15 Curly Hairstyles for Short Hair That Are Trendy & Easy to Style
Short hair, don’t care—but make it curly and stylish! Short curly hairstyles are the perfect blend of boldness, fun, and sophistication. With their edgy charm, curly cuts are the ultimate way to showcase your natural texture and personality. Whether you’re sporting tight coils, bouncy ringlets, or loose waves, these cuts are a statement of confidence and flair.
The beauty of short curly hair lies in its versatility. From pixie cuts that add volume and shape to curly bobs that frame the face beautifully, short cuts can be tailored to suit any curl type or texture. Each curl pattern—from tight spirals to relaxed waves—looks stunning in a shorter length, creating a modern, dynamic appearance that stands out. Curly hairstyles for short hair offer endless possibilities for a fresh, flattering look.
If you’re looking for a fresh, textured look, short curly hairstyles are the way to go. This guide will provide you with inspiration for different curl types, helping you discover the ideal curly cut to enhance your natural beauty. Embrace the playfulness of your curls, and get ready to rock a bold, chic new style!
1. Curly Pixie Cut with Volume on Top
The curly pixie cut with volume on top is perfect for those with tight curls or 3B/3C textures. This style combines a chic, short pixie with a modern twist, featuring tapered sides and a voluminous crown that adds a bold edge. The added volume at the top helps emphasize the curls’ natural bounce, giving the cut a lively, dynamic feel. The shorter sides create a sharp, flattering silhouette that brings attention to your face.
Not only is this cut easy to maintain, but it also highlights your facial features, making it an excellent choice for showcasing your personality and style with minimal effort. This versatile and trendy style can effortlessly elevate your look, offering a fresh, bold approach to curly hair.
2. Curly Bangs
Curly bangs are a playful and bold option that frames the face with volume and texture. They add a unique touch to short curls, creating a striking look that balances femininity and edge. Perfect for those looking to make a statement, curly bangs bring out the natural beauty of curls, adding emphasis to the eyes and cheekbones.
This style works well with various curl types, from loose waves to tight coils, offering versatility for different hair textures. Whether you prefer a messy, carefree vibe or a neat, polished appearance, curly bangs can be styled to match your mood and personality. With endless styling possibilities, curly bangs are a fun way to refresh your short curly hairstyle.
3. Defined Finger Coils on a TWA (Teeny Weeny Afro)
Defined finger coils on a TWA (Teeny Weeny Afro) create a bold, natural look that highlights the beauty of your curls. Using the finger styling method, each coil is meticulously defined, showcasing tight, well-formed curls that add volume and texture. This style offers a striking, defined shape that enhances the natural curl pattern.
Perfect for those embracing the big chop, this low-maintenance cut is an excellent choice for showing off your natural hair. Defined finger coils require minimal upkeep while offering a bold and beautiful way to flaunt your curls, making it a perfect option for those seeking a fresh, fearless style.
4. Side-Parted Short Curly Bob
The side-parted short curly bob strikes the perfect balance between elegance and casual charm. Whether you prefer defined curls or a more relaxed, brushed-out look, this style works beautifully with both, offering versatility for different moods. The short length keeps it modern, while the side part adds an element of sophistication and structure.
This bob style frames the face beautifully, drawing attention to your features with its flattering, face-framing shape. It’s a great choice for those seeking a chic, manageable curly hairstyle that can easily transition from day to night. The side-parted curly bob is a timeless, stylish cut that remains effortlessly fashionable.
5. Curly French Bob
The curly French bob combines Parisian chic with natural curly texture for a unique, stylish look. This chin-length cut features subtle layering that enhances the curls’ bounce and movement, while a soft fringe adds a playful, youthful touch. The result is a sophisticated yet carefree style that captures the essence of French elegance with a modern twist.
This fresh take on the classic bob works beautifully with curly hair, providing a flattering shape that frames the face while maintaining volume and texture. The curly French bob is a perfect option for those who want a trendy, low-maintenance look that exudes effortless charm and individuality.
6. Shaved Sides with Curls
The shaved sides with curls style creates a striking contrast between clean-shaved sides and voluminous curls on top. This bold, modern cut allows you to showcase your natural texture while adding an edgy twist that’s sure to turn heads. The shaved sides highlight the fullness of your curls, giving the look a sharp, dynamic feel.
Ideal for both tight coils and looser curls, this cut is not only easy to maintain but also versatile. You can customize the style by adding a line design or fade, elevating the look for a personalized touch. Whether you’re aiming for a daring or laid-back vibe, this hairstyle is perfect for anyone looking to combine boldness with natural beauty.
7. Stacked Curly Hair
Stacked curly hair features shorter layers in the back and longer layers toward the front, creating a flattering, voluminous shape. This cut enhances the natural bounce of your curls, especially for 2C–3B textures, giving you a fuller, more dynamic look. The layering adds texture and movement, making it a great option for those seeking volume without sacrificing length in the front.
Perfect for adding a bit of personality, this style can be worn with or without bangs, depending on your preference. The stacked curly cut provides a versatile, stylish option that works for both everyday wear and special occasions, offering a bold yet balanced way to show off your curls.
8. Messy Curls
Messy curls are all about an effortless, carefree vibe that embraces the natural texture of your hair. For a relaxed and undone look, simply scrunch your curls with mousse or curl cream and go—no need for perfection. This style adds plenty of texture and volume while maintaining a laid-back, carefree feel.
Perfect for beach days, weekend outings, or any time you want to keep it chill, messy curls are the ultimate in low-maintenance, high-style. Whether you’re lounging or out on the town, this look effortlessly highlights your natural curls without trying too hard.
9. Curly Mohawk or Faux Hawk
The curly mohawk or faux hawk is a statement-making, bold style that exudes confidence and creativity. With the sides closely cropped or slicked down, the curls are piled high in the center, creating a striking contrast. This daring cut allows you to show off your curls in an edgy, fashionable way.
Whether you want to style it up for an evening out or keep it more relaxed for everyday wear, the curly mohawk can be customized with bobby pins or gel. It’s a fantastic way to add a touch of rebellion to your look while still showcasing your natural curls in a unique and memorable way.
10. Short Curly Mullet
The short curly mullet is the ultimate comeback cut—short in the front and full of party in the back. This bold, playful hairstyle blends the best of both worlds, offering a fresh, fun twist on a classic look. The curls add texture and attitude, giving the mullet a modern, lively feel that stands out.
Modern takes on the curly mullet include soft layering and dimensional color, which enhance the curls’ natural bounce and create depth. Whether you’re rocking a more relaxed version or a sharper, structured mullet, this style is perfect for those looking to make a statement with their short curls.
11. Tousled Curls with Chunky Highlights
Tousled curls with chunky highlights combine messy texture with a playful, beachy vibe. Embrace the carefree, undone look of beachy waves, allowing your natural curls to shine with a bit of extra volume and movement. The tousled style adds an effortlessly cool feel to your hair, perfect for a relaxed, youthful appearance.
To elevate the look, add thick highlights or money pieces around the face for a bold contrast that brightens up your curls. This style is ideal for those seeking a fun, vibrant look that feels fresh and full of life, bringing out a playful and youthful energy in your short curly hair.
12. Coily Curly Frohawk
The coily curly frohawk is a bold and dramatic style that showcases your natural texture in a unique way. With the sides kept tight or braided, the focus is on the curls, which are gathered in the center to create height and volume. This look adds a touch of drama and is perfect for those who want to make a statement.
Ideal for 4A–4C curls, the frohawk highlights the natural coily texture while giving a fierce, edgy vibe. Whether you’re looking for something striking for a night out or a fresh everyday look, the coily curly frohawk offers a fun, attention-grabbing style that exudes confidence and individuality.
13. Micro Bangs with Curly Lob
The micro bangs with curly lob (long bob) offer a stylish, artsy flair that adds personality to your look. The combination of cropped bangs and soft, bouncy curls creates a fresh and youthful vibe, while the lob length provides a flattering shape that works well with various curl types. Whether you have tight spirals or loose waves, this cut brings out the best in your natural texture.
This edgy style instantly transforms your appearance, adding a unique touch to your everyday look. Micro bangs give a fun, bold edge, while the curly lob ensures a balanced, chic finish. It’s the perfect choice for those looking to blend boldness with elegance.
14. Bantu Knot-Out on Short Hair
The Bantu knot-out on short hair is a fantastic way to achieve defined, springy coils without the use of heat. This style involves setting your curls by twisting small sections of hair into Bantu knots and then unraveling them to reveal beautifully defined curls. The result is natural texture with a defined, bouncy look that lasts.
Not only does the Bantu knot-out provide gorgeous curl definition, but it’s also a great protective style for your hair. By avoiding heat, you help maintain your hair’s health while still enjoying a stunning, voluminous curly look. This style is perfect for anyone looking for low-maintenance, heat-free curl definition.
15. Short Curly Hair with a Pop of Color
Short curly hair with a pop of color adds a vibrant and playful twist to your natural curls. Whether you choose bold shades like lavender, copper, or subtle peek-a-boo colors, adding color enhances the texture and brings visual interest to your curls. This style is all about making a statement while showcasing your natural beauty.
Techniques like balayage or dip-dye work beautifully on short curly hair, creating depth and dimension while highlighting the curls’ natural shape. This pop of color not only gives your hair a fresh, modern look but also adds a fun, creative element to your curly hairstyle. Perfect for those looking to bring excitement and personality to their curls!
Hair Care Routine for Curly Hairstyles for Short Hair
Keeping your short curls healthy and defined requires a bit of love and the right routine. Here are 5 essential hair care tips to help your curly hairstyles for short hair look their best every day:
1. Moisturize Regularly
Curly hair tends to be dry, so keeping it hydrated is key. Use a leave-in conditioner or curl cream after washing to lock in moisture. For extra hydration, deep condition once a week using a rich mask with ingredients like shea butter or coconut oil.
2. Use a Sulfate-Free Shampoo
Cleansing without stripping is essential for curls. Opt for a sulfate-free shampoo that gently removes buildup while preserving your hair’s natural oils. Try co-washing (using conditioner to wash your hair) in between full washes to keep curls fresh without over-drying.
3. Define with Styling Products
Use curl-defining gels, mousses, or creams to shape your curls while they’re damp. Scrunch upward to encourage curl formation and minimize frizz. Let your hair air-dry or use a diffuser on low heat to maintain curl structure.
4. Sleep with Protection
Protect your curls overnight by sleeping on a silk or satin pillowcase, or wrapping your hair in a satin scarf or bonnet. This helps prevent frizz, breakage, and loss of curl definition while you sleep.
5. Trim Regularly
Short curly hairstyles need consistent trims every 6–8 weeks to prevent split ends and keep the shape looking fresh. This also promotes healthier growth and easier styling.
Time to Rock Those Curls!
Embracing your natural texture is more than a trend—it’s a celebration of your unique beauty. Curly hairstyles for short hair offer the perfect mix of low maintenance and high impact, letting you show off your personality with every curl, coil, and wave. Whether you’re into soft bangs, edgy pixie cuts, or bold color pops, there’s a short curly style out there just for you.
For the best results, chat with a stylist who understands curls and can help you choose a cut that complements your curl pattern and face shape. Don’t be afraid to try something new—confidence is the best accessory you can wear.
