What are the best short curly haircuts for round faces?

A short bob with layers creates lots of volume at the roots which helps elongate and flatter a round face. A lob (shorter in front and longer in back) with a deep side part is another chic and fabulous look for this face shape and hair texture. If you prefer a middle part, cut your hair either slightly above or below your chin.

How should you style a curly French crop?

A French crop is a popular haircut that is cut shorter around the sides, with a longer top and a fringe. Unlike a Caesar cut that has a short fringe, this cut has a longer fringe. This cut would look great with curls. Work in some mousse to add in volume and to play up your curls. You could leave your curls loose and messy, or style them in an edgy faux hawk.

What are some options for short curly hairstyles for thin hair?

There are many short hairstyle options that will amp up the volume on thin hair. In fact, having curly hair will work to your advantage because it already has volume. Pixie, shag and bob haircuts are all great choices. Consider a side part over a middle part to help further camouflage thinning hair.

25 of the Chicest Short Haircuts That Embrace Curls and Waves

Halle Berry Cropped Haircut — Gregg DeGuire / Contributor/Getty Images

It can be hard to find decent short hairstyles for curly hair. In fact, many people with curly hair may find themselves reaching for the flat iron to straighten their hair before cutting it into a crop. You will save time (and heat damage!) if you instead embrace your curls and let them do their own thing, with a little bit of coaxing from some incredible products, of course.

The problem is that when you have curly hair you consider yourself fairly limited when it comes to trying out different hairstyles. But that couldn't be further from the truth. While there are secrets to styling curly hair, there is also hair inspo. Some of our favorite A-listers with curly and natural hair have opted for a shorter look. Not only might this help you see your curls in a different light, but the next time you're at the salon, you'll know what to ask for. We've rounded up our favorites replete with haircare and styling tips from the pros: Melanie Bolton, Trey Gillen, and Anastasia Stylianou.

Meet the Expert

Melanie Bolton is a hairstylist and director of education at Flow.
Trey Gillen is a master hairstylist and color specialist with over 15 years of experience. He is currently the creative director at Sachajuan.
Anastasia Stylianou is an internationally acclaimed hairstylist and creative director, artistic director of Umberto Giannini. She is the founder of Rehab Styling and is a specialist in curly hair.

Put the hair straightener down and keep scrolling for our top 25 celeb-inspired short, curly hairstyles.

01 of 25

Shag

Victoria's Secret angel Alanna Arrington looks rockstar-ready with her mussy shagadelic mop. This haircut is especially flattering on those with some natural texture and also hair that falls flat. "The layers are great to remove extra bulk and allow the haircut to last longer than usual," says Gillen. He recommends using Sachajuan Dry Shampoo Mousse ($39) to flip and twist shaggy layers for a flirty effect.

02 of 25

Natural Bob

Solange short, natural, curly hairdo — Jason LaVeris / FilmMagic / Getty Images

Romance, feminity, beauty—Solange's bob has got it all. She plays up volume and texture to create a literal natural curly-haired aura around her. The effect is ethereal. To get the look with curls that are diffused or naturally dry, Bolton recommends a dry texture spray. “Spray the roots to achieve lift where desired, and separate curls with fingers to enhance texture as the hair is pulled back. Finish with an overall spritz of dry texture spray and/or medium-hold hairspray."

03 of 25

Square or Box Layers

Jhene Aiko wavy, textured lob — Allen Berezovsky / WireImage / Getty Images

Singer-songwriter Jhené Aiko is a prime example of how layers can work wonders on full textured hair. "It’s a power move and super on-trend to put a square shape in your hair," comments Gillen. Square layers (aka box layers) are perfect for curly or wavy hair as they work to keep tresses from appearing too bulky toward ends while simultaneously adding strength. To achieve Aiko's 'do, Gillen suggests applying Sachajuan's Curl Treatment ($34) in the shower to control and soften strands followed by a generous helping of shine serum when styling to define and moisturize curls.

04 of 25

Half-Up, Half-Down Lob

Nicole Richie half-up, half-down look — JB Lacroix / WireImage / Getty Images

If you can't decide whether you want to wear hair up or let it hang loose, then why not do both? Nicole Richie's half-up, half-down lob is a low-maintenance look that embraces hair's natural texture. Bolton adds that the key to this style is volume at the root and moisture on the lengths. She recommends using Flow Limitlesslift Volumizing Cleanse ($25) at the scalp paired with 30 Second Treatment ($25) applied from mid-shaft to ends and finishing with texturizing spray.

05 of 25

Edgy Pixie

Audrey Tautou pixie cut — Dimitrios Kambouris / Getty Images

A pixie crop and a fringe for curly hair might seem like a horrific cocktail, and on paper sounds like a frizzy mess, but in reality, this is what it looks like. As to why it works, Bolton says, "Its longer fringe frames the face whimsically while highly textured pixie layers create movement and style, utilizing the natural texture of the hair." Since hydration is a curl's best friend, she suggests incorporating a deep conditioner into your regular haircare regimen.

06 of 25

Sculpted Crop

If anyone can pull off this bold, yet understated look, it's the stunning Jodie-Turner Smith. "This style is perfect for anyone with tight coils" notes Stylianou. To ensure proper upkeep, she underscores the importance of keeping edges well-groomed since they're like a contour. She recommends Pattern Beauty Edge Control ($12) to keep ends in check.

07 of 25

Chignon or French Plait

Scarlett Johansson chic crop — Steve Granitz / Getty Images

The beauty of curly hair is that it tends to hold up 'dos much better than straight hair, thanks to its texture. This look worn by Scarlett Johansson is a great example. If you have hair longer than chin length, create a similar style by fixing a chignon or a french plait at the back and then pulling out strands at the front. Finish with texturizing spray. Bolton points out that this updo is even better on second-day hair.

08 of 25

Blunt Bob

While Beyoncé's blunt bob is a little straighter than "traditional" curly hair, Bolton explains, "It is a wonderful option for those who prefer to smooth out their curls but still want voluminous shape." Apply a smoothing product to wet hair and blow-dry, drying the roots completely. Allow the rest of the hair to air-dry once slightly damp to create a natural wave and volume. Ends will turn up naturally, she notes.

09 of 25

Loose Wave Lob

Not quite ready to commit to a short bob? A loose wave lob, as seen here on Michelle Yeoh, is as flattering as it is practical. Not only do long bobs look great on everyone, but they are also versatile and low-maintenance. "Use your curling iron or flat iron to create the waves and collapse the bulk ones of thick hair. Intensive hair oil will give shine and moisture to keep this style healthy and gorgeous," adds Gillen.

10 of 25

Round Layers

Yara Shahidi curly, layered bob with curtain bangs — Maury Phillips / Getty Images

Yara Shahidi goes full-on curls with her voluminous lob and, IMHO, she's never looked better. Gillen says, "Round layers on curly hair is wonderful for the carefree curl look. Adding tons of personality to wavy and curly hair, this is an easy haircut to distribute the weight of thick hair evenly." He suggests adding a curtain bang in for good measure or, rather, to frame the face. And don't forget to cleanse with a curl shampoo and conditioner to keep textured strands looking and feeling their best.

11 of 25

Dramatic Side Part

Marion Cotillard side part wave — Araya Diaz / Getty Images

As curly hair definitely holds styles better, you can totally mix it up by pushing your short curly hair to the side just like Marion Cotillard. A dramatic side part is a quick and easy way to change up your everyday look, not to mention, "It can also support the use of gorgeous hair accessories if that is one of your goals," says Bolton.

12 of 25

Curly Lob

Selena Gomez shows how curls can lend fun and flirtation to a cut that might otherwise feel more serious if worn straight. Bolton points out how this versatile, easy-to-style lob is a great choice if you're growing out your short hair.

13 of 25

Full, Layered Coils

Actress Viola Davis exudes confidence with her head of full, layered coils. This cut is ideal for those who have 3C/4A curl patterns and really thick hair, notes Stylianou. "My favorite product range for this type of hair is by Pattern Beauty. They have a full range of shampoos, conditioners, curl creams, and edge control. I recommend layering up on the curl cream and gel to really make your curls pop."

Byrdie Tip

To avoid your cut from taking on a round or solid shape, incorporate a few random, scattered layers throughout hair.

14 of 25

Close-Cropped Curls

Ruth Negga short, curly crop — Steve Granitz / WireImage / Getty Images

Ethiopian-Irish actress Ruth Negga is giving us some serious Betty Boop vibes with her darling head of cropped curls. To ensure curly hair stays moisturized, Bolton says to incorporate a weekly deep-conditioning treatment and style with a mix of a medium-hold texture product and shine serum. "Use fingertips to add piecey texture to the desired effect," she adds.

15 of 25

Retro Curls

Jasmine Sanders blonde, retro waves — Amy Sussman / Getty Images

Jasmine Sanders exudes old Hollywood glamour with this undulating retro hairstyle. To create definition and shine without frizz, Bolton suggests blow-drying with a smoothing cream or lotion. We're fans of Olaplex No. 6 Bond Smoother Reparative Styling Creme ($28) in case you were wondering.

16 of 25

Voluminous Bob

Solange voluminous, naturally curly bob — Rob Kim / Getty Images

We just can't get enough of Solange. Here she is again showing off her natural and voluminous mane, only this time with a layered, structured finish. "If you have tight coily hair, and you fancy switching it up a little, I recommend this style," says Stylianou. She instructs spritzing your roots with water to relax them a bit before applying Devacurl Wave Maker ($28). Once dry, spray with Got2b Glued Blasting Freeze Hair Spray ($7). To finish, brush out ends using a soft bristle brush and an Afro comb. "The bigger the better!" she emphasizes.

17 of 25

Short, Natural Crop

Lupita Nyong'o natural hair — Bravo / Getty Images

Lupita Nyong'o's crop is not easy for everyone to pull off but looks incredible on her. Props to her hairstyle, Vernon François, who is the ultimate expert in natural hair and will do whatever it takes to keep her strands moisturized (read: steaming from an iron). "This look is the perfect marriage between strength and softness, where curls are allowed to be themselves within a clearly defined and texturized shape," comments Bolton.

18 of 25

'80s Crop

Naomi Campbell curly crop — Dominique Charriau / WireImage / Getty Images

We are obsessed with Naomi Campbell's '80s-inspired crop. It incorporates pops of color, which add a playful note while enhancing texture. Stylianou highlights the importance of a great cut and color, which can be harder to find than you think. Her advice? "I recommend visiting Devacurl salon. They will transform your curls from the condition to the cut and offer a service called ‘Pintura Highlights,’ which is a unique color service for curly hair where they freehand paint your hair, highlighting your curls to add more dimension to your individual texture."

19 of 25

Updo With Face-Framing Curls

Rita Ora loose, curly updo — Dia Dipasupil / Getty Images

Sometimes formal updos can feel too stuffy, but this take on Rita Ora strikes a nice balance between chic and cool thanks to face-framing curls. "For this look, frizz is not an option," says Bolton. She encourages using a deep-conditioning treatment to first hydrate hair followed by a leave-in conditioner such as Flow Zerofriction Detangling Treatment ($21).

Byrdie Tip

This updo is a great option for hair that is a little greasy since it will hold the style in place better than freshly washed tresses. Just keep some dry shampoo and texturizing spray handy.

20 of 25

Curly Bangs

Jodie Turner-Smith curly bob with bangs — Gareth Cattermole / Getty Images

I mean, where do we even begin? JTS's curly bob with matching bangs is utter perfection. To get her shapely 'do—and avoid the poof-effect—we suggest incorporating long layers. Hydrate and define curls by using a leave-in conditioner after every wash and a deep conditioning treatment at least once per week. Finally, for added gloss, finish with Ogx Nourishing Coconut Milk Anti-Breakage Serum ($9).

21 of 25

Short Tousled Bob

Actress AnnaLynne McCord embraces her naturally curly hair with this short, tousled bob. Apply some volumizing mousse and dry your hair with a diffuser to play up your curls. This hairstyle looks great when paired with eye-catching earrings.

22 of 25

Pompadour

Alicia Keys uses her curls to her advantage with her chic pompadour hairstyle. Use a styling paste to keep the sides slicked back, while using a round brush and hairdryer to get as much height as you can on top. Keep your pompadour in place with some hairspray that has staying power, such as Bumble and bumble Strong Finish Firm Hold Hairspray ($32).

23 of 25

Glam and Gray

Tia Mowry embraces her natural color and curls with this glam and gray short hairstyle. "This is me. 42," she captioned the photo. Keep your grays looking great by protecting your hair from the sun (grays have a tendency to turn yellow from UV light) and by using a moisturizing conditioner.

24 of 25

Side Part Bob

Anne Hathaway's bob is a more modern take on the typical short and sleek bob with a middle part. The actress embraces her natural waves and parts her hair on the side for a more playful and fun look.

25 of 25

Faux Hawk

Eva Pigford has fun with her cropped and curly hair by styling it into an edgy faux hawk. This short version of a mohawk is easy to pull off. Use a strong hold styling gel to slick down the sides, while focusing all the height down the middle of your head. Punk rock attitude recommended, but not required.

FAQ

What are the best short curly haircuts for round faces?

A short bob with layers creates lots of volume at the roots which helps elongate and flatter a round face. A lob (shorter in front and longer in back) with a deep side part is another chic and fabulous look for this face shape and hair texture. If you prefer a middle part, cut your hair either slightly above or below your chin.
How should you style a curly French crop?

A French crop is a popular haircut that is cut shorter around the sides, with a longer top and a fringe. Unlike a Caesar cut that has a short fringe, this cut has a longer fringe. This cut would look great with curls. Work in some mousse to add in volume and to play up your curls. You could leave your curls loose and messy, or style them in an edgy faux hawk.
What are some options for short curly hairstyles for thin hair?

There are many short hairstyle options that will amp up the volume on thin hair. In fact, having curly hair will work to your advantage because it already has volume. Pixie, shag and bob haircuts are all great choices. Consider a side part over a middle part to help further camouflage thinning hair.

14 Secrets to Styling Naturally Curly Hair