It can be hard to know where to start if you’re an older lady looking for a cute, low-maintenance short curly hairstyle. To help you, I spoke with expert stylist Katya Yoshida to get her top tips and tricks for styling short, curly hair.
Meet The Expert
Katya Yoshida
Katya is a haircut specialist with over 21 years of experience.
You can find Katya at Tekstura Salon in Oakland, CA.
Choosing the Right Cut
When choosing a short, curly hairstyle, Yoshida recommends keeping it simple. Too many layers can make thin, fine hair appear even thinner. Instead, opt for a stronger shape like a bob or other short, blunt cut to add the appearance of fullness and thickness to the hair. Keep it slightly longer for thicker hair, adding layers and movement. Remember that while many believe all older ladies should have shorter hair, it may not work for everyone, especially if you have thicker hair.
Considering Face Shape
While many stylists recommend choosing a hairstyle based on face shape, Katya believes that all face shapes are beautiful, and it’s up to the individual to decide what they want to enhance or conceal. Instead of focusing on conforming to a specific face shape, work with your stylist to determine your unique features and what styles will best showcase your beauty and style.
Styling Tips and Products
To achieve a great short curly hairstyle, Yoshida advises listening to your stylist and taking notes. Your styling regimen will vary based on your hair texture, so using the right products and techniques is important to get the best results. For wavy hair, sea salt or mineral sprays can help create texture. For curly or coily hair, cream, and gel-type products can help control frizz. Katya’s favorite product for curly hair is the Hairstory cleansing cream, which cleanses without drying out your hair. Another product she loves is the Quiet Calm Curl Control by Innersense, which is versatile and suitable for most hair textures.
Photos of the Cutest Short, Curly Hairstyles for Older Ladies
#1: Adorable Soft Curls
You will feel feminine and pretty in adorable soft curls. You must retain some length in your layers if you want flowing waves. Longer square-shaped layers will allow your curls to flow beautifully off your face. And they give you volume throughout the sides. You’ll want your waves to look shiny and nourished. The best way to achieve this is to gently diffuse with great curl products such as L’Oréal’s Curl Expression line.
#2: Bold Dark Auburn Curls
Try bold dark auburn curls for a richer and healthier-looking style change. If you want your curls to have more shine and definition, you must consider going darker. A darker shade will help fill in faded and frizzy ends and completely change your appearance. Is your natural curl uniform? If not, a twist-cutting technique and curl-enhancing product are recommended. Both help boost straighter areas. If you are unsure about a bold color change, talk to your stylist to see if your complexion can handle it.
#3: Loose Silver Curls
If you’re an older woman looking for a new hairstyle, you may want to consider loose silver curls. This look is perfect for embracing natural curls while adding volume and texture to the hair. It’s a great choice if you want to keep your hair longer but still want some movement and shape. To style, start with damp hair and apply a curl-enhancing cream or mousse to define your curls. Use a diffuser to dry your hair, gently scrunching to encourage the curls. For added volume, consider using a pick to lift at the roots.
#4: Natural Redhead Curls
If you are an older woman with thin and wispy hair but want to embrace your natural red curly locks, ask for a short layered cut. Adding layers creates volume and movement in the hair without losing length. It’s important to keep the length for natural curls to have room to stretch and not shrink too much. To style, begin with damp hair and apply a curl-enhancing mousse or cream. Both will add definition and reduce frizz. Then use a diffuser attachment on your blow dryer to dry your hair without disturbing the curls. Finally, use your fingers to fluff and separate the curls gently.
#5: Fire Copper Short Hair with Textured Layers
Show off your funky side in a fire copper short haircut with textured layers. Bright copper can be achieved with special color products designed for a wow factor. You’ll most likely have to lighten your hair first for the most dramatic impact. You’ll want the sides and back cropped close and the top left long to achieve a strong hairstyle. This gives you the perfect canvas for your color. The long top should be texturized for manageability and control.
#6: Curly Blonde Bob with Graduation
Make your hairstyle stand out in a curly blonde bob with graduation. A jaw-length crop with elevation in the back will visually lift up sagging jowls. If you are over 50, a cool haircut will make you feel more youthful. Try diffusing your long layered curls into a tousled shape for an effortless feel. Adding blonde highlights is a great idea and will make you appear younger.
#7: Side Part Stacked Curly Haircut
Consider the classy shape of a side part stacked curly haircut. The chin-length and stacked back give your curled locks the perfect profile. A side part is a great way to increase your height on the top while leaving the lengths longer in the crown area. A stacked curly bob is a great shape for naturally curly hair, giving it new life.
#8: Curled Bixie Brunette with Hints of Blonde
Enjoy the elegant shape of a curled brunette bixie with hints of blonde. Short hairstyles are perfect for uplifting sagging facial features. They’re a great choice for older women. A bixie is a hybrid of a pixie and a bob. It can be achieved by bringing up your length and adding more layering through the sides and the back. As we age, we should avoid too dark of a single process, and adding a hint of blonde is the perfect solution.
#9: Jaw-Length Soft Tousled Curls and Layers
Go natural with jaw-length soft tousled curls and layers. If you’re tired of your frizzy curls, stop fighting them and embrace them. Your grey hair can appear more youthful in a cute short cut. Ask your stylist for long layers and a long fringe. Apply some great curl products, like L’Oréal’s Curl Expression line.
#10: Short Layered Grey Curls with Deep Side Part
Try short layered grey curls with a deep side part, and hide your age. A neck-length shape will lift your face, and the deep side part will create height in the front. The curls will make your style soft and low-maintenance. A perm could be a good option if you don’t have them naturally. Minimal layers are recommended to increase volume and maintain some weight in your haircut.
#11: Very Short Tapered Curls with Side Fringe
Very short tapered curls with a side fringe could be your new style. Chop it off and simplify your life. The short sides and back make your style routine a snap, and the long side fringe keeps this cut looking trendy. Have your stylist cut the fringe asymmetrically for the most dramatic shape. Air dry with light gel to finish.
#12: Short Voluminous Curly Bob for Brunette Hair
Your brunette hair will accent a short voluminous curly bob fabulously. You’ll want a medium layered cut to increase your volume and make your cut less rounded. Make sure you add some face-framing tendrils to add softness to your sides. If you are uncomfortable without a bang, a few pieces can also be added to the forehead. I recommend diffusing with a curl amplifier for extra fullness and control.
#13: Balayage Pixie Cut with Short Sides
A balayage pixie cut with short sides is the perfect style for thick hair. Cutting the sides off will simplify your styling time if your hair is naturally curly and coarse. The long top adds volume to the crown, and highlights accent the curly texture. You’ll want to apply a curl cream to your strands for moisture and definition. And coax the top forward for a modern air-dried shape.
#14: Gray Chin-Length Bob with Curls
A hairstyle that always is in style and looks great is a chin-length bob cut with curls. A bob haircut is so versatile, timeless, and modern looking. When getting a bob haircut, ask for layers. Layers will help you achieve more volume and give your hair a nice rounded shape. I recommend using a diffuser on your hair dryer and drying your hair that way. You can let it air dry if you choose but be aware you would get less volume if you let it air dry.
#15: Super Short Cut with Wispy Curls
Reinvent yourself in a super short cut with wispy curls. Your gray hair can be stylish in an easy-to-maintain cropped cut. The sides and back are short, but the longer length on top will give you a soft appearance. A perm is always an option if you aren’t lucky enough to have a natural wave. Comb in place and let your hair air dry for a beautiful style.
#16: Voluminous Layered Bob with Bangs and Curls
Soften your appearance in a voluminous layered bob with bangs and curls. Ask your stylist for a graduated cut to achieve this shape bob with a face frame and layer. The bangs will make any face appear more youthful, hiding wrinkles on the forehead. The layers will give your bob volume and more of a shag vibe, with soft pieces surrounding your face. Touch up the layers with a curling iron for a tousled and sexy style, and you’ll feel fantastic.
#17: Very Short Layered Bob with Big Curls
A short layered bob with big curls is a fabulous style for embracing your natural wave. The tousled and voluminous shape can be achieved with graduation at the bottom. Ask for longer layers throughout the crown with a disconnection between the two. This cutting technique gives your hair a shaggy shape and removes bulk from thick hair. Try twirling the long top pieces as your hair dries around your finger for definition. You’ll want to use a curl product to reduce frizz and promote shine.
#18: Messy Pixie with Piece-y Layers and Curls
Your curls will work fabulously in a messy pixie with piece-y layers. To achieve a messy pixie, you’ll want a graduated nape and sides for width. Ask your stylist for choppy long layers throughout the crown to create dimension. The wedge-like shape will work well on thin hair and thick textures and is great for longer face shapes. Diffuse or air dry with a curl-defining product for a beautifully textured style.
#19: Short Tapered Curly Pixie
Try a short tapered curly pixie if you’re older and want an easy style that looks cute. This short hair style will be perfect for you if you have an oval, round, or heart-shaped face. You may ask your hairstylist to leave it a little longer when cutting. Because once your curls spring up and dry, they will appear shorter. One of my favorite styling products for curly fine hair is Kevin Murphy Killer Waves Curl Enhancer. This product is designed for fine texture hair so it won’t weigh down your hair.
#20: Neck-Length White Curly Shag Bob
Frame your face in a neck-length white curly shag bob. You’ll love the fullness a layered bob shape will give your strands. Incorporate a long fringe to enhance your features and soften fine lines. Ask your stylist for square-shaped medium layers for a sassy cut with a modern style. Try diffusing your new cut with a curl amplifier for beautiful voluminous curls.
#21: Cropped Bob with Voluminous Curls
You’ll feel trendy in a cropped bob with voluminous curls. A short bob cut will not interfere with glasses and incorporates them well. Have your stylist cut a lip-length bob and add long layers to achieve a perfect shape. If you have a natural curl, try twirling each section around your finger as you dry. And get ready to flaunt your ringlets. Straight-haired ladies can always add wave with an iron.
#22: Side-Parted White Curly Layered Pixie
Youth your appearance in a side-parted white curly layered pixie. Cutting your hair ear-length or above automatically redirects sagging features visually. Think of it as a hairdo facelift. You’ll want a tapered nape and a shorter length to achieve this style. Make sure layers are added to bring your curls to life. Scrunch or air dry, coax the bangs off to one side for lift and revel in the compliments.
#23: Short Curly Hair with Side-Swept Bangs
Short curly hair with side-swept bangs is a cute cut with lots of style. If you have natural curly textured hair, don’t be afraid to try a curly pixie cut. Request your stylist to taper the nape and sides and start a weight line above the ear length. You’ll want the top left longer to encourage ringlets and volume. Try to air-dry your hair with a curl cream, and you’ll have a beautiful and easy-care hairstyle.
#24: Tight Curls for Extra Short Haircut
Consider doing tight curls on extra short hair if you’re over 70 and want an easy style. To keep your ringlets tight and not fizzy, I suggest after you shampoo, use a wide tooth comb instead of a brush to comb your hair out. Then apply Killer Twirls by Kevin Murphy to the hair. With this product, you can let it air-dry or use a diffuser. I recommend getting a silk bonnet on your head while sleeping. This will help to keep your locks moisturized and keep your curls from getting frizzy.
#25: Textured Curls for a Mini Bob Cut
If you are searching for a short but feminine hairstyle, consider a mini bob cut with textured curls. The lip-length bob with kinky curls adds softness and is perfect for slimming round face shapes. You could always try a perm to achieve texture if you don’t have a natural curl. I recommend a side part, noting that the middle parts are hard to pull off on most face shapes. Diffuse your curls with a gel for a cute and defined finish.
#26: Edgy Curly Haircut with Short Nape and Long Top
Simplify your styling regime with an edgy curly hair cut with short nape and long top. Afro-textured hair is the perfect canvas to create an edgy shape with lots of height. Cutting the nape and sides short eliminates bulk. It gives you a cool profile and makes styling a breeze. You may want to use cool water to style your new shape without heat damage. Use a leave-in conditioner or air dry for finer textures.