35 Best Short Curly Hairstyles & Haircuts for 2023

If you feel like your long curly locks are weighing you down, why not be brave and go the chop? A cropped curly hairdo can appear seriously stylish and is entirely practical thanks to its limited length and manageability. Additionally, short strands are easy to style and surprisingly versatile, and, as such, are an option that all curly-haired ladies should consider. From gorgeous pixies to bouncy bobs, here are the best short curly hairstyles for women.

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1. Short Curly Pixie Cut

A pixie cut with plenty of volume on top offers its wearer a cool retro vibe. Just remember to rock the look with your coolest clothes to avoid appearing outdated.

2. Shoulder Length Curls with Bangs

Does your shoulder-length curly hairstyle need a refresh? You should consider adding bangs for a cool and contemporary look.

3. Short Curly Lob

For an on-trend way to rock your curly locks, have them chopped into a wavy lob. You can also add blunt ends or bangs to the look for a fresh and youthful feel.

4. Short Voluminous Curls with Deep Side Part

Short, high-volume curls paired with a deep side part equals a winning look. The hairstyle will work perfectly whether you’re heading to the office or out on a date.

5. Short Vintage Curls

A bob haircut with defined, tight curls offers a beautiful vintage aesthetic. Partner the look with red lipstick and a flick of black eyeliner for a stunning overall style.

6. Short Curly Hair with Shaved Side

For a cool contrasting look, consider shaving one or both sides of your head and leaving a longer length on top. The result will be an impressive explosion of curls.

7. Updo for Short Ringlet Hair

Natural curls look fantastic when worn in a loose bun at the back of the head. The style also works perfectly for short strands, as pieces will gently fall out of place for a relaxed appearance.

8. Short Curly Hair with Crown Braid

It may take some practice, but a crown braid on short, curly hair is possible. As the style will be easiest to create on hair with grip, try it on second-day locks.

9. Short Curly Cut with Sweeping Side Bangs

While full, front bangs can often appear overly heavy on a delicate face, sweeping side bangs offer a lighter look, especially when worn with short, curly locks.

10. Short Curls with Temple Shave

Short curls can often appear soft and feminine. So, if you prefer an edgy and bold look, try adding an unexpected temple shave for impact.

11. Messy Curly Bob with Bangs

One of the best things about curls is that they don’t have to be perfect to look great. So, if your bob and bangs look a little messy, just go with it.

12. Short Afro Hairstyle

Ladies with naturally curly hair can embrace their kinks and coils with a short Afro cut. The style is seriously chic and creates a confident appearance.

13. Shaved Pixie Cut with Curly Bangs

For a bold take on the traditional pixie cut, have your stylist shave or shear the back and sides of your hair. Then, leave the top long and wear it forward with incredible, curly bangs.

14. Platinum Curly Bob

Changing your hair color can be an excellent way to refresh a curly bob. Why not try a bold platinum blond look for a high-impact appearance for light-haired ladies?

15. Pinned Up Curls

While your locks may not be long enough to create an intricate updo, they will look fabulous pinned up. All it takes is a few bobby pins to achieve a gorgeous fountain of curls on top of your head.

16. Updo for Short and Thick Curly Hair

On days when your thick curls are too much to deal with, try pinning them up on top of your head. Just ensure that they neatly frame your face for a chic look.

17. Naturally Curly Pixie Cut

You should consider a pixie cut if you want a sophisticated, short haircut for your natural curls. The cropped ‘do is perfect for projecting an elegant appearance with a touch of fun.

18. Messy Short Curly Crop

Can’t decide between a pixie cut and a bob? Why not go halfway and rock the best of both haircuts in a stylishly messy crop?

19. Marilyn Monroe’s Short Curly Hair

When it comes to rocking stylish short curls, Marilyn Monroe offers plenty of inspiration. The iconic actress wore her blonde hair cropped short in a cut that’s still fashionable today.

20. Ethereal Short Curly Updo

Pinning frizzy curls into an updo can create an ethereal appearance. Just remember to leave a few loose tendrils around your face to keep the style soft and relaxed.

21. Cute Curly Pixie

A short curly pixie cut is not only practical but also cute and feminine. Consider adding a decorative hairpin to dress up the style for evening events.

22. Short Curly Updo with Headband

Short curls can appear glamorous and gorgeous when pinned up on top of the head. You can also add a headband to the look for a sophisticated and stylish finish.

23. Short Curly Bob

To style a smooth and chic curly bob, try blow-drying your roots straight with a concentrator nozzle before defining ends with a diffuser.

24. Short Curly Bob with Side Braid

Ladies with short strands don’t have to miss out on all the cool braided looks that are currently around. Instead, just make them work for your length by selecting achievable options, such as a side braid.

25. Short Curly Bob with Highlights

If your standard curly bob is feeling a little “blah,” consider adding highlights. The addition of lighter strands will instantly give your look a lift.

26. Short Curly Bob with Bangs

Embrace thick, healthy curls by showing them off in a stylish bob haircut. You can also add long bangs to help balance the cut and add character.

27. Buzz Cut for Naturally Curly Hair

When natural curls get too out of control, a short haircut can help to tame them. For the ultimate level of control, turn to a buzz cut or a short pixie cut.

28. Short Curly Middle Part

Curly hair is a gorgeous texture that can be worn in several ways, including a middle part. This is a great way to complement symmetrical features and can frame the face, drawing attention to your features. This parting looks softer and less dramatic when worn with curly hair.

29. Short Curly Two Block

The two-block haircut was first popularized in South Korea but has become a worldwide trend recently. It is defined by the hair being cut into two distinct blocks, with the hair on the top appearing longer and fuller than the hair on the sides and back. The blocks will be less distinct on curly hair but no less stylish.

30. Short Curtain Bangs

Curtain bangs are an incredibly chic way to wear your hair and can be adapted to suit all haircuts and textures. They are ideal for framing the face and highlighting the features, particularly the eyes and cheekbones, and with curly hair, these bangs can also look soft and romantic.

31. Short Curly Hair and Fade

Curly hair is ideal because it can feel full and voluminous. This texture is full of movement and lends itself well to various styles. Short hair is excellent for curls because it makes it easier to maintain, and adding a fade is a great way to give your haircut an edgy and cool vibe while also removing weight.

32. Short Curly Bowl Cut

The bowl cut is defined by the hair being cut around the head at one length. It is a youthful haircut and ideal for women who want to embrace short hair. Your curls can also soften the cut, which will help avoid the mushroom-style of 80s bowl cuts.

33. Short Curly Wolf Cut

The wolf cut is a look that is a blend of the classic shag and mullet. It is defined by its choppy layers and heavily textured appearance and is excellent for achieving volume. With curly hair, the wolf cut looks great, and the layers of the cut complement the movement of the curls. It can also remove weight and bulk from the hair.

34. Short Curly Shag

The shag haircut is a 70s favorite with choppy layers. It has a full crown and thins toward the ends, which is great for achieving movement and dimension. The shag looks gorgeous with curls and softens the layers, making them less precise.

35. Short Curly Ponytail

The ponytail is one of the most effortless updos and ideal for all occasions. With short hair, the best option is a small, low ponytail. The ponytail can be a great way to show off your curls, and leaving a few to frame your face can be incredibly flattering.

Short Curly Hair FAQs

Does curly hair look good short?

Curly hair is well suited to short cuts because it has natural volume and can be styled in many ways. There's so much versatility, from pixie cuts and bobs to shaved sides and curly buzz cuts. Plus, because curly hair can be more prone to breakage, sometimes chopping off the ends can make your hair look and feel much healthier.

What is the best haircut for short curly hair?

The best haircut for short curly hair will depend on your face's shape and curl pattern. You want a style that will flatter your features and suit your lifestyle. Pixie cuts look great on women with heart, oval, round, and triangle faces. Meanwhile, side-swept bangs and part lines on a bob are great for heart and square faces, as it balances your forehead out. Shorter hairstyles are also great if you have a long face, as it creates more width in your look.

How can I style my short curly hair?

Short curly hair can be left natural, embracing your curls as they are. Alternatively, it can look exquisite pulled into an updo, particularly for special occasions. Just remember that hairpins will be your best friend to keep everything where you want. Side braids are great for pulling curly hair away from the face while still looking stylish. Alternatively, opt for an edgier look by shaving the side of your head, either to the back or just at the temple.

How do you sleep with curly hair?

A few methods for sleeping with curly hair ensure you wake up looking like a goddess rather than a frizz ball. First is to hydrate your hair by using a leave-in conditioner or treatment. This will help prevent moisture loss and breakage. When it comes to sleepy hairstyles, pineapples, top knots, and braids are popular choices to prevent damage and frizz. Lastly, sleeping on silk is another good tip – you can use either a silk bonnet or pillowcase. The smooth texture won't grab your hair as you snooze like cotton or synthetic options.