Short curly hairstyles bring movement, volume, and personality to your look. This guide shares 26 short curly hairstyles that are stylish, practical, and easy to personalize.
Curly hair looks best when the cut supports the curl pattern and removes heavy bulk. You will find options here for soft volume, sharp shape, low upkeep, and bold texture.
Curly Pixie Cut
A curly pixie cut keeps the sides and back short while leaving soft curls on top. This shape gives a clean outline and makes natural texture stand out.
The shorter length cuts styling time and helps curls feel lighter. A curl cream and a quick finger scrunch usually give enough shape for the day.
This haircut works well for oval, heart, and square face shapes with small changes in top length. Ask your stylist for soft layers on top so the curls do not sit too flat.
Curly Bob with Chin-Length Shape
A chin-length curly bob frames the face and gives curls a rounded, balanced shape. This cut looks polished but still feels playful and natural.
The length sits near the jawline, so it adds shape without too much weight. Light layering helps curls stack nicely instead of puffing out unevenly.
This style looks great with a side part or middle part based on your face shape. Use a diffuser on low heat to keep curl definition and reduce frizz.
Tapered Curly Crop
A tapered curly crop keeps more curl volume on top and gradually shortens the hair near the neckline. The shape looks neat and gives the haircut a strong structure.
This cut helps thick curly hair feel easier to manage. It also keeps the back cooler and lighter in warm weather.
Ask for a clean taper with enough length on top for curl definition. A small amount of mousse can lift the roots and hold the shape all day.
Short Curly Shag
The short curly shag uses layered pieces to create soft volume and movement. It gives curls a relaxed, lived-in look with lots of texture.
This style works well for medium to thick curls because layers remove bulk. It also grows out nicely, so trims can be less frequent.
Curtain bangs or face-framing pieces pair well with this cut. Use a lightweight curl gel to keep the layers defined without making them stiff.
Curly French Bob
A curly French bob is short, chic, and usually sits between the cheekbone and chin. It often pairs with soft curly bangs for a stylish Paris-inspired finish.
This cut gives a compact shape that looks elegant and bold at the same time. It suits people who want a polished style with natural curl texture.
Keep the ends shaped with regular trims to maintain the bob line. A satin pillowcase can help curls stay smoother overnight.
Layered Curly Bob
A layered curly bob adds depth and shape by cutting curls at different lengths. This makes the hair look bouncy and prevents a heavy triangle shape.
The layers help curls separate better, which makes styling easier. It is a strong choice for people who want volume with control.
Ask for layers placed based on your curl pattern, not just hair length. A diffuser and leave-in conditioner can bring out the best shape in this haircut.
Short Curly Bob with Side Part
A side part changes the look of a short curly bob without extra work. It adds instant volume on one side and gives the style a softer flow.
This haircut works well if you want a classic shape with a small style update. The side part also helps balance round or fuller face shapes.
Use a styling cream near the roots to support the part and reduce flyaways. Pin one side back for a quick day-to-night change.
Curly Pixie Bob
A curly pixie bob blends the short freedom of a pixie with the softness of a bob. It keeps length around the top and front while staying shorter at the back.
This shape is flattering and easy to style for busy mornings. It also gives you more versatility than a very short pixie.
You can wear it smooth and defined or soft and fluffy. Ask for longer front curls if you want more face-framing options.
Curly Bixie Cut
The curly bixie cut sits between a bob and a pixie and gives a soft modern shape. It has texture on top and around the crown with a light, airy finish.
This haircut is great for adding lift to fine curly hair. It gives shape without removing too much length at once.
The bixie looks best with soft layering and a natural curl pattern. Use a small amount of foam to keep the top full and the ends neat.
Rounded Afro Crop
A rounded afro crop celebrates natural curls with a clean, balanced silhouette. The shape stays short but full, which makes the curls the main focus.
This style looks bold and beautiful while staying easy to maintain. Regular shaping helps keep the outline smooth and even.
Moisture matters most for this haircut, so use a leave-in conditioner often. A pick can lift the roots and keep the round shape looking full.
TWA with Defined Curls
A TWA, or teeny weeny afro, is a very short natural curly style with a fresh clean look. Defined curls make it look soft, polished, and full of texture.
This cut is simple to care for and highlights facial features clearly. It is also a strong option after a big chop or a hair reset.
Use a curl sponge, gel, or finger coils to define the top based on your texture. Keep the scalp moisturized for a healthy finish.
Curly Crop with Baby Bangs
A curly crop with baby bangs adds a bold edge to short curls. The short fringe opens the face and gives the haircut a fashion-forward look.
This style works best when the bangs are cut dry to match curl shrinkage. It keeps the final shape more accurate and easier to wear.
The rest of the cut should stay softly layered for balance. Use light styling products so the bangs do not clump too much.
Short Curly Cut with Curly Bangs
Curly bangs add softness and style to a short curly haircut. They frame the forehead and make the whole cut feel more complete.
This look suits many face shapes because the bangs can be cut longer or shorter. It also gives extra volume in the front, which many short styles need.
Ask your stylist to blend the bangs into the side layers. Use a diffuser and finger shaping to keep the fringe bouncy and separated.
Asymmetrical Curly Bob
An asymmetrical curly bob keeps one side slightly longer than the other for a modern shape. The uneven line adds movement and makes the cut look more dynamic.
This style is a good choice if you want something stylish but still wearable every day. It gives a fresh twist to a classic bob.
The longer side can tuck behind the ear or fall across the cheek. Keep curl definition strong so the shape difference stays visible.
Jaw-Length Curly Cut with Layers
A jaw-length curly cut sits a little longer than a pixie and a little shorter than a classic bob. Layers keep the curls lifted and stop the ends from looking too heavy.
This length frames the face well and feels easy to style. It works nicely for loose curls, ringlets, and mixed curl patterns.
Use a leave-in cream before diffusing to keep the layers soft. Trim every few weeks to maintain the jaw-length shape.
Curly Undercut Pixie
A curly undercut pixie combines shaved or very short sides with longer curls on top. The contrast gives a bold look and makes the top curls stand out more.
This haircut removes bulk and keeps styling time short. It is a practical choice for thick curls and warm climates.
You can wear the top curls forward, upward, or to one side. Ask for a soft fade or clean undercut line based on your style preference.
Soft Curly Mushroom Cut
A soft curly mushroom cut has a rounded top with a smooth curved outline. The curly texture keeps it from looking stiff and gives it a playful finish.
This style suits people who like strong shape and short length. It looks best when the curls are evenly layered around the head.
Regular shaping is important to keep the round silhouette. A curl cream with light hold helps the cut stay soft and defined.
Short Curly Wolf Cut
A short curly wolf cut blends shaggy layers with a slightly fuller crown. It gives a cool, textured shape with natural lift and movement.
This cut works well for people who want volume at the top and a lighter feel at the ends. The layers create shape without losing curl personality.
Pair it with soft bangs for a more complete wolf-cut look. Use mousse at the roots and a little gel on the ends for control.
Ear-Length Curly Cut
An ear-length curly cut is short, clean, and easy to maintain. The curls sit around the ears and create a soft frame for the face.
This style is ideal for people who want a fresh short look without shaving the sides. It feels light and dries faster than longer cuts.
Small layers near the crown can improve shape and volume. Use a light serum to reduce frizz and add shine.
Neck-Length Curly Bob
A neck-length curly bob gives more length than a chin bob while keeping a short hairstyle feel. It offers strong shape and a little extra styling flexibility.
This cut works well for people who want to tie up small sections in clips or pins. It also helps curls fall naturally without too much shrinkage at the face.
Layers should stay soft so the bob line still looks clear. Diffuse upside down for added volume at the roots.
Short Curly Cut with Temple Taper
A temple taper shortens the hair around the temples while keeping curl volume on top and back. This creates a clean frame that highlights the face.
This detail gives the haircut a neat and stylish finish without changing the whole look. It is a smart choice for thick or dense curls near the hairline.
Ask for a subtle taper if you want a softer result. Keep the top moisturized and defined so the contrast looks intentional.
Curly Bob with Stacked Back
A stacked back curly bob is shorter in the back and slightly longer in the front. The stacked layers lift the crown and create a fuller shape.
This style gives natural volume and a clean neckline. It is great for fine to medium curls that need more structure.
The back needs precise cutting, so choose a stylist who cuts curly hair well. Use a diffuser to hold the stacked shape and avoid flattening the crown.
Short Curly Cut with Deep Side Sweep
A deep side sweep pushes the front curls across one side for soft drama. It makes a short curly haircut look glamorous with very little effort.
This style is perfect for events, photos, or dressy days. It also works well with layered cuts and pixie bobs.
Use a bit of gel or cream at the front to hold the sweep in place. A small clip can help train the curls to sit in the right direction.
Wash-and-Go Curly Crop
A wash-and-go curly crop is cut to support your natural curl pattern with minimal styling. The goal is a shape that looks good after washing, product, and air drying or diffusing.
This haircut saves time and keeps your routine simple. It works best when layers match your curl type and density.
Ask for a dry cut so the stylist can see how your curls spring up. Use one leave-in product and one gel for a quick, repeatable routine.
Short Curly Cut with Highlights
Highlights add depth and brightness to short curly hairstyles. The color catches the curl pattern and makes each twist more visible.
This style looks lively and dimensional in both natural light and indoor light. Warm caramel, honey, or soft blonde pieces are popular choices.
Keep highlighted curls hydrated with a moisture mask to protect softness. A curl cream with shine helps the color and texture stand out.
Classic Short Curly Bob
The classic short curly bob stays timeless because it suits many curl types and face shapes. It gives a clean shape, soft volume, and easy everyday style.
This cut can look casual or polished based on styling. It also works with bangs, side parts, and light layers for small updates.
Regular trims and good moisture care keep this bob looking fresh. It is a dependable choice if you want short curls that never feel outdated.
What is the best short curly hairstyle for low maintenance?
A wash-and-go curly crop or a classic short curly bob is often the easiest option. These cuts work with your natural curl shape and need fewer styling steps.
Do short curly hairstyles make hair look more voluminous?
Yes, the right layers can make curls look fuller and more lifted. A short length also removes weight, which helps curls spring up more.
How often should I trim short curly hair?
Most short curly cuts look best with trims every 6 to 10 weeks. Very structured cuts like pixies or stacked bobs may need trims sooner.
Can I get bangs with short curly hairstyles?
Yes, curly bangs can look great with bobs, shags, and crops. A dry curl cut helps the stylist shape the bangs correctly.
Which products help short curly hair look defined?
A leave-in conditioner, curl cream, and light-hold gel work well for most people. Product choice depends on curl type, density, and how much hold you want.
Is a curly pixie good for thick hair?
Yes, a curly pixie can work very well for thick hair. Tapering or undercut details remove bulk and make the shape easier to manage.
How do I reduce frizz in short curly hairstyles?
Use moisturizing products and avoid rough towel drying. A microfiber towel, diffuser on low heat, and satin pillowcase can help a lot.
Which short curly hairstyle suits round faces?
A layered curly bob, bixie, or side-part curly cut often works well. Volume at the crown and soft face-framing pieces can balance round face shapes.
Can I color short curly hair without losing curl shape?
Yes, you can color curly hair and keep the curl pattern healthy with proper care. Use color-safe products and deep conditioning treatments to protect moisture.
Conclusion
These 26 short curly hairstyles offer a wide range of looks, from soft and classic to bold and modern. You can choose a cut based on your curl pattern, face shape, and daily routine.
A good short curly haircut should support your natural texture and make styling easier. Save your favorite styles from this list, show the photos and prompts to your stylist, and pick the shape that fits your life best.