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Short Hairstyles for Curly Hair: 10 Looks To Bring Out Your Inner Betty Boop

Curly and cute, these hairstyles will make you feel like the princess you are!

Short hair, don't care? More like short hair, flaunt those curls! We traded in Rapunzel lengths for a sassy pixie or a bouncy bob, and suddenly the hairstyle options seem to shrink faster than your jeans in the dryer. But fear not, my fellow curly-haired comrades! This is your official guide to rocking those shorter locks and unleashing your inner queen, one curl at a time.

The "Wash & Go, Girl" chic

Arsham Haghani/ Pexels

Let's start with a truth bomb: sometimes, the best hairstyle is no hairstyle at all. Deep condition that mane, slather on your favorite curl cream, and let your natural ringlets bounce like a toddler on a sugar rush. This low-maintenance magic is perfect for those "five-minute mornings" when you'd rather hit snooze than wrestle with a hot iron. Plus, bonus points for embracing your shrinkage – those tiny coils are adorable, no apologies needed.

The headband heroine

Xiaoming Tian/ Pexels

Okay, okay, I lied. Sometimes a headband is a girl's lifesaver. But ditch the boring fabric bands and grab yourself a statement piece! Think chunky gold hoops, sparkly headbands that would make Blair Waldorf swoon, or even colorful scarves that scream "tropical vacation, even if I'm just going to the grocery store." This instant upgrade adds pizazz to any simple curl routine, and let's be honest, who doesn't love a good hair accessory drama?

The french braid fling

Nadezhda Diskant/ Pexels

Who says braids are just for Rapunzel wannabes? Rock a side French braid or two, leaving the rest of your curls free and wild. This is basically a grown-up pigtail with some serious sophistication. It's perfect for channeling your inner warrior princess while keeping things playful and flirty – like, you know, a total boss babe.

The half-up halo

Feeling like a flower child trapped in a corporate cubicle? This breezy look has your back (or, well, the top half of your head). Gather the top half of your hair into a loose bun or ponytail, and let the rest of your curls cascade down like a waterfall of sunshine. Bonus points for accessorizing with fresh flowers or cute clips – because who doesn't love a little extra spring in their step (and their hair)?

The twisted turban

Second-day curls got you down? Girl, I feel you. But listen up – this turban twist is your new BFF. Simply twist sections of your hair around your head like a magical, carefree crown, and secure them with bobby pins. It's sleek, it's sophisticated, it's messy in the best way possible – basically, it's the embodiment of "I woke up like this, but also I totally put effort into it."

The bantu knot goddess

Ready to unleash your inner queen? Bantu knots are your new go-to. They're surprisingly easy to do (seriously, YouTube tutorials are your friend), and they add instant volume and drama to your curls. Plus, they're super protective for your hair, like little armor for your precious coils. So go forth, embrace your African heritage, and rock those knots like the goddess you are.

The pineapple powerhouse

This high ponytail is the ultimate "I'm done, but I still want to look cute" lifesaver. Gather your hair at the crown of your head and secure it with a strong elastic. Let your curls flow freely like a lion's mane, and own your effortless vibe. Because let's be real, sometimes effortless is exactly what you need after a long day (or week, or month).

The textured pixie

Short doesn't have to mean boring! Play with layers and textures in your pixie cut like an artist wielding a paintbrush. Add some volume at the crown, embrace your natural cowlicks (they're like tiny personality quirks for your hair), or even rock an edgy undercut. This is your chance to unleash your inner rockstar, your inner pixie queen, your inner whoever-the-heck-you-want-to-be.

The wet-look wonder

Channel your inner mermaid with this sleek and sexy style. Apply a generous amount of gel or styling cream and comb your hair back into a smooth bun or ponytail. This is basically a "don't touch me, I'm mysterious" kind of look, perfect for when you want to add a touch of intrigue to your day. Plus, it's a great way to show off your defined curls and pretend you just emerged from the ocean depths, all dripping and dazzling. Just remember, with this one, confidence is key. Own that wet-look swagger like you're about to walk the runway of an underwater fashion show.

The accessorise allure

Don't underestimate the power of a good accessory! Hair clips, barrettes, headbands, scarves – the possibilities are endless, like a treasure trove at a bohemian flea market. Play with color, texture, and style to add a unique touch to any hairstyle. Channel your inner whimsical fairy with flower crowns, rock some vintage vibes with silk scarves, or go full-on glam with sparkly barrettes. Remember, your hair is your canvas, and these are your artistic tools. So go wild, have fun, and let your personality shine through every sparkly clip and colorful band.

And there you have it, my curly-haired queens! Ten hairstyles to take you from wash day to wow day, and everything in between. Remember, these are just suggestions, springboards for your own creative hairstyling adventures. Experiment, try new things, and find what makes you feel confident and beautiful. Because at the end of the day, the best hairstyle is the one that makes you own your coils and rock your short hair like the fierce (and cute!) goddess you are.
 

Photo: Becca Correia and Samantha Garrote/ Pexels