21 easy hairstyles for short curly hair

We know that styling short curly hair isn’t always the easiest of hair tasks. But that’s why we thought we’d help you out by putting together 18 cool and easy-to-achieve styles for short curly hair.

So, if you’ve been pondering about “how to style short wavy hair”, don’t worry: we’ve got you well and truly covered. Just click through our gorgeous gallery above, or scroll down for instant #hairspiration.

21 easy hairstyles for short curly hair

Are you stuck for hair inspo when it comes to styling short hair? With our quick and easy tutorial, you’ll have not 1 but 3 stylish looks to wear.

Get messy with a shag hairstyle. Credit: indigitalimages.com

The shag

We’re totally in love with the shag haircut at the moment and we have good reason to be! With many members of the fashion crowd (like Mica Arganaraz and Kylie Jenner) making it the hairstyle du jour, we’re ready to follow suit!

Editor’s tip: To work this relaxed-looking hairstyle for the season ahead, just apply a few pumps of the VO5 Tousled Style Spray to your damp locks.

You can choose to let it air-dry naturally or use a hair dryer with a diffuser attachment

Dial up the fun with this cute hun. Credit: Rex by Shutterstock

Half-up bun

When your short curly hair isn’t long enough to get into a full updo, this half-up, half-down bun

We’re borrowing this short curly hairstyle from the boys. Credit: indigitalimages.com

Boyish cut

We’re borrowing this look from the boys. Short, curly and shaped perfectly, let’s show the boys how it’s really done!

Bangs are the perfect way to update a curly hairstyle. Credit: Rex by Shutterstock

Bob and bangs

This bob and bangs wavy hairstyle have the Rihanna seal of approval, which is more than we needed to tempt us to give this stylish combo a try.

Editor’s tip: For Rihanna’s glossy high shine finish, use TONI&GUY High Shine Serum Drops.

Work 2-3 pumps between fingers and smooth through lengths of dry hair to help tame frizz and flyaways while giving your hair a high shine gloss finish.

Textured styles work a treat on short thick hair. Credit: indigitalimages.com

Textured styles

If you have a beautifully thick hair

Boost your mane with a wavy bob. Credit: Rex by Shutterstock

Wavy bob

Is “how to style short wavy hair” on the top of your hair agenda? Then why not try the beautiful and easy-to-style wavy bob?

The great thing about this effortlessly-looking hairstyle is that it’s really versatile, working for just about any hair type and face shape.

Editor’s tip: Want a slightly more polished look? Then use the VO5 Express Primer

The universally flattering wavy long bob is high on our hair list. Credit: Rex by Shutterstock

Curly long bob

Worried about the logistics of styling short curly hair? Well, if you’re on the fence about going super short, the long bob

The cute and curly pixie. Credit: indigitalimages.com

Curly pixie

Thought that pixie haircuts were only for ladies with straight locks? Well, think again. This cute and curly pixie ‘do is proof that curly girls can work it too!

Editor’s tip: If you do decide to take the plunge, make sure that you choose a stylist that specialises in cutting curly hair. And don’t forget to grab a bottle of the TRESemmé Botanique Nourish & Replenish Hydrating Mist 

This TWA was a fashion week highlight. Credit: Rosalind Alcazar

TWA

This extra short ‘fro has been spotted on and off the catwalk and when it comes to easy short hairstyles, we think it might just take top position.

Update your curly ‘fro with a soft ombre hue. Credit: Rex by Shutterstock

Ombre curly hair

When Naomi Campbell debuted this short curly ombre style we barely recognised her.

The soft fluffy curls were a fry cry from her long and straight signature style and we love how the balance of the medium and light brown ombre give her a trendy and youthful finish.

We can’t get enough of this space buns style. Credit: Verity Jane Smith

Space buns

Looking for ways to style short naturally curly hair? Opt for this out of the world space buns hairstyle

Try the runway loved swept back style on your curly strands. Credit: Rex by Shutterstock

Brushed back curls

Swept back hair is hot right now and while you may have thought that those with curly strands couldn’t get in on the trend, follow in model Alanna Arrington’s steps and make this your next curly hairstyle.

Editor’s tip: To achieve this look we suggest using a strong wet look gel like the VO5 Wet Look Styling Gel.

Providing 24hr steady control and a slick wet effect, this gel can be used on wet or dry hair.

Short on time? Puff it up. Credit: Verity Jane Smith

Ponytail puff

Make the most of your short curly hair with a ponytail puff updo.

Keep the front of your hair smooth and sleek and allow your curls to puff out of the ponytail for a gorgeous finish.

Add interest to your pixie with a long curly fringe. Credit Dvora

Pixie with long fringe

Tired of your classic pixie cut? When it comes to easy hairstyles for short curly hair, you can’t go wrong with a pixie and long fringe.

The length of the fringe makes it great for really showing off the texture of your tresses, as well as perfectly framing your face. Practical and pretty: needless to say we’re sold!

The ‘frohawk should be every naturalistas BFF. Credit: Verity Jane Smith

Frohawk

Love the look of a mohawk but don’t want to majorly commit to shaving your hair? We don’t blame you. However, we do have a solution for all you natural-haired ladies: the ‘frohawk.

And contrary to popular belief, it’s actually really easy to create this gravity-defying ‘do. Just follow our step-by-step tutorial

Show off your curls with this sweet pineapple updo. Credit: Rex by Shutterstock

Pineapple pony

Pineapple hairstyles are hugely popular with curly-haired girls and we can see why.

Wearing her blonde highlighted hair in a high ponytail, model Jasmine Sanders added defined curls along her hairline for a faux fringe finish.

Take your mane to new heights with a high top fade. Credit: Allyson Alapont

High top fade

Okay, we know that this hairstyle isn’t for the faint-hearted. But if you’re wondering how to manage short curly hair, and are working with natural afro hair, why not try a high top fade?

Although it draws inspiration from the popular men’s look of the 1980s, we think it looks fab on curly or coily-haired ladies, too.

Tip : As the name suggests, this look is all about building up mega height, so keep your hair sky-high with the aid of an afro pick.

For those days when one bun just isn’t enough. Credit: Verity Jane Smith

Stacked buns

Stacked buns are not only a great way to secure your hair away from your face, it’s incredibly stylish too!

From bobs to shoulder length styles, wear this look on days when you have a little more time on your hands.