garde fashion and bold accessories.
The Curly French Bob
Effortlessly chic and quintessentially Parisian, the curly French bob is typically chin-length or slightly shorter, often paired with short, wispy bangs that just graze the eyebrows.
Texture and Cut
This cut thrives on natural texture, making it perfect for loose to medium curls. The blunt cut at the bottom gives it structure, while the bangs add a playful, youthful touch.
Styling Tips
Embrace air drying for an authentic, undone look. A lightweight curl cream or balm will enhance definition without weighing down the curls. Pair with simple, elegant clothing to maximize its charm.
The Curly Pixie with Bangs
Adding bangs to a curly pixie softens the look and adds a touch of playful charm. They can be short and choppy or longer and swept to the side.
Texture and Cut
This style works for various curl patterns. The key is to cut the bangs slightly longer than desired, as curls will spring up. Layers throughout the pixie maintain shape and volume.
Styling Tips
Use a small amount of curl cream specifically for the bangs to define them without making them stiff. Air dry or use a very low heat diffuser. This style is great for framing glasses.
The Side-Parted Curly Bob
A deep side part instantly adds volume and a touch of drama to any short curly bob. It’s a simple styling trick that can completely transform your look.
Texture and Cut
This works with almost any bob length and curl type. The side part creates an illusion of more volume on one side, which can be particularly flattering.
Styling Tips
While hair is damp, create a deep side part. Apply a volumizing mousse at the roots and diffuse, lifting the hair at the root to enhance volume. Tuck one side behind the ear for an extra touch of sophistication.
The Tapered Curly Cut
A tapered cut offers a clean, polished look where the hair gradually shortens towards the nape and sides. It’s excellent for those who want a neat yet stylish curly cut.
Texture and Cut
This cut is fantastic for all curl types, as it allows for precise shaping. The tapering can be subtle or more dramatic, depending on preference, creating a smooth transition from longer top to shorter bottom.
Styling Tips
Use a curl-defining product for the top section and a light pomade for the tapered sides to keep them sleek. Regular trims are essential to maintain the clean lines of the taper. Ideal for a professional yet chic vibe.
The Curly Afro Taper
A vibrant and empowering style, the curly afro taper celebrates natural texture with a defined shape that gradually shortens towards the edges, creating a stunning silhouette.
Texture and Cut
Perfect for coily and tightly curled hair, this style emphasizes volume on top while keeping the sides and back neatly tapered. The shape can be rounded, oval, or even square.
Styling Tips
Moisture is key! Use a rich leave-in conditioner and a curl gel or cream to define curls. A pick can be used to gently lift roots for more volume. Accessorize with headwraps or bold earrings.
The Curly Pompadour
An unexpected and incredibly chic style for short curly hair, the curly pompadour lifts the front section of hair upwards and backwards, creating a dramatic, voluminous look.
Texture and Cut
This style works best with slightly longer curls on top and shorter sides. It can be achieved with various curl types, from wavy to tight, as long as there’s enough length to create height.
Styling Tips
Apply a strong-hold gel or mousse to the front section. Use a comb to sweep the hair upwards and backwards, securing with pins if needed. Finish with hairspray. This look exudes confidence and glamour.
The Curly Faux Hawk
For an edgier look without committing to a full mohawk, the curly faux hawk creates the illusion of height and attitude by styling the central section upwards.
Texture and Cut
This style typically features shorter sides and a longer strip of hair down the center. It can be adapted for all curl types, allowing the natural texture to create a soft, yet defined, ‘hawk’ shape.
Styling Tips
Use a strong-hold gel or wax to slick down the sides. For the top, apply a curl-defining product and gently push the hair upwards, using a diffuser for volume. This look is perfect for concerts or a night out.
The Wet Look Curly Bob
The wet look is making a huge comeback, and it’s particularly striking on short curly hair. It gives off an effortlessly cool, just-stepped-out-of-the-shower vibe that’s incredibly chic.
Texture and Cut
This styling technique works with any short curly cut, enhancing definition and shine. It’s especially effective on bobs and lobs, where the sleekness can be fully appreciated.
Styling Tips
Apply a generous amount of strong-hold gel or mousse to damp hair, raking it through to define curls. Avoid touching once applied to prevent frizz. A high-shine finishing spray adds extra gloss. Perfect for a sophisticated evening event.
The Half-Up Curly Style
Even with short curls, you can enjoy the versatility of a half-up style. It’s perfect for keeping hair out of your face while showcasing your beautiful curls.
Texture and Cut
Works best with bobs, lobs, or longer pixie cuts. The top section is pulled back, leaving the rest of the curls flowing freely.
Styling Tips
Gather the top section of your hair, twisting or braiding it slightly, and secure with bobby pins or a small clip. Leave some face-framing curls out for a softer look. Accessorize with decorative pins or a small flower.
The Curly Space Buns
Playful and quirky, small space buns are an adorable way to style short curls, adding a youthful and fun touch to your look.
Texture and Cut
Best for bobs or lobs with enough length to create two small buns. The natural curl texture adds volume and character to the buns.
Styling Tips
Part your hair down the middle. Gather a small section from each side of the crown, twist into a bun, and secure with elastics and pins. Leave the rest of your curls down. Great for festivals or casual outings.
The Curly Headband Look
A simple yet effective way to elevate short curly hair, headbands can add a pop of color, texture, or sparkle, while also keeping stray hairs in place.
Texture and Cut
Any short curly style can be enhanced with a headband. It’s particularly useful for pixies and bobs where you want to add a touch of flair.
Styling Tips
Choose a headband that complements your outfit and personal style. Position it just behind your hairline, allowing your curls to frame your face. Experiment with different widths and materials, from silk to embellished.
The Curly Scarf or Bandana Style
Scarves and bandanas are incredibly versatile accessories for short curly hair, offering both style and practicality. They can protect your curls or simply add a chic touch.
Texture and Cut
Works beautifully with all short curly cuts. They are great for covering up a bad hair day or adding a bohemian touch.
Styling Tips
Fold a square scarf into a band and tie it around your head, either at the top or at the nape of your neck. Let some curls peek out at the front. Alternatively, use it as a headwrap for a bolder statement.
The Defined Ringlets Bob
For those with tighter curl patterns, emphasizing defined ringlets in a bob cut creates a polished and charming look that truly celebrates your natural texture.
Texture and Cut
This style is all about enhancing existing tight curls or coils. A blunt or subtly layered bob allows the ringlets to fall beautifully, creating a full, rounded shape.
Styling Tips
After washing, apply a generous amount of curl cream or gel, finger-coiling individual ringlets if necessary. Diffuse on low heat or air dry completely. Avoid touching once dry to maintain definition.
The Loose Wave Bob
Effortlessly cool and breezy, the loose wave bob offers a relaxed yet stylish aesthetic. It’s perfect for those with natural waves or looser curls.
Texture and Cut
A blunt bob cut or one with minimal layering works best to highlight the natural movement of loose waves. This style often has a slightly undone feel.
Styling Tips
Use a sea salt spray or wave-enhancing mousse on damp hair. Scrunch gently and either air dry or diffuse with a focus on lifting the roots for volume. Finger-comb for a natural finish.
The Layered Curly Pixie
Adding layers to a curly pixie creates incredible movement, volume, and texture, preventing the style from looking flat or heavy. It’s dynamic and full of life.
Texture and Cut
This cut is fantastic for giving shape to all curl types, especially those that need a bit of a lift. Layers are strategically placed to enhance the natural curl pattern and reduce bulk.
Styling Tips
Apply a lightweight curl mousse or foam to damp hair, focusing on scrunching to activate the layers. Diffuse for extra volume and definition. A texturizing spray can add a final touch of undone chic.
The Curly Side Shave
For the truly daring, a side shave combined with short curls offers a bold and modern statement. It’s a striking contrast that draws attention and showcases your unique style.
Texture and Cut
One side of the head is shaved or closely buzzed, while the rest of the hair maintains its short curly length. This works with any curl type, creating a dramatic visual.
Styling Tips
Focus on defining the curls on the longer section with a strong-hold product. Keep the shaved side neat with regular touch-ups. This look is perfect for expressing individuality and pairs well with unconventional fashion.
The Voluminous Curly Pixie
Maximize the natural volume of your curls with a pixie cut that emphasizes height and fullness at the crown. This style is all about embracing big, beautiful curls.
Texture and Cut
This cut features shorter sides and back, with significant length and layers on top to allow for maximum curl expansion. It’s fantastic for all curl types that can achieve good volume.
Styling Tips
Apply a volumizing curl mousse at the roots and a curl-defining cream through the lengths. Diffuse with your head upside down for maximum lift. Gently fluff with your fingers once dry.
The Curly Bob with Undercut
Combine the classic elegance of a curly bob with the edgy surprise of an undercut at the nape. It’s a fantastic way to manage thick hair and add a hidden detail.
Texture and Cut
This works well with bobs of various lengths and curl types. The undercut can be subtle or more pronounced, depending on how much hair you want to remove. It allows the bob to lay flatter and feel lighter.
Styling Tips
Style your bob as usual, focusing on curl definition. The undercut requires minimal styling, just ensure it’s kept neat with regular trims. It’s a great option for warmer weather or an unexpected reveal.
The Curly Bowl Cut with Texture
This isn’t your childhood bowl cut! The modern curly bowl cut incorporates texture and soft layering to create a chic, fashion-forward look that’s surprisingly flattering.
Texture and Cut
Best suited for medium to tight curls, this cut features a rounded shape that frames the face, but with internal layering to prevent it from looking heavy or too blunt. The edges are often softened.
Styling Tips
Use a curl-enhancing cream to define the natural texture. Diffuse to maintain the round shape and volume. This style looks great with minimalist jewelry and clean, contemporary fashion.
The Curly Bob with Micro Bangs
For a bold and artistic statement, pair a curly bob with micro bangs. These super short bangs sit above the eyebrows, drawing attention to your eyes and forehead.
Texture and Cut
This look can work with various curl types, but the key is to cut the micro bangs very carefully, allowing for curl shrinkage. The bob itself can be blunt or subtly layered.
Styling Tips
Define the micro bangs with a tiny bit of curl cream, ensuring they don’t become too stiff. Let the rest of the bob air dry naturally. This avant-garde style is perfect for those who love to experiment.
The Curly Shag with Curtain Bangs
Combine the layered movement of a shag with the flattering face-framing effect of curly curtain bangs. This style is soft, romantic, and effortlessly cool.
Texture and Cut
Works beautifully for all curl types, especially those with looser patterns. The shag layers add volume, while the curtain bangs are cut to sweep to the sides, framing the face.
Styling Tips
Apply a curl-enhancing cream and a light mousse. Diffuse the hair, gently sweeping the bangs to either side. Avoid over-styling for a natural, bohemian vibe. Looks great with a floppy hat or sunglasses.
Key Takeaways for Short Curly Hair
- Embrace Your Natural Texture Your curls are unique and beautiful! Find a cut that works with your curl pattern, not against it.
- Moisture is Your Best Friend Short curls need hydration to stay healthy, defined, and frizz-free. Invest in good leave-in conditioners, oils, and creams.
- Regular Trims are Essential Short cuts need more frequent trims (every 6-8 weeks) to maintain their shape and prevent split ends.
- Experiment with Styling Products Find the right combination of gels, mousses, and creams that work for your specific curl type and desired hold.
- Accessorize! Headbands, scarves, clips, and earrings can elevate your short curly style and add a personal touch.
Dos and Don’ts of Short Curly Hairstyles
Do
- Do use a diffuser on low heat to dry your hair and enhance curl definition.
- Do apply products to wet or damp hair for better distribution and frizz control.
- Do sleep on a silk pillowcase or wrap your hair in a silk scarf to prevent frizz and preserve curls.
- Do get regular trims to maintain shape and remove dry ends.
- Do experiment with different parts (side, middle) to change up your look.
Don’t
- Don’t over-brush or comb dry curly hair, as this can lead to frizz and disrupt curl patterns.
- Don’t use heat styling tools excessively, as it can damage your curls and lead to dryness.
- Don’t overload your hair with too much product; start with a small amount and add more if needed.
- Don’t compare your curls to others; celebrate your unique texture and density.
- Don’t be afraid to try a bold new cut; short hair grows back!
Accessorizing Tips for Short Curly Hair
Accessories are a fantastic way to enhance your short curly hairstyle and express your personal style. With less hair to manage, bold accessories truly stand out!
- Headbands From delicate thin bands to wide, statement pieces, headbands can add color, sparkle, or texture.
- Hair Clips and Pins Decorative clips, barrettes, or bobby pins can be used to pull back sections, add a touch of glamour, or simply secure stray curls.
- Scarves and Bandanas A versatile choice for a bohemian vibe, protecting curls, or adding a pop of pattern.
- Earrings With short hair, your ears are often on display, making earrings a perfect accessory to complement your hairstyle.
- Hats Beanies, berets, and wide-brimmed hats can look incredibly chic with short curls peeking out.
Conclusion
There you have it—over 27 cute short curly hairstyles that prove short hair is anything but limiting. From the daring pixie to the elegant bob, the playful shag to the edgy undercut, there’s a world of possibilities waiting for your beautiful curls. This year, it’s all about embracing your natural texture, experimenting with cuts that highlight your features, and styling with confidence. So, take the leap, find your favorite look, and let your short curls shine brightly. Which style will you try first?
