10 Stunning Short Haircuts for Natural Hair

Short natural hairstyles can be worn in so many different ways. Inside, find the 10 best short natural hairstyles, haircuts, and colors for cropped curls.

Curls look good at any and every length.

By Maya Allen, Marie Claire

With natural hair, there's a huge misconception that big hair is the best hair. Don't get me wrong, hair growth is a beautiful thing that should be celebrated. But short natural hair is just as stunning. There are no rules, standards, or ideals we should be following when it comes to how to wear your curls. Your curls are not confined to a little box, so let's retire that notion now. If you want to cut your curls into a buzzcut, tapered fade, finger-waves, a curly bob, the list goes on—DO. IT. Seriously, just do you.

Change is good. When warm weather finally arrives, a fresh start with a new hairstyle feels like the next step. If you've been stuck in a hair rut and feeling uninspired as to what to do with your curls next, consider making the big chop. I promise, it'll grow back. Here, 10 photos that prove how striking short natural hairstyles look and the countless ways you can wear them.

Curly Fro With a Side of Baby Hair

Let your short fro flourish. Use your hands to finger coil each strand for added dimension, or use a tiny wand to finesse the shape of each curl. Baby hair is always a good idea. A tiny rattail comb and edge control pomade will do the job.

Multidimensional Tapered Cut

Danai Gurira is a goddess—but you already knew that. This haircut, though, is fit for a queen. Experimenting with different lengths, shape, and structure will add dimension and a unique flair to your cut.

Sleek Slick-Back

Don't want to deal with fussy curls in your face? Slick it back for an effortless style that looks just as cool. Get Tessa Thompson's glossy texture by reaching for a spray like ColorWow Dream Coat Supernatural Spray.

Curly Bob

Curly bangs are a vibe—especially when paired with blunt-cut curls. A face-framing fro is clearly photogenic, and looks great with short hair.

The TWA (Teeny Weeny Afro)

It's important to embrace your texture at every length. Actress Sanaa Lathan proves your curl definition won't suffer with a super-short cut. If anything, your coils look even more prominent.

Finger Waves

S-waves and curls go together. And when worn with a subtle deep auburn shade—like on Amandla Stenberg, here—it spices them up and adds a cool-girl appeal. (Tbh, finger waves never get old—with any hair color.)

Curly Frohawk

With short natural styles, volume is your best friend. Jada Pinkett Smith's curly frohawk coupled with shaved sides shows just how much a touch of volume can take your look to the next level.

Free-Flowing Defined Curls

Supermodel Maria Borges' natural, classic afro showcases the beauty of simplicity. 

Close-Cut Curls

Actress Ruth Negga always looks so dreamy with her signature short cut. Don't be afraid to go low with your cut. Your curls won't lose life, and will complement your features so beautifully.

Side-Tapered Fade

Lupita Nyong'o, president of the short natural club, has worn many styles in her day. However, her side-tapered fade is my favorite. It's so regal; a tried-and-true style that will always look good.

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