30 Creative Hairstyles Perfect for Short, Curly Hair

Rita Ora's messy updo is a lesson in using your curly texture to your advantage. An updo with cascading curls and face-framing tendrils will always look romantic and youthful, while also looking polished.

Yara Shahidi’s blunt bob is shaped to perfection: the length hits right at the chin and is paired with side bangs. To recreate this, have your stylist cut your hair dry to get the shape just right.

If you’re lucky enough to have super tight, bouncy curls, our favorite way to style it is in a slicked-back ponytail with tons of volume at the back. As simple as it sounds, a curly ponytail like Issa Rae’s has the power to dress up everything from jeans to a ball gown.

Stop pairing your ringlet curls with a blown-out fringe. Instead, let your bangs take on an equally textured curl pattern and wear them low on the forehead, like model Alanna Arrington.

Sometimes the best way to style your short, curly hair is to cut it shorter and wear it curlier á la Ruth Negga. The style boasts ‘20s vibes without looking outdated.

The best part about a full head of curly hair is you have a leg up on straight-haired girls when it comes to fancy ‘dos. Pull your hair into a high ponytail and let your natural curls spill over to create a textured bun like Bella Hadid—no curling iron necessary.

The wet look is here to stay, so break out the gel. A center part with soft, shiny waves throughout looks chic and modern as demonstrated by Rihanna.

Not only does a tight ponytail give you an instant facelift, it also shows off your makeup and outfit, as seen on Lupita Nyong’o.

Even on your most basic hair day, a statement headband can take a hairstyle from boring to beautiful in seconds. One in a metallic finish, like Amandla Stenberg’s, is sure to turn heads.

Jourdan Dunn’s low braided bun is equal parts romantic and playful with a cluster of colorful bobby pins embellishing the final look.

Beyonce’s wavy bob is dynamic enough on its own, but the blonde ombre dye job adds tons of dimension.

Sometimes all you need is a tub of hair gel to take your hairstyle into another decade. Vintage finger waves like Zendaya’s will dress up even the most elegant of evening gowns.

Who said curly-haired gals can’t get in on the micro-bangs action. Not Yara Shahidi! A super short fringe is an excellent way to frame the face.

Here’s proof that a French twist is the ultimate sophisticated updo. We especially love the curly flyaways on Jasmine Sanders’ updo, which add a romantic finish.

Brushing out your curls into a soft, airy texture is just what you need to spice up a longer curly bob. To pull off the look yourself, part it in the middle like Solange and add a hair oil for shine.

Even Naomi Campbell knows short, curly hair is where it’s at. The supermodel swapped her signature pin-straight, waist-length locks for caramel-tinted curls.

Alison Brie brought back the best of the '70s via her choppy, feathered, shoulder-length curls. Unlike the perms of the Studio 54 era, she brought the curls into 2019 by keeping them soft and sultry.

We love how Tracee Ellis Ross wore the wet look in a slicked back style on the red carpet. Her glossy curls look fabulous, but pushing the hair out of the way allows her to serve some major face, and we can't stop staring.

If you’re interested in taking the shorter ‘do for a spin, but aren’t ready to commit, try faking a chin-length bob like Taylor Swift. Enlist the help of countless bobby pins and your natural curls to create one show-stopping look.

Curling irons aren’t just for straight-haired girls. If you’re in the mood to try a new curl pattern, style your hair in big, bouncy waves. Just be sure to curl your hair back and away from your face like Viola Davis.