15 Short Hairstyles That Work for Curly Hair (Finally!)

For far too long, the narrative surrounding curly hair was one of struggle and taming. The idea of going short was often met with warnings: “You’ll lose all your volume!” or “It’ll just be a triangle of frizz!” Well, it’s time to rewrite that story. Short hair and curly hair are a match made in heaven, offering a liberation that longer locks simply can’t. Imagine less time detangling, less product usage, and a style that celebrates your natural texture with unparalleled volume and personality.

This guide is your ultimate resource, debunking the myth that curly hair can’t be cut short. We’re diving into 15 fabulous, curly-approved short hairstyles that range from the daringly cropped to the playfully textured. Get ready to find a look that will finally make you fall in love with your curls all over again.

Why Go Short? The Benefits for Curly Hair

Before we jump into the styles, let’s talk about the why. Choosing a short hairstyle for your curls isn’t just a aesthetic decision; it’s a practical one. Shorter hair means significantly reduced weight, which allows your curls to spring up into their most defined and voluminous form. You’ll notice tighter coil patterns and more bounce.

From a maintenance perspective, short curly hair is often much easier to manage. Wash days are quicker, detangling sessions are a breeze (or non-existent), and you’ll use a fraction of the conditioner and styling products. It’s a lifestyle upgrade that gives you time back in your day while ensuring your hair looks incredible. Plus, short styles highlight your facial features, drawing attention to your eyes, cheekbones, and smile in a powerful way.

1. The Textured Pixie Cut

For the truly bold, the textured pixie is the ultimate statement. This isn’t your sleek, straight-hair pixie; this is a version built for volume and texture. The cut is kept longer on top, with lots of layering to allow curls to clump and form, while the sides and back are tapered short. The result is a look that is both edgy and soft, framing your face with a glorious crown of curls.

Best for: All curl types, but especially those with tighter coils or ringlets that pack a lot of volume into a small space.

Styling Tip: Scrunch in a curl-defining cream or mousse while hair is sopping wet. Use a diffuser to dry the top section, focusing on lifting the roots for maximum height.

2. The Curly Bob (The “Curl-Bob”)

A classic reinvented. The curly bob sits anywhere from jawline to chin-length and is a perfect introduction to the world of short hair. This style offers the perfect balance of weight and lift, allowing for beautiful shape and movement. You can opt for a blunt cut for a more geometric, modern look or a heavily layered cut for a softer, more romantic feel.

Best for: Type 2 (wavy) and Type 3 (curly) hair, though a tighter, coily bob is also stunning.

Styling Tip: To avoid the dreaded “triangle” shape, ask your stylist for internal layers. Use a wide-tooth comb in the shower to distribute product evenly, then plop with a cotton t-shirt to enhance definition.

3. The Shaggy Mullet

Before you recoil at the 80s connotation, hear us out. The modern shaggy mullet for curly hair is all about artful texture and effortless cool. Think short and choppy at the front and sides, with longer, layered curls at the back. It’s a rebellious, rock-and-roll cut that embraces untamed volume and a carefree attitude.

Best for: Those with a daring sense of style and Type 3 and Type 4 curls that can hold a lot of texture.

Styling Tip: Embrace the chaos. Use a texturizing spray on dry hair to separate curls and enhance the piece-y, lived-in feel.

4. The Tapered Cut

A timeless and elegant choice, the tapered cut features closely cut sides and back that gradually lengthen toward the top. This creates a beautiful silhouette that is neat around the edges and explosively voluminous on top. It’s a fantastic way to showcase the density of your curls while keeping the overall shape clean and intentional.

Best for: All curl types, but it is a particularly iconic look for Type 4 hair.

Styling Tip: Focus your styling efforts on the longer top section. For the tapered sides, a light pomade or edge control can help create a sharp, polished line.

5. The Curly Pixie with Undercut

Take the pixie to the next level with an undercut. This involves shaving a section of the hair—either the nape, the sides, or even a design—while leaving the top long. This contrast is incredibly striking and has the added benefit of making your hair feel even lighter and cooler. It’s a powerful, fashion-forward look that is impossible to ignore.

Best for: Anyone wanting to make a strong style statement and reduce bulk.

Styling Tip: You can wear the top curls down for a dramatic contrast, or sweep them over to one side. Maintenance on the shaved sections is key for a crisp look.

6. The Twisted Frohawk

This is less of a single cut and more of a spectacular styling technique for short curly hair. The frohawk involves creating two twisted or braided sections on the sides, directing the hair toward the center of your head to form a mohawk-like shape with the hair on top. It’s a protective and stunning style that showcases the versatility of short curls.

Best for: Type 4 hair that can be easily twisted or braided.

Styling Tip: Use a styling gel with strong hold for the twists to keep them sleek and frizz-free. Let the hair on top be its full, glorious, natural self or define it with a curling cream.

7. The Asymmetrical Bob

If you love a bob but want something with more edge, the asymmetrical bob is your answer. This cut is significantly longer on one side than the other, creating a dramatic, angular line that is incredibly chic. On curly hair, the asymmetry plays with volume in a fascinating way, making it a truly artistic cut.

Best for: Type 2 and 3 curls, as the shape requires a bit of length to make an impact.

Styling Tip: A diffuser is your best friend here. Dry your hair while tilting your head to the shorter side to encourage the curls to stack and create a sharp line.

8. The Wash-and-Go Pixie

This is the epitome of low-maintenance, high-reward hair. The wash-and-go pixie is cut in a way that requires minimal styling. The curls are cut to fall perfectly into place with just a simple scrunch of product and air drying or a quick diffusing. It’s the perfect “I woke up like this” look, but better.

Best for: All curl types, but especially those with a consistent curl pattern that doesn’t require a lot of manipulation.

Styling Tip: Apply a leave-in conditioner and a light gel in the shower. Scrunch thoroughly and then don’t touch it until it’s completely dry to avoid frizz.

9. The Curly French Crop

Inspired by classic barbering styles, the French crop features a short, textured fringe that blends seamlessly into the slightly longer sides and back. On curly hair, the fringe becomes a beautiful, curly bang that sits across the forehead. It’s a smart, modern look that is both playful and polished.

Best for: Tighter curl patterns (Type 3 and 4) that can create a dense, textured fringe.

Styling Tip: Use your fingers to style the fringe forward, encouraging the curls to clump together for a cohesive look.

10. The Layered Lob (Long Bob)

The lob is the perfect “in-between” length for those not ready for a super short cut. Falling just above the shoulders, a layered lob removes weight and encourages curl definition without a dramatic chop. The layers help create shape and prevent the hair from looking heavy or helmet-like.

Best for: A great first short cut for Type 2 and Type 3 hair.

Styling Tip: To add volume at the roots, clip your hair at the crown while it dries. This lifts the roots and creates a more rounded, less flat shape.

11. The Short Curly Afro

Celebrate your natural volume with a short afro. This iconic style is a powerful embrace of your hair’s natural state, trimmed into a rounded shape. It’s a symbol of pride and beauty that requires confidence to wear. The shape can be perfectly spherical or more free-form, depending on your preference.

Best for: Type 4 hair.

Styling Tip: Regular trims are essential to maintain the shape. Use a pick to lift the roots and create even volume all around. A moisturizing spray will keep your fro looking lush and healthy.

12. The Curly Bangs and Bob Combo

Why choose one when you can have two? Adding curly bangs to a bob creates a fun, youthful, and incredibly stylish look. The bangs can be wispy and light or thick and full, framing your eyes and forehead. This combination adds a touch of whimsy and personality to a classic shape.

Best for: Type 3 curls that can form defined bangs without being too heavy.

Styling Tip: Style your bangs separately from the rest of your hair. You may need to diffuse them first to direct them forward and ensure they dry in the right position.

13. The DevaCut or Dry Cut

This is less a specific style and more of a cutting technique that is essential for curly hair. A DevaCut or any dry cut involves the stylist cutting your hair while it’s dry and in its natural curly state. This allows them to see exactly how each curl falls and to shape your hair accordingly, ensuring perfect definition and balance once it’s styled. You can get any of the styles on this list with this method.

Best for: EVERYONE with curly hair. It’s a game-changer.

Styling Tip: The real tip is to find a stylist certified in this method. The cut itself does most of the work for you.

14. The Finger Coil Cut

For those with a looser curl pattern or even wavy hair wanting more defined coils, a cut designed for finger coiling is magical. The hair is cut to enhance the shape created by finger coils, resulting in a head full of perfect, springy spirals. It’s a meticulous but breathtaking style.

Best for: Type 3 and Type 4 hair, or anyone wanting to encourage a more uniform coil pattern.

Styling Tip: Patience is key. Using a strong-hold gel, twist small sections of wet hair around your finger to form coils. Allow to dry completely without disturbing for the best definition.

15. The Puffy Pixie

Embrace the volume! The puffy pixie is all about letting your curls be as big and full as they want to be. The cut is uniform in length, creating a beautiful, soft cloud of curls around your head. It’s a joyful, energetic look that is full of life and personality.

Best for: Type 3 and 4 hair with a lot of natural volume and density.

Styling Tip: Use a volumizing mousse at the roots and diffuse your hair upside down. Don’t be afraid to gently fluff the roots with your fingers once it’s dry for even more lift.

Embracing Your Short Curly Journey

Going short with curly hair is an act of celebration. It’s about choosing a style that works with your texture, not against it. It’s about embracing low-maintenance routines and high-impact results. Each of these 15 styles offers a unique way to showcase the beauty, versatility, and personality of your curls.

The most important step? Finding a stylist who understands and loves curly hair. Look for someone who has experience with your curl type and who will consult with you to find the perfect short style for your face shape, lifestyle, and personal flair. Your perfect short curly cut is out there, waiting to set you free.