16 Short Hairstyles That Make Super-Curly Hair Pop

If you're a curly-haired girl who's ever gotten a short haircut, you know that cutting curly hair short is no simple task. Curly hair can be unpredictable, but at least when it's long, you can always fall back on a messy bun. Not so with short hair — your updo options are limited, and sometimes leaving it down just won't cut it. 

There are pros and cons to keeping your curly hair on the shorter side. Keeping your hair short takes some of the weight off of your tresses, often making curls bouncier and more defined. But since there's no length weighing them down, they can also become a poofy, voluminous mess.

Luckily, there are plenty of ways to style your short curls that will capitalize on their texture without giving a boxy or shapeless appearance. Here are some of our favorite hairstyles sure to make your super curly hair pop!

If you're considering a pixie cut and have curly hair, you could cut it all to pixie length — or you could leave some curls long on top. This is an especially great style for summer, as it'll help your neck stay cool without sacrificing all those gorgeous curls. Be sure to use a leave-in curl cream for maximum curl definition. 

No matter your hair type or texture, chances are you'll have days when most of your go-to styles just aren't doing it for you (who doesn't?). The next time one of those days rolls around, go ahead and tie your favorite patterned scarf around your curls. Styling an effortlessly chic scarf in your 'do is a great decorative way to keep your curls contained — plus, you can leave some tendrils out for visual interest if you want. 

We love a good curly French bob, partially because so few people choose to try to pull it off. If you're blessed with curly hair, and you've cut it to French bob length, we wouldn't be surprised if you wear it down most of the time. Just make sure to keep your curls hydrated by regularly using a good leave-in conditioner and curl cream after you wash your hair. 

Major volume and curls are in, and now is the perfect time to capitalize on that by letting your natural curls form a big, bold afro. What's even better than an afro, though, is an afro with curly bangs. If you can pull this style off, we're a bit jealous, and we hope you're wearing it on the daily.

If your short hair remains long enough to pull back into an updo, go for it — but don't forget to still give your curls an opportunity to shine by leaving some curly tendrils out of an updo. Letting some strands hang free is one way to make super curly hair pop, even when pulled back into a bun or ponytail. 

Sometimes your curls are as gorgeous as can be, and you still want to switch up your style a bit rather than just leaving them down. To capitalize on the curls but make your look a little interesting, go ahead and keep them contained with a silk bandana. The curls that fall loose will be eye-catching as anything, as will your decorative bandana, making for an all-around stunning ensemble. 

Need to get just some of your short, curly hair out of the way? When that's the case, braid the sides back for a delightfully edgy curly mullet look. Bonus points if you dye your curls a fashion color, too. One braid can work just fine, but we love the visual interest added by the double braid above. 

If you sport looser curls, we're happy to report that there's a hairstyle that was made for you: bubble braids. Looser curls have the texture and volume needed to make bubble braids pop and hold their shape, and as a bonus, you can leave some tendrils out to further showcase your curls. 

On those days when you want to keep your curls voluminous without adding extra products, a half updo may be the way to go. All you need to do to pull off this look is sweep back the front part of your curls and pin, clip, or otherwise secure them to the back (or crown) of your head. Leave the rest of your curls down for a stunning look while keeping your hair out of your face all day. 

Sometimes a messy bun is the only way to go, and we respect that. The next time you pull your short hair into a messy bun, keep your look interesting by leaving your bangs out. This will let your curls be shown in all their glory but is a look still casual enough for a beach day or lounging around the house. 

Maybe you've been sporting an ultra-short pixie for a while and are ready to embrace your curls again. If this is the case for you, go ahead and let that pixie grow! It is possible to grow out a pixie cut without that awkward in-between phase. Have some good styling products (like gel) on hand to help define your short curls while you're waiting for them to fully grow out.

When your curls are short and extra voluminous, you may find them falling in your face more often than you'd like. If this is your norm, practice slightly pinning back just your bangs. This will add some interest to a totally down hairstyle while also keeping your curl visibility at maximum capacity — that's what we like to call a win-win.

One of the many benefits of having curly hair is that sometimes it looks best messy. Take this and use it to your advantage the next time you're waiting for wash day by piling and pinning all your curls to the top of your head. Often this look is slightly more messy and voluminous than the standard messy bun but in all the best ways. 

One of our favorite ways to keep curly bangs out of the way of short hair is to tie them into a bun on the top of your head. This cute hairstyle lets plenty of your curls hang free without getting in your eyes, and the top bun is sure to add an innocent vibe to your ensemble. 

Especially if your curls are pixie-length, on some days they'll be as wild and unmanageable as can be. If you need just a little taming power, lean on the trusty old barrette to pin back the sides of your hair. We love barrettes because they're functional (obviously) but also can be cute as anything. Invest in a few decorative barrettes if you don't already have some — you'll probably find yourself wearing them all the time. 

Short, curly afros are always stunning when left alone. But when you want something a little different, why not pull them into space buns? Space buns are one of those easy bun hairstyles for every length of hair. It will tame your afro slightly without compromising on its volume and texture. Bonus points if you use decorative scrunchies to tie them off!