Hair Motive

Short Hairstyles for Curly Hair 50 Ravishing Ideas (+Pictures)

Sweet Bohemian Curls

In a world where women spend considerable amounts to have their hair permed, having naturally curled hair is an even bigger blessing. If you love going against the grain and rocking shorter locks, you should know that there are tons of short curly hairstyles you can play around with.


Here are some of our all-time favorites – enjoy!


1. Edgy Hairstyle for Short Curly Hair

Edgy Hairstyles for Short Curly Hair
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To bring out your rebellious side, experiment with short curly hairstyles with braids. For example, these three cornrows on the side are edgy enough to express your attitude, but oh so chic at the same time.

2. Shoulder Length Curls and a Bow

Shoulder Length Curls and a Bow
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If you prefer keeping a shoulder-length haircut for your curls, you have numerous options for accessories. Just one example is this adorable red bow, pinned gracefully in a half up half down hairstyle.

3. Short Curly Hairstyle for Black Women

Short Curly Hairstyle for Black Women
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Afro-textured hair requires extra tender love and care to thrive. You have to start small when growing out natural hair, but if you protect it accordingly, you can end up with jaw-dropping, bouncy ringlets like these.

4. Long Bob and Bangs

Long Bob and Bangs
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For women with loose curls, a long bob can work wonders. Even more so, the fact that their locks lean towards wavy allows them to sport choppy bangs that go perfectly with the layered haircut.

5. Angled Short Hairstyle for Curly Hair

Angled Short Hairstyle for Curly Hair
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Another way to adorn a curly long bob is to have it cut in an angle. This haircut is also regarded as an A-line bob, and it’s definitely one of the most beloved ways of rocking this hairstyle. It adds shape, dynamism and a feminine took to the whole look.

6. Stacked Bob Curly Short Hairstyle

Stacked Bob Curly Short Hairstyles
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For shorter hair, a stacked bob can help with the ideal silhouette. This is the shorter version of an angled long bob, well-defined by layers for a flawless contour. It frames your face beautifully and enhances your natural features.

7. Waterfall Braid and Long Bob Curls

Waterfall Braid and Long Bob Curls
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If you do have a long bob with loose curls, you can also style it with a princess-like braid. The technique shown here is called waterfall braiding, owing to the flowing effect from the horizontal braid.

8. Curly Pixie Haircut

Curly Pixie Haircut
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One of the beauties of having curly or wavy hair is that you can get a pixie haircut with almost no maintenance. Thanks to the fact that you have a versatile hair texture, the short, layered locks will fall into place gorgeously on their own.

9. Vintage Curly Short Hair

Vintage Curly Short Hair
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Retro hairstyles have a unique sense of femininity that few others do. These silky soft curls with one side delicately pinned back is just what you need to impress on a very special night.

10. Natural Afros

Natural Afros
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Rocking an afro is an amazing way to show off your lovely roots. The key to obtaining the shape you desire is to have it cut strategically in layers. After that, it will fall into place immaculately.

11. TWA Short Natural Curly Hairstyle

TWA Short Natural Curly Hairstyle
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If you have decided to start from scratch and grow out your natural afro-textured hair, you need to undergo what’s known as a BC (Big Chop). The next step is to grow a TWA (Teeny Weeny Afro), which you can easily style with a bit of product.

12. Pixie Hairstyle with Undercut

Pixie Hairstyle with Undercut
Source: Pinterest

Another way you can wear a pixie haircut is with a rebellious undercut. You don’t necessarily have to shave the bottom part entirely. You can leave a bit of hair and even dye it a darker color than your base one.

13. Curly Mohawks with Long Bangs

Curly Mohawks with Long Bangs
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A mohawk is a daring choice among short curly hairstyles. However, that doesn’t mean that it can’t be worn elegantly, like in the photo above. Keep the bangs long for a refined effect.

14. Short Curly Hairstyle with Side Braid

Short Curly Hairstyle with Side Braid
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Styling a long bob can also be done with a simple braid pinned to the side. All you have to do is start from your part and braid normally. At the end, use a bobby pin to secure it on your preferred side.

15. Toddler with Short Curly Hair

Toddler with Short Curly Hair
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There’s nothing quite as adorable as seeing a smiling toddler, especially when they have adorable curls. If your little girl has curly hair, consider broadening her smile with a pretty hair pin, with glitter or rhinestones.

16. Curly Pompadours

Curly Pompadours
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The pompadour has been regarded as one of the most sophisticated hairstyles for men and women alike for centuries. Nowadays, it’s still as fashionable as ever, particularly for ladies with naturally curly locks.

17. Cute Hairstyle for Short Curly Hair

Cute Hairstyle for Short Curly Hair
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If you have a playful personality, you should look for short curly hairstyles that express it. This sweet haircut allows your curls to bounce freely all around. A warm hair color like blonde helps with the final impact too.

18. Curly Bobs with Highlights

Curly Bobs with Highlights
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There are plenty of ways you can outline your short curls. One of the most effective techniques is highlighting. Nevertheless, we recommend getting subtle highlights for a tasteful result.

19. Short Curly Black Hairstyle with Ringlets

Short Curly Black Hairstyle with Ringlets
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Furthermore, there are numerous ways you can obtain flawless curls. One of them is a twist out, which will leave you with these jaw-dropping ringlets. Use this technique for your sleek pixie cut.

20. Balayage on Loose Curls Hairstyle

Balayage on Loose Curls Hairstyle
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Another way to define curls, especially loose ones, is balayage coloring. It provides a harmonious blend from one natural hair color to the other. The result is an all-around luminous tone, with accents in all the right places.

21. Ombre Ringlets

Ombre Ringlets
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For something a bit more eye-catching, you can go for an ombre. In this situation, the transition from one color to the next will be more defined. This way, you can choose contrasting tones, such as the black and copper used in this photo.

22. Short Curly Hairstyle for Round Faces

Short Curly Hairstyle for Round Faces
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Women with round faces know that it can be a bit tricky to find the hairstyle to frame their features well. No need to look any further – this angled bob is ideal for curly hair. It helps shape your face and highlight your best features.

23. Short Curly Bob Hairstyle

Short Curly Bob Hairstyle
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We’ve talked a bit about long bobs, but what about shorter ones? This regular bob looks marvelous on larger curls, particularly for women with long or oval-shaped faces. Styling is extremely low-maintenance.

24. Tapered Pixie Haircut

Tapered Pixie Haircut
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Tapering is another way you can obtain a super smooth curly pixie haircut. In a nutshell, in involves leaving more hair on top and having the sides and back tapered. It’s less risky than fully shaving, while still being classy.

25. Half Up Half Down Short Curls

Half Up Half Down Short Curls
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While having shorter hair might not provide as many styling options, you can still play around with some braids and half up half down hairstyles. Even more so, you can combine these two ideas for a cute French braid on top.

26. Silver Short Naturally Curly Hairstyle

Silver Short Naturally Curly Hairstyle
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If you dream of giving your short curls a dazzling makeover, don’t hesitate to go for a dramatic change. One way to do it is by experimenting with a fresh hair color, such as platinum silver.

27. Easy Black Short Curly Hairstyle

Easy Black Short Curly Hairstyle
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Ladies with afro-textured locks enjoy natural volume all around. You can enhance this quality even more with a half up half down puff, especially if you have your hair cut in layers.

28. Prom Updos for Curly Bobs

Prom Updos for Curly Bobs
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Have a bob haircut? You’ll have plenty of fun styling your hair for prom. The fact that your hair is curly will also help, particularly if you’re interested in a charming half up hairstyle like this one.

29. Side Shaved Pixie Haircut

 Side Shaved Pixie Haircut
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Women with powerful attitudes can easily showcase their rebellious spirit through their hairstyle. This pixie haircut stands out through a shaved side and longer bangs tossed casually to the side.

30. Wedding Hairstyle for Curly Short Hair

Wedding Hairstyle for Curly Short Hair
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One of the most significant days in the life of a woman deserves an equally exceptional hairstyle. Brides with shorter hair can sweep their curls back and add a delicate accessory like this sparkling hair pin.

31. Colorful Headbands on Short Curls

Colorful Headbands on Short Curls
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Another way to spice up your short hairstyle is with larger hair accessories. For instance, you can get a metal headband with flower decorations in your favorite color. If you really want to leave an impression, go for a vivid shade like red.

32. Very Short Curly Hairstyle

Very Short Curly Hairstyle
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Length doesn’t matter when it comes to glamorous hairstyles. In fact, very short hairstyles are absolutely enchanting. This ravishing pixie haircut is just what you need to rock short curls with confidence.

33. Curly Ponytail Puffs

Curly Ponytail Puffs
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Afro-textured curls can also be wrapped up entirely to accentuate the dynamism of the look. This is a super easy hairstyle that will only take a minute to put together, so keep it in mind if you’re on the run.

34. Short Curly Weave Hairstyle

Short Curly Weave Hairstyle
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Weaves, extensions and wigs are all wonderful options for women who have just gone through their Big Chop and want to gradually slide into natural hair mode. To make the transition subtle, here is an idea of a temporary hairstyle.

35. 1920s Finger Curls

1920s Finger Curls
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There’s nothing quite like the glam associated with 1920s fashion and beauty trends. Finger curls, for example, are one of the all-time most elegant styling options, simply perfect for short hair.

36. Swept Back Curly Updos

Swept Back Curly Updos
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On this note, you can also sweep your short curls back for formal events. These kinds of short curly hairstyles are an excellent choice for any fancy events, from balls, to cocktail parties or even weddings.

37. Short Hairstyle for Thick Curly Hair

Short Hairstyle for Thick Curly Hair
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A huge advantage of thick, curly and short hair is that you will spend almost no time maintaining it. Think about getting a pixie haircut and allow your curls to fall perfectly into place.

38. Easy Hairstyle for Short Curly Hair

Easy Hairstyle for Short Curly Hair
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Among the easy short curly hairstyles for busy girls is this effortless idea. All you have to do is take a scarf, fold it in half and wrap it around as a headband. In just a few minutes you’re all good to go.

39. Sweet Bohemian Curls

Sweet Bohemian Curls
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Free-spirited women can use a hairstyle that mirrors their personality sublimely. This messy bob is so playful, sweet and adorable that it’s impossible for a boho gal to not fall in love with it.

40. Short Curly Bob Black Hairstyle

Short Curly Bob Black Hairstyles
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What makes this bob shine among other short curly hairstyles is its ever so subtle angle. It is a discrete and flattering choice for women with all face shapes and personalities, whether they’re girly girls or tomboys.

41. Twisted Side Braids

Twisted Side Braids
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Yet another type of braid you can enjoy if you have short and curly hair is this side braid. Instead of creating a French or another complicated braid, you just have to twist a few strands until you get your desired width.

42. Bantu Knots & Faux Hawk Short Curly Natural Hairstyle

Bantu Knots & Faux Hawk Short Curly Natural Hairstyle
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Bantu knots are easily some of the most beloved African hairstyles for women. Faux hawks are also all the rage, so why not try them both simultaneously? Create your faux hawk and wrap the hair on your sides in a few small Bantu knots.

43. Fancy Braid and Pearly Pin

Fancy Braid and Pearly Pin
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These exquisite curls are marvelously complemented by two key elements in this hairstyle. First of all, the lose braid to the side. Secondly, the delicate pearly pin that holds the braid in place. What could you want more?

44. Creative Short Black Curly Hairstyle

Creative Short Black Curly Hairstyle
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As you have learned by now, pixie cuts are undoubtedly some of the hottest short curly hairstyles. Bu what can you do to make yours unique? Experiment with a creative shaved design on the sides and back.

45. Half Up Curly Top Knots

Half Up Curly Top Knots
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This is taking the top knot to a whole new level for afro curls. Instead of securing all of your hair in a bun, try just half for a funky fresh look that can be adapted to formal and casual occasions alike.

46. Adorable Double Puffy Buns

Adorable Double Puffy Buns
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No matter if you want to bring out your inner child or you want a sassy and alluring hairstyle, double puffy buns should be on your short curly hairstyles short list. Not only are they super fashionable at the moment, but they’re also extremely flattering.

47. Retro Short Curly Hairstyle

Retro Short Curly Hairstyle
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Another retro hairstyle for short curly hair is this radiant pixie with long bangs. Take some time to make sure that each individual curl is smoothly outlined to make this vintage look complete.

48. Bridal Hairstyle for Short Natural Curly Hair

Bridal Hairstyle for Short Natural Curly Hair
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Beautiful brides with afro hair will shine at their weddings with short curly hairstyles like these. The key is to have your hair relaxed with the proper product and add your favorite flowers in white to the side.

49. Sophisticated Updos for Short Curls

Sophisticated Updos for Short Curls
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To nail this delightful hairstyle, you just have to grab two or three bobby pins. Pin a few curls to the back to form a chignon-like hairstyle without having to twist your hair up and around.

50. Bow Headband and Curls

Bow Headband and Curls
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Lastly, you can also mix the idea of a bow and a headband for short curly hairstyles. Take a piece of fabric or a headband in the form of a strip and wrap it around your head. Tie a bow to the side and enjoy the eye-catching look!

So, What Is YOUR Hair Motivation?

To conclude, there are short curly hairstyles that range from alluring, to innocent, to downright spectacular. Just remember that having short hair doesn’t mean that you have just a few options for styling your curls. Quite the contrary – you have just opened up an extraordinary world of limitless ideas for a brilliant hairstyle!

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