13 Short Curly Haircuts That Turn Heads (See What’s Trending!)
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TL;DR
Looking to embrace your curls with a short cut? Check out 13 trendy short curly haircuts, from the bold curly pixie to the chic curly bob. Each style is paired with easy-to-follow tips, including what to ask your stylist and how to style your new look. Plus, if you're unsure which cut suits your face shape, grab our FREE Haircut Guide to help you choose the perfect style for you. Ready for the chop?
As a hairstylist, I’ve seen it time and time again: clients coming in nervous about chopping their curly hair short, unsure of how it’ll look, or whether they’ll still have the volume and shape they love.
But every single time, they leave with a smile, rocking a cut that feels lighter, bouncier, and more freeing than ever. It’s amazing how a fresh, short curly cut can completely transform not just the hair but the confidence that comes with it.
So, why are so many people making the chop right now? Let’s dive into why short curly haircuts are trending and why you might want to consider joining the movement.
Why Short Curly Haircuts Are Trending Right Now
Short curly haircuts have been making waves lately, and for good reason. More and more people are opting for shorter cuts that show off their curls in their most natural, bouncy form. It’s not just about convenience, but short curly cuts bring volume, movement, and texture that long curls often can’t capture. There’s something so freeing about shedding the weight and letting your curls live.
Cultural shifts are also driving the trend. With the rise of curly pride, short curly cuts have become a way to embrace your natural texture and feel empowered by it. Short Cuts mean less fuss, less frizz, and a healthier-looking head of hair. Who wouldn’t want that?
13 Trendy Short Curly Haircuts You’ll Love: Pick Yours!
Ready to make the chop? Here are 13 chic short curly cuts that will leave you looking fabulous. Whether you're going for bold or soft, we’ve got options for every curl type and personality.
The Curly Pixie
The curly pixie is the ultimate shortcut for curls that crave attention. It’s a chic and playful style that hugs your natural curl pattern close to the head, letting your texture shine through without all the weight. It’s all about bringing out your cheekbones while keeping the volume balanced. This cut is both fun and easy, so you can embrace your curls without any of the fuss. Plus, it’s bold enough to turn heads but simple enough for daily wear.
Best Suited For: This cut works great for tighter curls or coils that naturally hold shape, so if you’re looking for a bold but easy style, this is for you. It’s also ideal if you’re someone who doesn’t want to spend a lot of time styling, but still wants volume and texture. And, it’s perfect for anyone who loves defined curls that stay in place with minimal effort.
What to Ask Your Stylist:
Top: Keep the length a little longer on top so you don’t get that shrinkage surprise.
Sides & Back: Taper or fade the sides and back for a soft but clean shape.
Hairline: Soften the edges around the hairline to keep things feminine.
Pro Tip
When your curls are soaking wet, scrunch in your favourite curl cream and let it air dry. It’s the easiest way to lock in definition and keep those curls bouncy and natural, and no crunch!
The Tapered Curly Cut
A tapered curly cut is all about sculpting your curls with precision. The hair at the nape and sides is kept short, while the top has extra length and volume, creating a gorgeous shape that lifts toward the crown. It elongates the neck and gives the hair an effortless, flattering silhouette. The key is to keep the cut clean and sharp at the edges while letting the curls do their thing: light, airy, and full of movement.
Best Suited For: This cut is a dream for medium to tight curls, especially if you’ve got dense hair that can use a little more definition and shape. If you love volume but don’t want a bulky cut, this one’s for you. It’s also perfect if you’re looking to add height without losing the softness of your natural curls.
What to Ask Your Stylist:
Neckline: Ask for a clean, tapered neckline to keep the cut looking fresh.
Length: Gradually increase length toward the top for that voluminous effect.
Crown: Leave the crown longer, around 2–3 inches, so you can style it with flexibility.
Pro Tip
Once your curls are dry, grab a pick and gently lift the roots. It’s a simple way to add more volume without needing extra products.
The Curly Bob
The curly bob is a classic style with a twist. It’s the perfect length to highlight your curls, landing between the chin and collarbone. The cut keeps things sleek and balanced, with light layering that adds movement and prevents the dreaded boxy look. It’s both chic and playful, giving you that polished yet lived-in vibe that looks great on anyone, whether you’re at work or out for brunch.
Best Suited For: If your curls tend to fall flat or get heavy at the crown, this is your cut. The curly bob gives loose to medium curls that extra bounce and keeps them from losing volume. It’s also great if you want a low-maintenance style that still feels stylish and put-together every day.
What to Ask Your Stylist:
Back: Ask for a slight graduation in the back to prevent that shelf-like shape.
Layers: Make sure the internal layers are subtle to keep the weight evenly distributed.
Length: Be sure to check the length when your curls are dry to account for shrinkage.
Pro Tip
When your curls are still damp, apply a light gel and twist small sections around your finger for added definition. It’ll give you those perfect, soft curls every time.
👉 Ready to try a long bob with layers? Discover the best styles and tips in my guide!
The Layered Shag
The layered shag is a fun, messy style that brings instant texture and movement to your curls. It’s not about perfection; it’s about embracing the natural bounce and volume of your curls with layers that go in every direction. This cut gives you a rock ‘n’ roll edge while keeping things light and airy, perfect for anyone who wants to add some attitude to their curls.
Best Suited For: This cut is perfect if you’ve got medium-thick curls that tend to get heavy or feel too flat at the ends. If you love your curls to have bounce and texture without extra bulk, the shag’s your go-to. It’s also ideal for anyone who loves effortless styles that don’t need a lot of work.
What to Ask Your Stylist:
Layers: Make sure there are lots of short layers throughout to add that carefree vibe.
Length: Keep the length around the jawline or collarbone, whichever feels best for you.
Ends: Avoid heavy-weight lines near the ends.
Pro Tip
Before diffusing, apply mousse or volumizing foam to your damp curls. This gives your hair the perfect body and helps the layers pop.
👉 Thinking about a short shag haircut? Check out my guide on 19 Short Shag Haircuts You Need to Try for fresh, textured styles that suit every vibe and hair type!
The Short Curly Mohawk
The short curly mohawk is a bold, edgy style that’s sure to turn heads. With ultra-short sides and longer curls left in the center, this cut is all about making a statement. The curly mohawk gives you a strong, sculpted silhouette, showcasing your curls in a way that’s full of personality. It’s daring, unique, and just the right amount of fun.
Best Suited For: This style works best for tighter curls or coils that stand tall and can handle the boldness of the mohawk. It’s for those who love to stand out and aren’t afraid of a style that makes a statement. If you’ve got curls that can hold a shape, you’re going to rock this one.
What to Ask Your Stylist:
Sides: Clipper the sides down to a fade or close crop to keep things sharp.
Top: Leave the top curls at least 3–4 inches long for that dramatic mohawk effect.
Blend: Blend the side transitions cleanly into the crown to keep the cut looking sharp, not chunky.
Pro Tip
Use a curl-enhancing cream to define the curls on top. It’ll give them that extra hold, making sure your mohawk stays sculpted all day long.
The Curly Undercut
The curly undercut is all about contrast. With clippered sections underneath the curls, this cut keeps the bulk off your neck while giving you that full, voluminous look on top. It’s a great way to show off your curls without feeling weighed down. The undercut works beautifully when styled down, but also gives you the freedom to play with fun updos or puffs when you’re feeling adventurous.
Best Suited For: This cut is perfect for anyone with thick, dense curls that can get heavy or hard to manage. The undercut helps to lighten the load without sacrificing volume on top. It’s ideal if you want something fresh and edgy but still want to keep the natural fullness of your curls.
What to Ask Your Stylist:
Undercut: Ask for a clean, disconnected undercut around the nape or sides for that hidden effect.
Top: Keep the top long enough for versatile styling.
Blend: Make sure the blend is smooth so it doesn’t look too harsh.
Pro Tip
When wearing your hair up, show off the undercut by twisting your curls into a high puff. It’s an easy way to flaunt the cut while keeping your curls under control.
The French Curly Bob
The French curly bob is your chic, effortless look. This bob sits just at the chin, with soft, rounded edges that feel light and breezy. It’s a style that brings a bit of French-girl flair to your curls; chic, but not fussy. The beauty of this cut lies in its simplicity, as it flatters any curl pattern and gives off a laid-back, polished vibe.
Best Suited For: This is a great cut for fine to medium curls that need a little structure without over-layering. If you love the idea of a simple yet stylish bob that still shows off your curls, this is the one.
What to Ask Your Stylist:
Perimeter: Ask for a blunt perimeter to keep the bob structured.
Layers: Subtle internal layers will help prevent it from looking too flat.
Shape: Keep the back slightly shorter than the front to create a natural lift.
Pro Tip
Flip your part to the opposite side to instantly add volume at the roots. This little trick will give you that "just got out of bed" volume without the hassle.
👉 Want to rock a French bob with bangs? Check out my guide on 21 French Bobs With Bangs That Are Way Too Chic to Ignore for expert tips and styling inspiration!
The Curly Asymmetrical Crop
The curly asymmetrical crop is all about making a statement with your curls. One side is cut longer than the other, creating a fun, unexpected shape that draws attention. It’s a modern take on the classic crop, with movement that feels fresh and unique.
Best Suited For: Medium-tight curls that naturally form into clumps. This cut helps to showcase shape and texture boldly. It’s perfect if you want a style that’s a bit edgier, but still easy to wear and manage day-to-day.
What to Ask Your Stylist:
Angle: Ask to angle the cut so one side is around the cheekbone and the other falls slightly below the jawline.
Layers: Soft layering will help blend the asymmetry and create smooth movement.
Ends: Keep the ends light and airy, avoid a blunt finish.
Pro Tip
Use styling cream and twist small sections of hair to separate curls and keep that fresh, textured look all day long.
The Wash-and-Go Cut
The wash-and-go cut is the ultimate low-maintenance curly style. It’s all about cutting your hair in a way that works with your natural curl pattern, so you can simply wash, apply product, and go. Balanced layers allow your curls to air-dry beautifully with minimal effort, making it the perfect option for busy mornings when you want curls that look great with minimal styling.
Best Suited For: This cut works well for anyone who’s looking for simplicity and ease. If you have a busy lifestyle or you just don’t want to spend a lot of time styling, this is the cut for you. It’s also great if you love your natural curls but want them to fall into a flattering shape without the fuss.
What to Ask Your Stylist:
Shaping: Make sure the shape is sculpted dry to avoid surprises with shrinkage.
Layers: Blend the layers so your curls fall seamlessly into place.
Avoid: Avoid heavy graduation that would require blow-drying.
Pro Tip
After washing, use a microfiber towel to blot your hair; never rub. This helps prevent frizz and preserves your natural curl pattern without disrupting the shape.
The Curly Bixie
The curly bixie is the best of both worlds, combining the edginess of a pixie with the volume of a bob. It’s cropped at the nape, with longer layers toward the crown, giving you a cut that’s both lightweight and full of life. The bixie is playful, fresh, and makes a bold statement without feeling overly dramatic.
Best Suited For: Anyone craving a modern, lightweight cut with plenty of movement. It’s great if you want something that’s not too short but still gives the freedom of a pixie. The bixie also works well for curls that tend to get heavy or lose shape over time.
What to Ask Your Stylist:
Back: Keep the back short and tapered to maintain structure.
Crown: Leave the crown layers longer, around 4 inches, so your curls have room to bounce.
Edges: Soften the edges for that lived-in, effortless vibe.
Pro Tip
When styling, use a heat protectant and diffuse for a natural, soft texture that holds its shape throughout the day.
The Textured Crop with Bangs
The textured crop with bangs gives you that perfect mix of softness and edge. It’s a short cut with gentle layers throughout, complemented by soft, curly bangs that graze the brows. This style adds dimension and structure without feeling heavy, and the bangs add a playful twist that frames the face beautifully. It’s an easy-to-manage style that always looks effortlessly chic.
Best Suited For: This cut is ideal for loose to medium curls that naturally create volume but need a little definition at the roots. It’s great if you want to try bangs without the commitment of a full fringe, and it works well for those who want texture and volume without excess weight.
What to Ask Your Stylist:
Bangs: Ask to cut the bangs dry so they sit properly and avoid any unwanted length.
Sides: Layer through the sides to keep the shape balanced.
Finish: Keep the bangs piece-y, not blunt, for a more natural look.
Pro Tip
To refresh your fringe every day, spritz a bit of water and add a dab of curl cream. This will keep the curls defined without looking frizzy.
👉 Considering medium curly haircuts with bangs? Check out my guide on Medium Curly Haircuts with Bangs for expert tips and styling inspiration!
The Soft Curly Bowl Cut
The soft curly bowl cut is a modern take on the classic bowl cut, but with a lot more texture and movement. It’s rounded around the head, creating a soft silhouette that works perfectly with curls. The cut maintains that bold, distinct shape without feeling too heavy or harsh, thanks to the layers that keep the volume light and airy. It’s fresh and fun, perfect for someone who wants a unique, stand-out style.
Best Suited For: This cut is fantastic for fine to medium curls that need some structure without being weighed down. It’s also great for those looking for a clean, easy-to-manage style that still has that playful, quirky edge. If you want something that feels fresh and light, this is the cut for you.
What to Ask Your Stylist:
Crown: Ask for a rounded shape at the crown for that signature bowl look.
Layers: Keep the layers light and soft to avoid any harsh lines.
Underside: Taper the underlayers slightly to keep the shape from feeling too bulky.
Pro Tip
When styling, diffuse your curls upside down to enhance the shape and get that voluminous look.
The Micro Bob with Layers
The micro bob with layers is a super-short, playful cut that stops just below the ears, giving you a clean, sharp look. The layered texture adds body and volume to the hair, creating a bob that’s anything but flat. This cut is edgy and fun while still feeling very polished and sophisticated. It's a great way to embrace a shorter style without feeling too "done-up."
Best Suited For: This cut works best on wavy or curly textures that naturally shrink up without losing definition. It’s perfect for anyone who loves a minimalist look that doesn’t skimp on personality. If you have curls that can shrink up without losing their shape, this cut will give you just the right amount of body and structure.
What to Ask Your Stylist:
Nape: Keep the nape of the neck clean and tapered for that sharp edge.
Layers: Layer gradually from the crown down to keep the bob lightweight.
Length: Be sure to check the final length while dry to account for shrinkage.
Pro Tip
To keep the ends soft and hydrated, apply a lightweight leave-in conditioner after styling. It’ll help keep the curls bouncy and smooth.
Not Sure Which Short Curly Cut Suits Your Face Shape? Grab Our Free Haircut Guide!
Picking the right short curly cut can be tricky, especially when you’re considering your face shape. But don’t stress! I’ve got a FREE Haircut Guide to help you find the best style for you!
Whether you have a round, oval, or heart-shaped face, this guide gives you all the tips you need to choose the cut that flatters your features.
Ready to take the guesswork out of your next haircut? Download the guide below and make your salon visit a breeze!
Keep Your Short Curls Looking Fresh Between Salon Visits
Keeping your short curls looking great after you leave the salon is all about maintenance. Here are a few tips to ensure your curls stay fresh, defined, and healthy:
Trimming Frequency: Short curly hair requires regular trims to keep the shape intact and avoid any awkward grow-out stages. Depending on how fast your hair grows, a trim every 6–8 weeks should do the trick.
Moisture Routines: Curly hair tends to be more prone to dryness, so keep your curls hydrated with a good leave-in conditioner or hydrating curl cream. Moisture is key to preventing frizz and keeping curls bouncy.
Preventing Frizz: To avoid frizz, always dry your curls using a microfiber towel or cotton t-shirt instead of rubbing them with a regular towel. Rubbing can cause friction, which leads to frizz.
Nighttime Care: Protect your curls while you sleep by using a silk pillowcase or wrapping your hair in a satin scarf. This will reduce friction and preserve your curl definition overnight.
👉 Struggling with frizzy curls? Check out my 15 Game-Changing Tips on How to Manage Frizzy Curly Hair for smooth, defined curls every day!
| Curly Hair Care & Styling Inspiration |
|---|
| From wedding styles to repair tips and smoothing solutions, these guides will help you love your curls in every season: Whether you’re prepping for a big event or restoring your hair’s health, these expert tips will guide you every step of the way. |
Must-Have Products for Maintaining Your Short Curly Hair
| Product | Best For | Where to Buy |
|---|---|---|
| Curl-Defining Cream | Adding definition and moisture | 🛒 Shop Now |
| Sulfate-Free Shampoo | Gentle cleansing without stripping curls | 🛒 Shop Now |
| Hydrating Leave-In Conditioner | Moisture and frizz control | 🛒 Shop Now |
| Curl-Enhancing Mousse | Volume and texture without the crunch | 🛒 Shop Now |
| Anti-Frizz Serum | Frizz control and smoothness | 🛒 Shop Now |
| Flexible Hold Gel | Light hold for natural curl definition | 🛒 Shop Now |
| Moisturizing Styling Cream | Deep moisture and soft hold | 🛒 Shop Now |
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Cutting Short Curly Hair
When you’re ready to chop off those curls, there are a few mistakes to watch out for to make sure you get the best cut possible:
Ignoring Curl Shrinkage: Always factor in how much your curls will shrink when wet. Don’t let shrinkage catch you off guard when your cut is too short.
Over-Texturizing: While layers add dimension, too many can leave your curls looking frizzy or uneven. A balanced approach is key.
Forgetting About Maintenance: Short curly cuts often require more frequent trims to keep their shape. Don’t skip salon visits if you want your curls looking sharp.
FAQs: Short Curly Haircuts
Which haircut is best for short curly haircuts?
A curly bob or pixie works great for most curl types, as they show off texture while keeping things manageable.
Is short curly hair low-maintenance?
It can be! Once you find the right cut and products, it can be easy to maintain with minimal styling.
Does short hair make curls look thicker?
Yes, shorter curls tend to have more volume and appear thicker, especially if the cut is layered well.
Can you have bangs with curly hair?
Absolutely! Curly bangs can add a fun touch to any short curly haircut. Just make sure they’re styled to blend with the rest of your curls.
Does short curly hair make you look younger?
Yes, shorter cuts can soften the face and give a youthful, fresh appearance.
How much shrinkage will I see?
Expect about 10–20% shrinkage, depending on how tightly coiled your curls are.
Will I lose curl definition?
Not if you maintain moisture and use curl-enhancing products! Short curls can have a more defined shape.
Can I still wear it up?
Absolutely! Short curly cuts can still be styled into updos or fun, textured puffs.
How often do I need trims?
For the best shape, aim for a trim every 6–8 weeks.
Final Word From Haiirology
Short curly cuts are more than just a trend; they’re about embracing your natural texture and owning your curls with confidence. Whether you're drawn to the playful pixie, the sophisticated bob, or the edgy mohawk, there’s a perfect short curly haircut waiting for you. The key is finding a style that fits your personality and lifestyle, and feeling empowered by the change.
Ready to make your curly hair dreams a reality? Don’t let confusion hold you back! Download our FREE Haircut Guide to help you pick the perfect style based on your curl type and face shape. Plus, you’ll get insider tips from me to make your haircut experience smooth and stress-free.
Let’s get those curls looking their best!
Discover 13 trendy short curly haircuts that will turn heads! From pixies to bobs, find the perfect style for your curls with expert tips, plus a free guide to help you choose the best cut for your face shape.