40 Stunning Short Curly Hairstyles You’ll Fall in Love
If you have naturally curly hair, you know how beautiful and unique it can be, but also how tricky it is to style sometimes. Going short can make your curls look fresh, bouncy, and much easier to handle. Whether you want a soft, casual vibe or something bold and modern, short curly hairstyles can completely change your look.
We’ve gathered 40 stunning ideas that will help you fall in love with your curls all over again. Scroll down and find your favorite.
What Is a Short Curly Hairstyle?
Curly hair sits between wavy and coily textures, with each type having its own charm and movement. In the Andre Walker Hair Typing System, types 2C, 3A, 3B, and 3C often fall into the “curly” range. These curls have a natural bounce and definition that become even more noticeable when the hair is cut short. A good short curly cut helps define your natural pattern, adds volume, and makes daily styling easier and more fun.
Complete Short Curly Hairstyle Guide
Short curly hairstyles are all about letting your natural texture shine. Many people think cutting curly hair short makes it hard to manage but actually, it can make your curls lighter, softer, and full of bounce. Trimming some weight off the ends helps your curls spring up naturally, giving you that effortless, lively look everyone loves. Here are some of the most popular short curly hairstyles and cuts that flatter every face shape and curl pattern.
Short Curly Hairstyle Trends
Short curly hairstyles never goes out of style. It’s fun, fresh, and surprisingly easy to manage. From textured bobs to playful pixie cuts and modern shags, these trendy looks are redefining how curls are worn today. The best part? Curly hair gives you endless styling freedom and personality. Whether you love a soft romantic vibe or a bold statement look, there’s a short curly hairstyles for every mood. Check out the latest trends below and find the one that fits your style best.
1. Curly Shag
The curly shag is making a big comeback and for good reason! With layered ends and a voluminous crown, this haircut gives your curls extra bounce, shape, and movement. It’s the perfect mix of casual and chic, making it ideal for anyone who wants effortless volume with a touch of edge. Keep your curls hydrated and defined, and your modern shag will always look stunning.
2. Wolf Haircut
The wolf cut is one of the boldest short curly hairstyles right now. Its uneven layers create tons of texture and volume, giving your curls a wild yet stylish vibe. The shorter strands around the crown add lift and depth, while the longer ends keep it soft and flattering. Whether you have loose curls or tight waves, this trendy haircut brings out a carefree, confident look that’s full of personality.
3. Bixie Hairstyle
The bixie is a mix between a bob and a pixie cut is perfect if you want something short yet feminine. It gives you the best of both worlds: the chic shape of a bob with the playful edge of a pixie. The slightly longer layers help your curls move naturally and make the grow-out phase look effortless. This haircut adds bounce, texture, and plenty of personality to your short curly look.
4. Mixie Hairstyle
Can’t decide between a mullet and a pixie cut? Go for a mixie, it combines the bold layers of a mullet with the short, playful charm of a pixie. This trendy haircut adds texture and volume to the top and back, giving your curls a lively, effortless look. It’s edgy yet easy to wear, perfect for anyone who loves a modern, carefree vibe.
5. Curly Bangs
Curly bangs are a beautiful way to frame your face and highlight your natural texture. They add a soft, romantic touch that instantly makes your look more stylish. Make sure to keep them slightly above your eyes to maintain an open, fresh appearance. Whether you wear them with a bob, shag, or pixie cut curly bangs bring effortless charm to any short hairstyle.
6. Wet-Look Styling
The wet-look style is all about shine and definition. To achieve it, apply a curl-defining cream and a lightweight gel to damp, towel-dried hair. This combo keeps your curls smooth, glossy, and perfectly shaped with no heat required! The result is a fresh, modern look that feels effortless yet polished, perfect for nights out or fashion-forward moments.
Short Curl Hairstyles with Different Patterns
When it comes to short curly hairstyles, the key is to choose a cut that works with your natural texture not against it. If you have loose curls, be mindful of how short you go, some bobs can shrink more than expected once your curls settle. For tighter curls, layered or slightly messy cuts help enhance natural movement and keep your hair full of life. Embrace your unique curl pattern that’s what makes your style stand out.
7. Loose Waves
If your curls are more on the wavy side, it’s easy to overlook their natural shape. To make your waves pop, go for a structured bob or a layered crop. These styles help define your wave pattern, add body, and make your hair look effortlessly stylish. A touch of curl cream or mousse can bring your soft waves to life without making them feel heavy.
8. S-Waves
S-waves have a beautiful, flowing shape that gives your hair a soft and natural look. To highlight this pattern, go for a cut with short sides and a slightly longer top layer. It helps your S-shaped strands stand out and adds a touch of movement. Use a light styling cream or mousse to define the waves without weighing them down. The result is a fresh, modern style that’s full of effortless charm.
9. Deep Waves
Deep waves short curly hairstyles have a bold, defined shape that looks stunning when styled right. To make this texture stand out, go for a longer bob with blunt ends or a grown-out pixie cut. The extra length helps your wave pattern show beautifully and adds natural movement. Use a lightweight cream or sea-salt spray to enhance the texture and keep your waves soft, shiny, and full of life.
10. Beach Waves
Beach waves are all about that effortless, sun-kissed vibe. For short hair, they create a carefree and relaxed look that’s crisp, natural, and full of movement. To get this style, simply brush your waves gently and tousle them with your fingers for that perfectly imperfect finish. It’s a simple yet chic hairstyle that never goes out of style perfect for everyday wear or a casual outing.
11. Tight Waves
Tight waves have amazing texture and volume, but if your hair is thick or too long, it can feel heavy. The best way to bring out their beauty is with a short haircut like a soft pixie or a chopped bob. These styles remove extra weight from the ends, letting your waves move freely and look more defined. Add a touch of styling cream to keep them smooth, bouncy, and full of life.
Short Curly Hairstyles by Length
When choosing the right length for your short curly hairstyles, think about your face shape, lifestyle, and how much time you want to spend styling. Hair that’s too short can sometimes make your face look rounder or highlight certain features. so keeping a bit of length on top can help balance your look. Wavy or curly bobs are a great option too; they’re stylish, easy to manage, and look effortlessly chic. Pick the one that fits your vibe best.
12. Very Short Wavy Cut
If you love low-maintenance styles, a super short crop is a great choice. Most of the wave pattern sits on top of the head, giving your hair a soft sense of movement and volume. You can wear it sleek for a polished look or tousled for a more relaxed, playful vibe. Either way, it’s a fresh and confident style that’s perfect for any occasion.
13. Pixie Haircut
A pixie cut is a bold and timeless choice that highlights your jawline and cheekbones, giving your face a beautiful shape. With slightly longer layers on top, it adds volume and softness making it perfect for curly or wavy textures. This low-maintenance style is ideal for anyone who’s always on the go, as it’s easy to style and wear. Just remember, to keep it looking sharp and fresh, you’ll need regular trims.
14. Ear-Length Cut
An ear-length cut is perfect for adding a touch of sharpness and modern style to your look. If you have soft or fine hair, this crop helps frame your face and highlight your cheekbones beautifully. The length just at the earlobes gives your hairstyle a fresh, fashionable edge: simple, sleek, and effortlessly chic. It’s a go-to choice for anyone who loves a clean, stylish finish.
15. Chin-Length Bob
The chin-length bob is a timeless classic that never goes out of style. This jawline-skimming cut flatters almost every face shape and works perfectly for both casual days and professional settings. It’s also a great length to show off your natural curl or wave pattern giving your hair more shape, volume, and bounce. Simple, elegant, and always in trend, this cut is the perfect mix of style and ease.
Popular Short Curly Haircuts and Styles
If you’re aiming for a unique yet timeless look, go beyond the latest trends and embrace classic cuts with a modern twist. These styles never fade because they balance elegance and personality so well. For example, a French bob with soft natural waves that fall just above the chin highlights your hair’s texture and fullness beautifully. Layered or side-swept styles, on the other hand, create movement and add effortless volume giving you that chic, carefree vibe.
16. Asymmetrical Bob
An asymmetrical bob is perfect for anyone who loves a bold, edgy style. By keeping one side slightly longer, this haircut adds drama and visual interest while framing your face beautifully. The uneven length enhances your curls or waves, giving them more shape and texture. It’s a confident choice that turns heads without trying too hard.
17. Layered Wavy Cut
When it comes to natural waves, movement and depth are everything. A layered wavy cut enhances your hair’s natural texture, giving it bounce and a soft, effortless look. The secret lies in keeping the layers slightly longer; this ensures a smooth transition between lengths while maintaining the flow of your waves. It’s a flattering choice for anyone who wants volume without losing shape or manageability.
18. A-Line Bob
An A-line bob has a chic, modern shape shorter in the back and slightly longer in the front. This angled cut adds instant volume to the crown and gives your curls or waves a natural lift. It’s perfect if you want a polished yet low-maintenance style that flatters almost every face shape.
19. Shaggy Bob
The Mr. Shaggy Bob is all about effortless texture and playful vibes. Soft layers and natural waves create a relaxed, voluminous look that feels modern and fun. Want to make it edgier? Add bangs or choppy ends for that perfectly undone, carefree style.
20. Blunt Wavy Bob
A blunt wavy bob keeps your hair looking full and defined by keeping the ends even. The blunt edges add weight at the tips, giving your hair a thicker, more polished look. Whether you wear it in soft waves or bouncy curls, this style creates a gorgeous, flowing texture that never goes out of fashion.
21. Faux-Hawk
The Faux-Hawk gives you an edgy yet wearable look. Instead of shaving the sides completely like an undercut, this style keeps them short and smooth while leaving the top longer for that bold, lifted effect. It’s perfect for showing off your curls or waves with a touch of attitude and modern flair.
22. French Bob
The French Bob is effortlessly chic and timeless. Pair your short crop with soft, wavy bangs for that perfect Parisian vibe. Keep the length between your mouth and chin for a neat, face-framing finish that flatters almost every face shape.
23. Side-Swept Waves
The Side-Swept Waves style is perfect for a soft, effortless look. Simply part your wavy hair to one side to create a light, tousled finish that highlights your natural texture. It’s an easy, low-maintenance style that adds instant volume and movement.
24. Slicked-Back Waves
If you’re not into big, fluffy hairstyles, the Slicked-Back Waves style is your go-to. It gives a sleek, glossy finish by brushing the top section back, letting your natural waves flow gracefully around the neck. This look is modern, confident, and effortlessly sophisticated.
25. Middle-Part Bob
The Middle-Part Bob strikes the perfect balance between precision and creativity. By parting your waves evenly down the center, you get a clean, symmetrical look that flatters your face. The centered part also enhances the rounded shape of the bob, keeping the ends neat and well-defined.
26. Half-Up Style
If you’re tired of wearing your hair down all the time, try a Half-Up Style for an easy, laid-back vibe. Simply pull back the top section to create a casual yet stylish look. It’s also perfect for hiding grown-out bangs and switching up your hairstyle whenever you want a fresh change.
Short Curly Hairstyles for Different Densities and Textures
Just like any other hair type, curly and wavy hair can range from thin to thick. For fine hair, adding volume through soft layers or keeping a longer top works best. Meanwhile, thick curls often benefit from lighter, textured cuts like a stacked bob or a modern shag that help remove extra weight and create better shape.
27. Fine Hair
If you have fine or thin hair, beachy waves can instantly make it look fuller and more textured. Asymmetrical cuts with bangs also add volume by creating movement and definition, helping your hair appear thicker and livelier.
28. Thick Hair
If you have thick hair, focus on removing extra weight from the ends to keep your curls light and bouncy. Rounded cuts with a stacked nape or soft layers help maintain the shape without losing volume. These styles prevent the heavy, bulky “triangle” effect that thick strands often create, giving you a more balanced and flattering look.
29. Thin Hair
If your hair is on the thinner side, go for choppy, tousled, or messy cuts to create the illusion of more volume and depth. These textured styles make your hair look fuller without sacrificing style, giving you a playful and effortlessly chic vibe.
Low-Maintenance Short Curly Hairstyles
When it comes to easy styling, short curly haircuts like bobs are always a winner. And as they say the shorter it is, the easier it gets! While shorter cuts may need more frequent trims, they actually save you time and product use in daily styling. Hair expert Sarah D’Angelo notes that having less hair means quicker routines and fewer products a total win for busy mornings.
If you’re ready for a bold change, try going for a buzz cut or pixie. Both are chic, modern, and super low-maintenance perfect for anyone who loves effortless beauty.
30. Wavy Buzz Cut
This ultra-short haircut sits close to the scalp but still highlights your natural wave pattern. It’s incredibly easy to style and gives you that wake-up-and–go look while showing off your facial features beautifully.
31. Low-Effort Pixie Cut
If you’re always on the go and prefer a no-fuss hairstyle, the low-effort pixie cut is your perfect match. This short crop keeps your hair neatly in place while allowing it to grow out naturally. As it grows, it can easily transition into a trendy bixie or even a bob, giving you multiple stylish options without constant upkeep.
32. Easy Bob Style
The Easy Bob Style is perfect if you love effortless beauty. A slightly messy, tousled bob enhances your natural waves and adds a touch of playful texture. Its loose, undone finish makes styling super simple, great for both casual days and polished, dressy looks.
How To Style Short Curly Hairstyles
You can change the look of your curls and make them more defined or more open with hot tools like a curling wand and a flat iron. The best ways to keep your hair healthy and under control are to finger coil and twist it to define it and keep it in good shape.
Using a Flat Iron
It’s very easy to make beachy waves with this tool, which will make your hair look airy and neat at the same time. As you slide the straightener through the strand, turn it horizontally and bend it to make holes. For a dreamy and laid-back look, make sure to gently brush your curled hair.
Curling with a Wand
To get a more natural wave, curl small areas of hair with a curling iron or wand and switch the direction of the curls. Curl your hair on both sides in the same way to give it more depth and definition.
Twisting and Pinning
To get waves that are spread out more evenly, twist and pin wet parts of hair until they are dry. When taken off, this gives you a more laid-back look with extra roughness along the length or extra volume on top.
Finger Coiling Method
If your hair stays curled, try this way of styling it next time. After using a product that makes curls stronger, twirling small pieces of hair around your finger gives your curls more definition and makes the pattern tighter.
Twist Out Technique
Make the texture more uniform and predictable by twisting two hair strands together and letting them dry and set in the shape you want. When you take out the twisted parts and mess them up a bit for a more natural look, you can see the defined curl pattern.
Diffusing Short Hair
Now is the time to test the clip on your curly or wavy hair if you’ve never used the diffusing method before. Pull your hair up and scrunch the curls as you move your hands up. It keeps hair from frizzing and brings out natural patterns while causing as little damage as possible when used carefully and consistently.
Rod Set Style
Textured hair is more likely to frizz and break, so it’s important to use heat treatment as little as possible. You can use perm rods or rollers instead of heat to keep the shape and bouncy feel even on the second day. Put your hair around the rollers and leave them overnight.
Other Common Questions About Short Curly Hairstyles
Need more useful hair care tips for everyday problems? Concerns and problems that come up often on the way to the right look can be solved with these tips. Learn how to get a style that doesn’t frizz, keep the shape, and fix patterns that aren’t even.
Defining Hair Type
To find out what kind of hair you have, just wet your strands and scrunch them up in your hands. You might have natural waves if they remain in a wave shape. If you have wavy hair, cutting off the length and using the curly girl method can sometimes free up your hair’s texture, giving you soft waves or relaxed curls instead of straight hair.
Managing frizz
Use light leave-in conditioners to add extra wetness and hydration to hair to get rid of frizz. Use a wide-tooth comb and be gentle when you brush your hair to get soft, knot-free locks. When it’s hot outside, don’t use heat to style your hair. Instead, let it air-dry.
Make Wavy Hair Less Poofy or Fluffy
The hair cuticle is lifted when you comb or sleep on it too hard, which often results in fluffy strands instead of well-defined waves. If you want a smoother, more controlled look, dry your hair gently with a silk nightcap or sheet instead of a rough towel.
Fixing Uneven Patterns
If your hair won’t behave and you can’t get an even pattern, curl it with a curling iron to make it look put together and keep the waves. Your strands will be more flexible and clear after the heat.
Growing Out Short Curly Hair
Wear your hair in half-updos, upswept styles, or different partings to hide your grown-out hair and get through this awkward in-between stage. By doing these things, you’ll be able to go longer between salon trips.
Maintaining Curl Definition
A curl-enhancing cream or jelly is the best way to give your curls the most shape. You can do it as part of your curly girl routine or try the popular bowl method for stylish curl clumps. To wear your hair the next day, wet it, reapply a small bit of curl gel, and scrunch it dry to bring back the curls and bounce.
Faqs
Final Verdict
Short curly hairstyles are the perfect mix of confidence, charm, and carefreeness. Whether you go for a bold pixie, a romantic bob, or a modern shag, these styles bring out the natural beauty of your curls like never before. With just a little love and the right routine, your curls can stay soft, defined, and full of bounce every single day.
So don’t shy away from the scissors, embrace your natural texture and let your curls do the talking. After all, there’s nothing more stunning than short, healthy curls that reflect your true personality.
