Short curly hairstyles can look beautiful when shorter than most lengths. The key is finding a hairstylist who specializes in cutting naturally curly hair. They should give you a short haircut that works with your unique curl pattern, density, texture, and head shape. A proper curly haircut needs the right products to enhance your natural curls and keep your hair healthy.
According to this StyleCaster poll, 58% of men say short curly hair is attractive and sexy. Because curly-haired women are rare, the natural texture draws more attention.
Naturally, curly hair looks shorter because your hair structure naturally coils up and shrinks the length of your hair follicle. It gives the appearance of curly hair being shorter. And it’s why I recommend that your hair cut at least one inch longer than what you want your length to appear.
Today, a lightly layered bob is the best hairstyle for short curly hair. Adding light layers will prevent it from looking boxy and add more movement to your curls. However, pixie cuts and shags look beautiful on naturally short curly hair. Below, I have included photos of popular short curly hairstyles and haircuts for you to take a look at.
#1: Corkscrew Curly Haircut for Black Women
Black women should try a corkscrew curly haircut. A voluminous round-shaped cut will offer tons of body and soft shape to your hair. Show off the beautiful texture of your corkscrew curls by getting a shorter length. It will make your hair easier to style and maintain. Cut round, soft layers to have the curly pieces spring up for that perfect spiral curl.
#2: Messy Curls with a Deep Side Part
Messy curls with a deep side part are such a visually appealing style. If you have a natural curl pattern, you know it can appear different daily. With this shape, it will look great no matter what. Ask your stylist for square layering to benefit from the full sides and flatter top. Volume lovers, the shorter you go with the length, the more volume you’ll get. And a deep side part will give you a beautiful bit of height in the fringe.
#3: Short Curly Hairstyle Without Bangs
Cut your hair into a short curly hairstyle without bangs and you’ll love the voluminous lift. You may want a bit of layering to create the width on the sides. You’ll want to avoid over-layering the top to keep your shape from becoming too round. Oval or long face shapes will benefit from the fuller sides of the cut. You can create beautiful tendrils with a curl-enhancing product and a diffuser.
#4: Light Blonde Frizzy Curls with Dark Roots
Light blonde frizzy curls with dark roots are the hottest trend you will love. Having dark roots will give you a low-maintenance feel. Plus, you will get more time between touch-ups. Cutting your locks will make your hair look fresh and healthy. Once you go short, you might be tempted to be daring and go even shorter.
#5: Naturally Textured Curls
If you have naturally textured curls, here are a few tips. The best way to keep curls from getting frizzy is to get regular haircuts. Trimming your hair helps to maintain body, bounce, and shape to your curls.
#6: Ear-Length Curly Haircut with a Middle Part
Make your morning routine easier with an ear-length haircut with a middle part. If you choose to make, your hair short, know that the shorter you go, the lighter your hair will become. This also makes your hair strands curlier. You will have more movement, life, and body. If your hair is hard to tame, using a product like a styling gel will make your styling routine easier.
#7: Piece-y Fringe and Short Layered Curls
Short layered curls and a piece-y fringe might be just what you need. The easy care will appeal to you, and you’ll be ready in minutes. You can use your fingers to put curls in all the right places. If your facial features and face shape are on the long side, curls on your forehead will help balance you out. Round face shapes might want to bring their hair forward around your cheeks.
#8: Side-Swept Messy Bob with Permed Curls
You’ll shine bright with a side-swept messy bob with permed curls. A tousled bob is one of the most uplifting shapes. Messy curls soften facial features, and the bob length lifts you up. A haircut with a great perm is easy to manage and a fun change.
#9: Perfect Bronde Curls
Accent your face with the perfect bronde curls. The beautiful face frame and graduated layering will work best with a natural soft curl. However, if your curl is frizzy or not wavy enough, you may take the time to use a 3/4-inch iron or wand to fashion your shape. The bronde coloring is a gorgeous shade, somewhere between brown and blonde, and can be a fantastic accent.
#10: Nape-Length Stacked Cut on Silver Curls
If you want an easy-care style, you should consider a nape-length stacked bob cut for your silver curls. You’ll love the square layers that keep your waves tidy. If bangs annoy you, push them off your face and bring tendrils out around your temples for softness. Ladies with longer faces will love this complimentary style, which works well air-dried.
#11: Short Side Part Brunette Curly Hair
You should try a side part on your short brunette curly hair. Your curly hair will love the medium layers that will give your hair just the right volume and shape. I recommend drying in place with a diffuser or air drying to achieve the look. Handling your curls too much when drying will promote frizz. A tamed coil on a side-parted brunette is the most beautiful sight.
#12: Inverted Bob for Rooted Blonde Curly Hair
If you have curly hair and want something more dramatic, consider inverted bob hair styles. It can stand out if you have rooted blonde curly hair like this model. A rooted blonde paired with your natural root will give your locks some dimensional color. Layers will give your tousled spiral curls a life of their own. You have many different options when it comes to bobs. Show picture ideas to your hairstylist at your next appointment to pick the perfect bob for your hair type and texture.
#13: Very Short Layered Cut on Curly Ginger Hair
Let your natural texture shine through with a very short layered cut on curly ginger hair. Leave the curls on top a little longer to create a fun, messy style you can make. Having the top layer of the curls will create more body and volume for a bedhead style. The grow-out will be soft and subtle for a low-maintenance cut.
#14: Bronde Textured Pixie with Curls
You can have a bronde, textured pixie with curls. Notice the volume in a curly pixie is minimal, giving you the most up-to-date shape. The beauty of short curly haircuts these days is to let them dry more naturally and organic. Make sure your hair is layered around your ears and through the back to give you a shaggy shape. Paired with bronde-colored highlights, a curly pixie is a winner.
#15: Short Shaggy Blonde Curls with Micro Bangs
You’ll want to try short shaggy blonde curls paired with micro bangs and unleash your natural waves. Let your hair do its thing with square-shaped layers that promote curl and enable your top to lay closer to your head. Curly hairstyles are the easiest to maintain with a curl-controlling product and minimal to no drying. Enjoy the soft tendrils around your face that keep you looking feminine and pretty.
#16: Short Curly Bob with Baby Bangs for Women Over 60
Women over 60 should rock a short curly bob with baby bangs. A bob is excellent for short curly hair that needs body and lift. Adding fashion colors can be fun and a breeze if you already have pre-lightened strands. If you want to frame your face, add a bang. Bangs can conceal your forehead and are great for women with glasses.
#17: Short Pixie Cut on Tousled Curly Hair
Wear a timeless style with a short pixie cut if you have curly hair. A pixie cut will look effortlessly chic with curly hair. Tousled spirals will sit on top with body and volume for easy styling. To style, use a curl gel and defining cream. All you need it to do is hold and define your hair for a style that will last all day long.
#18: Curly Pixie Bob with Bangs and Framing Layers
Embrace your natural texture with a curly pixie bob with bangs and face-framing layers. A curly pixie shorter in the back and longer in the front will elongate your face for a slimmer-looking appearance. A trendy pixie will always stay in style and make you feel confident rocking your naturally curly texture.
#19: Cute Bobbed Hair with Loose Curls
Rock your naturally curly locks with bobbed hair and loose curls. A bob is a perfect haircut for short curly hair and will make you feel confident in rocking your natural texture. The curls in this look are defined and look cute and sassy.
#20: Ringlets on Pixie Hair with Short Sides
Rock an easy-breezy cut with tight ringlets on pixie hair with short sides. Cut your hair short of making your ringlets pop for easy styling. Short sides and a longer top will give you something to play with and be creative. Short hairstyles are so trendy and will make getting ready a breeze.
#21: Effortless Short Tousled Curls with Subtle Bangs
Look effortlessly chic with short tousled curls with subtle bangs. A messy curly bob with bangs gives off a carefree vibe. A bob is low-maintenance; all you need to style is some curl gel, and you will be out the door. Bobs look great on all types of hair and textures, including curly hair, so go for it.
#22: Deep Side Part and Short Beach Curls
Have perfect-looking tresses with a deep side part and short beach curls that look cute and sassy. Limit the number of shampoo days to achieve less frizzy curls. Shampoo can be very drying on your curly locks. On occasions when you want your hair more styled and polished, use a diffuser and curling iron to spruce up your curls.
#23: Brown Curly Bob with Razor Cut Layers and Bangs
Try a brown curly bob with razor-cut layers and bangs if you want a stunning look. Level up your volume with tons of layers that will give your hair some big body. A bob cut like this one is great for your loosely defined curls. Many different types of bobs can work for your curly locks, but this one is a clear winner.
#24: Round-Shaped Layered Bob with Bouncy Curls
Define your curls with a rounded-shaped layered bob with bouncy curls. Rounded layers are great for thick, curly hair and will accent your beautiful curls. I would use texturizing sheers lightly on the ends to give more movement and make your curls spring. To do your hair, use a defuser and a curl gel to hold and for less frizz.
#25: Messy Curls with Short Bangs
If you want to beautifully frame your face, try messy curls and pair them with short bangs. Don’t be afraid to make the chop with an adorable short cut. Your curls will sit perfectly, and your hair will have body and volume. Cutting your bangs will conceal your forehead and balance out a long face. I would cut curly bangs dry because they could shrink up too much when cutting wet and end up too short.
#26: Beautiful Bob Cut with Big Curls and Bangs
Go for an ageless look with a bob cut with big curls and bangs. Show off your curls with bangs with a beautiful bob cut. You will have confidence wearing your natural texture when your curls fall easily into place. Styling will be a breeze at a shorter length, and the maintenance will be low.
#27: Androgynous Short Curly Pixie
Be yourself with a short curly pixie. An androgynous pixie is easy to style and gender-neutral. Cut shorter layers to make your hair look fuller and thicker. I would use a razor to give the ends more texture and to amp it up. To style, use some texture paste or shaping wax and have fun.
#28: Bowl Cut with Defined Curls
A bowl cut with defined curls is your fresh take on naturally curly hair. Short curls with slight graduation around the perimeter and a long top complement the shape well. The angled sides are a great way to bring out your cheekbones and complement most face shapes. I recommend that your new cut be trimmed about every six weeks, and air drying or diffusing is the best way to execute the defined curls.
#29: Mature Short Curls for Fine Hair
Make your fine hair look thicker with short curls. The best way for your fine hair to look thicker is to cut a shorter length and add subtle layers. Research shows that over-processing your hair will lead to thinning and damage over time. Going back to your natural color will bring back healthy locks. Healthy hair always looks better, so take care of those precious strands.
#30: Stunning Brunette Natural Curls
A short brunette natural style for curly hair can bring a youthful touch to your style. Brunettes can range in tones from the warmth of copper to the coolness of violet. I think discussing which tone will complement your overall look will help to personalize your preference. A few photos of inspiration can help your stylist during your consultation.
#31: Voluminous Rose Gold Curls
If you want to update your locks, consider short rose gold curls. If you want to make your curls bigger and bouncier, cut off dead length and watch them spring. Be prepared to thin out any dense areas so that your hair will sit better in the cut and feel lighter.
#32: Glossy Curly Bob with Bangs
A curly bob with bangs is a great low-effort choice for curly girls. Curly bobs with bangs require maintenance every 4-8 weeks to keep the structure of your curls and bounce on point. Wash, apply your favorite curl-defining product, and let air dry, scrunch dry with a diffuser, or use your microfibre towel to wrap dry.
#33: Messy Curly Bob with Fringe
If you love an undone look, a messy curly bob is a right choice for you! Curly bobs can be styled more rigid with curl-defining gels or left more touchable with curl cream and texture sprays for a more lived-in look. Ask your stylist how to soften and shape your ends to add effective texture without jeopardizing your curl structure.
#34: Platinum Blonde Short Naturally Curly Hair
To upkeep short, naturally curly hair, regular maintenance is essential. When going for platinum curly hair styles, it is best to keep up with frequent trims to maintain the proper shape and to avoid limp curls. Ask your stylist about how often you should return and what products are best to use at home.
#35: Voluminous and Thick Curly Hair
Having thick curly hair can be a nightmare if your stylist is unfamiliar with how to cut curly hair effectively. If you have a lot of hair, you may be tempted to ask your stylist to use a thinning or texture shear to remove weight. However, this should be avoided, as doing so can add unwanted frizz and take the life away from your curls. Be sure to ask your stylist about alternate ways to remove bulk on your hair to create this beautiful shape on your thick hair hairstyle.
#36: Curly Cropped Cut with Blonde Highlights
Here’s a charming curly cropped cut that will give your hair texture the new zest it needs. The brown hue and defined curls create a softer and fresher vibe. A sea salt spray will enhance your tresses for extra flair when styling your curly hairstyles.
#37: Cute Short Bob with Natural Brunette Curls
Wear a short curly bob, and feel proud displaying your natural curls. It features a curly fringe, too, for a pop of excitement. When you have a pale skin tone, a dark ginger hair color will flatter you. It’s just one of those short hairstyles for curly hair we love!
#38: Modern Short Curly Hair with Brown Highlights
Opt for a modern, short curly hairstyle that adds glamour to your presence. The brown highlights are a great addition for women with black tresses. For a proper care routine, opt for products that offer intense moisture, as curls can be prone to dryness.
#39: Voluminous Frizzy Chin-Length Curls
Go for a short haircut that is a chin-length curly bob. Based on your head shape, ask your stylist if you can have a 90-degree haircut that adds lots of texture. Short haircuts for curly hair are great for women that want a fun, low-maintenance, and voluminous style. Curly bobs are perfect for you if you don’t want to spend too much time styling your hair in the morning.
#40: Angled Curly Bob with Pops of Blonde
A fresh, angled curly bob cut with pops of blonde highlights is a great way to you enhance your natural hair. The perimeter follows the neckline to preserve the shape and fullness of your mane. Embrace a few grey strands visible on your dark tresses as they also add texture to your final curly bob hairstyle.
#41: Messy Fresh Stacked Bob
A fresh stacked haircut on naturally curly hair will leave you feeling breezy and lightweight all day long! A short curly stacked bob so easy to style and maintain – just a little product to scrunch your dashing curls with, and you’re ready to go.
#42: Gorgeous Tight Curls for Black Women
These tight ringlets are known as a sculpting dry cut. This style creates a round shape that gives you volume at the top of your head and falls into flattering round layers that frame your face. Avoid pulling, brushing, and combing your hair if you have short curly hair. Style short curly hair by cleansing your hair with a non-lathering curl cleanser, and condition it with a clean water-soluble conditioner. Lastly, keep your dryer in a low, warm setting. NYC Curls by Carlos Flores and Curly World by Lorraine Massey are excellent products for short curly hairstyles. A curly cut suits all face shapes, and tight curls or coils carry this cut very well because of their fluffiness and bounciness.
#43: Glamorous and Lovely Curly Bangs
When it comes to short curly hairstyles, flaunt your natural hair texture and embellish it with lovely curly bangs. Notice how the movement and volume accent the highlights on these golden bronde locks? Jaw-length curly hair requires a trim every 8-10 weeks to maintain the shape. A curly cut with fringe suits women who want an intentionally disheveled look by maintaining length to play with. When rocking a cut like this, you’ll have the freedom to make minor variations day-to-day based on your naturally curly texture.
#44: Disheveled Curly Pixie
Here’s a curly pixie cut to celebrate curly-haired girls! It’s a chop that creates a stunning payoff to having natural curls. When styling short curly hairstyles, use a diffuser to enhance your cut, adding more volume and definition.
#45: Curly Side-Swept Bangs with a Tapered Back
Consider a mod curly pixie with side bangs when searching for short curly hairstyles. It’s left short with longer wavy tendrils on the sides. It’s a wash-and-wear style we love, and it’s easy to take care of. Any hair type can be cut into this shape thin, thick, curly, or wavy. The beauty of a short curly haircut is that you can alter the length on the sides to detract from or complement your face shape.
#46: Modern Short and Curly Grey Hair
Modern short and curly hair is for women proud to show off their natural texture. It’s also the best style to add emphasis to fresh highlights. In total, it’s a short curly hairstyle that offers a bolder edge. For a proper care routine, opt for products that provide intense moisture as your curls can be prone to dryness.
#47: The Face-Framing Curly Lob
Curly bob cuts are for women with all hair types and textures! You can create inspiration with a curly lob. Strands at the front touch the shoulders for a subtle framing effect around your face. A curl mousse at your root, curl cream, and style cream on the ends all do magic. Apply these products, and finish your short curly hairstyle with a softer and touchable result.
#48: Naturally Curly Slightly Angled Bob
Show off your naturally short curly hair with a chop that will make your tresses fuller-looking. The luscious blonde color also suits you and your cool skin tone. Use a styling cream to add volume and definition to your locks.
#49: The Playful Curly Inverted Bob
Wear the curly inverted bob when wanting something bold and alluring. This short haircut takes minimal effort and time to make it look good. It’s carefree, playful, and low-maintenance. Short curly haircuts like this work best on oval-ish or longer face shapes.
#50: 50s-Inspired Pretty Curly Hair with Bangs
This pretty curly hair with bangs is a 50s-inspired bob. Opt for short curly hair to enhance your natural texture. When drying your tresses, use a diffuser to secure more volume and definition. Be mindful that to maintain its rounded shape, regular trims are a must.
#51: Disconnected Curly Pixie Cut with Shaved Designs
This is a disconnected pixie. This short curly hair style with bangs requires little styling to look fabulous. It’s one of our favorite short curly hairstyles. Women with naturally curly hair see the best results, but women with straight hair can achieve this using a product with texture and hold. Use a curl cream or curly gel like Oribe’s Curl Control Silkening Creme or Oribe’s Curl Gloss. Short, naturally curly hair is best air-dried but can also be diffused on high heat/low intensity.
#52: Blonde Short Curly Bob for Women Over 50
This is a short curly bob for women over 50. It’s gorgeous and won’t allow your hair to appear lifeless. This short curly cut is ideal for a lady with thick locks and a lot of texture. To style, use Frizz-Free Volumizing Foam by DevaCurl to boost its texture.
#53: Gorgeous Neck-Length Short Tight Curls
These curls look soft and bouncy! You can’t deny how fun and exciting it is to try short tight curls. Curly hair with bangs works excellent on dark tresses with hints of a light brown shade that brings out an added brightness. Remember to only dry your curls with a diffuser to keep them intact.
#54: Choppy Curls with Long Bangs for Round Face Shapes
These choppy curls with long bangs for round face shapes are whimsical! The chop is the perfect short wavy haircut for women with chubby or round faces. The long bangs frame your face, giving it a narrower appearance. Talk to your stylist about cutting each curl without tension so it looks effortless.
#55: Sexy Short-to-Medium Curly Cut
This is a short-to-medium curly cut that will show off your natural hair texture. Get this chop, and it’ll look sexy on your shiny, black locks.
#56: Messy Short Curly Cut with an Undercut
This short curly haircut features a customized asymmetrical style with a detailed messy undercut. It has versatility due to the undercut. This cut is for women with thick curly hair and a slightly edgy and versatile look. This messy undercut is also for women who can execute a four to six-week haircut maintenance regime.
#57: Jaw-Length Curly Layered Bob
The key to shaping bouncy-looking hair is in how it is layered. Notice how this jaw-length curly layered bob creates a great hairstyle full of life. With light blonde highlights, your texture will surely be emphasized even more.
#58: Powerful Curly TWA for Black Women
Feel the breeze on your neck and opt for a freeing haircut. This black curly TWA for African-American women gives off an inspiring, dazzling, powerful impression. Knowing that this curly cut is easy to maintain and style, you have to love wearing it for some months.
#59: Beautiful Curly Ringlets Shag
Class up your beautiful short, curly ringlets with a shag. Pair this adorable style with painted highlights for added shimmer. Using the best hydrating hair products will keep your curls looking shiny and healthy.
#60: Sweet Ginger Short Haircut for Curly Hair
This sweet short haircut for curly hair has a classy, modern finish. This cut is perfect for women who want a gorgeous short hairstyle for curly hair that offers sophistication with an edge. Feel free to use a wave foam to plump up your rockin’ curls.
#61: Defined Short and Curled for Thin Hair
If you have thin hair, stir up a style that screams elegance with short curls. It grows out beautifully and is easy to jazz up. The super short length of the cut can make your fine tresses appear fuller and thicker. Keep your short curls moisturized for a more defined outcome.
#62: Effortless Short Shaggy Curls
Short shaggy curls are perfect for tresses that have effortless texture and movement. The shag cut is one thing that can boost your hair’s natural shape. This short curly hairstyle is stylish, especially with blonde highlights for added brightness.
#63: Bold Blonde Short Thick Curls
These short thick curls are great for showing off your hair’s fullness and volume. The short curly hairstyle looks alluring and creates a bolder effect.
#64: Cute Tight Ringlets on Short Hair
Redefine the word springy with a crown of lovely coils. Perfectly partnered with a pixie cut, twirled tresses can be of various lengths to create a fuller short curly hairstyle. Cute tight ringlets look great on women with a round face.
#65: Gorgeous Soft Curls for Shorter Hair
Embrace your natural texture with soft curls on shorter hair. Layers and shorter lengths will amplify your waves and create volume in all the right places. Start with wet hair and work with a lightweight curl-enhancing product like DevaCurl Wave Maker. Air dry or gently use a diffuser for a low-maintenance but gorgeous curly style.
#66: Easy Short Curly Thin Hair for Older Women
Older women with thin, curly hair should rock a short cut. This cut is low-maintenance and takes almost no time at all to style. Use Redken Curvaceous Curl cream to define your curls before diffusing.
#67: Ginger Short Curly Hair with a Center Part
To enhance your natural curl, try short, curly hair with a center part. Taking length off and going for a shorter look will help to improve your curls by reducing the weight on your red hair. The center part works very well on women with oblong faces, as it helps to create a more rounded look to your face.
#68: Textured Bouncy Curls with Short Face-Framing Layers
Textured bouncy curls with short face-framing layers create volume for curly hair types. To recreate a haircut like this takes more of an unconventional approach. Picking tiny sections out visually, twirling them, and slide cutting. A fabulous style can be refreshed on day two by spraying the bumble and bumble curl conscious reactivation mist all over. Then, hit it with your diffuser. In the list of styles, this one is most requested in my chair for the lifeless, naturally curly hair client.