Posted Under: Hairstyles

70+ Short Curly Hairstyles We’re LOVING Right Now!

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Short curly hair can be bold, beautiful, and full of personality. Whether you’re rocking natural curls or enhancing them with a bit of styling magic, the right cut can take your look from simple to stunning.

From pixies and bobs to layered crops and textured fades, these 72 short curly hairstyles prove that you don’t need long locks to make a big impact. Get inspired by the cutest, chicest, and most effortlessly cool short styles for curly hair—there’s something here for every texture, face shape, and vibe.

Essentials for Short Curly Hairstyles

Before you pick your next look, there are a few essentials you’re going to want to have to make sure you new curly hairstyles last all day long without losing its bounce and definition (no one wants frizzy and flat hair)!

  1. Curl-Defining Cream
    Known for its intense hydration and curl-enhancing formula, Moroccanoil Curl Defining Cream contains argan oil that deeply nourishes curls. It helps define short curly hair, giving you a frizz-free finish and a bouncy hold. This product works well on damp hair and is ideal for achieving soft, natural-looking curls without stiffness.
  2. Curl Refresh Spray
    Perfect for quick curl touch-ups, Ouidad Botanical Boost Curl Energizing & Refreshing Spray revives and redefines curls between washes. The lightweight formula is packed with botanical extracts to provide moisture, enhancing short curls’ texture and bounce without weighing them down. Great for refreshing day-old curls or adding a bit of lift to limp hair.
  3. Satin Sleep Cap
    Protecting curly hair at night is key, and the Grace Eleyae Satin Lined Cap minimizes friction and keeps curls intact while you sleep. It’s designed to prevent frizz and breakage, making it a favorite among those with short curls who want to maintain their curl pattern and texture overnight.

Our Top 20 Short Curly Hairstyles

We have over 70 hairstyles ideas for you to check out. But first, here are some of our favorite options if you want short and curly hair:

1. Blonde Curly Pixie

A person with short, curly blonde hair is standing outdoors, surrounded by trees and greenery. They are wearing a white spaghetti strap top, and the sunlight filters through the branches, creating a dappled light effect in the background.

Light, natural curls create a voluminous pixie cut, exuding a carefree, summery vibe. The short length frames the face beautifully, highlighting soft texture and bounce.

2. Tapered Curly Fro

A woman with curly hair and silver earrings smiles softly, wearing a gray top. The background is blurred, focusing on her calm and confident expression.

This classic tapered afro embraces natural curls, adding volume at the top while staying clean and polished on the sides. The style celebrates texture with a touch of elegance.

3. Curly Undercut Pixie

A person with a stylish short curly hairstyle gazes thoughtfully in profile. They wear small, elegant earrings and a black outfit, with a blurred background suggesting an indoor setting.

Defined curls cascade over a sharp undercut, giving this pixie an edgy and stylish look. The contrast adds depth and brings a modern twist to traditional curls.

4. Soft Tousled Curls

A person with short, curly brown hair smiles softly. They wear a delicate necklace and hoop earrings, and their top has a black, lace-like pattern. The background is light and neutral.

This relaxed, tousled style keeps curls light and airy, adding volume and texture all around. Effortless yet chic, it’s ideal for a casual, carefree look.

5. Rounded Curly Crop

A person with short, curly hair smiles warmly while wearing a white top and silver jewelry, including a necklace with a cross pendant. The background is softly blurred.

A rounded, full-bodied crop that’s both playful and sophisticated. The tight curls add a natural volume and frame the face, creating a polished yet relaxed look.

6. Blonde-Highlighted Curls

A person with short, curly hair and wearing a gray sleeveless top smiles softly. They have small hoop earrings and a necklace with a circular pendant. The background is plain white.

Blonde highlights bring dimension to these loose curls, enhancing texture and movement. The cropped cut is short, fun, and adds a hint of boldness with the lighter tones

7. Platinum Curly Taper

A stylish person with short, curly blonde hair wears glasses, bold red lipstick, and a yellow coat over a black turtleneck, posing confidently against a blurred urban backdrop.

Bold and refined, this short platinum cut is styled with defined curls that give it a striking silhouette. It’s both edgy and elegant, perfect for making a statement.

8. Soft Bob

Smiling person with short, curly hair wearing a light pink top, looking directly at the camera. The background is plain and light-colored, emphasizing the subjects joyful expression.

Loose, tousled curls styled into a short bob create a soft, layered look. The style is chic and full of movement, giving natural curls a modern, fresh feel.

9. Curly Pixie

A woman with curly, purple-tinted hair gazes to the side. She wears a patterned top, layered necklaces, and a large earring, with natural light enhancing her features.

Vibrant purple highlights add a playful pop of color to these textured curls. The pixie cut with color accents is daring and full of personality.

10. Ash Brown Curly Pixie

A person with short, curly hair and wearing a floral-patterned top and necklace is sitting indoors. The background is softly blurred, highlighting their thoughtful expression.

This ash brown pixie blends defined curls with subtle layers, creating a soft, face-framing effect. A chic and understated style that enhances natural texture.

11. Fiery Bob

A person with short, curly red hair and fair skin is smiling softly at the camera. They are wearing a light-colored top and hoop earrings. The background is softly blurred, suggesting an indoor setting.

This vibrant red bob is full of lively, defined curls with soft layers. The voluminous shape beautifully frames the face and highlights the rich, bold color.

12. Dimensional Curly Pixie

A person with short, curly brown hair and highlights stands in front of a light wooden background. They are wearing a black top and have a neutral expression.

With warm highlights woven through, this curly pixie cut adds depth and movement. The mix of curls and color creates a lively, textured style that’s effortlessly chic.

13. Soft Red Waves

A person with short, curly red hair and freckles is gazing upwards with a thoughtful expression. They are wearing a light grey shirt. The background is plain and softly lit.

Loose, tousled curls in a natural red tone give this cut a romantic, airy feel. The waves are styled with volume, enhancing the playful texture of the hair.

14. Curly Tapered Cut

A woman with short curly hair and large gold earrings looks to the side. She is wearing a white top against a plain background.

A bold tapered cut with tight curls on top and shorter sides. Subtle highlights add warmth and dimension to the curls, enhancing the shape and structure of this edgy style.

15. Au Natural

A person with curly hair and a serious expression looks directly at the camera. They are wearing a patterned top. The background is plain, putting focus on their features.

Tightly coiled curls form this classic, short bob. This effortless style celebrates natural texture with volume and bounce, making it both relaxed and chic.

16. Dramatic Fauxhawk

A woman with short, curly hair styled in an updo, wearing a black top. She accessorizes with gold dangling earrings and layered necklaces, her makeup accentuating her features. The background is a soft, light gray.

A standout fauxhawk with voluminous curls on top and shaved sides. This edgy look emphasizes texture, showcasing the curls in a bold, fashion-forward way.

17. Golden Afro

A person with curly, short hair and wearing a tan sweater stands against a light-colored background. They have a calm expression and are wearing a layered necklace.

A halo of golden curls that frames the face in a soft, rounded shape. This cut brings out the natural texture of the hair with volume and a sun-kissed tone.

18. Voluminous Dark Curly Bob

A person with curly dark hair and freckles looks directly at the camera, wearing a brown top. The background is softly blurred, suggesting an outdoor setting with greenery.

Dark, bouncy curls styled in a rounded bob for full volume. This look combines natural texture with a slightly tousled effect, adding depth and dimension to the curls.

19. Side-Swept Pixie

A person with short, curly black hair styled in a voluminous manner, wearing a black sleeveless top, poses against a beige background. The lighting highlights their smooth complexion and striking features.

A stylish side-swept pixie with defined curls and shaved sides. This cut is both sophisticated and daring, emphasizing the curls with an asymmetrical silhouette.

20. Classic Curly Crop

Smiling person with short, curly hair wearing a white sleeveless top against a light background.

A timeless curly crop with soft, springy curls that frame the face. This look is simple and elegant, with just the right amount of volume for a natural, polished appearance.

FAQs

What Are Some Popular Short Curly Hairstyles?

Some popular short curly hairstyles include the curly pixie cut, the curly bob, and the shag cut. These styles work well with natural curls and can be tailored to different curl types. Each of these options offers a unique look, whether you want something edgy, soft, or vintage-inspired.

How Can I Make My Short Curly Hair More Manageable?

Using a good leave-in conditioner and curl cream can help keep short curly hair defined and manageable. Regular trims are also essential to prevent split ends and maintain shape. Styling with a diffuser on low heat can add volume without creating frizz.

Are Bangs a Good Option For Short Curly Hair?

Yes, bangs can look great with short curly hair, especially with a shag or pixie cut. Curly bangs add a stylish, youthful look and can help frame the face nicely. Just make sure to work with a stylist who understands curly hair to get the right shape and length.

More Short Curly Hairstyles We LOVE!

Still struggling to find the look that’s right for you. Then check out this huge, expanded gallery to find the look that’s right for you:

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