Curly hair is a true blessing, and short curly hairstyles are the perfect way to embrace your natural texture while keeping things fresh and sassy. Whether you’re a teenager, a working professional, or a fabulous woman of a certain age, these 21 stylish looks prove that short curly cuts can be flattering, low-maintenance, and incredibly chic. Get ready to be inspired!
1. Short Curly Ringlets
These adorable short curly ringlets are the epitome of cute and playful. The tight, springy curls frame the face beautifully, adding volume and a youthful vibe. Best of all, this style is relatively low-maintenance – just a little curl cream or mousse and a diffuser, and you’re good to go! It’s perfect for women of any age who want a style that’s easy but still looks styled.
2. Curly Pixie Hairstyle
Edgy yet feminine, this curly pixie cut is a bold choice that pays off in spades. The tight curls accentuate the face’s features, creating a striking look that’s both youthful and sophisticated. It’s a great option for women who want to make a statement and showcase their beautiful curls. To style, use a curl-enhancing cream or gel and scrunch the curls while drying with a diffuser.
3. Choppy Layers with Balayage
Choppy layers are a curly girl’s best friend, adding movement and definition to those gorgeous spirals. This style takes it a step further with a beautiful balayage highlighting technique, creating a multi-dimensional look that’s both edgy and glamorous. The face-framing pieces and loose, tousled curls give off a relaxed, effortless vibe that’s perfect for any age.
To style, use a lightweight curl cream or serum, and encourage the natural movement of the curls by scrunching and diffusing. The balayage highlights will help to add depth and dimension, creating a truly stunning look.
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4. Short Curly Thick Hair
Thick, luscious curls are a gorgeous sight to behold, and this short curly hairstyle showcases them beautifully. The layered cut creates shape and movement, while the tight spirals add incredible volume and texture. It’s a perfect style for women with naturally thick, curly hair who want to embrace their gorgeous mane while keeping it manageable.
To style, use a curl-defining cream or gel, and scrunch the curls while diffusing. For added volume, flip your head upside down while drying, and consider using a volumizing mousse or root-lifting spray.
5. Short Wavy Curls
Not all curls are tight spirals – these gorgeous short wavy curls are proof that loose, beachy waves can be just as stunning in a cropped cut. The layers and face-framing pieces create a soft, romantic look that’s perfect for any occasion. It’s a versatile style that can be dressed up or down, making it a great choice for women of all ages and lifestyles.
To style, use a salt spray or texturizing cream, and scrunch the waves while diffusing or air-drying. A curling wand or flat iron can also be used to enhance the waves and create a more polished look.
6. Classy Wavy Bob
This classy wavy bob is the epitome of sophisticated chic. The long, loose waves create a soft, feminine look that’s both timeless and on-trend. The layering and face-framing pieces add movement and dimension, creating a style that’s perfect for women of any age who want to look polished and put-together.
To style, use a curl-enhancing cream or mousse, and scrunch the waves while diffusing or air-drying. A small barrel curling iron can also be used to create the perfect loose waves.
7. Chin Length Curly Bob
For those who want to keep their curls cropped and close, this chin-length curly bob is an excellent choice. The tight spirals add incredible volume and texture, while the shorter length keeps things fresh and youthful. It’s a great option for women with naturally curly hair who want a low-maintenance style that still looks fabulous.
To style, use a curl-defining cream or gel, and scrunch the curls while diffusing. For added hold and shine, consider using a lightweight curl-enhancing spray or serum.
8. Short Curly Hair with Bangs
Bangs can be a game-changer for curly hair, adding a playful, youthful vibe to any short hairstyle. This look combines tight curls with eye-catching fringe, creating a fun and flirty look that’s sure to turn heads. It’s a great option for women who want to add some edge to their curly cut.
To style, use a curl-defining cream or gel, and scrunch the curls while diffusing. For the bangs, use a small round brush and blow dryer to create the perfect shape and curl.
9. Short Layered Curls
Layers are a curly girl’s best friend, adding incredible movement and definition to any hairstyle. This short layered look is a prime example, with the layers creating a beautiful, cascading effect that showcases the curls in all their glory. It’s a versatile style that can be dressed up or down, making it a great choice for women of any age or lifestyle.
To style, use a curl-enhancing cream or mousse, and scrunch the curls while diffusing or air-drying. A small barrel curling iron can also be used to enhance the curls and add extra definition.
10. Tousled Curls
Sometimes, the most effortless styles are the most beautiful. These tousled curls are the perfect example, with their undone, lived-in vibe that’s equal parts cool and chic. The layering and face-framing pieces create a soft, romantic look that’s perfect for any occasion.
To style, use a salt spray or texturizing cream, and scrunch the curls while diffusing or air-drying. A small barrel curling iron can also be used to enhance the curls and create a more polished look.
11. Side Swept Curly Hairstyle
This side-swept curly hairstyle is a true showstopper, with its dramatic sweep of curls cascading over one shoulder. The layers and loose, tousled curls create a soft, romantic look that’s perfect for any age or occasion. It’s a great option for women who want to add a touch of glamour to their curly cut.
To style, use a curl-enhancing cream or mousse, and scrunch the curls while diffusing or air-drying. A small barrel curling iron can also be used to enhance the curls and create the perfect side sweep.
12. Part A-Line Short Curly Bob
This short curly bob with a side part and A-line shape is a chic and modern take on a classic style. The side part adds a touch of sophistication, while the loose, tousled curls create a soft, romantic look that’s perfect for any occasion. It’s a great option for women who want to keep their curls cropped and close while still maintaining a polished, put-together look.
To style, use a curl-enhancing cream or mousse, and scrunch the curls while diffusing or air-drying. A small barrel curling iron can also be used to enhance the curls and create the perfect A-line shape.
13. Vintage Updo with a Handmade Flower Crown
For a truly romantic and whimsical look, this vintage updo with a handmade flower crown is sure to turn heads. The loose, tousled curls are swept up into a soft, feminine updo, with the delicate flower crown adding a touch of bohemian charm. It’s a perfect style for weddings, proms, or any special occasion.
To style, use a curl-enhancing cream or mousse, and scrunch the curls while diffusing or air-drying. Use a small barrel curling iron to enhance the curls and create the perfect vintage look. Finish with a light-hold hairspray and your handmade flower crown for a truly stunning look.
14. Magician Color Splash on Bob Haircut
This curly bob with a bold color splash is a true showstopper, combining the classic shape of a bob with a vibrant, eye-catching color scheme. The bright magenta hues add a playful, edgy vibe to the look, while the loose, tousled curls create a soft, romantic feel. It’s a perfect style for women who want to make a statement and embrace their curls in a unique and bold way.
To style, use a curl-enhancing cream or mousse, and scrunch the curls while diffusing or air-drying. A small barrel curling iron can also be used to enhance the curls and create the perfect tousled look.
15. Lovely Platinum and Light Pink Mix
This lovely mix of platinum and light pink hues is a stunning combination that’s perfect for curly hair. The soft, pastel tones add a delicate, feminine touch to the look, while the loose, tousled curls create a soft, romantic feel. It’s a great option for women who want to experiment with color while still maintaining a polished, put-together look.
To style, use a curl-enhancing cream or mousse, and scrunch the curls while diffusing or air-drying. A small barrel curling iron can also be used to enhance the curls and create the perfect tousled look.
16. Sexy Modern Texture for Short Curly Hair
This sexy and sassy short curly hairstyle is all about texture and movement. The short, choppy layers create a tousled, undone vibe that’s both effortless and chic. The loose, tousled curls add incredible volume and dimension, creating a style that’s perfect for women who want to embrace their curls in a bold, edgy way.
To style, use a salt spray or texturizing cream, and scrunch the curls while diffusing or air-drying. A small barrel curling iron can also be used to enhance the curls and create the perfect tousled look.
17. Beautiful Wavy Blonde Balayage
This beautiful wavy blonde balayage is a stunning combination of color and texture. The blonde balayage highlights add depth and dimension to the look, while the loose, tousled waves create a soft, romantic feel. It’s a perfect style for women who want to add a touch of glamour to their curly cut while still maintaining a natural, effortless look.
To style, use a curl-enhancing cream or mousse, and scrunch the waves while diffusing or air-drying. A small barrel curling iron can also be used to enhance the waves and create the perfect tousled look.
18. Shaved Pixie
For a truly edgy and daring look, this shaved pixie cut is a bold choice that pays off in spades. The close-cropped sides and tight curls on top create a striking, androgynous look that’s perfect for women who want to make a statement. It’s a great option for those with naturally curly hair who want to embrace their texture in a unique and unexpected way.
To style, use a curl-defining cream or gel, and scrunch the curls while diffusing or air-drying. A small amount of pomade or wax can also be used to add shine and definition.
19. Inverted Auburn Bob
This inverted auburn bob is a stunning combination of color and shape. The rich, warm auburn hue adds depth and dimension to the look, while the inverted shape and loose, tousled curls create a soft, romantic feel. It’s a perfect style for women who want to add a touch of glamour to their curly cut while still maintaining a natural, effortless look.
To style, use a curl-enhancing cream or mousse, and scrunch the curls while diffusing or air-drying. A small barrel curling iron can also be used to enhance the curls and create the perfect inverted shape.
20. Small Pink Volume Curls
These small, voluminous pink curls are a playful and fun take on the classic curly look. The tight spirals create incredible texture and movement, while the vibrant pink hue adds a pop of color that’s sure to turn heads. It’s a great option for women who want to embrace their curls in a bold, whimsical way.
To style, use a curl-defining cream or gel, and scrunch the curls while diffusing. A small amount of hair chalk or temporary color can be used to achieve the pink hue.
21. Face-Shaping Blonde Waves
These face-shaping blonde waves are a beautiful and flattering look for any age. The loose, tousled waves create a soft, romantic look that frames the face perfectly, while the blonde hue adds a touch of brightness and warmth. It’s a great option for women who want to enhance their natural features while still embracing their curls.
To style, use a curl-enhancing cream or mousse, and scrunch the waves while diffusing or air-drying. A small barrel curling iron can also be used to enhance the waves and create the perfect face-framing shape.
Tips for Short Curly Hairstyles
Rocking a short curly hairstyle is all about embracing your natural texture and finding the right products and techniques to enhance your curls. Here are some top tips to help you slay your short curly look:
- Invest in quality curl products: Look for products specifically designed for curly hair, such as curl creams, gels, and mousses. These will help define and enhance your curls without weighing them down or causing frizz.
- Ditch the brush: Brushes can disrupt and frizz up curly hair. Instead, use your fingers or a wide-tooth comb to detangle and style your curls.
- Diffuse your curls: Using a diffuser attachment on your blow dryer can help set and enhance your curls without causing frizz or disrupting their natural pattern.
- Scrunch, don’t rake: When applying products, gently scrunch them into your curls rather than raking them through. This helps maintain the curl pattern and avoid frizz.
- Refresh with moisture: Curly hair can get dry and frizzy quickly. Use a lightweight leave-in conditioner or curl refresher spray to revive your curls between washes.
- Embrace your natural texture: Short curly hairstyles look best when you work with your natural curl pattern rather than trying to fight it. Enhance what you’ve got, and rock those gorgeous curls with confidence!
By following these tips and finding the right products and techniques for your unique hair type, you can slay any of these sassy short curly hairstyles with ease.
In addition to these styling tips, it’s important to maintain your curly hair with regular trims and deep conditioning treatments. Curly hair can be prone to dryness and damage, so taking good care of it is essential for keeping your curls looking their best.
Curly Hair Maintenance Services
Consider seeking out curly hair specialists or salons that offer services specifically designed for curly hair, such as:
- Curly hair cuts: Look for stylists who are trained in cutting curly hair and can shape your curls to enhance their natural pattern and movement.
- Curl-enhancing treatments: Keratin treatments, color glosses, and other salon services can help boost curl definition, add shine, and reduce frizz.
- Curly hair consultations: Many salons offer consultations to help you understand your curl type and find the best products and styling techniques for your hair.
You can also find plenty of curly hair inspiration and advice online by following curly hair bloggers, vloggers, and influencers, or joining curly hair community forums. These resources can provide valuable tips, product recommendations, and styling tutorials to help you embrace and rock your stunning curls.
Curly Hair Accessories
In addition to the right haircut and styling products, curly hair accessories can be a game-changer for enhancing and protecting your curls. Consider investing in some of these curly hair must-haves:
- Hair bands and scrunchies: Look for wide, gentle hair ties that won’t cause dents or creases in your curls.
- Hair clips and pins: Decorative clips and pins can help style and hold your curls in place while adding a touch of flair.
- Headbands and hair jewelry: From boho headbands to sparkly hair gems, these accessories can dress up your curly style for any occasion.
- Hats and caps: Protective styles like satin-lined caps or beanies can help prevent frizz and preserve your curls when you’re on the go.
Final Words
With the right haircut, styling products, and accessories, you can rock any of these 21 sassy short curly hairstyles with confidence and ease. Embrace your gorgeous curls and experiment with different looks until you find the perfect one for you.
Matthew, an expert with 10 years of experience, is the author behind curlyhairabout.com, sharing valuable insights on curly hair care.
