I think that calling short curly hair “hard” comes from a lot of people being taught to fight their texture instead of embracing it. When clients have trouble managing their curls, they think it’s a problem to be solved. Some clients we’ve cut three inches off to help get some curl definition so they can actually add some bounce back to the hair. I see them in the mirror and they look like a completely different person. It’s extremely satisfying.
I think after years and years of doing this with curly hair, the true potential lies not in the style, but in how we can facilitate a curl type through the right cut and just let it be. I had a client who had been growing her hair out for years and she wanted us to finally chop it into a little crop. She cried because she finally felt like herself. Having short curly hair isn’t about being trendy. It’s about making sure your hair has the support and structure that it needs. Here are some more of my favorite looks.
#1: Textured Short Curly Bob
This short curly bob is perfect for those with natural texture, enhancing your curls with defined shape and volume. The length is ideal for round and oval face shapes, and the layers add movement while maintaining a full-bodied look. Styling requires a lightweight curl cream to boost definition without weighing it down. This cut offers the advantage of low maintenance, as curls naturally create a fresh look, making it an excellent choice for individuals seeking effortless style.
#2: Short Curly Bob with Defined Curls
A short curly bob hairstyle is perfect for those with curly hair. The bob sits above your shoulders and the curls will give amazing volume and amazing texture. The hairstyle gives a fun and youthful look to your face and is great for people with round or oval shape faces. The best part is that it is super easy to style. This hairdo will look amazing with just a good curl cream. This style will bounce and move a lot and layered cutting will give even more movement. It’s a fun hairstyle to change things up.
#3: Short Curly Hair with Defined Curls
Short curly hair can be fun and polished at the same time, which makes it a great option if you want to try a new hairstyle. Those with naturally curly hair are going to benefit the most from this hairstyle, as it will give more shape and volume to your natural texture. This hairstyle is great for those with round and oval shaped faces, as well as those who have medium to thick hair. Maintenance is also incredibly easy with this haircut because all it takes to keep those curls defined is a little curl cream. This hair cut really is a great choice to show off your natural beauty and curls in a playful way.
#4: Blonde Curly Bob with a Little Sun-Kissed Warmth
It looks like she just came back from vacation. I like the warm and lush hair look and that’s what we wanted for a curly bob. The highlights are more than an addition; they were meant to dance through the curls, unlike the flat and horizontal ones colorists do with textured hair. Also, the bob hits the body at a flattering and sophisticated frame without going overboard. If you have fine to medium density curls and seek an effortless look, all you need is some curl enhancing cream and a diffuser.
#5: Curly Layered Pixie That Basically Styles Itself
This haircut is called a layered cut. In this style, the layers do most of the work, and with the right products, you can achieve a lot with this style. The volume and layering will be at the crown of the head. You will be good to go when the hair tapers around the ears so the hair doesn’t become bulky around the sides. I really like this cut for clients wanting to go shorter but feel a little nervous, as the curls will soften the look and the shape will be forgiving as it grows out. I recommend a curl cream that should be scrunched through damp hair and then you will be good to go.
#6: Short Curly Bob with Layers That Actually Move
By cutting into the layers, the curls can really bounce and will also soften the movement of the hair. You cannot get this pliable, ironed look with a fake one! It’s professional enough for the office and casual enough for anything else, and this is what most of my customers tend to do. Some clients curl may stick together, but this layering will separate them again! Curl mousse will work better in this case than cream as you want lift and not weight.
#7: Short Curly Crop That Feels Fresh
The jawline is one of the most universal lengths when it comes to hairstyles. I like how the layers create volume at the top and then allow the natural curls to provide the texture. I usually recommend some curl cream and scrunching to define the curls, but honestly the cut is so good. Even on messy days, it falls into place. If you want to spend as little time as possible on your hair in the morning, this style is a great fit.
#8: Curly Pixie with Really Beautiful Definition
I notice this haircut has so many unique curls, and good layering makes the curls fit together well. The cut-in texture is different from styles that are just cut into, and you should only need a light mousse to control things, plus there won’t be that nasty crunch people dislike. I know it sounds like stylist just say this, but cuts like this look even better on day two, and I’m serious.
#9: Short Curly Bob with All the Bounce
The curls on the bob are very cartoonish in the most positive way. The curls on this bob are very defined so sitting just above the shoulders gives it that versatile in-between length where some of it will still be long enough to be pulled back if necessary. The natural texture is really the winner here so I wouldn’t do too much to it, Probably something lightweight to enhance the texture and then just leave it alone. Sometimes the best thing you can do for curly hair is just get out of its way.
#10: Textured Crop with Personality
Listen up! I love this crop! It sits at such a nice length and the vibe it gives off is incredible! It’s like, the layers cause some sort of movement, and like, it’s like they’re having fun. For medium to thick hair, this is such a good choice. The shape keeps everything nice and contained without squishing the volume. For this look, I’d recommend a curl defining cream. It will reduce the frizz and help the curls do their thing. It’s super versatile! You can go from running errands to dinner without having to do any styling changes. That’s the main thing!
#11 Short Curly Cut with Texture You Can Actually See
I love how defined those curls are. I can see it comes from a great cut and not a bunch of product. I always test for this. Can you wash it, let it dry, and still see the shape? This one passes. Curls of medium density go really well at this length because there is enough hair to form the curl but not so much that it gets weighed down. You won’t need to spend time actually styling, but you will want something for definition, a gel or cream depending on how much hold you like.
#12 Voluminous Pixie That Lives for Curl
I really enjoy the springiness and the fact that it hasn’t been tamed. The crown is left full and bouncy while the fringe naturally softens everything. The curls aren’t over-layered, which is smart and something I see too much of. I find that over-layering leads to too much frizz and a weird shape as it grows out. This is the cut for you if you have naturally curly and thick hair and want something that looks good air-dried. Just be prepared to come back every 6 to 8 weeks to keep the rounded shape tight!
#13 Curly Undercut with a Pop of Color
I’m always here for the edgier looks on my clients! The undercut also deals with the density issue that many clients with curly hair have, so the top can be full and textured without the sides becoming too heavy. That blue highlight is also so well placed, it really catches the light through the curls rather than just sitting on top like a stripe. One thing I’ll say is that undercuts require a decent amount of commitment since you’re going to need to keep trimming the sides to maintain the look. But if you’re into it, you’re really into it, and this is a great version of it.
#14 Curly Bob with Layers That Frame Everything Right
This bob really gives off the vibe that she did not even try, but somehow she looks good, and I guess that is all the layers doing the work. The layers are soft, and they frame the face without being too obvious, which is deceptively easy to do. If you have a wavy to curly texture and want something that looks effortless, this is your template. You might want a curl-enhancing product on humid days, but other than that, the natural bounce will do all the work.
#15 Short Curly Cut with Volume That Builds Itself
I love how cut and curl patterns work so well with each other. The volume happens here! The layers are set so that soft and thick curls can form and expand before getting too large. The above the shoulder length helps keeps all of it feeling intentional. Moisture in the air does not mix with tight curls so if you live somewhere humid you’ll want to use a good curl cream! Luckily the cut itself does most of the work for you!
#16 Short Curly Cut with Layers That Know What They’re Doing
Curls really give the haircut a nice touch because they give it a lot of movement. For this hairstyle the hair is short, just above the shoulders, and that lets the curls sit and fall in a really natural way. Curls that fall in the right places always look good. Overall, I think that some highlights would look good to give some more dimension to the cut, but it still looks great. This style of cut looks really nice in photos, but I think it would look even better in person.
#17 Short Curly Crop with Volume That Does the Talking
The volume is from the curls instead of cutting technique. That’s why it’s my go-to because it adds longevity to the style rather than it collapsing in a couple of days. With hair that is medium to thick in texture, this length is ideal because u get the most volume but none of the drag. Especially if you’re in a humid climate, an anti-frizz product will be your best friend.
#18 Curly Cut That Balances Texture and Shape
The hair stylist understood the drying process and how to highlight the curls without overpowering them. The shape of the cut creates room for the curls to spread out, and the medium density gives effortless volume, and plenty of it. After a few appointments it will take a little bit of work to maintain the shape but for now it takes very little work; just put in some product to define the curls and you are good to go.
#19 Natural Curly Cut with a Shape That Holds
Hair that is thick, curly, and of high quality looks awesome when cut to just below the ears. At this length, the curl pattern is tight enough to keep a curl shape all day, and the liveliness of the curls is on display. As this type of hair grows longer, the weight of the hair will pull the curls down and reduce their liveliness. The shape of the hair nicely frames the face, so no styling is needed. Get ready to do battle with humidity, and keep a curl cream handy. The good news is that the structure of the cut will keep the frizz minimized and do most of the work to control frizz.
#20 Modern Curly Pixie with a Slight Asymmetry
There’s a small asymmetry that not a lot of people will notice, but this little detail gives the whole style some added edge. The curls are soft and well-defined, and they look really good. The Medium length and perfect density (not too full or heavy) will make it move with her. This cut is great for someone wanting a short style with some versatility because you can do a lot with it! Sweep it to one side, shake it up, smooth it down, and it looks like a different cut every time! If you have curly hair, be sure to get the right products to keep your curls defined. If you’ve never done this before, ask your stylist to recommend some products specific to your curl type.
#21 Soft Curly Lob with Warmth and Bounce
The color looks good with the curls, and the light reflects off the curls in a way that adds dimension and really brings the lob to life. Curls around this length look best because you get the fullness without the density which is more difficult to achieve. If you want to create a look like this, use a hydrating product to prevent your curls from drying, splitting, and losing the moisture that mid-length curly hair tends to lose. If you are considering it, this looks rich with warmer skin tones and is worth considering.
#22 Curly Cut with Volume and a Clean Shape
The neatness of the curls and the control with the layering shows that the curls bounce but aren’t going all over the place. This type of cutting adds more volume and the movement of the curls is what really completes the look. It appears styled, but really all of the movement is from the product. The cut really does most of the work. The careful cutting gives the illusion of more hair without actually adding more. The cut will keep the defined curls looking fresh.
#23 Curly Cut with a Playful Bounce
I love seeing cuts that show this sort of bounce because it tells me the curl pattern is healthy and the cut is spot on. Textured cuts will give movement without disrupting the natural spring, which is what a lot of people get wrong about layering curly hair. They get too scissor happy and the curls lose their rhythm. This one has all the volume happening naturally and the shape stays put between appointments. Once curly hair loses its outline, it starts to look more messy than intentional. You will want to come in for shaping because of this.
#24 Short Curly Cut That Shows Off Natural Texture
I think the definition of the curl is lovely and the soft layering around the face is done beautifully as it really enhances the jawline and doesn’t feel stiff or structured. I also appreciate that the length is just above the shoulders, this allows the curls to be curls without taking them into waves. For medium density hair this is a really nice length as it gets body without waves. In regards to maintaining the style, curly cuts at this length do require regular shaping to look more intentional, but if you have the right cut underneath, it will be minimal daily styling.
#25 Modern Curly Crop That Keeps Things Easy
When clients tell me they want something effortless for their hair, this is the style I suggest, and I mean that in the best way possible. The gentle finish lets the curls flow naturally and not require a complete styling process, and the above the jawline length is more flattering than what longer lengths can sometimes represent. This is actually one of the most low-maintenance curly styles you’ll find, and while you may need some product to keep the curls from going flat or fuzzy, that’s really all that you’ll need to do.
#26 Curly Cut with Clean Volume and a Little Dimension
The subtle layers show confidence in the cut, creating depth while keeping the shape intact. It sits just above the jaw, the curls are all super defined and bouncy, and it has a great, effortlessly energy about it. For naturally curly hair of medium density, this length is perfect because it provides adequate fullness for body, and remains light enough so the curls don’t stretch out and lose their shape. On humid days a defining product may be necessary, but this cut just works most of the time.
#27 Curly Cut with Warmth and Movement
The color makes the curls look deeper and almost 3D. It might be the reason this cut looks best in photos. The bounce is really nice, and I think it will be best for finer hair types because they will need the extra volume. The length is just above the jawline, which is super flattering and keeps it looking fresh. The defined curls with that color shouldn’t be too much work to keep up, and I think it won’t feel like work if you love the results.
#28 Curly Bob with Defined Texture and Lift
Layering for the bob cut is super tricky. It takes skill to get that balance for lift and to create curl patterns. For this cut and especially with medium to thick hair, you get a really airy and free feel because the curls won’t be heavy and sit against your neck. This length is versatile enough to sit above the shoulders, and you can wear it fully down or half up without the shape collapsing. It will need a styling product for definition, but because the cut does most of the work, you can keep it light.
#29 Chin-Length Curly Cut with Effortless Appeal
I believe that chin length curly cuts suit many different people, and this one really exemplifies that. The soft curls look like they have little product placed in them, but they look great for people who usually depend on makeup to look good. For this length of hair, medium density is best because the curls can fully form without being too heavy. I love how easy and approachable it is, and it looks great on almost everyone I’ve put it on.
#30 Chin-Length Curly Cut for Natural Texture
This style showcases your curls and bouncy curls that look great on their own are always a great reason for the cut. The chin length framing softens the face and the defined texture offers structure without the stiffness. For fine to medium hair this is perfect as it doesn’t ask for much from your density while still giving shape and movement. Regular trims are important here as curly hair shows splits quicker than straight hair but between cuts it is low maintenance.
#31 Short Curly Cut with Highlights That Actually Enhance the Curl
Her highlights look perfect because instead of painting horizontal lines, the highlights are placed in the curls. This gives a more natural effect instead of the stripy look. The curls in question bounce and fall just above the shoulders. The medium density looks youthful and full without a heavy look. For anyone thinking of coloring curly hair, it’s essential to find a colorist that knows how curls wrap and where they will catch the light. There will be some upkeep with the color and the curls, and it’s totally worth it to have that amazing brightness and multidimensional movement that most styles just won’t give you.
#32 Curly Cut with Warm Copper Tones and Great Shape
Wonderful color on this cut, and for some reason, it makes all of the curls pop a little more than most cool toned colors would. The definition and volume are great and the length allows for excellent movement. For medium to thick hair this cut gives just the right amount of order to the hair for the texture to really shine. Hair this color will, on the other hand, require a little extra maintenance to stay looking fresh, but each time you get it done you will remember just how worth it that upkeep is.
#33 Curly Cut with Movement and Subtle Layering
The way this is layered really shows the focus on the feel of the cut instead of the visuals. The strands move and fall more freely and naturally due to the lack of weight in this area. That kind of cutting shows lots of experience and effort and she cut it fabulously. The length makes the natural curl pattern stand out and the air dry quality is really nice which great texture. To be honest, that is my standard for whether a curly cut is actually working. On days when everything wants to frizz, styling products will help, but the foundation is solid enough to carry itself.
#34 Curly Cut That Looks Better the Less You Touch It
I appreciate cuts that benefit you for being low maintenance, and this is one of those. The soft definition of the loose curls is nice. The bounce looks more natural, and the layers are perfectly balanced to avoid it all feeling too stationary. Medium density hair at this length actually demonstrates some fullness so volumizing products are out, as are the blow outs. A light leave-in conditioner is basically all you need. It’s the kind of hair that makes it look like you have a secret, and that secret is just a nice cut.
#35 Curly Cut with an Edgy Fade and Textured Layers
The curls on top and the fade on the side give a good contrast. It keeps the haircut intriguing overall. The top layers are textured so it adds some volume, but without going spherical which is always a risk on curly haircuts that have shorter sides. With the fade, hair looks fuller on top, which is the case with fine to medium hair density. The fade will need constant upkeep for the clean look, but the curls will need to be refreshed in between wash days.
#36 Curly Cut with Defined Volume Below the Jaw
The hair length just below the jawline works nicely over here, it’s long enough for the curls to fully form, but short enough so that they don’t lose their bounce and just stretch out. The soft curls do quite a good job of framing the face, and that is what most curly hair owners go for – the framing of the face looks good, but not overly done. Medium to thick density curls tend to work really nicely at this length as there is sufficient hair to fill out the shape without excessive layering. All lengths of curly hair should be kept well hydrated and this should be your main priority. The cut looks really nice as it grows out and requires very little upkeep, so to your stylist, it will be a very low maintenance haircut.
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