Short Curly Hairstylesfor 2027

The best short curly hairstyles for 2027 are curly pixies, tapered cuts, short curly shags, rounded crops, and chin-length curly bobs. Going short usually makes curls bouncier, as there’s less weight pulling them down. It also tends to make wash day much faster. Plan for a lot of shrinkage and spring when you pick a length, and make sure the shape is checked while your hair is dry.

For longer shapes and overall trends, see curly hairstyles for 2027. For men’s cuts, see curly haircuts for men in 2027.

Curly pixie

Short at the sides with curls left longer on top, a curly pixie shows off your face and needs very little product. Keep a bit of length around the ears if you want a softer feel.

Ask for: “a curly pixie, tapered at the sides and neck, with curls left at the top and shaped dry.”

Tapered curly cut

With clippered or tightly cut sides and a full top, this shape is strong on tight curls and coils. A taper at the neck stays clean and easy to refresh between longer appointments. See our 4C hair guide for care advice.

Short curly shag

Layered and a little messy, this is an excellent choice for loose to medium curls. The layers create movement while the curls cover the transitions. See short shag ideas for 2027.

Rounded curly crop

Curls are shaped into a neat, round silhouette all over. It’s bold and works well on coily hair. It’s also one of the least fussy styles to wear from day to day.

Chin-length curly bob

This keeps enough hair to feel like a real length change without going all the way to a pixie. See curly bob ideas for 2027 for specific ideas.

Curly undercut

A hidden undercut at the nape or sides removes a lot of bulk, which is especially helpful if your hair is thick. The top can stay long and still fall over the short section.

Short curls with a fringe

A short curly fringe softens the forehead, and it can be a good way to cover a high hairline. Curly bangs shrink, so ask for them to be cut a little longer than you think you want.

Choosing by curl pattern

Pattern	Good short shapes	Watch out for
Loose waves to loose curls (2C to 3A)	Short shag, chin-length bob	Curls may need a bit of length to form
Medium to tight curls (3B to 3C)	Curly pixie, layered bob	More spring than you expect
Coils (4A to 4C)	Tapered cut, rounded crop	Shrinkage, so plan your length carefully

If you don’t know your pattern, see our hair type chart.

Going short for the first time

It’s a big change, so here are some tips before you take the plunge:

• Find the right stylist. A curl specialist can save you a lot of disappointment. See how to find a curly hair stylist.
• Bring pictures of your curl type. A style can look very different on someone else’s curls.
• Take it in stages. A curly bob first, then shorter if you still want to.
• Consider heat damage. A short cut is a good way to remove damaged ends.

How to style short curls

Short curls often don’t need much. A simple routine:

1. Start with wet hair. Short curls dry quickly, so work fast.
2. Apply a small amount of leave-in and curl cream, and scrunch upward.
3. Add a little gel if you’d like more hold.
4. Air-dry or use a diffuser.
5. Once dry, lift at the roots with your fingers.

On the second day, mist with water and rework the top rather than wetting your entire head. Use a satin pillowcase or bonnet to reduce overnight frizz. For more help, see how to fix frizzy hair.

Face shape notes

• Round: add height on top and keep sides tight.
• Square: soft curls around the temple and jaw soften angles.
• Oblong: curls add width at the sides, and a fringe shortens your face.
• Heart: keep some fullness near the jaw and don’t over-tighten the sides.
• Oval: any shape can work.

Face shape is only one factor, though. Curl pattern often matters more, and our face shape guide explains why.

Upkeep

A tapered curly cut may need attention every four to six weeks to keep the neck tidy. Short shags and bobs usually last longer. You’ll spend less on products and time washing, but more often at the salon. Decide whether that’s a trade you’re happy to make. See how often to get a haircut for more guidance.

Short curls for hot, humid places

Short curls are an excellent choice in humidity, since there’s less hair to weigh down and frizz can read as texture. If you live somewhere hot, see our hot weather hairstyles and summer hairstyles for 2027.

See it before you cut

Curls take time to grow back, so it’s worth seeing a short shape first. Upload a clear photo to Hairover, and try a short cut in Style Studio. Take your favorite preview to your stylist and ask them how your own curl pattern would change it.

Try short curly cuts on your own photo with Hairover.