17 Cute Hairstyles for Short Curly Hair That Are Easy and Stylish

Short curly hair has a charm all its own—full of bounce, personality, and texture that doesn’t need much to stand out. But if you’ve ever found yourself stuck in a routine of wash-and-go days or throwing on a headband as a quick fix, you’re not alone. Finding cute, fuss-free styles that work with your curls (not against them) can be a challenge, especially when you’re working with less length.

The good news? There are plenty of fun, stylish ways to mix things up without spending hours in front of the mirror or relying on heat tools. Whether you’re getting ready for a casual day out, a date night, or just want to feel a little extra put-together, the right hairstyle can make all the difference.

In this post, I’ve rounded up 17 cute hairstyles perfect for short curly hair—each one offering a unique way to highlight your natural texture while keeping things practical and wearable. From playful updos to effortless half-pins, there’s something here for every curl pattern and vibe.

#1 Short Curly Chic with Defined Curls

This short curly hairstyle brings out a lively yet relaxed look, making it a fun choice for those who prefer a low-maintenance yet stylish option. The curls are defined, yet soft, giving the hair a natural bounce.

With its shoulder-length cut, it offers just the right balance of volume without feeling overwhelming. A slight wave to the curls provides added texture, creating a playful and youthful vibe. The soft layers help frame the face, drawing attention to the eyes and giving the overall look a more flattering shape.

A simple black mask complements the style effortlessly, highlighting the beauty of the curls without competing with them. This hairstyle is an easy way to embrace the texture of curly hair while keeping it neat and manageable.

#2 Curly Mohawk with Shaved Sides

This curly mohawk hairstyle brings a bold and edgy twist to short, textured hair. The volume on top is enhanced by the tightly defined curls, while the shaved sides add a dramatic contrast.

This look embraces a modern and fearless vibe, with the curls offering a playful texture that stands out beautifully against the smoothness of the undercut. The light blonde highlights throughout the curls bring extra dimension and shine, giving the hairstyle a fresh and dynamic appeal.

The bold hoop earrings and neutral tones in the outfit enhance the sharpness of this unique look, making it not only stylish but full of personality.

#3 Casual Curly Bob with Fringe

This short, curly hairstyle brings an effortlessly chic vibe, ideal for those who love a mix of laid-back yet fashionable looks. The curls are soft and bouncy, adding texture and volume without looking too messy.

A slight fringe at the front helps to frame the face, enhancing the overall youthful appearance of the style. The length keeps it fresh and fun, sitting just above the shoulders to provide movement and shape. Paired with round sunglasses and minimal jewelry, this hairstyle shines with a carefree spirit, perfect for sunny days or casual outings.

The combination of the natural curls and the relaxed clothing adds to the approachable feel, making it a great go-to look for anyone embracing a more laid-back aesthetic.

#4 Soft Curly Bob with Layered Texture

This chic short curly hairstyle showcases natural texture with effortless elegance. The curls are tightly wound, creating a voluminous look that exudes confidence and personality. The gentle layers enhance the curl pattern, giving it structure while maintaining the softness that curly hair naturally offers. It’s the kind of style that lets the curls shine without being overwhelming.

The light framing around the face softens the overall appearance, drawing attention to the eyes and cheekbones. The subtle parting adds to the neatness of the look, ensuring that each curl falls in place without feeling too controlled.

Paired with the simple, natural makeup and minimal accessories, this style offers a fresh, youthful vibe perfect for both casual and more polished settings.

#5 Playful Curly Buns with Natural Curls

This playful short curly hairstyle takes a fun and creative approach with two mini buns at the crown. The curls around the edges are left free, giving the hair texture and bounce while the top section is neatly styled into defined twists. This look brings a youthful and fresh energy, combining the beauty of natural curls with a touch of personality. The center part enhances the style’s symmetry, ensuring that the buns sit perfectly and add an element of balance.

The soft curls around the face frame it beautifully, creating a soft, flattering shape that complements the neatness of the buns. This hairstyle is both practical and trendy, making it perfect for casual days when you want to keep your curls out of the way while still showcasing their natural beauty. The delicate gold jewelry and simple top add to the understated elegance of the look, keeping it casual yet polished.

This hairstyle is an excellent way to embrace a fun and modern take on curly hair while keeping it easy to manage. It’s a perfect option for anyone looking to add a bit of whimsy to their usual curly look.

#6 Short Curly Textured Cut

This short curly hairstyle offers a vibrant, carefree look with a fresh, modern twist. The curls are tightly defined, creating a full and textured appearance that adds volume and movement. The back and sides are cut shorter, allowing the curls on top to stand out more, offering a sharp contrast that enhances the natural shape of the hair. The overall cut is both stylish and practical, giving a youthful vibe while being easy to maintain.

The soft layers on the crown help to frame the face, adding softness around the cheekbones and jawline. This hairstyle emphasizes the beauty of natural curls without requiring a lot of effort. Paired with the casual, laid-back outfit, it reflects a cool, urban style that is perfect for both relaxed weekends and more polished daytime looks.

With the natural shine of the curls and the minimal styling, this short curly cut is an excellent choice for anyone who wants to embrace their curls with a chic and fun approach.

#7 Copper Curly Bob with Soft Fringe

This vibrant short curly hairstyle features a mix of defined curls and playful volume, creating a lively and youthful appearance. The rich, coppery color adds a touch of boldness, enhancing the natural texture and shine of the curls. A soft fringe at the front frames the face, adding a light and airy feel, while the rest of the hair falls in well-formed curls that bring out a natural bounce and movement.

The curls are perfectly shaped, not too tight, but just the right amount of softness to create a fresh, bouncy vibe. The shorter length makes it easy to maintain while still offering plenty of style. Paired with minimalist accessories like gold earrings and layered necklaces, the look feels effortlessly chic and modern. The clear glasses also add a bit of personality, balancing the soft curls with a trendy touch.

Whether for casual outings or a day at work, this curly cut offers a fresh, trendy style that embraces natural texture while still feeling polished and fashion-forward.

#8 Curly Undercut with Defined Curls

This stylish curly undercut offers a sharp, edgy look that highlights natural curls with confidence. The top section features well-defined, soft curls that are shaped into a voluminous, textured style, while the sides are shaved short, creating a striking contrast. The light blonde highlights in the curls give a fresh and vibrant feel, adding dimension and depth to the hairstyle.

The short sides emphasize the curls on top, drawing attention to the texture and creating a sense of movement and flow. This cut is perfect for anyone who wants a bold yet easy-to-maintain style that still allows their natural curls to shine. The minimal yet trendy jewelry, such as the eye-catching earrings, adds a touch of personality and flair to the overall appearance.

Whether it’s for a laid-back weekend or a fashion-forward event, this curly undercut offers a dynamic and modern way to showcase curly hair while maintaining an effortlessly cool vibe.

#9 Pastel Pink Curly Pixie with Volume

This fun, voluminous curly hairstyle with a soft, pastel pink hue brings an effortlessly cool vibe. The curls are light, bouncy, and full of texture, adding a playful yet bold edge to the style. The hair is kept slightly longer on top, giving it the perfect amount of volume, while the shorter sides help to accentuate the natural curl pattern. This contrast between length and volume makes the curls appear more dynamic and free-spirited.

The soft color highlights the natural texture, giving it a more modern and whimsical feel. Paired with the simple striped shirt and minimal accessories, this hairstyle exudes a laid-back, youthful energy that’s perfect for those who want to make a statement with their curls without too much fuss. The movement in the hair is effortlessly chic, showing off both the natural volume and the fun personality behind this look.

With its light, airy curls and fresh pastel tones, this hairstyle is great for anyone looking to embrace their natural texture while adding a bit of flair to their everyday look.

#10 Curly Undercut with Defined Curls

This short curly hairstyle with a bold undercut exudes confidence and creativity. The curls on top are neatly defined, creating a textured, voluminous look that contrasts sharply with the shaved sides. The tight curls give the style an elegant yet playful feel, while the undercut adds a modern, edgy twist. The precise line shaved into the side of the hair further enhances the boldness of the look, offering a clean, geometric touch that adds to the overall structure.

The hairstyle frames the face beautifully, drawing attention to the eyes and cheekbones, while maintaining a sense of balance and harmony. The slight fade on the sides and back ensures that the curls on top remain the focal point. Paired with minimal jewelry and a relaxed black top, this look is both stylish and versatile, making it perfect for anyone who wants a sharp yet feminine cut that celebrates their natural curls.

This chic curly undercut is a fantastic choice for anyone looking to make a statement with their curly hair, offering a blend of boldness and sophistication.

#11 Defined Curly Bob with Soft Volume

This short curly hairstyle beautifully showcases a blend of softness and volume, with defined curls that add a lively bounce to the look. The hair is cut to a flattering length, just above the shoulders, allowing the curls to sit naturally without being too overpowering. The front curls are slightly longer, framing the face and drawing attention to the eyes and cheekbones. The slightly tousled texture gives it a relaxed, yet stylish vibe that is easy to wear.

The mix of soft curls and a bit of volume on top brings a youthful, carefree energy, while the neatness of the sides helps keep the style in control. Paired with bold hoop earrings, this look feels both chic and contemporary, offering a versatile style for casual days or evenings out. The dark tones in the hair contrast beautifully with the soft lighting in the background, giving the hairstyle depth and dimension.

For anyone embracing their natural curls, this short curly style is an excellent choice to achieve an effortlessly chic appearance that’s both stylish and easy to maintain.

#12 Curly Undercut with Asymmetrical Curls

This trendy short curly hairstyle combines bold texture with a clean, modern cut. The hair on top is styled into loose, defined curls, offering a playful, voluminous look. The curls naturally fall to one side, creating a dynamic, asymmetrical effect that draws attention to the face and highlights the eyes. The sides are shaved close to the scalp, creating a striking contrast with the fuller curls on top. The addition of subtle blonde highlights throughout the curls adds dimension and a touch of brightness to the style.

The short back and sides give the hair structure, while the longer curls on top maintain movement and a sense of freedom. This edgy yet feminine cut is ideal for anyone looking for a fresh, low-maintenance style that still makes a statement. Paired with a simple black mask and minimal accessories, the look feels effortless and stylish, perfect for both everyday wear and more polished occasions.

This curly cut is a great way to embrace natural texture with a bit of edge, perfect for those seeking a fashionable and versatile hairstyle.

#13 Curly Mullet with Shaved Sides

This curly mullet style brings a fun and edgy twist to a classic cut, blending a modern look with a retro flair. The top is styled with soft, bouncy curls that offer texture and volume, while the back remains longer, creating a defined contrast that enhances the overall shape of the style. The sides are shaved, making the curls on top stand out even more, adding an interesting dynamic and sharp lines to the look.

The natural curls give this style a youthful and carefree vibe, while the mullet shape provides a unique, bold edge. The short, clean sides emphasize the curls on top, giving the hair an organized yet lively feel. Paired with simple accessories, like the hoop earrings and glasses, this look exudes a cool, relaxed aesthetic that’s perfect for anyone who wants to stand out without going over the top.

This curly mullet is an excellent choice for those looking for a distinctive hairstyle that combines texture with personality, offering a modern take on a classic cut.

#14 Curly Bob with Defined Curls

This curly bob offers a playful yet polished look, with defined curls that add volume and structure to the style. The curls are perfectly shaped, giving the hair a bouncy and lively texture that frames the face beautifully. The length sits just above the shoulders, offering a flattering shape without overwhelming the natural curl pattern. The soft curls create a soft and feminine look, while the light, fresh color enhances the overall brightness and vibrancy of the style.

The hairstyle is effortlessly chic, with the curls providing a sense of movement and energy, while the smoothness of the bob ensures a neat, refined finish. Paired with a casual striped top, this style is versatile enough to transition from casual outings to more polished settings. The simplicity of the style, combined with the light, airy curls, makes it a perfect option for anyone seeking a low-maintenance yet stylish look.

This curly bob is a fantastic way to embrace natural curls while keeping the style youthful, fresh, and easy to manage.

#15 Curly Pixie Cut with Undercut and Defined Curls

This modern curly pixie cut offers an effortlessly cool, edgy look with natural curls styled to perfection. The hair is cut short on the sides, creating a sharp contrast with the longer curls on top. The curls are left loose and defined, adding texture and movement that make the hairstyle playful and dynamic. The subtle fade on the sides brings focus to the top, where the curls naturally fall, adding volume and shape.

The loose curls give the style a relaxed yet chic vibe, while the side undercut provides a bold, clean finish. Paired with a black mask and striking geometric earrings, the look feels contemporary and fashion-forward. The black-and-white striped shirt adds a touch of casual sophistication, balancing the edginess of the hairstyle with simplicity.

This short, curly cut is a fantastic way to embrace natural texture while keeping things fresh and bold, making it an excellent option for anyone looking for a modern, stylish hairstyle that still showcases the beauty of curls.

#16 Platinum Curly Pixie with Defined Curls

This short, curly pixie cut offers a bold and modern look with its defined curls and platinum blonde color. The curls on top are tightly shaped, adding volume and movement, while the sides are kept short, creating a striking contrast that emphasizes the textured curls. The platinum hue enhances the curls, making them appear even more vibrant and eye-catching.

The voluminous curls on top give the hairstyle a playful, energetic vibe, while the short sides add structure and sharpness. The makeup, with dramatic eyeshadow, complements the boldness of the hairstyle, creating a striking and fashion-forward look. The simplicity of the black top adds a touch of sophistication to the overall appearance.

This curly pixie cut is an excellent choice for anyone who wants to embrace natural texture while making a statement with their hair, offering a fun, youthful, and chic style.

#17 Short Curly Crop with Defined Curls

This chic short curly hairstyle combines texture and volume in a way that feels both bold and effortless. The tightly defined curls on top add a playful bounce, while the shorter sides create a clean, structured shape. This contrast emphasizes the fullness and movement of the curls, giving the style a youthful, energetic vibe. The natural hair color is enhanced by the curls, making it appear vibrant and full of life.

The gentle layers on top help to frame the face, highlighting the eyes and cheekbones, while the overall shape of the cut ensures that the curls don’t overwhelm the face. Paired with minimal jewelry and a casual denim jacket, this hairstyle feels fresh, modern, and approachable. The earrings and soft makeup provide just enough contrast to balance out the fullness of the hair.

This short curly cut is perfect for anyone looking to embrace their natural curls with a low-maintenance yet stylish approach, offering both sophistication and fun.