Short Haircuts for Curly Hair: Trendy Styles and Maintenance Tips

Curly hair offers a unique charm and vibrant spirit, making it wonderfully suitable for a variety of short hairstyles. This guide explores the most appealing short haircuts for curly hair, each tailored to different face shapes and style preferences. From playful pixie cuts to elegant bob styles, we delve into how each haircut can enhance your natural curls while providing tips on maintenance and care.

1. Tousled Pixie Cut

This hairstyle showcases a tousled pixie cut with tight curls, emphasizing volume and texture. The rich black color of the hair adds depth and enhances the curly silhouette, perfect for showcasing the dynamic structure of the curls.

Who It Suits: Ideal for those with oval and heart-shaped faces, this haircut projects confidence and modern flair. It’s particularly flattering for those who wish to highlight their features without the maintenance of longer hair.

Care Tips: To maintain the vibrancy of this style, use curl-defining creams or mousses. Regular trims are crucial to keep the shape fresh and voluminous.

2. Soft Curled Bob

Featuring gentle curls that soften the facial contours, this bob cut reaches just above the shoulders and is styled to produce a natural, flowing look. The subtle highlights enhance the curl patterns, creating a luminous effect.

Who It Suits: This style is well-suited to round and square face shapes, as it helps elongate the face and provides a balanced aesthetic. It’s a versatile choice that conveys elegance and effortless charm.

Care Tips: Use lightweight hydrating serums to keep curls bouncy and a diffuser when blow-drying to encourage definition without frizz.

3. Edgy Curled Undercut

This bold style combines a closely shaved undercut with a riot of curls on top, creating a striking contrast. The natural brown tones give a warm appearance, enhancing the edgy look.

Who It Suits: Perfect for those with diamond or angular face shapes, this haircut makes a powerful statement and draws attention to the eyes and cheekbones.

Care Tips: Maintain the undercut’s neatness with regular trims and use a strong gel to define the top curls for a stand-out finish.

4. Classic Curly Pixie

This classic pixie cut for curly hair is cut close to the scalp with ample curls on top, providing both texture and a playful finish. The natural dark tone adds elegance and ease of matching with various fashion styles.

Who It Suits: This cut is excellent for petite, delicate features and works well with heart or oval-shaped faces. It’s a timeless choice that emphasizes the eyes and facial structure.

Care Tips: Regular conditioning is key to keeping the curls soft and manageable. Minimal styling products are required, making this a low-maintenance option.

5. Rounded Curly Bob

This rounded bob enhances curly hair’s natural volume, with layers cut to create a balanced, rounded shape that frames the face beautifully. The deep brown shade enriches the overall softness of the look.

Who It Suits: Ideal for those with square or wider face shapes, as the rounded silhouette softens and adds femininity to the overall look.

Care Tips: Use a curl cream to enhance texture and a satin pillowcase at night to prevent frizz and breakage.

6. Playful Tousled Curls

This vibrant hairstyle showcases playful, tousled curls swept upwards with a lively golden brown color. The light and shadow in the curls create a lively, dynamic appearance, perfect for adding a youthful energy to the face.

Who It Suits: Best for those with angular and oval face shapes, the voluminous top balances the facial features, making it ideal for those who enjoy a bold, expressive style.

Care Tips: Keep the curls defined and voluminous with texturizing spray or mousse, and consider a light gel to maintain the shape throughout the day.

7. Effervescent Curly Bob

Featuring a natural curly bob with soft, voluminous curls, this hairstyle radiates with a subtle charm. The warm light brown color adds to the hairstyle’s effervescent quality, perfect for a casual, approachable look.

Who It Suits: This style flatters round and heart-shaped faces by adding volume at the top, helping to elongate the face subtly.

Care Tips: Utilize moisturizing curl-enhancing products to keep the curls soft and frizz-free. Regular hydration masks will maintain the hair’s health and shine.

8. Curly Pixie with Subtle Undercut

This haircut combines a subtle undercut with a thick crown of soft curls, creating a modern twist on the classic pixie. The natural dark hues emphasize the depth and richness of the curly texture.

Who It Suits: Particularly flattering for those with round and square faces, this style brings focus upwards, enhancing the cheekbones and eyes.

Care Tips: Use a curl cream to define the curls and a light pomade to tame any flyaways around the undercut.

9. Refined Curly Pixie

This refined pixie cut features soft curls arranged to frame the face gently, highlighting the natural volume and texture of curly hair. The deep, dark color enhances the sophisticated feel of this haircut.

Who It Suits: Ideal for those with delicate facial features and any face shape, this haircut is versatile and elegant, making it perfect for both formal and casual settings.

Care Tips: Regular use of a nourishing curl balm will keep the curls neat and defined, while a weekly deep conditioning treatment ensures the hair stays healthy.

10. Bold Curly Top with Smooth Sides

This edgy look features a bold, curly top contrasted against smoothly styled sides, creating a striking visual texture. The rich, dark hair color adds intensity and depth to the style.

Who It Suits: Suitable for oval and longer face shapes, this dynamic cut draws attention to the upper face, balancing out longer facial proportions.

Care Tips: Maintain the structure of the curls with a strong-hold gel or mousse, and ensure the sides are neatly trimmed to emphasize the contrast.

11. Whimsical Curly Pixie

This haircut features a whimsical curly pixie with tight ringlets adding texture and volume. The dark brown hair is full of life and movement, framing the face beautifully and drawing attention to the eyes.

Who It Suits: Perfect for round and oval faces, this style enhances the facial features with its volume on top, balancing the face’s natural curves.

Care Tips: Use a light curl cream to maintain definition and a spray to protect against humidity, keeping the curls crisp and vibrant.

12. Modern Tousled Curly Pixie

This style presents a modern twist on the curly pixie, with tousled curls that give a bedhead charm. The rich caramel highlights add depth and texture, enhancing the playful yet edgy appearance.

Who It Suits: Suited for oval and heart-shaped faces, this cut gives a youthful and fresh look while adding height and volume to the hair.

Care Tips: Regular trims to keep the tousled look intentional, and a texturizing spray will help maintain volume and separation in the curls.

13. Elegant Curly Bob

This elegant curly bob is cut to naturally frame the face with soft, voluminous curls. The deep brunette color adds a classic and sophisticated touch, making it versatile for both day and night wear.

Who It Suits: Flattering for square and round faces, the curls soften the jawline and add a gentle, feminine curve to the face shape.

Care Tips: A lightweight mousse can help maintain volume without weighing down the curls, and a silk scarf at night will protect the curls from frizz.

14. Chic Curly Shag

This chic curly shag haircut combines layers and texture to create a dynamic, voluminous look. The subtle highlights enhance the natural curl pattern, providing a vibrant, modern appeal.

Who It Suits: Ideal for those with angular features, as the soft layers and volume round out sharper angles and bring a balanced aesthetic.

Care Tips: Embrace a leave-in conditioner for moisture and curl definition, and scrunch with a salt spray for added texture and volume.

15. Voluminous Curly Pixie

Showcasing a voluminous curly pixie, this style is perfect for making a statement. The curls are tightly structured, providing significant height and texture, set off by a soft, natural hair color.

Who It Suits: Best for those with narrow faces, as the volume expands the appearance of the face’s width, creating a more balanced look.

Care Tips: Use a defining gel to sculpt and hold the curls, and consider a nightly application of light oil to maintain curl health and sheen.

16. Romantic Curly Bob

This romantic curly bob is styled with loose, flowing curls that impart a soft, approachable look. The light brown color with subtle highlights enhances the texture and depth of the curls.

Who It Suits: An excellent choice for those with heart-shaped and round faces, the curls frame the face, drawing attention to the eyes and cheekbones.

Care Tips: Use hydrating products to keep curls bouncy and full, and avoid heavy styling products that could weigh down the hair.

17. Classic Curly Pixie Cut

This haircut embodies a classic curly pixie cut with neatly arranged curls that create a soft and sophisticated look. The rich, natural brown color highlights the depth of the curls, adding to the overall elegance.

Who It Suits: Perfect for those with petite facial features and any face shape, this hairstyle emphasizes the eyes and cheekbones, giving a youthful, vibrant look.

Care Tips: Use a curl-defining cream to enhance the curls’ shape and a light hairspray to maintain the style without weighing it down.

18. Layered Curly Bob

This stylish curly bob features multiple layers that enhance the hair’s natural volume and texture. The dynamic curls are cut to perfection, giving a playful yet chic appearance. The subtle highlights add dimension and warmth to the overall look.

Who It Suits: Ideal for oval and square face shapes, the layered curls help to soften the facial edges and balance the jawline.

Care Tips: Applying a moisturizing leave-in conditioner will keep the curls hydrated and vibrant, while a diffuser can be used when drying to enhance the layers.

19. Textured Curly Top with Shaved Sides

This modern curly hairstyle combines textured curls on top with cleanly shaved sides, creating a striking and edgy look. The contrast between the full curls and the minimalistic sides draws attention upwards, enhancing the facial structure.

Who It Suits: Suited for those with bold personality traits and angular face shapes, as it accentuates the jawline and cheekbones.

Care Tips: Maintain the curls with a strong-hold gel for texture and use a scalp moisturizer to keep the shaved areas healthy and smooth.

20. Soft Curly Bob with Bangs

This hairstyle offers a gentle take on the curly bob, incorporating soft curls paired with bangs that frame the face delicately. The warm brown shade enriches the look, making it versatile and flattering for various occasions.

Who It Suits: Best for those with round or heart-shaped faces, as the bangs and voluminous curls balance the face’s proportions, emphasizing the eyes.

Care Tips: Regularly use a curl-friendly shampoo and conditioner, and apply a curl-refreshing spray to revive and define curls between washes.

21. Edgy Textured Curly Pixie

This hairstyle captures a cutting-edge appeal with its textured curls and a dark, almost black hair color. The curls are tightly coiled on top, giving a full, voluminous look, while the sides are cut short to enhance the modern edgy style.

Who It Suits: Ideal for angular and oval face shapes, this pixie cut draws attention to the cheekbones and jawline, highlighting facial features effectively.

Care Tips: Use a curl-enhancing mousse to maintain volume and texture. Regular trims are necessary to keep the style sharp and in shape.

22. Modern Curly Pixie with Volume

This modern pixie style is perfect for those seeking a sophisticated yet trendy look. The curls are soft and voluminous, dyed a deep, rich brown that adds a touch of elegance. The length on top allows for versatile styling, whether tousled or neatly coiffed.

Who It Suits: Works best with heart-shaped and square faces, as the volume on top helps to soften the facial lines and balance proportions.

Care Tips: To maintain the structure of the curls, use a lightweight styling cream or gel. Avoid heavy products that can weigh down the curls.

23. Chic Curly Pixie with Defined Curls

This chic pixie cut features beautifully defined curls with a subtle highlight that enhances the curl’s texture. The hair is cut close to the head at the sides, focusing the volume at the top and front for a stylish, contemporary look.

Who It Suits: Particularly flattering on oval and longer face shapes, this hairstyle adds breadth to the face and emphasizes the eyes and forehead.

Care Tips: Regular use of a defining curl cream will help maintain the definition of each curl. A gentle diffuser can be used to dry the hair without disrupting the curl pattern.

24. Soft Feminine Curly Pixie

This hairstyle is all about softness and femininity, with gently curled locks that provide texture and body. The subtle chestnut color enhances the natural look, making it suitable for everyday wear as well as special occasions.

Who It Suits: Best for round and diamond face shapes, as it adds volume on top, which elongates the face and balances wider cheekbones.

Care Tips: A soft curl enhancer and occasional light hold hairspray will keep the curls in place without sacrificing their natural bounce.

25. Bold Curly Top with Sleek Sides

This bold hairstyle combines a curly top with sleek sides, creating a dramatic contrast that’s both fashionable and functional. The dark color adds depth and sophistication, making it a standout choice for those looking to make a statement.

Who It Suits: This style suits those with bold personalities and square or angular faces, as it draws the eye upwards and balances the facial features.

Care Tips: Use a strong hold gel to maintain the sleek sides and a curl-defining product to enhance the curls on top. Regular moisturizing is key to keeping the hair healthy and vibrant.

26. Bouncy Curly Bob with Bangs

This hairstyle features a bouncy curly bob complemented by playful bangs that fall softly around the forehead. The rich dark brown color enhances the volume and texture of the curls, creating a youthful and approachable look.

Who It Suits: Ideal for those with oval and heart-shaped faces, as the curls add volume around the face and the bangs help shorten the appearance of a longer forehead.

Care Tips: Utilize a curl-defining cream to maintain the shape and bounce of the curls, and consider using a diffuser when drying to minimize frizz.

27. Sophisticated Curly Pixie Cut

This chic and sophisticated curly pixie cut showcases tight curls with a voluminous top that adds an elegant contrast to the neatly trimmed sides. The deep, natural black hue adds a dramatic flair, perfect for a bold fashion statement.

Who It Suits: Particularly flattering for angular and diamond-shaped faces, this hairstyle highlights the cheekbones and balances the face’s natural angles.

Care Tips: Maintain the definition of the curls with a lightweight mousse or gel, and ensure the sides are regularly trimmed to keep the look clean and sharp.

28. Layered Curly Pixie with Volume

This layered curly pixie is styled to maximize volume and texture. The curls are layered to create a rich, full look that is both dynamic and stylish. The natural brunette color is warm and inviting, perfect for enhancing the depth of the curls.

Who It Suits: Best suited for round and square face shapes as the voluminous top helps to elongate the face and provide a flattering balance to wider facial features.

Care Tips: Use a volumizing spray or foam to lift the roots and give the layers distinct definition. Avoid heavy products that might weigh down the curls.

29. Casual Curly Bob

This casual curly bob is all about relaxed elegance. The curls are loose and soft, providing a gentle frame around the face. The light brown color with subtle highlights offers a fresh, modern look suitable for everyday wear.

Who It Suits: An excellent choice for those with oval and pear-shaped faces, the curls add volume where needed and soften the overall facial contours.

Care Tips: Incorporate a light leave-in conditioner to keep the curls hydrated and frizz-free. A wide-tooth comb can be used to detangle the curls when wet gently.

30. Vibrant Curly Bob with Defined Curls

This vibrant curly bob features well-defined curls that offer a lively and energetic appearance. The hairstyle is perfectly shaped to enhance the natural curl pattern, and the rich chestnut color adds warmth and vibrancy to the look.

Who It Suits: Suitable for all face shapes, this style is particularly flattering for those looking to add volume and texture while maintaining a polished appearance.

Care Tips: Regular use of a curl activator cream will help maintain the definition and shape of the curls. Using a satin pillowcase at night can help reduce breakage and preserve the curls’ integrity.