Many women consider shortening their naturally wavy hair for summer but are unsure how to achieve a trendy, low‑maintenance style. We have compiled top short‑hairstyle examples recommended by stylists for wavy hair. View the pictures below for inspiration.
Regardless of experience, you cannot place all the responsibility for your new image on your stylist. Your primary task is to discover a look that feels uniquely yours. To assist you, try our free hairstyle generator for creative ideas and inspiration.
1. Shaggy Bob
@soraverly
The new HairHunt color try‑on app lets you combine a short wavy style with a new shade, making it easy to see how a lighter color blends with your natural wave pattern. It is now available for free on iOS and Android.
2. Pixie with V-Cut Nape
Short-to-medium hairstyles are currently very popular. Long, shaggy tendrils that are center‑parted are an excellent way to showcase natural, wavy hair. This wash‑and‑wear cut, featuring tousled chocolate‑brown curls, appears effortless and ready for summer all year long.
@cheyhair
3. Tousled Bob
Natural curly‑haired women rarely choose pixie cuts. To keep the hair hydrated and frizz‑free, use water‑based leave‑in products and finish with a dry serum that contains argan, coconut, or macadamia oil.
@soraverly
4. Jaw-Length Messy Bob
A tousled beach wave remains an iconic, timeless style for short curly hair. Paired with a short bob, it creates a bouncy, voluminous appearance. Using a tapered wand to add definition revitalizes hair that is two or three days old. Gently loosening the waves with fingers yields a more relaxed look.
@tatumneill
5. Tousled Curly Pixie
A jaw‑length cut defines round and oval faces by forming a halo that follows the face’s contours. Tight curls naturally add height or width as needed, without extra product or styling, thanks to their inherent volume.
@hairbypaulahouston
6. Voluminous Short Bob
Women with curly hair can look great with longer pixie cuts. This style suits those who prefer low‑maintenance loose waves. Side bangs can nicely frame the face when the hair is thick and curly.
@thebestofnjbeauty
7. Face-Framing Layered Bob
A voluminous jaw‑length bob will make your short, naturally curly hair look incredible. Part your thick, large curls to the side or the middle to create a pleasant, round shape that flat petite women. Subtle highlights add extra depth to your luscious curls.
@brunodantte
8. Ringlets with Highlights
If you choose to embrace your wavy, curly hair, you may want to maintain a defined overall shape. A side‑swept, inverted bob will stay gently weighted when the curls are allowed to grow long. The inverted angle provides the freedom and confidence that curly‑haired women appreciate.
@cyancutshair
9. Pixie with Long Curly Bangs
The 1980s-inspired hairstyle is making a comeback, with many women cutting long hair in favor of short, thick, wavy looks. Women with natural curls achieve the best results, especially when using a quality hair product. For those without natural texture, a perm offers a low‑maintenance alternative.
@allthingsneena
10. Pixie with a Shaved Nape
Consider styling your fine hair into a similarly sophisticated crop. You’ll be surprised by how thick and healthy your natural waves can appear. A pixie cut featuring ample height on top and closely cropped sides looks chic and modern. Add long, side‑swept curly bangs for a distinctive, feminine touch.
@tatumneill
11. Wispy Curls with Babylights
Need a style that resists humidity and temperature changes all day? A short, curly pixie featuring sideburns and added height delivers consistent performance. The cut includes shaved geometric designs at the nape, adding an edgy, unexpected detail.
@hair.by.elvira
12. Angled Bob with Tousled Curls
Monotone colors can conceal texture, whereas highlights emphasize each ringlet. Adding a sea‑salt spray and light‑hold hair spray enhances the texture, giving the hairstyle more interest.
@ashleypagestylist
13. Jaw-Length Highlighted Bob
Layers and angles complement naturally curly hair, so if you’re considering a shorter cut, try an angled bob. Its shape helps keep unruly curls under control.
@mista.willis
14. Medium-to-Short Bob
A well‑shaped short bob looks fantastic on women with both thick and thin curly hair. Dark brown hair gains extra dimension with highlights, and adding subtle copper highlights enhances shine and appeal.
@tutyhair
15. Cropped Bob with Big Curls
An outgrown bob can be easily turned into a versatile wavy crop. Removing a small amount of length—just enough to eliminate damaged ends—will cause your curly hair to spring back instantly. The slightly inverted shape and side‑parted bangs add a subtle, sexy appeal.
@arcscissors
16. Mob with Soft Waves
If you want an easy‑to‑style haircut for wavy or curly hair, choose a classic jaw‑length bob with layered ringlets. A side part controls volume, and a small barrette positioned at the front keeps long bangs out of your eyes.
@modernsalon
17. Sun-Kissed Curly Waves
Curly textures beautifully showcase modern cuts and salon‑quality colors. Highlights and lowlights blend smoothly. This style relies on an angled cut that is longer in the front; be precise when telling your stylist how you want the hair to frame your face.
@littlehair22
18. Cut with Long Framing Pieces
Short wavy hair offers many styling options. A bob highlights the relaxed texture of your waves. Adding caramel highlights accentuates the curls and adds vitality to the cut. You may also choose side bangs that gently frame your face.
@arrels.perruqueria
19. Inverted Bob for Thick Hair
This stylish cut combines wildness with precision, while copper highlights brighten the natural brown color. The elongated sideburns add a unique detail that sets this hairstyle apart.
@briahna_studio30two
20. Cropped Bouncy Curls
This angled haircut combines elegance with a spunky vibe. A subtle lift at the nape creates a geometric shape, and curls soften the strong lines.
@atoya_thecurlyhairstudio
21. Reverse Bob Cut
Bronde hair colors are versatile mid‑tone shades that require minimal commitment and maintenance. Combining this style with bangs and a wet look for definition is sure to attract attention.
@gimmethisgimmethat
22. Bixie with Scrunched Curls
An inverted bob is a popular short, curly haircut that can be blown out or worn straight. The jaw‑length style is gently angled, side‑parted, and features long, bouncy side bangs that add a sassy touch.
@hair_by_marlo
23. Tapered Wavy Pixie
Many people lack the time each morning to spend 20 minutes perfecting their hair. For those with busy schedules, a simple cut that works when air‑dried and still looks cute is ideal. Apply a dedicated air‑dry product, scrunch to form ringlets, and you’re ready to go.
@flaviasantoscachos
24. Nape-Length Side-Swept Waves
For thick wavy hair, consider a short, tapered pixie with a full crown. A closely cropped nape reduces volume, and the longer bangs and side sections complement the fluffy waves, emphasizing their natural volume and texture.
@hojojojo
25. Bixie with Long Edgy Layers
Blonde curls have unique dimension and definition, yet they are the first color to show signs of damage. Deep condition once a week to keep your hair healthy.
@publichairhouse
26. Big Bouncy Spiral Curls
Add a touch of personality to your hairstyle. For an edgy look, choose long, uneven layers paired with a pixie cut. If your hair is naturally wavy, this style offers a beautiful, low‑maintenance option for your next salon visit.
@hairbyjackieb
27. Neck-Length Balayaged Crop
Bouncy curls indicate well‑moisturized, cared‑for hair. To create this look, apply a lightweight leave‑in conditioner containing aloe vera or glycerin to damp hair and scrunch. Finally, diffuse gently with a blow‑dryer on low heat.
@evanjosephcurls
28. Soft Inverted Bob
Curly hair offers a beautiful texture that requires little effort and provides an ideal canvas for balayage color variation. Highlights appear more natural on curly hair because the lighter strands intertwine and blend with the darker base.
@bloomasheville
29. Nape Bob for Thick Hair
Subtle caramel highlights flowing over a chocolate‑brown base give a summer‑like feel in any season. Paired with soft curls, the style feels feminine and gentle. Apply a salt spray and tousle with your fingers for a beach‑ready look.
@karenzoee
30. Shixie with Scrunched Curls
Caring for and styling thick curly hair often takes a lot of time each day. To reduce upkeep and improve manageability, request a short, naturally curly cut that eliminates bulk. The result looks attractive in photos and in person.
@hairbypaulahouston
31. Scrunched Inverted Corkscrew Bob
Short haircuts for curly hair are low‑maintenance because you can wake up with beautiful hair. Using the right products eliminates the need for hot tools when styling. Just scrunch to define the curls and you’re ready.
@shanell_theyoungamerican
32. Disconnected Crop with Graduation
The wet‑hair style, popular in the 1990s, has returned with a contemporary twist. A medium‑hold gel moisturizes ringlets, creating a tousled yet polished look.
@davidyubeauty
33. Off-Centered Pixie Bob
Frizzy hair can be styled to look wearable and chic. Achieve this by applying a few drops of a lightweight serum to dry hair, creating separation curl by curl.
@rodrigovizu
34. Messy Side-Parted Ringlets
Athletic women with short, curly hair will appreciate a haircut that is quick and easy to style straight after a locker‑room shower. A style between a pixie and a bob provides a low‑maintenance, attractive look that complements an active lifestyle.
@mahrithemaven
35. Asymmetrical Dry Cut
Curls can make ultra‑short hair feel intimidating and even impossible, but the right cut opens up more possibilities than you might expect. Embrace a cropped style: choose a short bob and let your natural curls become your signature look.
@silva.hairdresser
36. Side-Parted Mob Cut
Long bangs and face‑framing tendrils soften the strong silhouette of this hairstyle, giving it a feminine feel. This short, layered cut suits women with either thick or thin hair, as the closely cropped sides work well with any hair type.
@brunodantte
37. Beach-Wavy Angled Bob
A light‑brown bob featuring blonde highlights gives natural curls a healthy, shiny appearance. For women with round faces, a deep side part adds height on top, creating balance and elongation.
@headrushdesigns
38. Cropped Bob with Deep Side Part
Dynamic layers and razor‑sharp ends create an edgy bob. A dramatic dark‑brown, nearly black shade enhances the punk vibe. Request a gloss color treatment from your stylist for enviable shine and a hint of glamour.
@arcanasalon
39. Shattered Curly Bob
Women who struggle to find styles that add thickness to fine hair can try a wedge bob with tousled, sassy waves. A jaw‑length bob with short, wavy locks provides a youthful look. A bright blonde shade with subtly darker roots gives the impression of thicker, more voluminous curls.
@parloursalondc
40. Bob with Piecey Curls
The shattered short bob, rendered in a rich dark hue, offers dramatic Hollywood flair. It suits women with naturally wavy hair who are comfortable with the subtle variations that occur each time it is washed and styled.
@thefactoryhair
41. Neck-Length Side-Parted Waves
Short curly hairstyles naturally add volume, so take advantage of this. For a textured look, keep the nape neatly trimmed to frame the scrunched, tousled curls on top.
@girl_with_the_curl_
42. Tight Waves with Deep Side Part
Fine chestnut‑brown hair need not be plain; add subtle light‑brown highlights for liveliness. Embrace your natural wavy texture by trying an inverted style. To define the waves, work a small amount of curl cream into wet hair and gently tousle it a few times while air‑drying.
@rodrigovizu
43. Two-Tone Undercut with Curls
This short bob looks appealing from every angle. It works well for long and triangular face shapes, as it softens strong angles and adds rounded fullness to the sides.
@adrileeartistry
44. Stacked Bob Haircut
Among short curly styles, this undercut is an excellent choice to showcase your natural curls with a bold, edgy look. Subtle highlights brighten your appearance and keep your thick, wavy hair looking lovely all day.
@justindillaha_hair
45. Lixie with Big Curls at Top
Choose a curly bob for a glamorous look that requires minimal effort. If your hair is a distinctive color such as red, embrace it rather than conceal it. Consider brightening highlights or a henna wash to make your fiery hair stand out.
@modernsalon
46. Tapered Pixie with Elongated Top
Choosing between a curly bob with bangs and a curly pixie mainly depends on length. If you want both, try a long pixie. This grown‑up style brings back the beautiful curls of childhood, with curls appearing everywhere on the long pixie, including the wispy sideburns and neckline.
@alizaquefez
47. Heavily Layered Crop
Short, tapered cuts can appear masculine, while soft waves add a delicate feminine flair. Long earrings convey elegance and highlight the neckline and chest, creating a balanced look.
@thecurlorista
48. A-Line Jaw-Length Haircut
When selecting a short haircut, personalize it with customized layers, length, and color. Heavily layered cuts add texture, whereas long layers provide a smooth, polished appearance.
@modernsalon
49. Nape-Length French Bob
Natural curls look beautiful, but if your hair is straight, you can still achieve the style. Use heat or a preferred heat‑free method to create curls. Apply a strong‑hold spray that still lets your hair remain soft and flexible.
@mefiu
50. Extra-Short High-Stacked Bob
Wavy hairstyles suit romantic cuts such as a soft nape‑length bob with bangs. Pair a wavy bob with a sophisticated shade, like ashy brown, and add subtle light‑brown highlights throughout for a natural vibrance.
@shannelmariano
51. Curly Wet-Look Bob
Curly‑haired women can style a bob uniquely; keep it modern with a trendy color and ample dimension. A blunt, close‑cut neckline paired with a cascade of beautifully highlighted ringlets creates a winning look whenever you want to refresh your short style.
@sherflair
52. Long Top Short Nape Haircut
If you want your curls to resemble a halo, a super‑short bob can create that effect. Use stacked layers and thick bangs to shape the hair into a halo around the head, and add blonde balayage highlights for a heavenly finish.
@headdress_hairsalon
53. Short Deva Cut Curls
Short curly hairstyles usually rely on varying lengths. In this style, the lower layer is trimmed short to stay straight, while the longer curls on top are left to flow freely.
@curlsbyyogirl
54. Side-Swept Chin-Length Bob
For tight ringlets, a neat, short style often works best. This tapered curly cut showcases the curls while keeping the nape tidy due to the close crop. Keeping your curls defined is essential. Using a flexible‑hold hairspray or styling cream can help maintain the curls throughout the day.
@hairbylily_
55. Soft Curly Tapered Pixie
Cropped curls don’t require perfect styling. Spray a few pumps of texturizing product onto wet hair and scrunch for a tousled effect. The result is effortless and easy to achieve.
@lindseywillishair
56. Wet Bob with Subtle Highlights
Understanding your hair’s texture is essential for choosing the right cut and style for your curls. High‑density, fine hair works well with textured, tapered pixie cuts. Add subtle highlights to increase the look’s dimension.
@curl_evolution
57. Tight Corkscrew Ringlets
Some may think that achieving a wet, mermaid‑style look requires long, flowing hair, but the effect can be achieved with a short bob. Add babylights to highlight your ringlets. Dark brown shades look good both damp and dry, so whichever hairstyle you prefer, you’ll have a suitable style.
@yourbestcurlfriend512
58. Side-Parted Piecey Bob
Having natural curls often means dealing with maintenance challenges. Hair care can seem like a complicated routine with many costly products. Why not simplify and opt for a short style? With a slightly longer front and a voluminous top, this look is easy to achieve.
@mefiu
59. Bob with Eyebrow-Grazing Bangs
Often, curly and wavy hair does not have a clean, even part. Embrace this natural spontaneity in your hair. A good option is to create a deep side part and let your waves fall naturally.
@alchemyorlando
60. Natural Textured Hairstyle
Natural curls possess an effortless flair that is difficult to replicate with straight hair. Rather than straightening your bob, enhance your curls using your chosen product—mousse, cream, or foam.
@thehivesalon
Natural curls are enjoyable and simple to style. To maximize their appearance, allow your strands to fall naturally and smooth any frizz with a texturizing or detangling spray. Your hair will appear vibrant and enviable.


Short wavy haircuts provide many opportunities to design a unique, customized cut based on your preferences. While you will likely want to book more frequent trips to the salon than when your hair is long, less hair means less time and product consumption day-to-day at home. It makes an extremely confident statement with a little less effort.”