Short curly hair is having its moment, and for good reason. These styles celebrate your natural texture while solving common curly hair challenges like morning routine struggles and unpredictable volume.
The right short curly cut can transform your look from overwhelming to effortlessly chic.
You'll discover 20 stunning short curly hairstyles that work with your curls, not against them.
From low-maintenance pixie cuts to sophisticated textured bobs, these looks will help you embrace your natural texture with confidence and style.
20 Gorgeous Short Curly Hairstyles
1. Chic Side Parted Curly Hair
This sophisticated style features bouncy curls swept dramatically to one side, creating instant glamour.
Perfect for women with round or square face shapes who want to add length and movement. The layers create natural volume while face-framing highlights add dimension.
Style with volumizing mousse at the roots and finish with light-hold gel to define individual curls without weighing them down.
2. Choppy Layers with Balayage
Dark curly hair gets a modern upgrade with strategically placed choppy layers and sun-kissed balayage highlights.
This cut prevents heavy curls from looking weighed down while adding movement and interest. Ideal for women with thick, dense curls who struggle with bulk.
Apply texturizing cream to damp hair and scrunch while air-drying. The layers will naturally separate, creating definition and preventing that dreaded triangle shape.
3. Voluminous Curly Pixie Cut
This retro-inspired pixie maximizes your curls' natural volume with a perfectly shaped silhouette.
The longer top section creates height while keeping sides neat and polished.
Flatters oval and heart-shaped faces beautifully, especially women who want a bold, confident look.
Use root-lifting spray when styling and finish with flexible-hold hairspray. The key is scrunching product through damp curls and letting them air-dry for maximum bounce and definition.
4. Jaw Length Curly Messy Bob
This playful bob hits right at the jawline, creating a youthful and romantic silhouette.
The intentionally messy texture adds effortless charm while remaining polished enough for professional settings.
Works beautifully on women with fine to medium curls who want more body and movement.
Achieve this look with a diffuser attachment while blow-drying upside down. Add curl-defining mousse to enhance texture and create those perfectly imperfect, tousled curls.
5. Feminine Short Curls with Deep Part
Naturally flowing curls get instant sophistication with a dramatic deep side part and loose, layered styling.
This versatile cut transitions seamlessly from office to evening events.
Especially flattering on women with diamond or oval face shapes who want to highlight their bone structure.
Create the look using curl cream on wet hair, then part deeply while damp.
The asymmetrical styling adds visual interest while maintaining an elegant, feminine appeal.
6. Tight Ringlet Afro
Celebrate your natural tight curl pattern with this beautifully shaped afro that showcases every gorgeous ringlet.
The shorter length makes styling manageable while maintaining maximum impact and personality.
Perfect for women who want to embrace their authentic texture with confidence. Maintain with leave-in conditioner and curl defining gel applied to soaking wet hair.
The key is never brushing dry curls and using the "praying hands" method to distribute products evenly.
7. Shoulder Length Curls with Bangs
Soft curls paired with wispy bangs create a romantic, bohemian vibe that's both current and timeless.
The bangs add an edgy contemporary element while softening angular face shapes. Ideal for women with long or square faces who want to balance their proportions.
Style bangs with a small round brush and blow dryer, while scrunching the rest with anti-frizz serum. The contrast between structured bangs and free-flowing curls creates beautiful visual interest.
8. Short Wavy Lob
The long bob gets a modern update with natural waves and blunt ends that create clean, sharp lines.
This trendy cut offers versatility - wear it sleek for work or tousled for weekends.
Flatters most face shapes, especially women with fine to medium hair texture seeking more body.
Achieve the look with wave-enhancing spray and scrunching while air-drying.
The blunt ends prevent the style from looking too casual while maintaining that effortless, red-carpet-ready appearance.
9. Short Voluminous Curls with Side Part
Large, loose curls paired with a deep side part create dramatic volume and movement that commands attention.
This style works particularly well for special occasions or when you want to make a statement.
Best suited for women with thick hair who can support the volume without looking overwhelmed.
Use volumizing foam at roots before styling with a large barrel curling iron. The larger curl pattern creates a more sophisticated, polished look than tight ringlets.
10. Short Vintage Curls
Channel old Hollywood glamour with tight, defined ringlets styled in a classic bob shape.
This timeless look exudes confidence and sophistication while feeling fresh and contemporary.
Perfect for women who love vintage fashion and want their hair to complement their personal style.
Create with setting lotion and hot rollers for authentic vintage texture. Finish with strong-hold hairspray to maintain the defined curl pattern all day while adding brilliant shine.
11. Curly Hair with Shaved Side
This edgy style combines feminine curls with a bold shaved section, creating striking contrast and modern appeal.
The asymmetrical design adds drama while keeping styling simple and manageable. Ideal for confident women who want to stand out and aren't afraid to make a statement.
Maintain the shaved section with regular touch-ups every 2-3 weeks. Style the curly section with texturizing paste for definition and lightweight oil for shine and frizz control.
12. Updo for Short Naturally Curly Hair
Even short curly hair can create elegant updos with this loose, romantic bun style.
Intentional face-framing pieces add softness while the gathered back keeps things polished and sophisticated.
Perfect for formal events, weddings, or professional settings where you need a refined look. Secure with bobby pins in your hair color and use texturizing spray for grip.
Allow some curls to escape naturally for that effortlessly chic, slightly undone appearance.
13. Short Curly Hair with Crown Braid
A delicate crown braid adds romantic detail to short curly hair, creating a bohemian princess vibe.
This style works best on second or third-day hair when curls have natural texture and grip. Ideal for special occasions, festivals, or when you want to feel extra feminine.
Start with dry shampoo for texture and grip, then braid loosely around the crown. Secure with small clear elastics and gently tug at the braid to create volume and softness.
14. Short Curly Cut with Sweeping Side Bangs
Soft, sweeping side bangs add gentle framing without overwhelming delicate features or competing with curly texture.
This universally flattering style balances the volume of curls while adding sophistication.
Perfect for women who want bangs but worry about maintenance with curly hair.
Style bangs with a round brush and blow dryer, sweeping to one side.
Use lightweight smoothing cream to tame any frizziness while allowing the rest of your curls to maintain their natural bounce.
15. Short Curls with Temple Shave
The temple shave offers a subtler alternative to full side shaves while still adding modern edge and personality.
This style reduces bulk around the face while maintaining feminine appeal. Excellent for women with very thick, dense curls who need strategic volume reduction.
Keep the shaved area neat with monthly maintenance appointments.
Style remaining curls with curl cream and diffuse gently to enhance natural texture without creating excess volume in the fuller sections.
16. Messy Curly Bob with Bangs
Embrace your wild side with this intentionally messy bob that celebrates curly hair's natural unpredictability.
The tousled texture paired with choppy bangs creates an effortlessly cool, carefree vibe.
Perfect for women who prefer low-maintenance styles that look great with minimal effort.
Enhance the messy texture with sea salt spray on damp hair, then scrunch and air-dry. The key is working with your curls' natural patterns rather than fighting them for perfect uniformity.
17. Short Afro Hairstyle
A perfectly shaped short afro celebrates natural curl patterns while creating a bold, confident silhouette.
This empowering style showcases your authentic texture in its full glory.
Ideal for women who want a statement look that's both beautiful and meaningful. Maintain shape with regular trims every 4-6 weeks.
Daily care includes moisturizing leave-in conditioner and natural oils to keep curls healthy and defined. The shorter length makes maintenance easier while maximizing impact.
18. Shaved Pixie Cut with Curly Bangs
This ultra-modern pixie features closely shaved sides and back with longer, curly texture on top that can be styled forward into soft bangs.
The contrast creates striking visual interest while remaining surprisingly versatile. Perfect for adventurous women who want minimal maintenance with maximum style impact.
Style the longer section with texture paste for separation and definition. The curly bangs can be worn forward for softness or swept to the side for different looks.
19. Platinum Blonde Curly Bob
Bold platinum blonde color transforms a classic curly bob into a show-stopping statement piece.
The light color enhances curl definition while creating incredible dimension and movement.
Best suited for women with cooler skin tones who want a dramatic, high-fashion look. Maintain color with purple shampoo weekly to prevent brassiness.
Use color-safe styling products and always apply heat protectant before any thermal styling to preserve both color and curl integrity.
20. Pinned Up Curls
Short curly hair can absolutely create elegant updos with strategic pinning and styling techniques.
This romantic look gathers curls upward while allowing texture to remain the star.
Perfect for formal events, weddings, or any time you want sophistication without sacrificing your natural texture.
Start with texturizing spray for grip, then gather sections with bobby pins that match your hair color. Allow some curls to frame the face naturally for a soft, romantic finish that photographs beautifully.
Final Thoughts
These 20 chic short curly hairstyles prove that embracing your natural texture is both stylish and empowering.
From bold pixie cuts to sophisticated textured bobs, there's a perfect look waiting to transform your curly hair routine.
Remember, the best hairstyle is one that makes you feel confident and beautiful. Try one of these styles and share your transformation - we love seeing how you make these looks your own!