Hands up if you’ve been told by a hairdresser that short layered haircuts aren’t suitable for curly hair. We bet there are a lot of you with arms in the air.
Lucky for you, this is a complete myth. Ignore what your stylist may have said – short layered haircuts are some of the most flattering for us curly-haired folk, so it’s no wonder they’re such a big trend. The right cut can make a world of difference to your curls, and the beauty of layers is that they work with and enhance your hair’s natural pattern of movement.
Layers can bring bounce and spring to previously elongated spirals, and the illusion of volume and body to naturally fine, flat hair.
Short curly hair is also easier to maintain and style than longer lengths, cutting down drying and styling time so you don’t have to rush so much in the mornings. Read on for everything you need to know about how to choose the right short layered haircut for your face shape, plus plenty of inspiration to inspire your next appointment.
Short layered haircuts: The trends to try
We don’t know if it’s the change in seasons or the start of a new year making so many of us want to shake things up with a big chop, but short layered haircuts are having a moment.
The world is your oyster when it comes to the style you choose, but we’ve narrowed down four key trends that we predict will be popular all the way through 2024.
Remember, though – just because a haircut is trending, that doesn’t mean it will work for everyone. A good hairdresser will take your hair texture, thickness and lifestyle into account, as well as your face shape, and be able to adapt any of the below accordingly so that it’s just right for you.
Looking for the best way to style your curls? Find all the best tips and tricks in our guide "All the steps for a perfect curl styling routine".
The shaggy cut
Who does it suit? Type 2 wavy hair as well as type 3A and 3B curls.
A statement style that never dates, the shaggy cut works brilliantly as a shorter hairstyle for curly hair. It’s all about texture, so the more natural movement you have in your hair, the better – hence, which is why it’s best suited to curly hair over naturally straight stands.
The shaggy cut will suit anyone who prefers their hair to feel relaxed rather than too ‘done’, and requires very little maintenance to keep it looking this way. The cut does all the hard work for you, with the layers adding volume and texture without the need for complicated or time-consuming styling.
That being said, you might still want to enlist the help of a little texturising spray or dry shampoo for grip and body.
Depending on your preference, your shaggy cut can be long enough to skim your shoulders, or sit just beneath your chin. Typically, this shaggy style is finished with either a full fringe or longer, parted curtain bangs, but just make sure this is cut in when your hair is dry, rather than wet, to avoid going too short.
The Italian bob
Who does it suit? All curl types.
The latest bob trend to take hairdressers by storm, the Italian bob has plenty of volume at the roots and weight at the bottom, with subtle layers through the top and mid-lengths to add movement, bounce and texture.
These layers are key, as they’re what’s going to stop your curls from making your bob look too bulky or triangular. As for the length, the Italian bob is longer than your average bob, with a shoulder-grazing length, which means you can tie it up if you like.
It can either be worn with a middle parting or flipped to one side with an extra deep side parting for exaggerated volume – a bit like you’ve just run your fingers through it. Your curl type will determine how much styling you need to do – for example, type 2 hair may need to be diffused upside down to add oomph to your Italian bob, type 3 hair might require scrunching for lift and type 4 curls could benefit from stretch diffusing to avoid shrinkage.
The pixie cut
Who does it suit? All curl types.
Typically, pixie cuts are associated with very fine, straight hair which lends them a spikiness and edge, but it’s much softer and less severe on curly hair. If you’re keen to minimise maintenance and styling time with a wash-and-go cut, go super cropped with your pixie and have it cut close to your head – so close that you can barely see your curl pattern.
You’ll still get that hint of texture, especially with type 4 hair, but with barely any upkeep. Alternatively, opt for a more grown-out pixie with plenty of feathery layers across the top.
Just like with the shaggy cut, it’s up to you as to whether you want to complete your pixie with a fringe, and this can either be neat and side-swept for a Parisian feel or long and textured for added interest.
The asymmetric afro
Who does it suit? Type 4 coily hair.
You don’t need to have long hair to show off the beauty of type 4 curls. One of the things we love most about coily hair is the natural volume you get from the density of your spirals, and a short layered cut will really highlight this. For a halo effect, ask your hairdresser for an asymmetric afro cut that’s shorter on the sides and longer on the top. The contrast between the two lengths will showcase the pattern of your hair and make it look even fuller. Depending on how much length you want to keep on top, you can add layers here too for a fluffier, more textured finish.
How to choose the best short layered haircut for your face shape
Which short layered haircut is best for you will depend on your face shape, as different cuts accentuate different features. There are six different face shape categories that most people fit into. If you’re not sure which camp you sit in, take time to study your face in the mirror, or ask a friend what they think.
If you have a round face shape…
Round face shapes are pretty easy to visualise, as they’re the closest to a circle. Your face will be evenly proportioned both length and width ways, with curved edges. Very short crops can exaggerate the roundness of your face, so opt for slightly longer styles that will elongate your face shape instead. Hair that’s too sleek and flat doesn’t tend to suit round-shaped faces – yet another reason to embrace your natural curls.
If you have an oval face shape…
Oval face shapes are longer than they are wide, with cheekbones that are broader than your forehead and chin. Lucky for you this is considered the most coveted face shape as it suits all kinds of short layered hair cuts, from textured bobs to choppy pixie cuts. In fact, most hairdressers will aim to create the illusion of an oval face shape using clever cutting and colouring techniques when working with other face shapes.
If you have a square face shape…
Just like a round face shape, square-shaped faces are as wide as they are long. The key difference between the two is the sharpness of the angles at the sides of your face, so someone with a square face shape will have a more angular jaw and a defined forehead.
Short layered haircuts are the perfect way to soften these lines, and the more movement you can add to your hair the better. For example, a shag cut will be far more flattering than a blunt bob. Instead of a full fringe or centre parting, keep things slightly off-kilter with the addition of a low side parting or sweeping side fringe.
If you have a rectangle face shape…
The middle ground between an oval face shape and a square face shape, a rectangular-shaped face is longer than it is wide, but again with sharper, more defined edges.
To even out the shape, choose a short layered haircut that adds volume at the sides of your curls rather than on top. As rectangular faces are quite long, you can also pull off shorter lengths, so be brave and consider a chin-skimming, volume-packed bob.
If you have a diamond face shape…
A diamond face shape can be quite tricky to visualise, but essentially it means that your cheekbones are wider than your eyeline and that your chin ends at a slight point. Like oval, it’s another versatile face shape that suits most hairstyles, but, if we had to point you in one direction, it would be towards a textured bob or choppy pixie to soften the sharper points of your face. Steer clear of anything that adds too much bulk around the cheekbones to avoid making them look overly wide.
If you have a heart face shape…
Heart-shaped faces are pretty easy to identify, with a wide forehead and cheeks counteracted by a narrower, slightly tapered chin.
You might even have a widow’s peak hairline with a point in the middle that exaggerates the heart shape even more. To divert attention away from your chin, choose a short layered haircut that sits between your chin and your shoulders in order to draw the face down. A shar, blunt or short fringe can also re-proportion your forehead.
Why you should try a short curly hair
Whether you’re new to embracing your natural hair type or simply want to switch things up, it’s not an exaggeration to say that trying a new haircut can completely transform how you feel about your curls, and yourself. Instead of using long hair as a comfort blanket to hide behind, a short layered haircut will show off your features and your curl pattern.
Trust us – experimenting with emerging trends and styles will only ever end in compliments and even if you’re not a fan of your new look, remember that hair grows, and you’ll be back to where you started in no time at all.
Just make sure you’ve got a dedicated diffuser tool on your side to make styling your new cut an easy and enjoyable task, rather than a taxing one.
Taking care of your new haircut with Bellissima Italia
Want to hold onto that just-left-the-salon feeling for as long as possible? Bellissima Italia can help with that.
After washing and conditioning your hair, take the time to apply any products you need to enhance your new short layered haircut and manipulate your hair into shape.
Depending on your curl type and the style you’ve chosen, you might want to scrunch the hair or spiral individual curls around your fingers.
Once you’re happy with how it looks, use the Diffon Supreme to gently dry and set it in place. The adjustable speed and heat settings allow you maximum control over styling, while the gentle wattage ensures your hair isn’t exposed to any unnecessary, split-end triggering, damage.
You’ll also benefit from the shine-boosting effects of Ion Care Technology, and an additional moisture infusion via the argan oil coating. Taking care of your new haircut has never been easier.
