Looking for the perfect short haircut to enhance your natural curls? Look no further! This curated collection of short haircuts for curly hair showcases versatile styles for every face shape, curl type, and personal style. From low-maintenance bobs to edgy pixie cuts, you’ll discover exactly how to enhance your natural texture!
The right short haircuts for curly hair can create bold, head-turning styles that celebrate your natural texture while offering effortless maintenance. Contrary to the misconception that curls need length to look good, the right short cut can actually enhance curl definition, create beautiful volume, and showcase your facial features perfectly.
Short curly haircuts offer incredible versatility and self-expression. Professional stylists love working with curly textures in shorter lengths because they can sculpt and shape the curls to create dimension and movement. While some believe styling short curly hair is challenging, the truth is that a well-cut short style often requires less daily maintenance and styling time than longer options.
The right short haircut for curly hair can transform your entire look, highlighting your facial features and showcasing your personality. Modern cutting techniques specifically designed for curly textures can create gorgeous, low-maintenance styles that enhance your natural curl pattern rather than fighting against it. From playful pixies to textured bobs, there’s a perfect short curly haircut for everyone, regardless of curl type, face shape, or styling preferences.
1. Short Haircuts for Naturally Curly Hair
The easiest way to approach a short hairstyle for curly hair is to opt between short layered haircuts for this type of hair.
Notice how the curly locks are arranged in a seemingly effortless yet voluminous style? This is thanks to the layered haircut!
A simple short lob haircut with a twist – layered coils!
2. Messy Chin-Length Curls
Chin-length curls and messy curly bangs are ideal for oval-faced girls with a high forehead. This hairstyle for curly hair naturally frames your features. Plus, a messy coiled mane is always eye-catching.
3. Audrey Tautou Short Haircut
What may have been initially a pixie cut for curly hair grew into a perfectly styled short curly hair.
We are used to seeing Audrey Tautou sporting such a gorgeous looking natural style. She is a true muse when it comes to short haircuts for curly hair and a round face.
This particular hairstyle can be achieved by styling each lock using a lightweight styling wax.
4. Short Haircuts for Thick Curly Hair
Short haircuts for black curly hair? Yes, please!
Black curly hair is typically quite thick and strong. This makes for some gorgeous springy coils that everyone wishes they had. However, styling thick curly hair may quickly become a daunting task.
To avoid painstaking attempts, try a short layered bob like this, bangs included. This way you can make sure you’ll never have a bad hair day again!
5. Wavy Lob with Bangs
If your coils are thinner and allow for easy styling or if your hair is naturally wavy, try this hairstyle on for size!
The layers create structure and volume and help to elongate the face. The messy bangs just add an edgy finishing touch.
6. Scarlett Johansson Style: Loose Curls, Short Bob
One of the easiest ways to tame curls is to ask your hairstylist for a bob haircut.
Bob haircuts are perfect for all types of curly hair, from tight coils to loose curls, as well as for all face shapes.
Your waves or curls will effortlessly fall in place.
7. Pixie Cut for Short Curly Hair
If chin-length lob haircuts and bob haircuts already had you thinking, what do you think about a pixie cut?
This gorgeous example of very short haircuts for curly hair features a longer top and slightly shorter sides. This haircut is ideal for thin curly hair!
8. Short Layered Haircuts for Curly Hair
A deep side part goes hand in hand with a short layered haircut for curly hair. It creates more volume in no time.
Keep the side part defined and mess the rest of your wavy or curly hair for a rebellious look.
9. Short Haircuts for Curly Hair: Rihanna Style
Rihanna is the queen of look changes beyond the shadow of a doubt.
We love this natural look where her curls are well-defined toward the ends and straighten toward the top.
A great idea on how to style your short bob haircut for curly hair.
10. Short Haircuts for Thin Curly Hair
Messy short haircuts are the best for thin curly hair. This type of curly hair has a tendency to flatten. As such, the more volume you can create thanks to the haircut, the better!
11. Short Haircuts for Wavy Hair
This is one of the gorgeous examples of short haircuts for curly, wavy hair. It has a relaxed summer vacation overtone, but that may be due to the fact that the loose waves create a weightless look.
12. The Alyson Hannigan
Alyson Hannigan isn’t one who’s known for her luscious curly mane.
Her hallmark trait is her gorgeous red hair, regardless of the red shades she is sporting at the time.
Yet here she is flaunting a beautiful short haircut for curly hair. This is a curly angled bob styled to perfection.
13. Short, Curly Faux Hawk
If you feel adventurous, try this edgy and outlandish short haircut for curly hair.
Known as a faux hawk, it is a modern emulation of the haircuts sported by the punk generation.
We are in love with this contemporary, style-forward short haircut for curly hair.
14. Marion Cotillard Hairstyle for Short Curly Hair
A French note of elegance and subtle charm. The curls are tamed toward the top but reveal their beauty mid-length and toward the ends.
15. Mildly Angled Bob for Curly Hair
We can’t stress enough how suitable a short bob cut is for curly hair! The deep side part is also ideal for curly hair, especially thicker tresses, as it helps create structured volume and makes styling much easier.
16. Short Haircuts for Curly Frizzy Hair
A pixie cut for curly hair isn’t just cute, but also ideal for taming frizzy curls. This is a short hairstyle for a daring woman.
Nonetheless, with just enough contemplating, everyone may be tempted to try it on for size.
17. Charlize Theron Style: Short Wavy Lob
If you have been searching for short hairstyles for wavy hair, take a cue from Charlize Theron. She just rocks this wavy lob!
18. The Chin-Length Bob
Short haircuts for women with curly hair look best when they require little to no styling at all! Here’s a great example of how the haircut adds to the cute natural look.
19. Cute Short Layered Haircuts
This very short layered haircut for curly hair looks incredibly cute. We love the playful note of the short curly bangs and the perfectly defined ends.
20. Layered Short Haircut for Wavy and Curly Hair
This haircut and style is a different take on the previous short haircut for curly hair. The difference stands in the number of layers and the textured cut.
21. Natalie Portman Style
When you have fine curly or wavy hair and you decide the cut it short, the easiest way to create a stunning look is to add a hair accessory. A flower-decorated headband can do the trick.
22. Short Pixie Haircut for Curly Hair
Somewhere between a faux hawk and a pixie cut, this is one of the best short haircuts for curly thick hair!
23. Messy Curly Lob Haircut
Notice how most of the short haircuts for curly hair feature a side part?
Well-defined or hidden under the wealth of coils and waves, which helps create volume.
Moreover, it allows you to style your curls in different ways, ranging from this casual messy look to more formal looks.
24. Faux Hawk for Girls with Curly Hair
A faux hawk with short faded sides and a longer top is ideal to highlight your features.
Nonetheless, if you have a rounded face, this hairstyle is not recommended as it can make the cheeks look puffy.
25. Cute Hairstyle for Short Wavy Hair
Keep your outgrown pixie cut edgy and fresh with a feathered top and messy fringes to the back. Use anti-frizz serum and hairspray to keep your hairstyle in place.
26. Outgrown Pixie Cut for Curly Hair
We can’t praise this hairstyle enough. The natural-looking style, the tight curls, and perfectly executed makeup create an elegant note just perfect for the next evening cocktail party.
27. Hairstyles for Textured Wavy Hair
Some nude makeup paired with those loose waves of the textured lob for wavy hair is all the hairstyling you need for an all-natural summer look.
28. Beach Waves
If your hair is cut to chin length, create loose curls with the curling iron and fix them to the back.
Achieve an edgy formal look by parting the hair on a side and straightening the ends.
29. Short Wavy Bob Haircut
Creating this look for curly hair may be a little more time-consuming.
Nonetheless, when you want to look your best and like you invested some effort in your hairstyle, try it on for size!
All you need to do is create loose curls and secure them over the top of the head.
30. Short Layered Hairstyles for Wavy Hair
The summer vibe of this hairstyle for wavy and curly hair is adorable. Moreover, it’s easy to maintain throughout the hot season.
- Best Hairstyles for Women Over 40: Trendy & Flattering Cuts
- Blonde Hair Colors: 50 Stunning Shades and Styling Ideas
- Ombre Hair Color Ideas: 50 Creative Styles for a Stunning Transformation
31. Natural Short Haircuts for Curly Hair
This is a jaw-length bob which you can tame with a bit of leave-in conditioner every time you leave the house.
This way, you won’t have to treat your hair with a heat source, and you can keep things safe and natural.
32. Bows and Braids
Another way in which you can keep your curls in check is by braiding the front strands and then tying them at the back of your head with a hair accessory.
For example, this lovely faux leather bow that’s perfect for the cold season.
33. Short Haircuts for Curly Hair with Bangs
This hairstyle is incredibly on-trend right now, so you might want to jump on the bandwagon.
It’s a tousled look with medium-sized bangs. It also features glam black lipstick and tassel earrings which come straight of Instagram.
34. The Beyonce
We rarely get to see the queen herself with such a naturally curly look, but here she is.
This is Beyonce with a volumized long bob full of highlights and under lights.
You can spot some brown, caramel, and beige blonde in there. Here are some more celebrity inspired curly hairstyles.
35. Silver Short Haircuts for Curly Hair
Unconventional colors are also in very high demand right now!
This is silver-white, and it’s perfect if you happen to have blue or green eyes because it will highlight them.
How to style short and curly hair
Hairstyles for short and curly hair may seem, at first glance, quite limited and even trivial, but this is not the case at all. Short hair can be styled in many ways, by different methods, by using the right devices.
Simple hairstyles – short hair can be styled very simply by combing it in the desired direction. A perfect hairstyle for short hair can be achieved by drawing a path either in the middle or on one side and by combing the hair so that the hairstyle completes your physiognomy.
Hairstyles with volume – volume is the piece of resistance in terms of hairstyles for short and curly hair. The volume of short hair can be juggled very easily, so you get effective hairstyles, made by simple methods. Tapping the hair at the root gives an extraordinary volume that you can place on the top of the head and towards the nape of the neck, but also on the front.
Hairstyles with bangs – bangs are also a key element of hairstyles for short hair, especially since it complements the appearance of hair very well. A well-chosen and properly positioned bangs will complete the hairstyle.
Braided hairstyles – short and curly hairstyles tend to rely on complexity and impact, so braids will be in high demand. Even if short hair is quite difficult to braid, given the small amount of hair, hairstyles can be among the most adaptable and chic. Spiky braided strands look great on short hair, as does the classic three-ply braid.
Frequently Asked Questions
What face shape works best with short curly hair?
Most face shapes can rock short curly hair with the right styling approach. Oval and heart-shaped faces are versatile and work beautifully with virtually any short curly style from pixies to bobs. Round faces benefit from asymmetrical cuts with height at the crown and longer face-framing layers that elongate the face (styles #4, #9, and #13 work particularly well). Square faces look stunning with soft curls around the face to soften angular jawlines, while chin-length bobs with side parts add balance (try styles #2, #15, and #23). For diamond faces, styles with strategic volume at the jawline like layered bobs create perfect proportion. Remember that the right stylist can customize any of these cuts to flatter your unique features.
How do I prevent frizz with my short curly hair?
Preventing frizz starts with proper hydration. Use sulfate-free shampoo, deep condition regularly, and always use a leave-in conditioner. Style your hair when it’s very wet and avoid touching your curls while they dry. Apply styling products using the “praying hands” method to seal the cuticle. Sleep on a silk or satin pillowcase to reduce friction. For daily maintenance, refresh with a water/leave-in conditioner spray rather than rewetting completely.
How often should I cut my short curly hair?
Short curly hair typically needs more frequent trims to maintain its shape. Schedule cuts every 4-6 weeks for pixie styles and every 6-8 weeks for bob lengths. However, the timing can vary based on your growth rate and how well your cut grows out. Working with a stylist experienced in curly hair is essential, as they understand how to trim curly hair while preserving its natural pattern and shape.
What’s the best way to style short curly hair in the morning?
For quick morning styling, start by lightly misting your hair with water mixed with a bit of leave-in conditioner. Use your fingers to reshape curls, focusing on any flattened areas. Apply a small amount of lightweight curl cream or mousse to reactivate your styling products. For stubborn sections, use a small diffuser for 1-2 minutes. Finish with a light-hold hairspray if needed. This refresh method typically takes just 5-10 minutes while preserving your curl pattern.
Can I straighten my short curly hair occasionally?
Yes, you can straighten short curly hair occasionally, but always use a heat protectant product first and keep your tool below 350°F (180°C) to minimize damage. Be aware that short curly hair can be challenging to straighten completely, and humidity may quickly revert it to its natural state. Limit heat styling to special occasions and follow with deep conditioning treatments to maintain your curl health and pattern. Remember that frequent heat styling can permanently alter your natural curl pattern over time.
Ready to Change Your Look?
Choosing the best short haircuts for curly hair isn’t easy. You should consider your face type, your curly hair type, and the time you are willing to spend styling your new haircut.
Yet, if you have these pinned down, choosing the most suitable short haircut for curly hair is a breeze.
Hopefully, you found all the inspiration you needed with these cute, edgy and sophisticated examples in the list above!
- Best Hairstyles for Women Over 40: Trendy & Flattering Cuts
- Blonde Hair Colors: 50 Stunning Shades and Styling Ideas
- Ombre Hair Color Ideas: 50 Creative Styles for a Stunning Transformation
- Pin Up Hairstyles: 50 Vintage-Inspired Looks for Modern Appeal
- Stunning Sew In Hairstyles: 45 Best Looks for 2025
- 50 Stunning Bridesmaid Hairstyles: Perfect Inspiration for Wedding Parties
Sarah T.
“I never thought I could achieve JLo-inspired waves with my fine hair, but these step-by-step instructions made it possible!”
Used: Olaplex No.6 + Oribe Texturizing Spray
Maya J.
“Following the Zendaya tutorial transformed my unruly curls into these defined spirals that lasted for 3 days!”
Used: DevaCurl SuperCream + Pattern Strong Hold Gel
Tasha W.
“After years of heat damage, I followed your natural curl care routine and finally restored my 3C curl pattern!”
Used: Camille Rose Curl Maker + Mielle Organics Oil
Emma R.
“Used your Blake Lively tutorial for my wedding day hair and received so many compliments!”
Used: Kenra Thermal Styling Spray + Living Proof Full Thickening Cream
Jasmine H.
“Your curly updo tutorial helped me create this elegant style for my sister’s wedding. So much easier than I expected!”
Used: Ouidad Advanced Climate Control Gel + Moroccanoil Luminous Hairspray
Dana L.
“Even with my super short curly pixie, your styling tips gave me this defined look that frames my face perfectly!”
Used: Bumble and Bumble Curl Defining Cream + Innersense I Create Hold
Show Us Your Curls!
Tag us on Instagram with #MyCurlyHairstyle or submit your photo directly for a chance to be featured in our gallery and win a luxury hair care package!
Submit Your PhotoChallenge: Frizz Control
Humidity and environmental factors causing unwanted frizz in curly styles.
Solutions:
- Use anti-humidity products with hold polymers
- Apply styling products to soaking wet hair
- Avoid touching curls while drying
- Consider a silk pillowcase and bonnet for sleeping
- Try the “gel sandwich” method (leave-in + gel + oil)
Recommended Products: Color Wow Dream Coat, Ouidad Advanced Climate Control Gel
Challenge: Curl Definition
Curls appear undefined or lose their shape quickly throughout the day.
Solutions:
- Use curl-specific products with stronger hold
- Try the “praying hands” application method
- Avoid raking through curls when dry
- Diffuse upside down for better curl formation
- Apply gel or mousse when hair is very wet
Recommended Products: Pattern Strong Hold Gel, DevaCurl SuperCream, Miss Jessie’s Jelly Soft Curls
Challenge: Volume at Roots
Flat roots with volume only at ends, creating a triangular shape.
Solutions:
- Try root clipping while drying
- Use a pick or wide-tooth comb at roots only
- Diffuse upside down or sideways
- Apply lightweight volumizing foam at roots
- Get a haircut with long layers to distribute volume
Recommended Products: Briogeo Blossom & Bloom Volume Spray, Innersense I Create Lift
Challenge: Dry, Damaged Curls
Heat or chemical damage causing breakage and lost curl pattern.
Solutions:
- Implement a protein-moisture balance routine
- Use deep conditioning treatments weekly
- Consider a “curly cut” to remove damaged ends
- Take a break from heat styling completely
- Use leave-in conditioners daily
Recommended Products: Olaplex No. 3, Briogeo Don’t Despair Repair Mask, Kinky-Curly Knot Today
Challenge: Second-Day Hair
Difficulty maintaining curl definition between wash days.
Solutions:
- “Pineapple” hair at night with a loose scrunchie
- Use a satin pillowcase or bonnet
- Make a DIY refresher spray (water + leave-in conditioner)
- Spot-treat frizzy sections with product on wet hands
- Consider “micro-plopping” with a microfiber towel to revive
Recommended Products: Pattern Refresh Spray, Ouidad Botanical Boost, Slipsilk Pillowcase
Recommended Style:
Alicia Keys’ Natural Textured Style
This low-maintenance style celebrates your natural texture while keeping styling time minimal. Use hydrating products and protective styling techniques for a beautiful, easy-to-maintain look.
← Start OverRecommended Style:
This medium-maintenance style enhances your natural coil pattern with more definition. Use the LOC (Leave-in, Oil, Cream) method and finger coiling for beautiful, defined curls that last several days.
← Start OverRecommended Style:
Kerry Washington’s Structured Curls
This high-definition style requires more maintenance but creates stunning, sculptural curls. Use specialized styling techniques like shingling or the Denman brush method for maximum definition and structure.
← Start Over
how should I ask to have my hair cut for #1…….I basically wear it in that style…just a little less on the sides. My beautician normally cuts too much off …which gives me a straighter look then my usual curly look. Thanks.
Hi, Rose,
You could simply ask for a layered short lob haircut or you could always show your beautician the picture :).
Have a nice day!