Some clients feel like they have to keep their hair long because of things like, “My hair has always been long, I can’t have short hair. My hair is too thick/curly/wavy.” These untrue statements affect so many people and some of their greatest achievements. I won’t lie, it is not easy to go to a length that is possibly shorter than any length you have ever had. The reward is seeing the different curls and textures. Many hair clients hold on to their length because they believe their hair is too thick and won’t curl like so many photos of girls with curly hair. I have seen those curls too.
When I first started doing layered cuts, I noticed that with the right layers the curls would spring to life in a way that made you wonder why you had stayed with that length for so long. Most of the time, these cuts are made much easier to style than longer, curly hair and that’s what hair clients do. I could show you 15 short, curly layers looks that would push you right over the edge.
#1: The Face-Framing Textured Bob That Basically Styles Itself
This style is so good! It’s awesome how the face framing layers add touchable softness to the cut, adding to that “I just woke up looking fabulous” vibe (and we wish that could be us!). The bouncy curls have just the right amount of done-ness to not look stiff, and just enough texture to keep it from looking over-processed. You may find yourself reaching for anti-humidity spray if you live in a humid area, but don’t worry-the look is worth it! To really take this style to the next level, I would suggest adding a soft, subtle balayage to the layers. It would look so good and really add some depth to the hair!
#2: Bouncy Defined Curls on a Layered Bob, Yes Please
Your curls look amazing! This hairstyle shows off every single curl and it’s almost as if the curls coordinated an event together. The length hits right above the shoulders meaning it will give enough space and movement to all the curls. It won’t get too short, too quickly. If you have medium to thick hair, this will definitely be your style! You *will* need curl defining cream to achieve this look and it will require regular trims to maintain the shape. The upkeep is definitely worth the final look!
#3: Short Curly Crop with the Warmest Highlights
We need to take a second to appreciate those highlights because whoever did them killed it. The warm tones running through those curls give the whole look so much dimension, it looks like each curl catches the light differently, and I could admire this all day. The haircut itself is simple and the layers are a nice touch to keep it from falling flat. This is one of those “I spent five minutes on my hair” looks that will definitely get you loads of compliments, it really is the best kind of hairstyle to give.
#4: Soft Layered Bob for the Girl Who Wants Curls Without the Chaos
This is the cut I suggest for anyone who sits in my chair and says, u201cI want to wear my curls, but I donu2019t want it to be A WHOLE THING every morning.u201d The layers are very soft and very strategic, and provide for movement and definition without achieving that wrong curly bob mushroom shape. The cut sits right above the nape so itu2019s super easy to manage and goes from running errands to date night with zero effort. Yes, there will be some product necessary to keep the curls from getting fuzzy at the end of the day, but weu2019re talking one product here, not a whole routine.
#5: Caramel-Kissed Curly Layers with Serious Volume
Those lovely curls with the caramel highlights look stunning! Your hair is the kind of color that makes people lean in and ask, “What did you do to your hair?” Your highlights look fabulous and really pop. The layers in your hair are doing all the work with the volume. You are getting so much bounce and fullness without any tricks or backcombing. It’s all in the cut. I do want to mention that the condition of your curls should be refreshed between washes. It’s only going to take you about 30 seconds so don’t let that scare you!
#6: Cropped Curly Cut That’s All About the Cheekbones
I appreciate a cut that does more than one thing, and this certainly does, with the layers seeming to architecturally frame the cheekbones? It’s a haircut, but also some free contouring. The length is short enough to feel nice and modern, but not so short that you lose the curl pattern, which is always the balance we’re trying to strike with curly pixie-adjacent cuts. A light curl cream is all you need here. Remember, anything heavy is going to weigh it down, and that defeats the whole purpose. And for the love of all that is good, please keep up with your trims on this one. Once it grows out past that sweet spot, it will be a totally different haircut.
#7: Curly Pixie with Highlights That Actually Look Natural
Here is the pixie I share when someone says “I’m not brave enough” for short hair comments. Look at it! It’s short, but still soft and feminine, and the curls add a texture that a straight pixie just can’t replicate. The highlights are so well placed, like the sun just kissed a few pieces. That’s real skill from your colorist, so go to someone who really knows how to do curly hair. I seriously can’t stress it enough. Not every stylist cuts curly hair the same way, and with a cut this short, precision is important.
#8: Curly Lob with That Perfect “I Didn’t Try Too Hard” Bounce
The lob is a style that generally works for most people and if you add some curls and layers, it’s a whole new ball game. Hitting right above the shoulder gives you that nice swing to the lob when you move. The layers also prevent a big triangle shape, which is the number complaint I get from my curly girls, especially with medium to thick hair. It’s giving effortless, but some effort is required if that makes sense. Regular trims are a must because once the layers grow out, the shape changes, and not in a good way.
#9: The Curly Bob That Makes You Want to Scrunch Your Hair Immediately
There’s something about this bob that inspiring me to grab a diffuser and start styling! She really hit the mark with the layers, as they reduce bulk and help the bob to be nice and bouncy so that it flows naturally instead of feeling heavy like bobs with thicker hair. I like how it can be worn styled sleek and smooth one day and then the next day it can be worn scrunched and tousled, and both looks would seem intentional. It’s true that well-defined curls require a lot of moisture to stay hydrated, so be sure to keep a good moisturizing hair mask on hand.
#10: Chin-Length Curly Layers with a Side Part That Changes Everything
What really stands out to me? The side part. A center part with this haircut would create the totally different vibe and this side part creates a nice asymmetry. It’s more modern and a little undone, but in a good way of course. Curls that hit right below the chin are super flattering and the volume here is all from the layers and the natural texture. There’s no teasing or product overload needed to create this. If your curly hair tends to get dry, and honestly, whose doesn’t, a solid leave-in conditioner is going to keep this looking bouncy instead of crunchy!
#11: Tousled Curly Layers with That “I Just Got Back from the Beach” Energy
I enjoy the casual scruffy appearance, and I’m sure my clients enjoy it too because it’s incredibly quick and effortless to style. Having the proper cut to work with this look is essential. These layers enhance the movement of the hair by removing weight from the right places, which is especially advantageous if you have hair that is on the thicker side because you maintain shape while preserving volume. Let’s face it, nobody has time to style their hair every day, so it is a huge advantage when a cut looks better with second-day hair!
#12: The Curly Shag That’s Having a MAJOR Moment Right Now
I’ve been doing so many curly shag hairstyles recently, and I feel like I transform people with every single cut. The layers on this hairstyle are strategically positioned to work WITH the curl pattern rather than against it, creating tons of movement and volume that looks alive. If you’re worried about getting a shag because you think it wouldn’t work with curls, this is your sign! Maintenance is easy as long as you continue to get your ends trimmed regularly to keep the layers from blending together. To keep the curls separated and bouncy, use a curl defining product.
#13: Curly Pixie with Crown Volume That Won’t Quit
This cut has so many amazing details, especially around the crown, that do the most, and I’m so here for it! The height and fullness that can be seen on top is excellent, while the tapered back keeps everything looking clean and polished. The combo is excellent! If your hair is finer, your hair will look denser, which is basically magic. No sugar coating it, this style does require upkeep. If you go too long between cuts, it can start to look wild in a way that it shouldn’t. More in a “I forgot I had a haircut” way instead of in the intended way. Book trims every 4 to 6 weeks and you’re golden!
#14: Layered Curly Bob with Volume for Days
The layers on this cut are clever. They give volume and frame the face while keeping an overall clean and intentional shape. The curls are soft, very movable, and the entire style is nice and free. I especially love this on people who’ve worn their curly hair the same way for so long and are ready for something more fun. Because of the cut, some of the ends of your hair may be exposed more than what you’re used to, and the recommended upkeep is good moisture. A moisturizing conditioner is all you’ll need to keep your hair healthy.
#15: Natural Texture Curly Bob That Celebrates Every Single Curl
I totally understand your happiness! The curls look so bouncy and fun and the layering is just right so that the style doesn’t look high maintenance or overly structured. Also, the above the shoulder length looks so cute! With your medium density hair, it won’t be too heavy. This haircut looks like it will age beautifully, which is not something you can say about all short haircuts. If you’ve been wanting to try a shorter style with your curls, this one is a great starting point because it is super flattering and you won’t have to worry about it hiding the texture!
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