16 Cute Natural Hairstyles for Short Hair with Easy Tutorials

When it comes to styling naturally curly hair, whether you’re a beginner or a pro, we all need those easy and realistic styles that we can achieve without breaking the bank or taking many hours. The beauty of having curly, kinky and coily hair is the versatility that it allows. Here are 16 different cute natural hairstyles for short hair you can rock on a daily basis!

1. High Puff

The high puff is the go-to style for most natural hair girls because of its super low maintenance. This style is perfect for those who don’t like to take a lot of time styling their hair in the mornings. It only requires one tool – a headband!

How to style:

• After brushing your hair up, slide a headband up your hair shaft to form a ponytail (you can wrap the headband twice for extra support).
• Fluff and pull the hair for added volume.

2. Wash ‘n’ Go

If you’re on the go and you don’t have time for intricate braids, updos and styling tools, like flat-irons and curlers, a simple wash ‘n’ go style is perfect.

A Quick Tip: Make sure to cleanse and deep condition your hair for added moisture before applying any gels or curl-defining cream.

3. Curly Bang with Bow Scarf

Curly hair is a blessing on lazy days. Even when you don’t feel like styling your hair at all, you can create a curly bang and add a colorful bandana or headscarf to keep the look playful and fun.

A Quick Tip: You can shop beautiful headscarves in vintage stores and on eBay. Alternatively, for more modern styles, you can shop at your favorite high-end street stores such as H&M, Primark and Accessorize.

4. Braided Headband

Similar to a high puff, this quick and cute natural hairstyle for short hair is easy and budget-friendly. You will need hair extensions (Marley braid), bobby pins, hair gel & a pick comb.

How to style:

• Start off with your hair in a wash ‘n’ go, twist out or braid out.
• Braid the Marley hair into a plait.
• Brush your hair into a high puff, then add the braided Marley hair across like a headband.
• Secure the look with a bobby pin at the back, and you’re done!

5. High Bun

A high bun can work for every occasion you can think of – formal events, running errands to after-work drinks. A bun is a great multi-purpose hairstyle!

A Quick Tip: Be very careful when putting your hair into a bun; as we all know, natural hair requires a lot of love. Too much manipulation, especially from putting your hair into the bun incorrectly, can cause breakage!

6. French Braid Updo

This French-braid updo is pretty and great for different occasions. It’s also a very low-maintenance hairstyle.

How to style:

• This updo is very simple. However, if you are not familiar with braiding upside down, it requires a lot of practice to get it right.
• Start with your hair stretched out or blow-dried; this allows for a smoother process when braiding. It also helps to minimize frizz.
• Use a hair pomade or edge control to slick and smooth your hair into place for a polished look.

7. Braid Out

Braid-outs are a curly-haired woman’s best friend when you’re tired of shrinkage and you want a stretched-out style. It’s a great alternative to a twist-out or Wash ‘n’ Go.

How to style:

• For the best results, start off with clean and conditioned hair.
• Separate your hair into sections, using a spray bottle (with water) to dampen hair.
• Detangle, moisture and add your favorite curl-defining cream. Then, braid each section and leave them to dry.
• Take down the braid, using your favorite oil to minimize frizz; then pick and fluff your hair until you’re happy with the results.

8. ’Fro Hawk

Curly ’Fro Hawk is one of my favorite styles for summer. It’s super easy to achieve, and you can remix it by adding braids and accessories.

How to style:

• Start by sectioning your hair into three – create two smaller parts on both sides and leave the bigger section in the middle.
• Flat-twist both smaller sections all the way down and secure it with a bobby pin or rubber band.
• Unclip the middle section, then use a pick comb to pick the hair at the root.
• Add your favorite accessories, and there it is … your new cute natural hairstyle for short hair is ready!

9. Two Cornrow Braids with Curly Clip-Ins

This timeless style is my go-to for going to the gym and running errands.

How to style:

• Divide your hair down the middle into two equal parts.
• Detangle and add your favorite moisturizer.
• For added length, add your favorite curly hair clip-in extensions to each section.
• Conrow the first section, then repeat the same process on the other side.

10. Easy Curly Ponytail with Weave

If you want to add a bit of glam, then this look is for you! It’s a great look for a fun night out or if you simply want a bit more length and volume during your workday. To achieve this look, all you need is your favorite curly hair weave, hair gel, bobby pins and a hairband. You can also recreate this look by adding different braids and twist patterns.

A Quick Tip: If you want to achieve the same style without much effort, opt for a drawstring ponytail, instead.

11. Braidless Crochet Half-Up, Half-Down

Can’t decide whether to wear a ponytail or to leave your hair down? Well, with this hairstyle, you don’t have to! If you’re not sure how to braid, don’t worry, I got you covered! This cute and stylish half-up, half-down look is one of my favorite styles to create because it’s so versatile.

A Quick Tip: Recreate similar looks by changing the color and style of the crochet braids.

12. Low Bubble Ponytail

A bubble ponytail is a cool and creative hairstyle that will suit anyone. What I love about this bubble ponytail is how simple, yet stylish, it is! It took me about 10 minutes to do.

How to style:

• Slick your hair into a low ponytail.
• Use Marley braiding hair that matches your hair texture to add to your low, low bun.
• Secure the hair with an elastic band and pull in the hair to create the bubble. Then, repeat step this step until you reach the end of your hair.

13. Sleek Low Ponytail

Although ponytails are a fairly simple hairstyle, depending on hair texture, getting the hair sleek requires great products and the right technique. I love combining Eco Styler Gel with my favorite edge control for a smooth and sleek finish. Be sure to shop around and experiment to figure out what works best for you.

A Quick Tip: If your hair is short or medium length, you can jazz up your ponytail by adding extensions. However, if your hair is long, you can braid the ends and unravel later to create mermaid waves.

14. Flat-Twist Low Ponytail

Flat twists are a great alternative to cornrows because they work with two twists instead of three. This makes them much easier for beginners to get the hang of! It’s also a lot faster.

A Quick Tip: Some women find that their twists work better on dry hair, some find wet hair better. If this is your first time, don’t be afraid to play around and experiment to see which works better, and which way is easier, for you.

15. Side-Swept Bun

A side-swept bun is a very flattering style as it’s fun, flirty and very versatile. There are so many ways to rock a side do, but it all depends on the occasion and personal preference.

How to style:

• Start off with your hair damp or wet.
• Slick hair into a low side bun, using your favorite hair gel.
• Add Marley braid extensions if your hair is short or medium length.
• Pin hair into a neat low bun and finish off with accessories.

16. Finger Waves on Teeny Weeny Afro (TWA)

This style will definitely turn heads! It’s been around since the 1920s, and it’s here to stay. This was one of my go-to styles when my hair was shorter.

How to style:

• Start off by applying your leave-in conditioner and moisturizer on damp hair (If your hair dries a little bit during the process, use a spray bottle to re-wet your hair.).
• Use a fine-tooth comb to smooth, mold and shape hair.
• Wrap your hair with a satin scarf, sit under a hooded dryer or let it dry naturally.

Mastering cute natural hairstyles for short hair requires a lot of tricks. Follow me on Instagram and subscribe to my YouTube channel to get daily tips and join our beautiful community.