Fit woman with 4B curly hair standing outdoors after a late afternoon trail run. Fit woman with 4B curly hair standing outdoors after a late afternoon trail run.

How to Take Care of Short Curly Hair

Think you need long hair when you have curly hair? Think again! Short curly hair looks equally as amazing as long cascading ringlets; the trick is making sure you’re styling your short ‘do the right way. Whether you opted for a curly pixie cut or a textured bob, we’re sharing our top three hair care and hair styling tips for short curly hair so that it always looks its best below!

Human hands hair cut using scissors.

Tip 1: Trust Your Salon Expert for the Perfect Cut & Volume!

Dreaming of a flawless short curly hairstyle like a chic pixie cut or a voluminous curly bob? The secret lies in a professional salon haircut. Avoid at-home styling woes and ensure beautiful hair volume by consulting a skilled hair stylist. Bring inspirational photos to your hair salon appointment to clearly communicate your desired look.

To keep your curly hair looking its best, schedule regular trims every 4-8 weeks. Your hairdresser will maintain your cut's precision and can recommend nourishing in-salon treatments, like deep conditioning hair masks, perfect for hydrating dry curly hair and enhancing curl definition.

Tip 2: Use the Right Products for Your Short Curly Hair

Achieving vibrant short curly hairstyles starts with the right hair care products. Since curly hair tends to be drier, hydration is key for bouncy, frizz-free results. Nourish your curls with hydrating hair serums and hair oils to ensure they stay soft, shiny, and healthy.

Begin with a shampoo and conditioner for curly hair specifically formulated for moisture. Look for enriching ingredients like argan oil, shea butter, coconut oil, or avocado extract to boost hair volume and manageability.

Seal in moisture and define your look with a leave-in treatment. For instant shine and frizz control, try a Garnier Fructis Air Dry Butter Cream Leave-In Treatment (curl-loving infusion of plant protein and coconut oil) or an anti-frizz hair serum. Your beautiful, healthy curls will thank you!

Woman leaning over as she scrunches her shoulder-length 2B wavy hair. Hair is still damp/wet from washing.
Woman bending forward with 3C curly hair flipped over her face. She is gently diffusing her curls upward.

Tip 3: Hands Off! Perfect Curls Start with Minimal Touch

For beautifully defined curly hair, the golden rule is "hands off"! Let your curls air dry naturally whenever possible, after applying your favorite frizz-fighting hair gel, mousse, or cream. If you need to use a hair dryer, always attach a diffuser and use on low setting to protect your curl pattern and minimize frizz.

Once your curls are dry, resist the urge to touch them! This helps maintain their bounce and definition. If your ringlets need a refresh, gently apply a hydrating spray like Garnier Fructis Curl Refresher Spray, then lightly scrunch to reactivate. Embrace the bounce!