Curly hair is a crown you don’t need to take off—and when cut right, it becomes the ultimate statement of confidence, style, and ease. If you’re in the mood to switch things up or you’ve been stuck in a long-hair routine, this is your sign to go short. Whether your curls are loose waves or tight coils, short styles can showcase your natural texture and make your morning routine infinitely easier. The best part? These looks are effortlessly chic and require minimal styling, making them perfect for busy women of all ages. In this list, I’ll walk you through 13 short curly hairstyles that are trending right now, and trust me—you’ll wonder why you didn’t try them sooner. Plus, I’ll share a few Amazon must-haves that can help bring your new ‘do to life.
1. The Curly Pixie Cut
source @passingwhimsies
The curly pixie is the ultimate expression of bold beauty with low maintenance. This style works beautifully on tighter curls, giving the face a lifted, sculpted look. What I love about this cut is how freeing it feels—you don’t have to deal with heavy strands pulling down your curls. Use a curl-enhancing mousse to add volume at the crown and let your texture shine. This look pairs great with bold accessories, like oversized earrings or a chunky necklace. It’s a timeless choice for women who want to highlight their facial features. If you’re considering this cut, grab a diffuser attachment for your blow dryer—it helps define curls without frizz.
2. Tapered Sides with Voluminous Top
source @haidendoeshair
This hairstyle gives drama in the best way. By tapering the sides and back short while leaving the top full of textured curls, you get a silhouette that’s stylish and edgy. It flatters oval and heart-shaped faces particularly well. Maintaining this cut is surprisingly simple with a trimmer for occasional touch-ups and a styling cream for definition. This shape draws the eye upward, making your face appear more lifted. It’s also a fantastic way to grow out a previous short cut while keeping things looking intentional. A curl sponge can work wonders to refresh this style between wash days.
3. The Curly Bob with Bangs
source @meowwface
This cut merges classic bob structure with the playfulness of curls and bangs. The curly bob hits right at the jawline or just below, and curly bangs frame the eyes beautifully. If you’ve been hesitant about bangs, curly ones are surprisingly forgiving and flattering. A good curl-defining cream will help keep the shape, and a lightweight oil can tame frizz around the fringe. For gift-givers, a curl-specific haircare kit makes an amazing present for anyone sporting this look. It’s fun, flirty, and the kind of cut that gets you compliments at every turn.
4. The Modern Shag
source @slickback_buttahtoast
Think of this as your cool-girl haircut. The modern shag brings in choppy layers that give dimension and movement to curly hair. It works on both loose and tight curl patterns and pairs especially well with curtain bangs. The magic is in the layering—it keeps curls from clumping and creates volume without bulk. I swear by a sea salt spray to give that “undone” texture. If you’re shopping for a curly-haired friend, a wide-tooth comb or a detangling brush would be a thoughtful and useful gift. The modern shag is about controlled chaos, and it looks amazing dressed up or down.
5. The Curly Undercut
source @cutsbyso
This bold cut is all about contrast—shaved sides or nape with full, wild curls up top. It’s a daring look but surprisingly versatile. You can style the top into a mohawk, a messy bun, or just let it fall naturally. Maintenance includes regular clippers for the undercut section, while the curls need love from a good leave-in conditioner. I’ve seen this style turn heads at music festivals, offices, and coffee shops alike. It’s a confidence boost wrapped in curls, and a good edge control gel keeps everything sleek at the hairline. This is for the woman who isn’t afraid to be unforgettable.
6. The Ear-Length Curly Crop
source @theruloshairstylist
Short, sweet, and effortlessly stylish, the ear-length crop is perfect for showcasing jawlines and cheekbones. It works best on medium to tight curls, as the volume gives the cut structure. It’s also a fantastic summer hairstyle—cool, breezy, and easy to manage. A curl-refreshing spray is essential here to keep the shape between washes. This is a great transitional style if you’re growing out a pixie or going shorter from a bob. Gifting someone a satin pillowcase or bonnet to protect this cut overnight? They’ll thank you for the difference it makes.
7. The Curly Bowl Cut
source @fringesalonsouthphilly
This isn’t the awkward cut from the ‘90s—today’s curly bowl is edgy, symmetrical, and totally fashion-forward. It hugs the head shape beautifully and creates a halo of curls around the crown. It works well with tighter curls and coils and can be customized with undercut sections. Use a curl custard for hold and shine, and a pick to fluff up volume at the top. For fashion lovers, this haircut pairs perfectly with statement outfits and minimalist accessories. A bold style deserves bold upkeep—Amazon has amazing curl care gift sets that make maintaining this cut a breeze.
8. Stacked Curly Bob
source @hair_by_marlo
The stacked curly bob adds volume in the back and angles forward for a sleek yet bouncy look. It’s ideal for women who want fullness without overwhelming their face. The graduated layers create natural movement, and it looks especially great on fine to medium curls. I recommend using a root-lifting foam to maintain volume throughout the day. It’s a style that transitions beautifully from the office to date night. Gifting a mini diffuser or travel-size curl care kit makes perfect sense for friends rocking this ‘do while traveling.
9. Side-Parted Curly Cut
source @zozolit
The deep side part on short curls creates asymmetry and drama without needing a drastic cut. This style is flattering on all face shapes and gives you styling versatility with minimal effort. Add a hair clip or barrette for that vintage flair. I find a flexible hold gel gives enough definition without stiffness. This is a great first-step short cut for curly-haired women who don’t want to go too bold. Pair this style with some high-shine finishing spray and watch how it catches the light—and the compliments.
10. The Layered Curly Lob
source @latesthair
While technically bordering “short,” the curly lob (long bob) deserves a place here. It gives you the flexibility of longer hair while being easier to style and maintain. The key is layering—the layers prevent the curls from getting heavy or losing shape. This style works well with a mix of loose curls and waves. It’s also the most giftable cut—curling wands with interchangeable barrels make this cut ultra versatile. Whether you’re gifting yourself or someone else, heat protectant spray is a must-have to maintain curl integrity.
11. Short Curly Mohawk
source @lovingthatcurl
A curly mohawk combines fierce energy with playful texture. Shaved or closely cropped sides paired with a textured top give it its distinctive shape. It’s great for showcasing strong bone structure and works best with medium to tight curls. Style it with curl mousse or styling putty for a soft hold. I always suggest gifting a precision trimmer set for DIY touch-ups. This cut makes a statement—whether you’re in sneakers or heels.
12. Soft Curly Afro
source @lynn__styles
This rounded silhouette is a timeless celebration of curl pattern and volume. A short curly afro can be as big or small as you like, and with the right shape, it frames the face like a dream. Use a moisturizing curl cream and a hair pick to fluff it to perfection. This style needs hydration above all—Amazon carries fantastic shea butter-based conditioners that make thoughtful gifts. It’s not just a hairstyle; it’s an homage to natural beauty and confidence.
13. The Short Wash-and-Go
source @idoitforthecurlz
This is the holy grail of low-maintenance curly styles. Cut to a length that allows you to apply product, scrunch, and let it air dry—this style is ideal for women on the go. It works across curl types and especially shines with a defined curl pattern. Invest in a curl activator gel and microfiber towel to reduce frizz. It’s the kind of haircut that makes mornings blissfully simple. A gift bundle of curl-specific essentials (gel, towel, leave-in) would be a hit with anyone rocking this cut.
Conclusion
Short curly hairstyles are more than just a trend—they’re a celebration of texture, shape, and personal style. Whether you’re seeking a drastic transformation or a manageable everyday look, there’s a short cut out there waiting to showcase your curls in all their glory. Each of these 13 styles offers something unique, and paired with the right products, they become effortless to maintain and endlessly stylish. So whether you’re shopping for a gift or reinventing your look, now is the perfect time to embrace the curl and go short—you won’t regret it.
