18 Stunning Curly Hairstyles for Short Hair – Trendy & Easy Looks
Short curly hair is a gift that never goes unnoticed. While some might think short hair limits styling options, the truth is, your curls open up a whole world of creative possibilities. Whether you’re rocking a natural texture, have gone for the chop, or want to refresh your current style, this post has you covered.
From playful pixie cuts to elegant accessorized looks, we’re showcasing 18 trendy, versatile curly hairstyles for your short mane. We’ll also share tips on how to style and maintain these looks so your curls always shine.
Understanding Short Curly Hair
Before we jump into style inspiration, it’s important to acknowledge both the beauty and unique challenges that come with short curly hair.
Benefits of Short Curly Hair
- Low Maintenance: Fewer strands to handle mean faster washing and styling routines.
- Volume for Days: Short curls naturally create lift, giving you that effortlessly voluminous look.
- Showcases Your Features: A cropped curly style puts the spotlight on your face and neck, enhancing your natural beauty.
Challenges of Short Curly Hair
- Shrinkage: Curls often look shorter than their true length, which can limit how styles appear.
- Frizz Control: Managing frizz without weighing your curls down can take practice.
- Limited Length for Updos: With less hair to work with, certain styles like braids or high buns may require creativity.
But don’t worry—with the right inspiration and styling tips, these challenges are hardly barriers.
18 Hairstyles for Short Curly Hair
1. Pixie Cut with Curls
A pixie cut combined with natural curls is edgy, chic, and incredibly low-maintenance. This look is perfect if you want to keep your hair short without losing its natural texture.
Enhance the curls with a lightweight styling cream or mousse to keep them defined while adding a touch of shine. It’s a great option for anyone looking to make a bold statement with minimal effort.
2. Curly Bob
The bob is a timeless haircut that complements every curl pattern, from loose waves to tight coils. Adding layers to your curly bob helps create movement, volume, and shape while preventing the hair from looking too heavy or flat.
This versatile style works well for both casual days and more formal settings, making it a go-to choice for curly-haired individuals.
3. Asymmetrical Curly Hair
This playful and bold haircut features one side longer than the other, creating a modern, fashionable vibe that’s perfect for those who love to experiment with their look.
The asymmetry draws attention to your face and highlights your curls in a unique way. Add some texture with a curl-defining cream to make the style pop even more and keep it looking polished.
4. Shaved Sides with Curls
For the daring and adventurous, shaving or undercutting the sides while leaving your curls voluminous on top creates a striking contrast. This edgy, dynamic look exudes confidence and individuality.
You can style the curls on top with a strong gel, mousse, or pomade to create volume and definition. It’s a bold choice that always turns heads.
5. Stacked Curly Hair
Short, stacked layers in the back are ideal for adding fullness, shape, and structure to shorter curly styles.
This haircut works especially well for tighter curl patterns, as it gives your hair a beautiful, rounded silhouette. The stacked layers also make it easier to manage and maintain volume, making it a practical yet stylish option.
6. Curly Bangs
Soft, curly bangs are a versatile way to frame your face and add personality to any short haircut.
You can wear them swept to the side for a relaxed, flirty look or keep them full for a more dramatic, artsy vibe. Curly bangs are a playful addition that instantly elevate your style while keeping everything effortlessly cool.
7. Faux Hawk
A faux hawk is the perfect style if you want to embrace a punk-chic vibe without fully committing to shaving your head. Style your curls upwards and towards the center using a strong gel or mousse to create height and staying power.
This bold, edgy look is ideal for those who want to stand out while still maintaining the freedom to switch up their style.
8. Side Swept Curls
Sweeping your curls to one side creates an elegant, asymmetrical look that’s both sophisticated and easy to achieve.
Use bobby pins to secure your curls in place, or apply a lightweight styling product for long-lasting hold. This style works well for formal events or when you simply want to add a touch of glamour to your day.
9. Messy Curls
Messy curls are perfect for a carefree, romantic style that looks effortlessly chic. Simply run your fingers through your hair with a touch of mousse or texturizing spray to create an undone, natural vibe.
This style embraces the beauty of imperfect curls, making it an easy and quick option for any occasion.
10. Accessorized Curls
Elevate your curls with decorative clips, headbands, or scarves to create a unique and personalized look.
Hair accessories can be bold or subtle, depending on your style, and instantly dress up even the simplest curl patterns. Try metallic clips for a chic vibe, colorful headbands for a playful touch, or patterned scarves for a boho-inspired look.
11. Deep Side Part
Switch up your style by creating a dramatic deep side part. This simple change not only adds a fresh twist to your short curly hair but also brings extra volume and dimension.
Pair it with some bouncy curls or sleek waves for a polished, eye-catching effect perfect for any occasion.
12. Balayage Curls
Enhance your short curly hair with balayage highlights that add warmth and depth. This hand-painted technique blends color seamlessly into your curls, making every twist and turn stand out.
Whether you choose caramel, honey, or ash tones, balayage creates a natural, sun-kissed effect ideal for adding softness and dimension to your look.
13. Highlights on Curls
Chunky, face-framing highlights or subtle sun-kissed streaks can take your curls to the next level.
Add pops of color around your face to brighten your features or opt for soft highlights throughout to add vibrancy and texture. Highlights are perfect for giving short curly hair a fresh, modern feel while making your curls pop.
14. Braided Curls
Incorporate mini braids into your short curly hairstyle for a playful and creative twist. Whether it’s one small braid framing your face or multiple braided sections scattered through your curls, this style adds texture and variety.
Perfect for festivals, casual outings, or when you simply want to stand out, braided curls are a fun way to experiment with your look.
15. Half-Up Half-Down
This classic hairstyle gives you the best of both worlds—some of your curls stay loose to show off their natural beauty, while the top section is pulled back for a polished, elegant touch.
Add volume to the crown for a sophisticated vibe or keep it simple for a casual, everyday look. Perfect for work, date nights, or any occasion in between.
16. Space Buns
Add a fun, quirky touch to your short curly hair with space buns. Divide your hair into two sections and twist each into a bun on top of your head, leaving some loose curls for added texture.
This playful style is ideal for festivals, playful nights out, or even just experimenting with different looks. Add glitter or accessories for an even bolder statement!
17. Pineapple Hairstyle
The pineapple hairstyle isn’t just great for keeping your curls intact overnight; it’s also a trendy, casual look you can rock during the day. Gather your curls loosely at the crown of your head and secure them with a scrunchie or clip.
This style shows off your curl pattern while keeping your hair away from your face, making it perfect for lounging, running errands, or casual outings.
18. Wet Look
The wet, glossy finish is making a major comeback in the world of hairstyles, and it’s perfect for short curly hair. Apply mousse or gel to damp curls and finger-comb them into place to achieve that sleek, runway-ready style.
The result is a shiny, polished look that’s great for formal events, nights out, or when you want to add a dramatic edge to your curls.
Styling Tips to Perfect Your Short Curls
Short curly hair shines brightest when styled and cared for properly. Here’s how to nail any look on this list.
Use the Right Products
Curly hair benefits from lightweight products that define without weighing it down. Look for curl creams, mousses, and gels specifically formulated for your curl type.
Define with Diffusers
A diffuser attachment on your blow dryer is a game-changer for curly hair. It helps set your curls’ natural pattern while minimizing frizz.
Trim Regularly
Short curly hair requires regular trims to maintain its shape and avoid split ends. Aim for a cut every 6-8 weeks.
Hydrate Your Curls
Curly hair is naturally drier, so deep condition weekly and use a leave-in conditioner to keep your curls hydrated and bouncy.
Experiment with Accessories
Pins, scarves, and headbands don’t just look great—they’re also practical for fixing or modifying short hairdos throughout the day.
Time to Switch Up Your Style
Short curly hair is versatile, chic, and full of life. With so many styles to try, there’s no shortage of ways to love your curls. Whether you go bold with a shaved side cut, playful with space buns, or classic with a bob, your curls will always steal the show.
If you loved this guide and need help selecting products or styling methods tailored to your hair, don’t hesitate to reach out to your nearest curl specialist for more personalized tips!
Now go ahead—grab some styling cream, try out a new look, and show off your beautiful curls!
