19+ Trendy Hairstyles for Short Curly Hair that are Easy and Gorgeous

Listen, I’ve been working with curly hair for over a decade, and I can tell you one thing for certain: the right hairstyle can make your curls absolutely sing. As someone who’s mastered every twist, braid, and updo technique in the book, I’m constantly amazed by how versatile curly hair can be when you know the right styling methods.

The secret isn’t fighting your natural texture—it’s learning the techniques that work with your curls. These 19+ hairstyles I’m sharing today are my go-to methods that’ll have you creating salon-worthy looks at home. Trust me, once you master these techniques, you’ll never have a bad hair day again.

1. Classic Dutch Braid Crown

This is hands-down one of my favorite techniques for curly hair because it works with your natural texture instead of against it. The Dutch braid creates this beautiful raised crown effect that looks incredibly intricate but is surprisingly manageable once you get the hang of it.

Start at one ear and create a Dutch braid (braiding under instead of over) along your hairline, adding small sections as you work around your head. The key is keeping the braid loose enough to accommodate your curls’ natural volume—tight braids will just create frizz and frustration.

2. Waterfall Braid Cascade

I get asked about this technique constantly on my social media, and honestly, it’s one of the most stunning ways to showcase curly hair. The waterfall braid creates this gorgeous cascade effect where your curls literally fall through the braid like a waterfall.

Begin with a regular three-strand braid at your temple, but instead of continuing with the same three strands, drop the bottom piece and pick up a new section from above. This creates the “waterfall” effect as curls cascade through the braid pattern.

3. French Twist with Curly Texture

This is what I call the “sophisticated rebel” of updo techniques. Instead of trying to smooth out your curls for a traditional French twist, we’re celebrating that natural texture and creating something uniquely beautiful.

Gather your curls loosely at the nape of your neck and twist upward along your head, securing with bobby pins as you go. The magic happens when you let those curls peek out naturally—don’t fight the texture, embrace it completely.

4. Twisted Rope Braid

This technique is absolutely perfect for curly hair because it works with your natural spiral pattern. The twisted rope braid creates this gorgeous textural interest that looks incredibly complex but is actually one of the easier braiding techniques to master.

Divide a section of hair into two parts and twist each section in the same direction (clockwise works well). Then wrap the twisted sections around each other in the opposite direction—this creates the rope effect that looks amazing with curly texture.

5. Fishtail Braid with Curly Ends

The fishtail braid is absolutely stunning on curly hair because your natural texture adds so much visual interest to the weave pattern. I love how the curly ends create this organic, flowing finish that you just can’t achieve with straight hair.

Start with two large sections instead of three, then take small pieces from the outer edge of each section and cross them over to the opposite side. The smaller the sections you take, the more intricate your fishtail will look.

6. Pinwheel Twist Updo

This is one of my signature techniques that never fails to impress. The pinwheel twist creates this gorgeous spiral effect that showcases your curls while keeping everything elegantly contained.

Create four or five small ponytails around your head, then twist each one and wrap it around its base in a spiral pattern. Pin each “pinwheel” in place—the result is this amazing textural updo that looks incredibly sophisticated.

7. Twisted Halo Braid

This ethereal technique creates the most beautiful halo effect around your head while letting your curls flow freely. It’s perfect for special occasions when you want something that looks absolutely magical.

Start with a deep side part and create loose twists from each temple, working them back and around your head like a halo. The key is keeping the twists loose enough to accommodate your curl pattern—tight twists will just create unwanted tension.

8. Side Dutch Braid with Curly Volume

This technique is perfect when you want to add some asymmetrical interest while showcasing your natural curl volume. The side Dutch braid creates beautiful structure while the opposite side maintains all that gorgeous curly texture.

Start with a deep side part and create a Dutch braid along your hairline on the heavier side, incorporating hair as you work back toward your ear. Leave the other side completely natural for that perfect contrast between structured and free-flowing.

9. Twisted Chignon with Curly Accents

This is my go-to technique for clients who need something elegant for formal events. The twisted chignon technique works beautifully with curly hair because we’re not trying to create sleek perfection—we’re celebrating controlled chaos.

Gather your curls into a low ponytail, then twist the length and wrap it around the base, securing with bobby pins. The magic happens when you gently pull apart the chignon to create volume and let some curls escape naturally.

10. Braided Headband with Loose Curls

This technique is absolutely perfect for framing your face while keeping your curls looking effortless and natural. The braided headband acts as a natural accessory that you create from your own hair.

Take a section of hair from behind one ear and create a simple three-strand braid, bringing it across your forehead and securing behind the other ear. The contrast between the structured braid and flowing curls creates this beautiful bohemian vibe.

11. Spiral Pin Curls

This vintage-inspired technique is absolutely gorgeous on naturally curly hair because we’re working with your hair’s natural tendency to spiral. It creates this amazing retro glamour that’s surprisingly wearable for modern life.

Take small sections of damp hair and wrap them around your finger to create tight spirals, then pin each spiral flat against your head. Once dry, gently brush out the curls for that perfect vintage wave pattern.

12. Twisted Crown Braid

This regal technique creates the most beautiful crown effect while working perfectly with your natural curl pattern. It’s sophisticated enough for formal events but still celebrates your curly texture.

Create loose twists from each temple, working them back and connecting them at the crown of your head. The key is keeping the twists loose and allowing your natural curl pattern to show through—this isn’t about creating perfect smoothness.

13. French Braid with Curly Texture

The classic French braid takes on a whole new life when you work with curly hair texture. Instead of trying to smooth everything out, we’re embracing that natural volume and creating something uniquely beautiful.

Start at your crown and begin incorporating hair into a traditional French braid, but keep everything loose and textured. The goal isn’t perfection—it’s showcasing how gorgeous your natural curl pattern looks within the braid structure.

14. Infinity Braid

This technique creates the most gorgeous figure-eight pattern that looks incredibly complex but is surprisingly achievable. The infinity braid showcases curly hair beautifully because your natural texture adds so much visual interest to the weave.

Start with three sections like a regular braid, but instead of crossing straight over, you’ll create figure-eight patterns as you work down. It takes some practice, but the result is absolutely stunning on curly hair.

15. Twisted Updo with Curly Wisps

This is my signature technique for creating elegant updos that don’t fight your natural texture. The twisted updo celebrates those gorgeous curly wisps that want to escape—we’re not smoothing them down, we’re making them part of the design.

Create multiple loose twists from different sections of your hair and pin them up randomly at the back of your head. The key is intentionally leaving some pieces loose to create that soft, romantic effect around your face.

16. Rope Twist Half-Up

This technique is perfect for when you want something that looks put-together but still showcases your beautiful curl length. The rope twist creates gorgeous texture while keeping your face beautifully framed.

Take sections from each side of your head and create rope twists (twisting both sections clockwise, then wrapping counter-clockwise around each other). Secure at the back of your head and let the rest of your curls flow naturally.

17. Braided Side Sweep

This technique is absolutely gorgeous for adding asymmetrical interest while working with your natural curl pattern. The braided side sweep creates beautiful structure on one side while keeping everything else naturally flowing.

Start with a deep side part and create a loose braid along your hairline, incorporating hair as you work back toward your ear. The contrast between the structured braid and natural curls creates this amazing modern bohemian look.

18. Twisted Milkmaid Braid

This ethereal technique creates the most beautiful crown effect by wrapping twisted sections around your head like a halo. It’s perfect for special occasions when you want something that looks absolutely magical.

Create two rope twists starting from each temple, then wrap them around your head like a crown, securing with bobby pins. The key is keeping everything loose and textured—we want that soft, romantic milkmaid effect.

19. Curly Pompadour with Twisted Sides

This modern technique gives you that gorgeous vintage-inspired volume while keeping everything contemporary and wearable. The curly pompadour celebrates your natural texture while the twisted sides add sophisticated structure.

Tease your curls at the crown for height, then smooth the sides back with loose twists. The contrast between the voluminous front and sleek sides creates this amazing retro-modern hybrid that photographs beautifully.

20. Braided Flower Bun

This technique is absolutely stunning for special occasions when you want something that looks like wearable art. The braided flower bun transforms your curls into this gorgeous rose-like creation that’s surprisingly achievable.

Create a loose braid with your curls, then coil it around itself like a cinnamon roll, securing with bobby pins. The natural texture of your curls creates this amazing petal-like effect that looks incredibly sophisticated.