Short curly hairstyles are one of the fastest ways I’ve seen clients fall back in love with their natural texture—suddenly curls feel intentional, sculpted, and full of personality instead of frizzy or shapeless.
Whether your hair is wavy, curly, or coily, the right short cut can boost definition, remove weight, and give you that “instant refresh” feeling every time you catch yourself in the mirror.
If you’re ready to keep things short, chic, and full of curl power, these 80 short curly hairstyles are the ones I regularly reach for, wear myself, and recommend in the salon.
Why You’ll Love Short Curly Hair
- Short curly cuts let your curls spring up and show off their true pattern, with more body and definition from root to tip.
- Removing length and bulk makes curls easier to style, faster to dry, and way more low maintenance for busy mornings.
- The right layering and shape can frame any face beautifully, from soft, romantic bubbles to bold cropped looks.
Who These Styles Work For
Short curly hairstyles are incredibly customizable, which is why they work for almost everyone when the cut matches your texture and lifestyle.
They’re especially great if:
- Your curls feel weighed down and you want more bounce and shape.
- You’re craving a visible change but still want styles you can air-dry.
- You love looks with personality—romantic, boho, edgy, or retro—and want your hair to match.
My Go-To Tools & Products for Short Curls
To keep short curly hair looking its best, I usually recommend:
- A curl-defining cream or mousse for definition without crunch.
- Lightweight gel or foam for hold and frizz control.
- A diffuser attachment if you like to speed up drying without blowing curls apart.
- Sea salt or texturizing spray when you want that beachy, tousled vibe.
Save your favorite looks below so you can bring them to your next appointment and talk through which shapes, layers, and bang options fit your curl pattern and face shape best.
#1. Voluminous Curly Bob with a Side Part
When I want maximum volume in a short cut, I reach for a voluminous curly bob with a side part.
The rounded “bubble” shape sculpts your curls into a full halo, and the side part adds height on top plus a super flattering frame for almost any face.
Use a curl cream and diffuse with your head tilted to the side to really build that big, bouncy silhouette.
#2. Ringlet Pixie with an Undercut
A ringlet pixie with an undercut is my go-to when someone wants to lean into their curls and their edgy side at the same time.
The pixie length is designed so ringlets stack up in defined little coils, while the undercut keeps the look bold and makes styling ridiculously quick.
Perfect if you love high-impact hair that takes minutes, not hours.
#3. Asymmetric Curly Lob
The asymmetric curly lob is all about modern, off-balance drama with a lot of texture.
One side sits slightly longer, which shows off your curl pattern and creates a cool, unbalanced silhouette that still feels wearable.
Ask your stylist to keep the layers curl-friendly so each side still springs up beautifully.
#4. Texturized Tousled Curls
Texturized tousled curls are my shortcut to instant boho energy.
All you need is mousse and a texturizing spray—scrunch, air-dry or diffuse, and you’ve got that beachy, lived-in finish in minutes.
This look is perfect for days when you want your curls to feel fun and undone, not overly defined.
#5. Short Layered Shag for Curly Hair
A short layered shag for curly hair gives major retro-meets-Boho vibes with loads of height.
Shaggy layers build texture at the crown and throughout, so your curls feel bigger, bouncier, and full of personality.
If your curls tend to fall flat on top, this is a game-changer.
#6. Angled Curly Bob with Bangs
An angled curly bob with bangs is my favorite way to soften strong features while keeping things chic.
The angle helps slim round faces and soften square jawlines, and the curls plus bangs create a sweet, youthful frame.
Perfect if you want structure with a soft, curly finish.
#7. Graduated Curly Bob
A graduated curly bob gives that French-girl, café-in-Paris kind of chic.
Graduated layers in the back lift your curls, add definition, and give the cut a slightly angled, fashion-forward shape.
Style it with a side part or blunt fringe if you really want that Parisian flair.
#8. Short Waterfall Curls
Short waterfall curls look like vacation hair every single day.
The curls fall in soft, cascading layers for full definition and bouncy movement with a strong summer vibe.
You can create this with a small wand or flat iron if your curls need a little extra help, then tousle for that beachy finish.
#9. Curly Bob with Curtain Bangs
A curly bob with curtain bangs brings a retro, easy-going edge to your curls.
The bob shape lets your curls take center stage, while the curtain bangs open up around the cheeks for a soft, vintage-inspired frame.
This is a great style to try if you want bangs but still love a middle part feel.
#10. Pin-Curl Pixie Cut
The pin-curl pixie cut is like built-in 1940s glam for naturally curly hair.
The shape makes your curls fall into that classic pin-curl pattern—no clips or complicated setting required.
Just apply curl cream, define a few key pieces, and let the cut do the vintage magic.
#11. Double-Tiered Curly Bob
A double-tiered curly bob is what I suggest when someone says, “I want my curls to feel twice as full.”
Stacked layers create two visible levels of curls, building a dramatic bubble shape with tons of body and texture.
It’s playful, dimensional, and perfect for medium to thick curls.
#12. Springy Spiral Curls
Springy spiral curls are all about tightening up your curl pattern and letting it shine.
With the right cut and curl-defining cream, your spirals or coils pop into high-definition, springy little corkscrews.
This style feels clean, polished, and fun at the same time.
#13. Short Curly Crop with Shaved Sides
A short curly crop with shaved sides brings big attitude in a tiny amount of time.
You keep just enough length on top to show off your curls, while the shaved sides add a strong, edgy contrast.
Styling is basically: add product, fluff the top, and you’re done.
#14. The Deva Cut with Soft Fringe
A Deva Cut with soft fringe is a curl-specific dream, because every curl is cut individually for shape.
This technique enhances your natural pattern, reduces bulk where you don’t want it, and gives you a custom silhouette instead of a one-size-fits-all cut.
Adding a soft fringe makes the whole look feel playful and face-framing.
#15. Retro Glam Short Curls
Retro glam short curls are perfect when you want to step into full old-Hollywood mode.
Whether your hair is naturally curly or straightened and re-curled, the shape creates polished, controlled curls with red-carpet energy.
Use curl cream or a flat iron to sculpt the waves, then set them so they hold all night.
#16. Curly Bob with a Tapered Nape
A curly bob with a tapered nape blends softness and polish beautifully.
The bob keeps your curls full and textured around the face, while the tapered nape cleans up the neckline for a neat, tailored finish.
This is great if you love volume but want the back to feel light and tidy.
#17. Curly A-Line Bob with Side-Swept Bangs
A curly A-line bob with side-swept bangs gives subtle drama with very little effort.
The A-line shape works with your curls to build volume and movement, and the side-swept bangs add softness and a trendy, asymmetric touch.
It flatters lots of face shapes and always feels current.
#18. Razor Cut Curly Bob
A razor cut curly bob is where classic shape meets modern edge.
The bob framework gives your curls lift and structure, while razor detailing adds extra texture and airiness.
It’s a great option if you want your curls to feel lighter and more piecey.
#19. Chin-Length Kinky Coils
Chin-length kinky coils put all the focus on your gorgeous natural texture.
The length and subtle layering create a sculpted, iconic shape that showcases tight coils in a chic, face-framing way.
It’s bold, beautiful, and unapologetically curly.
#20. Curly Pixie with Baby Bangs
A curly pixie with baby bangs is equal parts bold and adorable.
The cropped length keeps the cut daring, while the tiny baby fringe brings a playful, almost doll-like edge.
This style is a statement, but still surprisingly easy to style with the right curl cream.
#21. Disconnected Curly Undercut
A disconnected curly undercut celebrates “organized chaos” in the best way.
Randomized layers and uneven lengths on top create fun, irregular curls, while the undercut gives a sharp contrast and edgy vibe.
It’s perfect if you want your hair to feel like wearable art.
#22. Layered Frizz Free Curly Bob
A layered frizz-free curly bob is designed to make thick curls behave without flattening them.
Weight-removing layers create a full, rounded shape, and careful curl-specific cutting keeps the texture defined instead of frizzy.
Pair this cut with good curl products and your hair practically styles itself.
#23. Curly Faux Hawk
A curly faux hawk is my favorite “go bold or go home” curly cut.
Textured top curls are styled up the center, with shorter or shaved sides to amp up the contrast.
It’s striking, low maintenance, and guaranteed to turn heads.
#24. Side-Parted Curly Shag
A side-parted curly shag channels 70s hippy-rocker energy with tons of volume.
Shaggy layers revive your curls from root to tip, and the side part adds extra texture and lift on one side.
This cut loves movement and looks best a little wild.
#25. Curly Hair with a Tousled Top
Curly hair with a tousled top is all about height and beachy texture.
You keep the sides a bit shorter or smoother and let the top go full volume with tousled curls.
Great for days you want a boho, “bigger is better” crown.
#26. V-Cut Curly Lob
A V-cut curly lob flips the usual A-line idea and makes the back the star.
The V-shape creates more fullness toward the bottom, giving your curls a dramatic, modern silhouette.
It’s a fresh way to wear a lob if you like a little extra edge.
#27. Pixie Cut for Tight Coils
A pixie cut for tight coils is a beautiful reset when your curls need a clean slate.
The short length showcases your natural coil pattern in a simple, high-impact shape that’s easy to maintain.
It’s bold, practical, and all about texture.
#28. Curly Bob with a Layered Fringe
A curly bob with a layered fringe blends classic bob structure with a modern, soft bang.
Full, face-framing layers give your curls extra body and texture, while the layered fringe adds gentle, chic movement around your forehead.
This is a great option if you want bangs that blend, not block.
#29. Inverted Bob with Curly Bangs
An inverted bob with curly bangs looks ready for the runway but works in real life.
The stacked back lifts your curls, and the forward angle plus curly fringe create a cute, playful frame.
It’s high style without high effort.
#30. Loose-Curled Bob with Subtle Highlights
A loose-curled bob with subtle highlights gives your natural wave or curl pattern a gentle glow-up.
The bob shape adds soft volume, while highlights enhance the movement and give a sun-kissed, dimensional finish.
This is a beautiful choice if you like your curls softer and more relaxed.
#31. French Bob with Loose Curls
A French bob with loose curls is the definition of chic and effortless.
The shorter, classic French bob length plus loose curls gives you that “I just stepped out of a Paris café” aesthetic in seconds.
It’s quick to style and always looks intentional.
#32. Short Curly Angled Bob
A short curly angled bob is sharp, chic, and curl-flattering.
The angle lengthens the look of your neck and cheekbones, while the curls stay tousled and full of movement.
It’s a nice balance of polished and playful.
#33. Pixie with Defined Micro Curls
A pixie with defined micro curls is maybe small in length, but huge in personality.
Careful cutting and styling give each tiny curl definition, so the overall effect is crisp, bold, and super fun.
If you love high-definition texture, screenshot this one.
#34. Wavy Bowl Cut
A wavy bowl cut turns a classic into a minimalist, modern statement.
Gentle layering softens the rounded shape and lets your waves skim around your face in a very flattering way.
It’s low maintenance but looks like you spent time thinking about your hair.
#35. Tight Curly Afro
A tight curly afro celebrates your curls in their boldest, most iconic form.
The rounded shape is customized to your face and curl pattern, so everything feels intentional and balanced.
This cut always reads confident and powerful.
#36. Short Curls with Pinned Sides
Short curls with pinned sides give instant retro glam with almost no effort.
You define your curls, then pin each side back to open up your face and add a little vintage polish.
It works with all curl types and looks pretty with either a middle or side part.
#37. Shattered Bob with Curly Ends
A shattered bob with curly ends revives waves that have gone a bit limp.
Shattered layers build big, piecey volume, and curled ends add emphasis and bounce at the bottom.
It’s a great “reset” cut for wavy hair that needs more shape.
#38. Asymmetric Curly Pixie Cut
An asymmetric curly pixie cut is pure, playful spunk.
One side is kept longer or more textured, which shows off your curls and your personality at the same time.
If you like your hair to feel a little rebellious, this is it.
#39. Curly Taper Fade
A curly taper fade is polished and punchy all at once.
Full curls live on top where everyone can see them, while the tapered sides and back keep everything neat and easy to maintain.
This style looks especially good with sharp line work and a defined hairline.
#40. Stacked Curly Bob
A stacked curly bob is the volume-lover’s dream cut.
It combines an inverted shape, stacked back, and curly-friendly layering to boost body, bounce, and definition.
Think: classic bob plus all the curl drama.
#41. Short Curly Cut with Feathered Layers
A short curly cut with feathered layers gives relaxed, “too cool to care” energy.
Feathering creates light, airy volume and soft texture that works with any curl pattern.
It’s the kind of style that looks great even on “I didn’t try” days.
#42. Curly Bob with Deep Side Part
A curly bob with a deep side part instantly turns up the glamour.
The classic bob shape lets your curls do their thing, while the dramatic part adds retro, red-carpet-style drama.
Perfect for when you want your hair to feel a bit extra without changing the cut.
#43. Curly Undercut with a Design
A curly undercut with a design is where hair meets artwork.
You keep curls on top and carve a custom pattern into the shaved section for a truly one-of-a-kind look.
Great if you love bold details and hate blending in.
#44. Curly Pixie with Side-Swept Bangs
A curly pixie with side-swept bangs is sweet, simple, and so flattering.
The curls gain shape and volume, while the side-swept fringe softens your features and adds a trendy twist.
It’s a low-commitment way to try bangs with curls.
#45. Choppy Curly Bob with Bangs
A choppy curly bob with bangs is where elegant meets electric.
The bob structure keeps the cut classic, but choppy layers add height and edgy texture, with bangs tying it all together.
This is the one I recommend when someone wants “cute, but a little wild.”
#46. Messy Shoulder Length Curly Bob
A messy shoulder-length curly bob gives you more length to play with while still feeling short and light.
Loose, messy layers create that perfectly undone texture that looks like effortless bedhead.
Ideal if you like to throw your hair up sometimes but still crave a bob vibe.
#47. Playful Short Corkscrew Curls
Playful short corkscrew curls bring out the youthful, fun side of your texture.
Inside that bubble-bob-like shape, layering refines each corkscrew so the overall effect is bouncy and super defined.
This cut always reads cheerful and full of life.
#48. Edgy Curly Pixie with an Undercut
An edgy curly pixie with an undercut is for full-time grunge lovers.
You keep longer curls on top, shaved sides underneath, and the contrast does all the talking.
It’s edgy, easy to style, and looks amazing with bold color.
#49. Textured Asymmetrical Wavy Bob
A textured asymmetrical wavy bob is the perfect blend of casual and contemporary.
The uneven lengths feel artsy and modern, while the beachy texture gives you relaxed, Boho energy.
Use a salt spray and scrunch to keep it light and tousled.
#50. Side-Parted Ringlet Curls
Side-parted ringlet curls prove sometimes the smallest tweak makes the biggest difference.
Shifting your part instantly adds more volume on one side and changes how your curls fall around your face.
It’s an easy, no-cut way to wake up your look.
#51. Long Pixie Cut for Curls
A long pixie cut for curls is a softer, more versatile take on the classic pixie.
Longer layers give your curls room to show off and make the cut especially flattering on thicker hair that needs shaping and lightness.
You can wear it pushed forward, to the side, or slightly tousled.
#52. High Top Fade for Coily Curls
A high top fade for coily curls is a crisp, old-meets-new classic.
High volume on top shows off coil texture, while the faded sides and back keep the overall look clean and fresh.
It’s low maintenance but very high style.
#53. Curly Bob with a Shaved Side
A curly bob with a shaved side strikes the perfect balance between classy and edgy.
The bob shape showcases all curl types, and the shaved side adds that unexpected modern twist.
This cut looks incredible when you flip your curls over to the non-shaved side.
#54. Deep Side-Parted Soft Waves
Deep side-parted soft waves are luxurious and glam without being overdone.
If you already have soft waves, a deep side part instantly adds red-carpet drama and extra oomph at the roots.
It’s a beautiful “effortless fancy” option for special events.
#55. Short and Curly Bowl Cut with Blonde Highlights
A short and curly bowl cut with blonde highlights is big, bright, and unapologetically stylish.
The chic rounded shape flatters your features, layering boosts curl volume, and blonde highlights add dimension and brightness.
This is a true statement cut—expect compliments.
#56. Tight Curly Buzz Cut
A tight curly buzz cut is short, sleek, and surprisingly flattering.
Shaved sides transition into super-short curls on top, so your texture still shows but styling is basically zero effort.
It’s the ultimate low-maintenance curly haircut.
#57. The Half-Shaved Curly Mohawk
The half-shaved curly mohawk is pure rocker-chic energy.
An undercut flows into curly top layers arranged in that signature mohawk line, making the entire style look powerful and artistic.
Add a vivid color or design in the shaved area if you really want to push it over the top.
#58. The Curly Q-Haircut
The Curly-Q cut is iconic for tight curls and coils.
Refined layering builds major volume and a polished, rounded silhouette that feels put-together but still big and bold.
It’s a beautiful way to celebrate smaller, tighter curls.
#59. Short Curls with Side Bangs
Short curls with side bangs show how one small change can shift your whole vibe.
Side bangs bring a touch of asymmetry that can read edgy, retro, or romantic depending on how you style them.
It’s a great “mini makeover” if you don’t want a big chop.
#60. Soft Curly Undercut
A soft curly undercut proves that edgy and gentle can absolutely coexist.
You get a bold undercut underneath, with longer, textured curls on top that stay light, bouncy, and feminine.
It’s a beautifully balanced option for someone who wants contrast without harshness.
#61. Textured Taper Cut
A textured taper cut is ideal if your fine, almost-wavy hair needs more definition.
The taper keeps the sides neat and modern, while texture through the top creates undone waves and lots of depth.
Think effortless, tousled movement with just enough edge.
#62. Tight Coils with a High Fade
Tight coils with a high fade put your natural texture front and center.
The high fade cleans up the sides and back, so the eye goes straight to the coily top with all its dimension.
It’s simple, striking, and made to show off what your hair naturally does.
#63. Sassy Short Curls
Sassy short curls are my go-to when someone wants “cute, bouncy, and full of life.”
The bubble-like shape and playful layering give you better bounce and full-bodied curls with a fun, flirty feel.
It’s youthful without feeling childish.
#64. Layered Curly Bob
A layered curly bob is that perfect mix of relaxed and refined.
Layers add volume and dimension to any curl type, while the bob outline keeps things clean and tidy.
This cut is insanely versatile and works for almost any occasion.
#65. Waterfall Waves
Waterfall waves give your short hair a soft, ethereal look.
These flowing waves bring boho-chic movement and boosted body, especially on hair that’s somewhere between wavy and curly.
You can braid-dry or shape loose curls into S-waves to recreate this.
#66. Curly Bob with Side-Swept Bangs
A curly bob with side-swept bangs is a beautiful “best of both worlds” style.
You get the structure, texture, and volume of a classic curly bob plus side-swept bangs that enhance the face frame and add trendiness.
This one is a no-brainer if you want something stylish but easy.
#67. Short Afro Curls
Short afro curls keep the iconic afro shape but with a slightly shorter, more manageable length.
The cut is tailored to your bone structure and curl pattern so it highlights your best features.
It’s personal, powerful, and very you.
#68. Rounded Curly Pixie
A rounded curly pixie lets you be bold and polished at the same time.
The rounded shaping softens the pixie, giving it a more sophisticated, sculpted feel while still showcasing your curls.
Great if you like strong hair shapes with a smooth finish.
#69. Relaxed Waves for Short Hair
Relaxed waves for short hair are your go-to for effortless, summer-ready style.
A little sea salt spray and finger-tousling are all you need to create that beachy, seaside aesthetic.
It works beautifully with natural waves, but you can also fake it with a curling wand.
#70. Retro-Inspired Poodle Cut
A retro-inspired poodle cut brings serious 50s rockabilly glamour.
Soft waves or curls are shaped into a voluminous, glamorous silhouette that screams pin-up chic.
Pin curls or a victory roll take this look completely over the top—in the best way.
#71. Middle-Parted Balanced Bob
A middle-parted balanced bob is for anyone who loves clean lines and symmetry.
You still get all the bob’s bouncy body and shape, but refined layering and a center part keep the look even and subdued.
It’s tidy, elegant, and super wearable.
#72. Voluminous Short Curls
Voluminous short curls are all about turning the volume up, not down.
This cut is designed to maximize texture and fullness, giving you lush curls with serious impact.
If your motto is “the bigger the better,” this one’s for you.
#73. Edgy Short Curly Mohawk
An edgy short curly mohawk is fearless and eye-catching.
Shaved or very short sides set the stage for a curly strip through the center that grabs attention.
It’s a strong, confident cut that always makes a statement.
#74. Classic Finger Waves
Classic finger waves bring back that glamorous, old-world polish.
Controlled, sculpted waves sit close to the head and are perfect for formal events or anytime you want full vintage drama.
They’re stunning on naturally curly hair shaped and set into this pattern.
#75. Curly Pixie with Long Bangs
A curly pixie with long bangs is a flirty twist on the traditional curly pixie.
You keep the pixie length around the sides but add longer bangs that can sweep across your forehead for extra softness and style.
It’s a fun way to keep some length near your face while still enjoying a short cut.
#76. Curly Lob with a Side Part
A curly lob with a side part is a fan favorite because it gives both volume and styling flexibility.
The lob length lets your curls fully form, and the side part adds a bit of drama while still being everyday wearable.
It’s great if you want a bit more length without sacrificing shape.
#77. Short Curly Shag
A short curly shag gives your curls that “hippy-hippy shake” energy.
Layering is focused on movement and groovy texture, so every curl looks a little more free-spirited.
If you love retro, carefree styles, this one delivers.
#78. Mini Curls with Temple Fade
Mini curls with a temple fade blend classic curls with a modern barbershop twist.
Short layers enhance tiny curls for more spring, while the temple fade adds a sharp, trendy outline.
It’s a cool, contemporary option that still keeps your texture the main event.
#79. Asymmetrical Curly Bob
An asymmetrical curly bob gives a fresh, magnetic spin to the usual curly bob.
You still get the shaping and structure curls love, but asymmetrical length and a side part add a bold, modern edge.
Perfect if you want your cut to feel a little unexpected.
#80. Curly Bob with Inverted Back
A curly bob with an inverted back is a subtle but striking twist on the classic curly bob.
The U-shaped back softens the outline and creates a gentle frame around your features while keeping all that beloved curl body and volume.
It’s refined, flattering, and still full of bounce.
Quick Styling & Maintenance Tips for Short Curls
Plan to refresh your shape every 6–10 weeks so the curls keep their structure instead of growing out into a triangle.
At home, focus on products that enhance your curl pattern, and avoid over-touching while your hair dries so your definition and volume can really shine.