From teeny afros to pixie cuts, there are many reasons to love short curly hairstyles for Black women. With the right inspiration and hair products, you’ll be able to style your short curly hair in so many ways that don’t even require a trip to the salon.
Natural hair is prone to dryness, which makes it a little more difficult to grow out to longer lengths. This is because dryness can cause breakage more often. That’s why natural hair thrives in short styles. Plus, a short haircut or style is easier to maintain and involves less work when styling and caring for your strands.
Here's a look at some inspiring short curly hairstyles for Black women.
Curly Haircuts and Styles
Looking for easy, short, curly hairstyles for Black women? Here are some ideas:
1. The Curly Afro
One of the most effortless short curly hairstyles for Black women is the curly afro. Style your natural curls using a wide-tooth comb to get the brushed out look. Massaging in a product like Sebastian's Dark Oil will help give your hair "a natural shine from the inside out to add volume, while keeping your hair feeling light," Anthony Cole, Sebastian lead international stylist, says.
Read also: Trendy Short Styles
2. The Short Afro
Lupita Nyong'o's symmetrical Afro is a popular request at the barbershop, says Jay Simone, a NYC hairstylist and barber. "Women, men, and children can get this haircut and style it in different ways, which is what makes it a very flexible hairstyle."
3. The Classic Pixie
Zoë Kravitz's classic pixie is all about getting the right haircut first. Use a flat iron for a bit of volume on top, then finish with a little holding spray," Grant suggests.
4. Pixie Cut with Waves
A pixie with waves is a classic style that will never go out of fashion. Francis says, Jada Pinkett Smith's look is "a perfect balance of sleek with volume."
5. The TWA
If you have super short curly hair, a teeny weeny afro is a fun and stylish look to try.
6. Shaved Sides
Shaving the bottom of your head will instantly add some edge to short curls. "Incorporate a barber-style fadeout on the sides to create this dramatic high-to-low natural look," says Miko Branch, CEO and cofounder of Miss Jessie’s natural haircare products.
Read also: Natural Hair Confidence
7. Freeform Afro
If your hair is already short, just use a leave-in conditioner to moisturize. Then air-dry before applying a shine spray to achieve this simple look.
8. Curly Crop
Amandla Stenberg's curly crop is too good. Using a product like Miss Jessie's Jelly Soft Curls will give your hair the right amount of soft hold. "Just place your part on your best side and lay the hair down to add glamour to this short curly crop," Branch says.
9. Small Curls
If you prefer more tightly coiled curls, like fitness influencer Massy Arias’s, this style requires paying more attention to detail and definition. Use a small barrel iron to create texture and strong holding hair spray to keep it in place.
10. Slicked Down
The key to achieving a slicked-down look like Samira Wiley is applying a generous amount of maximum-hold gel from roots to ends while the hair is still wet, says Terri Alexander Ford, owner of the Philadelphia-based salon Hello Gorgeous Hair Studio. "With a fine-tooth comb, gently comb hair in a downward motion while smoothing it with your hand," she adds. "Tie a scarf around your head, and leave it on until your hair is dry."
11. Tight Curls
12. Bouncy Curls
Bianco Bruno, Glamsquad's lead educator, points out that bouncy curls-slightly looser than the tight curl look referenced in the previous look-create a nice silhouette. "They enhance the already beautiful, existing texture while adding a fresh shape," she says.
Read also: Stylish Black Haircuts
13. Combed-Out Curls
If you have naturally curly hair and want to wear it out even more loosely, the trick is to rinse away all the conditioner and use a diffuser to get a looser curl pattern, says Jessica Fitzpatrick, DevaCurl's certified curl specialist and educator. "Be sure to scrunch away all the water, opting for a microfiber towel and then a paper towel to really boot away the excess moisture. Remember, we're looking for functional frizz here," she says.
14. Longer in the Front
If you already have this haircut and want to give your natural curls some shine, you have to work a bit for it. "Use your hands to stretch the hair out and add lift at the root," says celebrity hairstylist Jenny Cho.
15. Short and Sweet
The shape of this style "balances out strong features," Marcus Francis, a celebrity stylist, says. With this cut, attention immediately goes to the cheeks and smile.
16. Tiny Coils
Distribute a product similar to Miss Jessie's Coily Custard on wet or damp hair, then use your fingers to create individual coils all over, like Sanaa Lathan's, says Branch. "Coil your curls in the front to frame your face to achieve this look," she adds.
Updo Styles for Short Curly Hair
Looking for the perfect updo for your curly strands?
1. Halo Curl Updo
To achieve Kimberly Elise's updo, use a coiling cream or product similar to Miss Jessie's Coily Custard before individually curling each section of the hair using your fingers, Branch suggests. "After the hair is completely dried, you can pull it in an upward direction. Secure the halo curls with bobby pins," she says.
2. Pulled-Back Updo
To get Amandla Stenberg's look, use a moisturizing hair lotion and run your fingers through the hair first, Branch suggests. "Once the hair is fully dry, lay down the edges with a toothbrush," she says. "Then use a flat bristle hair paddle brush to brush the hair in an upward direction before securing it with an expendable elastic band to create a ponytail with puffed-out curls."
3. Pinned-Up Curls
NYC stylist Chereen Monet says for this Kerry Washington-approved look, you just need to tie your curls up, pineapple-style, with a hair tie, then use bobby pins to frame your face with your curls.
4. Curly Updo
Gather your naturally curly, dry hair into a high ponytail to achieve Wiley's look. Once it's secure, lightly pull the ends to cascade onto your face, explains Jerome Lordet, salon and style director at the Pierre Michel Salon in New York.
Other Updo Options
- High ponytail updo
- Half-up style
- Ponytail using twist-out
- High-top knot
- Elegant bun
- Low bun
- Messy bun
- Crown braid
- Two French braids
- Twisted side updo
You can also use a bandana to dress up your hairstyle. Try a side-swept look on your short, curly hair.
Here's a table summarizing some of the key hairstyle options and styling tips:
| Hairstyle | Description | Styling Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Curly Afro | Brushed out natural curls | Use a wide-tooth comb and shine-enhancing product |
| Pixie Cut | Short, textured cut | Use a flat iron for volume and finish with holding spray |
| Halo Curl Updo | Curls pinned up in a halo | Use coiling cream and bobby pins |
| Slicked Down | Hair smoothed down with gel | Apply maximum-hold gel and comb with a fine-tooth comb |
Additional Tips and Styles
- Bangs: Curly bangs and bobs with side bangs are always flattering.
- Layers: Add layers for more volume and dimension. A U cut is a great option instead of a one-length cut.
- Color: Change your look by adding subtle highlights or babylights to brighten up your strands.
- Wigs: Try curly wigs to update your look without altering your natural hair.
- Accessories: Use headbands to style your short curly hairstyles.
Want to go for a fresh wash and go look? Use products that will give your hair high shine and definition.
Consider these extra tips for your short curly hair:
- Opt for a face-framing cut.
- Show off that natural volume with a heart shaped afro!
- A collarbone length is the sweet spot between long and short hair.
- Change up a regular pixie cut by opting for a fade haircut.
- Brush your curls out to create this pillow-soft effect.
- Play around with your curly afro by adding a hair part to it.
- You can achieve this ringlet style with the use of small flexi rods.
Ultimately, the best short curly hairstyle for you will depend on your personal preferences, hair texture, and lifestyle. Experiment with different styles and products to find what works best for you!
