Styling short curly black hair can be fun and versatile. Whether you’re looking for something sleek, bold, or playful, there’s a look that’s perfect for every occasion. Below are 12 ways to style short curly black hair, along with step-by-step guides and tips to help you achieve each look effortlessly.
1. Defined Curls
Defined curls highlight the natural beauty of curly hair by giving each curl a polished look. This style is perfect for anyone who wants a fresh and bouncy finish.
How to Achieve:
Start with Clean Hair: Wash and condition your hair with a curl-defining shampoo and conditioner.
Apply a Leave-In Conditioner: While your hair is still damp, apply a leave-in conditioner to maintain moisture.
Use a Curl Cream: Apply a curl-defining cream or gel evenly throughout your hair. Focus on the ends where frizz tends to occur.
Finger Coil: Use your fingers to coil small sections of hair, twisting them tightly.
Air Dry or Diffuse: Let your hair air dry, or use a diffuser attachment on a blow dryer to speed up the process while maintaining curl shape.
Fluff: Once dry, gently fluff your curls with your fingers for added volume.
Tips:
Avoid using heavy products that can weigh down your curls.
For extra definition, use a fine-tooth comb to separate and define each curl.
2. Curly Faux Hawk
A curly faux hawk is an edgy, stylish way to wear your short curly hair. This look is perfect for making a bold statement without sacrificing your curls.
How to Achieve:
Section Your Hair: Divide your hair into three sections: the top, and the sides.
Slick Down the Sides: Apply gel or edge control to the sides of your hair. Use a brush to smooth the sides and pin them down with bobby pins.
Style the Top: Apply a curl-enhancing mousse or gel to the top section. Finger coil or scrunch the curls to define them.
Set the Style: Use a hairspray to hold the style in place.
Tips:
Add hair accessories like small clips or bobby pins for extra flair.
For more volume, gently tease the top section with a comb before defining the curls.
3. Twist-Out
A twist-out is a popular style that adds texture and volume to short curly hair. It’s an easy way to stretch your curls and create a more uniform look.
How to Achieve:
Start with Damp Hair: Apply a leave-in conditioner to your damp hair to ensure it stays hydrated.
Divide Your Hair: Section your hair into small parts, depending on how tight you want your twists.
Twist: Take each section and twist it from root to tip. You can do a two-strand twist or a flat twist, depending on your preference.
Air Dry or Use a Hooded Dryer: Allow your twists to dry completely before unraveling them.
Unravel and Style: Gently separate each twist to create fuller, bouncy curls.
Tips:
Use a small amount of oil on your fingers while unraveling the twists to reduce frizz.
For a more defined look, twist your hair at night and unravel in the morning.
4. Curly Pixie Cut
A curly pixie cut is a chic and modern way to style short curly hair. This cut allows your curls to take center stage and is perfect for low-maintenance styling.
How to Achieve:
Trim Regularly: Keep your pixie cut looking sharp by trimming every 4-6 weeks.
Apply a Curl Enhancer: Use a curl-enhancing cream or gel to define your curls.
Scrunch and Go: Simply scrunch your curls and let them air dry for a natural, carefree look.
Tips:
If your curls tend to fall flat, use a diffuser to add volume while drying.
Experiment with different parting styles to change up the look.
5. Wash and Go
The wash-and-go is a simple and quick style that embraces your natural curls. It’s perfect for those days when you’re short on time but still want your hair to look its best.
How to Achieve:
Wash and Condition: Start with freshly washed and conditioned hair.
Apply Leave-In Products: While your hair is still wet, apply a leave-in conditioner followed by a curl-defining cream or gel.
Scrunch Your Curls: Gently scrunch your hair to enhance the curl pattern.
Air Dry or Diffuse: Allow your hair to air dry or use a diffuser to dry it quickly.
Tips:
For added shine, finish with a light oil or serum.
Avoid touching your hair while it dries to reduce frizz.
6. Side Part with Volume
A side part adds an element of sophistication to short curly hair. Paired with extra volume, it creates a glamorous look that’s perfect for any occasion.
How to Achieve:
Part Your Hair: Use a comb to create a deep side part on either side of your head.
Apply Volumizing Mousse: Apply a volumizing mousse or foam to your roots.
Blow Dry for Volume: Use a diffuser to blow-dry your hair, lifting at the roots to add volume.
Style Your Curls: Finger style your curls for a soft, voluminous finish.
Tips:
For a sleeker look, you can flat iron the roots on the parted side.
Add a few hairpins on one side to keep the part in place.
7. Tapered Cut
A tapered cut is a bold and trendy style for short curly hair. This look features shorter sides and back with longer curls on top, offering a modern and edgy vibe.
How to Achieve:
Consult a Stylist: Have your stylist cut the sides and back short, gradually tapering into longer curls on top.
Define Your Curls: Use a curl cream or gel to define the curls on top.
Style with a Pick: Use a hair pick to lift and shape the curls on top for added volume.
Tips:
Keep the sides and back trimmed regularly to maintain the tapered look.
Experiment with hair color on the longer curls for a more dramatic effect.
8. Finger Coils
Finger coils are a great way to define your natural curl pattern. This style creates uniform, springy curls that last for days.
How to Achieve:
Dampen Your Hair: Start with clean, damp hair.
Apply Curl Cream: Apply a generous amount of curl cream or gel throughout your hair.
Coil Your Hair: Take small sections of hair and wrap them around your finger to create a coil. Repeat until all your hair is coiled.
Dry Completely: Allow your hair to air dry or use a hooded dryer.
Tips:
To make the style last longer, sleep with a satin scarf or bonnet.
Refresh the coils by spritzing with water and re-coiling any frizzy sections.
See Also: What Are The Different Types Of Short Haircuts
9. Bantu Knots
Bantu knots are a protective style that not only looks chic but also doubles as a setting method for creating defined curls when unraveled.
How to Achieve:
Part Your Hair: Divide your hair into small sections.
Twist and Coil: Twist each section of hair and then wrap it around itself to form a knot. Secure with a bobby pin if needed.
Set Overnight: Allow the knots to set overnight or until completely dry.
Unravel for Curls: Gently unravel each knot to reveal defined, curly hair.
Tips:
For a more polished look, part your hair with clean lines before creating the knots.
Bantu knots can be worn as a style on their own or unraveled for a curly look.
10. Curly Bangs
Curly bangs are a playful and trendy addition to short curly hair. They frame the face beautifully and add a youthful, fresh touch to your look.
How to Achieve:
Cut Bangs: Have your stylist cut bangs that blend with your natural curls.
Define the Curls: Apply a curl cream or gel to the bangs and scrunch them to define the curls.
Style the Rest of Your Hair: Style the rest of your hair as desired, keeping the focus on your curly bangs.
Tips:
Trim your bangs regularly to maintain the shape.
Use a light styling product to keep your bangs from becoming too heavy.
11. Curly Puff
A curly puff is a simple yet stylish way to wear short curly hair. It’s perfect for hot days or when you need to pull your hair up and out of the way.
How to Achieve:
Gather Your Hair: Pull your hair up into a high ponytail at the crown of your head.
Secure with a Band: Use a hair tie to secure the ponytail, leaving the curls loose and full.
Fluff the Curls: Use your fingers to fluff and shape the curls into a voluminous puff.
Tips:
For a more defined puff, twist your hair into sections the night before and untwist them in the morning.
Add a headband or scarf for an extra pop of style.
12. Curly Frohawk
The curly frohawk is a funky and fierce style that combines the best of an afro and a mohawk. It’s ideal for those who want to showcase their curls in a unique way.
How to Achieve:
Section Your Hair: Create a central section of hair from the front to the back of your head.
Slick Down the Sides: Apply gel to the sides and smooth them down, securing with bobby pins.
Fluff the Curls: Fluff the curls in the central section, making them stand out to create the frohawk effect.
Tips:
Use a strong-hold gel to keep the sides in place throughout the day.
You can braid or twist the sides before pinning them down for a more intricate look.
Conclusion
Short curly black hair offers endless styling possibilities. From defined curls to edgy cuts, these styles allow you to express your personality and embrace your natural texture. Experiment with different products and techniques to find the styles that work best for you, and don’t be afraid to mix and match for a look that’s uniquely yours.