Big chops and short cuts normally signal the start of something new, but there’s no good reason not to appreciate the beauty of past lewks. Short curly trends of the last few years have been bold, creative, and even nostalgic at times. The 90’s bob and short 70’s ‘fro are making a steady comeback, for example.
And you may have noticed the rise of short cuts on your own social media feed—from wedge cuts to bobs, pixies to buzz cuts, it does seem like everyone wants to lose a few inches of hair this winter. We can’t predict the future with absolute confidence, but we can be sure we’ll see more of the short hair inspo well into 2023.
You know what to do—scroll on to see the curly short cuts and trends we want to see more of this year.
- Boho braids, no extensions
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Boho braids (or braids with intentional tendrils of hair left unbraided) were a hugely popular style last year, and one of the best parts of this style is how versatile it is. No extensions? No problem. The end result looks super beachy and natural without them. And it’s a great protective style on shoulder-length/neck-length curly hair.
- Curly French Bob
Pictured: @yaaskhalifa
This style isn’t so different from the “classic” bob, it’s just even shorter. You might think the styling options are limited, but you would be surprised at how parting can make such a crucial difference. Part it down the side, (dare I say) the middle, or opt for no part at all for a mature and classy aesthetic.
- Classic Afro
Pictured: @ayxvna
The comeback of the short Afro is long-overdue and so well-deserved. It doesn’t need to be excessively long to look amazing, nor does it need to be styled in any particular way. Just fluff and go.
- Tapered Cut
Pictured: @kennybarbeiro
If you want to play around with long and short layers, consider this cut. It shows a lot of texture on top, while giving the option of going really low on the sides and back. And yes, you should try a design—just look at that heart.
- Colored Buzz Cut
Pictured: @frizzybri
There have been countless variations of this trend over the last decades. It sticks around because it’s simple but so effortlessly attractive. And you’ll always get bonus points for dying it blonde.
- Shoulder-Length Faux Locs
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Long, flowing faux locs are a bit more dramatic, but bob-length locs just frame the face so well. It’s also the perfect option for those who do protective styling.
- Curly Bangs
Pictured: @curlvision
We’re so glad the days of curly bangs phobia are far behind us, because it is an absolutely stunning addition to most curly cuts. Now, straight bangs on curly hair…that was a scary time.
- “Wet” Look
Pictured: @_gabriellaelena
Get your favorite non-flaky gel ready. The idea of this style is to accentuate and define pretty much every curl, and to mold the sides to create the illusion of having “wet” hair.
- Sleek Ponytail
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If your hair is long enough to secure into a ponytail, you can let extensions do the rest. The one used here is the Jasmine ponytail from True and Pure Texture which even has its own combs to ensure it stays put no matter what.
- Short Locs
Pictured: @jadenikaylah
It seems like there’s been more acceptance around short locs lately—and we love to see it. Whether you’re in the process of growing them out or if you just prefer your locs on the shorter side, know that short locs are a complete look all on their own.
- Curly Wedge Cut
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This transformation is the perfect example of how the right cut can bring out curl patterns. The curls are more defined, and the cut is short but voluminous.
- Blown-out Bob
Pictured: @ _crownedwithcurlss
Not that you need an excuse to straighten your hair, but blow-out season is (and has been) flourishing. You can’t go wrong with a cut that frames the face. Curl the ends slightly for a full bodied feel.
- Blown-out with Claw Clip
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Once you have your short blow-out, try this quick updo. You can secure your hair with one of the most popular accessories of last year, the trusty claw clip. These work well for creating the ability to tuck away short hair without a hair tie. Throw on some decorative bobby pins afterwards, for an elevated feel.
