Short Curly Hairstyles That Will Give Your Spirals New Life

A Southern lady knows how to accessorize, from her heirloom jewelry to her bold red lip. But if she's a curly girl, she knows her greatest accessory is God-given and sticks by her, rain or shine. Her precious curls! Whether tousled waves, bouncy spirals, or springy coils, curly hair is like your most uninhibited friend—vivacious, plucky, and often unpredictable. She can be the center of attention in any room, in a good way—or, on humid days, in a not-so-good way. Curls aren't one-size-fits-all, nor are they afraid to make you work to stay in their good graces. That's why we're loving short curly hair. With a well-chosen short haircut, curly hair can reach its full potential with half the effort. It's relatively low maintenance—as far as temperamental curly locks go—and lets you play up your texture and volume. These short hairstyles for curly hair navigate the tricky path to perfectly coiffed, defined curls, whether you're into pixie cuts, crops, bobs, or lobs. It's time to give your spirals new life with a fresh short 'do.

Bottom-Heavy Bob

Heavy ends on bobs, especially short bobs, are taking over this year. Unlike when done on straight hair, this style on curly hair gives such amazing texture and volume. Bangs, even if sparse, help even out this haircut.

Boyish Pixie

If you have thick, larger curls, this boyish cut is a great pick. Ramp up the volume with a hydrating mousse, such as Madam C.J. Walker Curl Whip Styling Souffle, which moisturizes and defines thick curls while adding supple volume.

Modern Shag

The new shag haircut has all the layers, bangs, and texture of the traditional shag; but with a modern edge and sleeker look. Curly-haired girls of all types can rock this cool cut.

Voluminous Lob

This cut looks amazing on ladies with thick hair and larger curls, as seen here. Face-framing layers that hit right below the cheekbones give effortless-looking movement.

Tousled Layers

This hairstyle captures the fun personality of curly girls with its perfectly tousled, mussed locks. Lots of layers help out when you're tossing those ringlets to and fro!

Vintage Short Bob

This hairstyle oozes vintage glamor, and we're getting some Sandra Dee vibes too. It's all about getting that perfectly coiffed bang swoosh that makes us wonder if we'll ever get that kind of volume.

Classic Pixie

This springy pixie is almost too adorable. It's short all around with a few longer pieces in the front that bounce perfectly over the forehead.

Asymmetrical

An asymmetrical cut is all about keeping interest and quirkiness in a short style, and selecting which side of your part to go shorter is up to you. We love how this style builds major volume by stacking the heavy side with short layers to acheive the askew look.

Stacked Bob

To get some major definition and avoid the weighed-down look, a stacked bob is a go-to style for curly-haired girls. Ramp up the volume with a mousse or gel foam.

Levels of Layers

When it comes to curly hair, layers can be your best friend. Short mid-shaft layers layers pump up the body, while more layering around the face adds definition.

Centered Relaxed Bob

For the more relaxed coils, this simple bob rocks a middle part and natural texture for an everyday look. Toss it around, mix up the part—it's more versatile than you think!

Layered Coils

Layers work some major magic if you have more compact curls like these. They make a short cut more voluminous and well-shaped. Avoid the awkward "triangle" shape that curly-haired girls sometimes struggle with by starting layers mid-way down your hair shaft.

Baby Bangs

Baby bangs are blowing up this year, though it takes a bold lady to make the cut! These wispy baby bangs are more doable than blunt ones, and it pairs with ultra-layered curly hair perfectly.

Mop Crop

Say that five times fast. This side-swept style works for ladies with larger, more relaxed curls, and it looks like a lady who is cool and calm. The bangs are much longer than the back and opposite side, making it slightly askew.

French Bob

This is how the classic bob goes European. Mussed effortlessness that stands out in any room. Often accompanied with short bangs or face-framing layers to toss around, the French bob is mostly about looking unkempt and put-together at the same time.

Side-Swept Bob

If you want a simple, classic bob for curly hair, you can go with subtle layering to encourage definition and lightness. If you have more coily curls, you'll want to add more layers to achieve that bouncy texture.

Centered Shoulder Length

For the most minimalist of curly-haired ladies (who don't want to go too short), this shoulder-length style with long layers and middle part does the trick.

Jaw-Grazing Bob

This ultra-short bob is coming back in style in a big way. Instead of layering and getting shorter in the back like a crop cut, it sticks with the silhouette of the traditional bob—only ultra-short! Minimal layers and lots of texture help this style work.

Curly Crop

We love this floppy, flouncy style because it's cute, simple, and slightly sculpted. The back is kept short, while the bangs are free to roam wild!

Buzzed Perfection

Sometimes you just have to take the plunge, and this bold buzz cut really brings out amazing bone structure and stunning features more than any other length.

Modern Pin-Up Bangs

These blunt, jet-black bangs give a vintage feel, while her big-barreled curls look glamorous and put-together! Using rollers on the bangs gets that puffed-out, rounded styling that screams future signature look.

Heavy Side-Swept Lob

This hairstyle is heavy on the bottom and heavy on the side part, which seems like a recipe for major sass and stylishness. These big curls have been finger-combed into their most glamorous lob!