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I love keeping up with the latest trends and must-have styles to share with my clients.
One look that’s been making waves lately is the short curly shag.
This style is bold yet easygoing, ideal for anyone with natural curls who wants a fuss-free cut that’s packed with texture and movement.
I’ll break down everything you need to know about styling and maintaining this look, so you can decide if the short curly shag is your next go-to hairstyle.
Table of Contents
Chin-Length Curly Shag
First up, we have a chic chin-length curly shag that’s full of dimension and character.
This style is all about sliced layers that give your hair natural volume and effortless movement. The longest layers are positioned near the front, creating a soft face-framing effect that’s super flattering.
Perfect for medium to thick hair textures, this cut lets your curls shine with minimal effort.
How to Style
- Start with soaking wet hair and apply a hydrating mousse evenly from root to tip.
- Use a diffuser to dry your curls, scrunching them upwards and outwards as you go to enhance their natural bounce.
- For a volume boost, flip your head upside down while diffusing, then lock the style in with a blast of cool air.
- To finish, work a tiny amount of lightweight curl cream or oil into the ends to tackle frizz and keep your curls soft and hydrated.
- Use your fingers to separate the curls slightly, giving them an effortlessly tousled, touchable look.
Maintenance Tips
- Trim your hair every 8 weeks to keep the layers fresh and the shape intact.
- Stick to sulfate-free, moisturizing shampoos and conditioners to avoid drying out your curls.
- Treat your hair to a deep conditioning mask once a week for extra nourishment.
- On non-wash days, revive your curls with a refreshing curl spray to keep them looking lively.
Tousled Curly Lob
If you’re looking for a chic yet effortless style, the tousled curly lob might be your perfect match. Falling just below the collarbone, this mid-length cut is tapered at the nape, giving it a neat and polished look.
Subtle layers begin around the cheekbones, gradually becoming more defined towards the ends to lighten things up without sacrificing volume. This style is ideal for curl patterns ranging from soft waves to bouncy spirals. For those with tighter curls, the longer lengths help maintain softness while enhancing natural bounce and movement.
It’s a dream for anyone who wants a low-maintenance hairstyle with plenty of styling options.
Styling Tips:
- Apply a styling mousse or foam to damp hair, then diffuse until it’s about 80% dry.
- Let it air dry the rest of the way, scrunching sections gently to encourage those gorgeous curls.
- To finish, smooth the top with a bit of serum for a sleek look and separate the ends for added definition.
Care and Maintenance:
- Schedule trims every 10–12 weeks to keep those split ends at bay.
- Stick to a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner designed for curls to keep them hydrated and happy.
- Sleep with your hair in a loose pineapple or a satin buff to preserve the shape overnight.
- Refresh your curls on non-wash days with a dry conditioner or a curl-enhancing spray.
This cut gives you the freedom to play with your look while keeping your routine stress-free!
Angled Curly Pixie Cut
If you’re ready to go bold and embrace a shorter look, the angled curly pixie might be your perfect match.
This chic style features a tapered cut at the back, with longer, face-framing pieces up front. The result? A modern, cropped silhouette that’s versatile enough to suit your personal style.
Curly pixies are all about celebrating texture and natural volume, so don’t shy away from shrinkage—it’s part of the charm! After washing, work in a curl cream to define your texture. Use an old t-shirt to scrunch out excess water, then let your hair air dry for that effortlessly shrunken yet polished look.
Want more volume? Flip your head upside down and spritz some hairspray at the roots, using your fingers to gently shape and arrange the longer pieces at the front. Lock it in place with a holding spray, and finish with a touch of hair oil on the ends to keep them hydrated and shiny.
Maintenance Tips:
- Schedule trims every four weeks to keep the pixie shape sharp and fresh.
- Use high-quality curly hair products to enhance and define your texture.
- Opt for a sulfate-free shampoo and a gentle conditioner to avoid drying out your curls.
- Protect your hair at night by sleeping with a satin cap or using a satin pillowcase to prevent tangles and frizz.
This style is equal parts playful and sophisticated—a true statement look for curly-haired trendsetters!
Tapered Curly Lob
The tapered curly lob is all about style and practicality. With a stacked back and layers that gradually taper towards the face, this cut creates a sleek silhouette. The front pieces graze the cheekbones, adding a chic and flattering touch.
This look is a dream for those with 3C to 4C curls, offering a way to reduce bulk while letting your gorgeous coils shine.
To style, start by washing and conditioning your curls in sections. Apply a strong-hold gel to define your curls, then either diffuse or air-dry to let them shrink into their natural shape. Once dry, use your fingers to lift the roots for added volume and definition. Break any gel cast with a touch of hair serum for softness and shine. And don’t be shy—fluff and pick your curls for that extra pop of volume!
Pro Tips for Maintaining Your Tapered Curly Lob:
- Trim Regularly: Schedule a trim every 8–10 weeks to keep your layers fresh.
- Invest in Tools: A quality blow dryer with a diffuser attachment is a game-changer for styling.
- Hydrate Weekly: Use a deep conditioner once a week to keep your curls soft and moisturized.
- Refresh on Day 2: Revive your curls with a curl foam or a hydrating spray to maintain their bounce.
This cut celebrates the beauty of textured hair while keeping maintenance simple and stylish!
Volume-Boosting Chin-Length Shag
If your curly hair tends to be wavy or frizzy, this volume-boosting shag could be your new go-to look!
With shorter layers at the top and sides, this style adds height and lift, while longer, face-framing pieces create a soft, flattering finish.
How to Style:
- Start with clean, damp hair and work in a curl-enhancing mousse to define your texture.
- Use a diffuser to dry your hair about 80%, flipping your head upside down to build volume at the roots.
- Let the rest air-dry, then gently shape the front pieces with a curling wand for extra polish.
- Set your waves with a medium-hold hairspray to keep everything in place.
- Add a touch of matte styling powder at the roots and crown for added texture and lift.
- Finish by scrunching the ends with a dab of anti-frizz serum for a smooth, polished look.
Maintenance Tips:
- Book a trim every 6-8 weeks with a stylist who specializes in curly hair.
- Stick to volumizing shampoos and treatments to keep your hair bouncy and healthy.
- Use dry shampoo between washes to absorb oil and refresh your style.
- When needed, touch up your waves with a curling wand for a quick refresh.
This style is perfect for embracing your natural texture while keeping your look effortlessly chic!
Curly Cropped Shag with Bangs
This curly cropped shag with bangs strikes the perfect balance between subtle and bold.
The chin-length style features shorter layers at the back and sides, with bangs that gently graze the eyes in front.
You can switch up the look by either sweeping the bangs across your forehead or pinning them back when you want a different vibe.
For added volume at the roots, try sectioning off the front with clips or barrettes while you style the rest of your hair.
Let your curls air dry or use a diffuser for a bouncy, full-bodied finish. The layers will give your curls plenty of definition and movement.
Finish with a light holding spray to keep the look in place.
Maintenance Tips: – Trim bangs every 3 weeks to keep them fresh – Book a full haircut every 8-10 weeks – Choose a curl-friendly shampoo and conditioner – Experiment with different parts and styling techniques for variety
Tousled Chin-Length Curly Shag
If you’re into effortless, laid-back styles, this chin-length curly shag is the one for you. It’s full of edgy, piecey layers that create amazing volume and shape.
To style, start with clean, damp hair and apply some mousse. Dry it using a diffuser until your hair is completely dry. For extra volume, flip your head upside down and work the roots. Once you’re done, scrunch the ends and gently pull apart the curls in sections to break them up.
For a messy, textured finish, spritz some texturizing spray. Don’t worry if a few frizzy strands pop up—they only add to the cool, undone look. Finish off with a little hydrating oil on the ends for some extra softness.
Maintenance Tips: – Schedule a trim every 6-8 weeks to keep those layers fresh. – A quality diffuser is key to getting that full, voluminous look. – Go for a sulfate-free shampoo and a moisturizing conditioner to keep your curls happy. – Dry shampoo is a great go-to to refresh your style between washes.
Curly A-Line Bob
The curly A-line bob is a classic and chic hairstyle that never goes out of style. With shorter layers at the back that gradually lengthen towards the front, this cut creates a soft, rounded shape that complements all face shapes.
To style, start by applying gel or mousse to damp hair, then either diffuse or let it air dry. You can tuck the longer front pieces behind your ears for a more polished look or leave them loose for a natural, soft effect around your face. To add more texture, use a curling iron on the mid-lengths and ends for some subtle waves.
For added volume, gently tease the crown to create lift. The beauty of this style is that it works well with simple accessories like hair clips or decorative pins.
Maintenance Tips:
- Schedule trims every 8-10 weeks to keep the shape intact
- Use moisturizing products to keep curls soft and hydrated
- Comb through curls with a wide-tooth comb to avoid frizz
- Refresh with dry shampoo on non-wash days to keep the style looking fresh