7x Short Curly Hairstyles That Are Cute And Low Maintenance!
Short curly hairstyles are cute, easy to maintain, and naturally full of personality! Whether your curls are loose, tight, coily, or somewhere in between, a short cut can lighten your routine and make styling a whole lot more fun. In this article, you’ll discover 7 short curly hairstyles that are not only adorable but also practical for busy days. And because curly hair can be confusing sometimes, we’ve included FAQs about curl types, layering, mistakes to avoid, and the correct order for a curly-hair routine!
7x Short Curly Hairstyles That Are Low Maintance
1. The Curly Pixie Cut
The curly pixie cut is one of the most iconic short curly hairstyle: bold, modern, and surprisingly low-maintenance. If your curls are naturally springy, this cut gives them room to bounce without the weight of longer hair dragging them down. The appeal lies in its simplicity: you wake up, add a curl-friendly leave-in or curl cream, fluff, and go.
Why it works so well for curls:
Shows off the natural pattern of your curls
Eliminates heavy ends that cause triangle-shaping
Keeps your routine streamlined
Great for: Round and chubby face shapes. A slightly longer top paired with shorter sides can add height, balance fullness, and give definition, making it one of the best chubby face short curly hairstyles.
2. The Curly Bob
A curly bob hits around the jawline or slightly below and remains one of the most timeless curly hairstyles for women of all ages. It’s feminine, flattering, and naturally chic. Many people assume a curly bob requires daily styling, but when cut correctly, especially with layers, it forms into a consistent shape with minimal effort.
Why it’s a standout choice:
Versatile: part it in the middle, side, or wear it pushed back
Frames the face beautifully without crowding it
Perfect for both looser and tighter curl types
If you're transitioning from long curly hairstyles and want something short but not too dramatic, the curly bob is a perfect halfway step.
3. The Curly Shag
The curly shag has surged back into popularity because it celebrates texture instead of trying to tame it. With lots of layers throughout, it removes bulk while keeping length where it matters. This makes it an excellent option for anyone looking for easy curly hairstyles that don’t feel stiff or overly styled.
Why curls love the shag:
Adds effortless movement
Works well for both medium curly hairstyles and short lengths
Ideal for curls that tend to clump heavily at the bottom
The shag is also one of the best natural curly hairstyles if you want something that dries beautifully without heat styling.
4. The Tapered Cut
A tapered cut features longer curls at the top and gently shortened sides and back. This style creates a gorgeous silhouette: almost sculptural, while keeping the volume concentrated where you want it. It’s an especially great choice for tight curls or coils that form defined clusters.
Why it’s worth considering:
Minimizes tangles and shrinkage issues
Keeps your natural shape looking intentional
Super flattering on both oval and chubby face shapes
If you’re looking for short curly hairstyles that let you show off your curl pattern without much fuss, the tapered cut is a major win.
5. The Short Curly Lob
Somewhere between short and medium curly hairstyles, the curly lob gives you extra versatility while staying easy to maintain. It tends to fall between the shoulders and collarbone when stretched, though curls will shrink shorter. The lob works with almost every curl pattern and face shape.
Why this cut is so popular:
Offers movement without being too heavy
Perfect for transitioning from long curly hairstyles
Works great for refreshing second- or third-day curls
It’s shockingly low-maintenance: with a good curl cream and the right layers, it nearly styles itself.
6. The Curly Crop With Bangs
Curly bangs used to be misunderstood, but now they’re a huge trend and for good reason. A short curly crop with bangs looks youthful, soft, and incredibly stylish. The key is making sure the bangs are cut dry to match your natural curl pattern.
Why you’ll love it:
Frames the eyes beautifully
Adds personality and softness
Great for women who want something fresh and modern
This style shines on tighter curl types, though wavy and loose curls can pull it off just as well with the right layering.
7. The Layered Mini-Afro
For many women with natural curls or coils, a mini-afro offers a stunning combination of shape, texture, and simplicity. With subtle layers, it lands among the most beautifully balanced natural curly hairstyles: full of volume but easy to maintain.
What makes it so effortless:
Requires minimal daily manipulation
Lets your natural curl pattern shine
Shapes the face beautifully without harsh angles
This is one of the most universally flattering curly hairstyles because it doesn’t rely on extreme styling, it simply enhances your texture.
How to Choose the Best Short Curly Hairstyle for Your Curl Type
Not all curls behave the same way, so choosing the right cut can make or break your daily routine. Before settling on a style, consider:
Curl pattern (1–4)
Density (fine, medium, thick)
Porosity (how well your hair absorbs moisture)
Face shape
How much styling time you realistically have
Short cuts tend to accentuate your natural curl pattern, so a little shrinkage is normal and usually, part of the charm.
Tips to Keep Short Curly Hair Low-Maintenance
If you pick the right cut, curly hair should work with you, not against you. Here’s how to simplify your routine:
Keep it hydrated
Dry curls frizz more easily. A lightweight leave-in used daily can make a massive difference.
Refresh between wash days
Use a spray bottle with water and a dab of curl cream or mousse to revive shape.
Avoid brushing when dry
This roughs up the cuticle and disrupts curl pattern.
Get regular trims
Short curly hairstyles look their best with shape, usually every 8–12 weeks.
Use curl-friendly products
Avoid heavy silicones that create buildup, especially when your hair is short.
Everything You Need to Know About Curly Hair
What is type 1, 2, 3, and 4 curly hair?
The curl-typing system classifies hair into categories based on texture and pattern:
Type 1: Straight Hair
No natural curl or wave
Can be fine or thick
Usually oily faster due to smooth strand structure
Type 2: Wavy Hair
Loose “S” shaped waves
Sub-types:
2A: Slight, fine waves
2B: Soft waves with more definition
2C: Strong waves with a few loose curls
Type 3: Curly Hair
Defined spiral curls
Sub-types:
3A: Large, loose curls
3B: Springy ringlets
3C: Tight corkscrew curls
Type 4: Coily/Kinky Hair
Densely packed coils
Sub-types:
4A: Tight coils with defined loops
4B: Z-shaped bends, less definition
4C: Very tight coils with the most shrinkage
Knowing your type helps you tailor both your haircut and your routine.
What are common curly hair mistakes?
Here are the biggest culprits that make curls harder to manage:
Using harsh shampoos
Sulfates can strip moisture, leading to frizz and breakage.
Skipping conditioner
Curls need slip to prevent tangles and breakage.
Brushing dry curls
This disrupts the curl pattern and causes frizz.
Using the wrong towel
Regular towels rough up the cuticle. Microfiber or cotton T-shirts are gentler.
Not getting layers
Without layers, curls can form a “triangle shape” or look weighed down.
Using too much product
Heavy buildup makes curls dull and limp, especially on short styles.
Should curly hair be layered?
In almost every case: yes. Layers are essential to shaping curls. They:
Remove unnecessary bulk
Prevent triangle-shaped hair
Encourage natural definition
Reduce styling time
Help curls spring up evenly
If you want easy curly hairstyles, proper layering is non-negotiable. Especially for short curly hairstyles, layers make the difference between a fluffy, shapeless cut and a gorgeous, sculpted one.
What is the correct order for a curly hair routine?
While routines vary, a healthy, effective curly hair workflow usually looks like this:
1. Cleanse
Use a gentle, sulfate-free shampoo or co-wash.
2. Condition
Detangle with your conditioner still in; rinse thoroughly.
3. Leave-In Conditioner
Adds hydration and prep for styling.
4. Styling Product
Curl cream, gel, or mousse, choose based on your curl type and desired hold.
5. Drying Method
Air-dry, diffuse, or a combination of both.
6. Refresh (as needed)
Use a water-based refresher spray to revive curls between wash days.
Follow these steps consistently, and both short and medium curly hairstyles will look more defined and controlled.
Short curly hairstyles don’t just save time: they help your curls thrive. Whether you prefer a curly pixie, a soft bob, a sculpted tapered cut, or a playful crop with bangs, there’s a style that matches your hair type, face shape, lifestyle, and personality. The beauty of curly hairstyles for women is that they’re naturally expressive, and a shorter length can make them even more vibrant.
If you learn what your curls need, avoid common mistakes, and follow a simple routine, your short curls can look incredible every day with minimal effort. Whether you’re transitioning from long curly hairstyles or trying out a short shape for the first time, embrace the adventure, your curls just might surprise you!
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