Growing out a short haircut can feel like an endless journey of awkward lengths and frustrating mornings. When your coils and waves start transitioning from a pixie or bob, you need styling options that keep you looking polished. Finding the right ways to style your transitioning texture makes all the difference in your daily confidence. If you are struggling with the in-between phase, you are certainly not alone. Many people look for easy and chic ways to manage their expanding volume. This comprehensive guide brings you 25 hairstyles for growing out short curly hair, helping you embrace the process. From clever tucks and stylish accessories to strategic snips and defined curls, you will discover plenty of inspiration to keep your locks looking fabulous right now.
1. Curly Pixie Cut With Tucked Sides
Ever notice how tucking your curls instantly changes your whole vibe? When your short pixie starts growing out, the sides can look a bit untidy. Sweeping those side curls behind your ears creates a clean, elegant profile while showing off your bone structure. This simple styling trick takes only seconds but completely transforms your look. Apply a light curl cream to damp hair and let it air dry. Once dry, simply brush the longer side sections back and tuck them firmly behind your ears. You can use a bobby pin if the curls want to pop out. This approach keeps the bulk of your hair out of your face while letting the top curls bounce freely.
2. Short Curly Shag With Face Framing
Feeling overwhelmed by excess volume around your cheeks? A short curly shag tailored with face framing layers is a fantastic way to manage growing out hair. This cut uses choppy layers to remove bulk and create a beautiful, bouncing shape. The face framing pieces naturally highlight your eyes and cheekbones. As your hair gets longer, the layers blend seamlessly, preventing the dreaded triangle shape. Style this look by scrunching a curl enhancing mousse into wet hair. Let your curls form naturally without touching them too much. The result is an effortlessly cool, rock and roll vibe that looks amazing on almost all curl types and face shapes during that awkward growing phase.
3. Tapered Curly Bob Growing Out
There is something truly sophisticated about a tapered shape. When growing out a short cut, asking your stylist for a tapered curly bob works wonders. This cut keeps the back relatively short and tapered at the nape, while leaving length on top and the front. It easily navigates the weird mullet stage of growing out short hair. The tapered back removes that heavy shelf of hair that often forms. You get a neat, rounded silhouette that looks intentional and chic. To style, simply diffuse your roots for lift and let the ends dry naturally. This creates a beautifully balanced shape that frames your face perfectly without overwhelming your features with too much volume.
4. Half Up Half Down Curly Hair
Need a quick fix for those annoying front curls that keep falling in your eyes? The half up half down style is a lifesaver for growing out short curly hair. It takes barely any effort but looks incredibly cute and put together. Simply section off the top half of your curls from ear to ear. Pull that top section up and secure it with a small claw clip or an elastic band. Let the bottom curls hang loose around your neck. This keeps your face clear while showing off the length you are trying to achieve. You can even leave a few tendrils out around your face for a softer, more romantic everyday feel.
5. Curly Mullet With Volume
Have you considered leaning into the mullet phase instead of fighting it? The modern curly mullet is actually a highly trendy, fashion forward choice. As your short cut grows, the back often outpaces the front. Rather than chopping it off, embrace the party in the back, business in the front aesthetic. Add serious volume at the crown by using a diffuser and lifting at the roots. Keep the front sections styled sleekly or tucked behind your ears. The contrast between the short front and the longer, voluminous back looks incredibly edgy. This bold style celebrates the awkward growing stages with confidence and turns a frustrating phase into a fierce fashion statement.
6. Short Curly Wedge Haircut
Craving structure as your curls expand? The short curly wedge haircut offers a geometric solution to growing out your hair. This style features stacked, graduated layers in the back that create a wedge shape, while the sides taper smoothly. It is perfect for finer curls that need an illusion of thickness, but works on thicker textures too if thinned out properly. The wedge removes the bottom heavy feeling that happens when growing out a pixie. It provides a neat, sculpted silhouette that looks highly polished. To maintain the shape, you will need regular trims as it grows out. Diffuse your curls downward to enhance the sleek, stacked profile of this iconic look.
7. Side Parted Short Curly Hair
Want an instant update without picking up the scissors? Changing your part can completely transform a growing out short curly haircut. Sweeping your curls into a deep side part adds instant asymmetry and major volume at the root. It breaks up the monotony of wearing your hair the same way every day. When your hair is at an awkward length, a side part allows you to strategically sweep longer pieces over to one side. This hides uneven lengths effortlessly. Apply some styling foam to wet hair, create the deep part, and let your curls dry undisturbed. The resulting sweep of curls looks dramatic, elegant, and perfectly suited for transitioning hair lengths.
8. Curly Pineapple Updo
Are you looking for a way to protect your curls while you sleep? The curly pineapple updo is not just a nighttime style. It makes a fantastic daytime look for growing out short hair. Gather all your curls at the very top of your crown. Secure them loosely with a soft scrunchie or a spiral tie. Let the ends cascade forward like the leaves of a pineapple. This high, fun style keeps your curls off your neck and preserves your curl pattern for days. It is especially great when your hair is too short for a full ponytail but too long to just leave hanging. It looks playful, stylish, and effortlessly cool.
9. Mini Twists On Short Curly Hair
Getting tired of dealing with frizz every single morning? Mini twists offer a beautiful, low manipulation style for short curly hair that is growing out. This involves twisting small sections of your hair from root to tip. It takes a bit of time to install, but the payoff is huge. You get days of worry free styling without having to redefine your curls daily. As your hair grows, twists stretch out the shrinkage, showing off your true length. You can wear them as is for a neat, polished look, or unravel them later for a stunning twist out with incredible volume. This protective style gives your hair a much needed break from daily styling.
10. Curly French Bob With Bangs
Dreaming of a Parisian aesthetic while growing out your curls? The curly French bob with bangs is an incredibly chic option for the in between phase. This cut hovers right around the chin and features heavy, blunt bangs that graze the eyebrows. The bangs hide any awkward forehead frizz, while the chin length manages the expanding sides. It looks highly intentional and supremely stylish. The key is ensuring your stylist cuts the bangs dry, accounting for your unique curl shrinkage. Style this look by applying a leave in conditioner and diffusing gently. The combination of the sharp bangs and the bouncy chin length curls creates a truly timeless and sophisticated look.
11. Grown Out Curly Pixie Bob
Remember how easy your pixie used to be? When it starts growing out, it naturally transitions into a curly pixie bob, often called a pixie bob. This is the sweet spot of the growing out journey. You still have the short, easy feel of a pixie around the back and sides. However, you gain a bit of length around the front and top that gives you styling options. You can tuck the sides, add a headband, or simply let the curls fall forward. Ask your stylist to blend the back so it does not look like a mullet. This elongated pixie shape looks fresh, modern, and very easy to manage daily.
12. Flat Twist Updo For Short Curly Hair
Looking for a style that keeps your hair totally secure? Flat twists are a fantastic updo option for short curly hair that is growing out. Unlike traditional cornrows, flat twists are easier to do on yourself and put less tension on your scalp. You simply divide your hair into sections and twist them flat against your head. This looks incredibly elegant and keeps every strand out of your face. It is perfect for active days or when you want a polished, professional appearance. As your hair gets longer, you can twist the ends into mini buns or pin them under. This style protects your delicate curls while looking absolutely stunning all day.
13. Short Curly Hair With Headband
Having one of those mornings where your curls just will not cooperate? A stylish headband is the ultimate rescue tool for growing out short curly hair. Push a thick, fabric headband right back into your hairline. This instantly pushes all the growing out volume away from your face. It hides any awkward layers around your forehead and creates a sleek, polished front. The back and top of your curls are left free to bounce and show off their texture. This takes literally five seconds to do but completely changes your entire look. Choose a bold color or a fun pattern to add a personal touch to your daily curly hair routine.
14. Curly Asymmetrical Bob
Want to add some edge to your growing out journey? The curly asymmetrical bob is a striking choice that completely distracts from awkward lengths. This cut features one side cut significantly shorter than the other. The longer side usually tapers down toward the collarbone, while the shorter side sits above the ear. The dramatic angle draws the eye downward, creating a slimming effect and a bold silhouette. It works beautifully with natural curls because the texture adds movement to the asymmetrical line. Style it by parting your hair deeply on the side with the shorter length. This unique, architectural haircut looks incredibly modern and makes a powerful style statement every single day.
15. Short Layered Curly Hair Tucked Behind Ears
Notice how sometimes your curls just want to fall perfectly? When you have short layered curly hair, tucking it behind your ears highlights your best features. As your layers grow out, they often create a beautiful, soft frame around your face. Applying a lightweight gel to wet hair encourages clumping. Once your hair dries, simply sweep the sides back and tuck them behind your ears. This styling method shows off your curls’ natural elasticity and bounce on top. It also reveals your cheekbones and jawline, giving you a sleek appearance. It is a minimalist approach that highlights the natural beauty of your growing curls without requiring any complex tools or techniques.
16. Curly Bowl Cut Growing Out
Feeling a bit nostalgic for the nineties? The curly bowl cut growing out is actually a fantastic, trendy shape. When your bowl cut starts to gain length, the underneath layers usually grow faster. This creates a natural, rounded halo of curls that looks incredibly voluminous. Instead of cutting the underneath to match the top, let it grow. The resulting shape is a very modern, high fashion wash and go style. You just need to apply your favorite curl cream, diffuse the roots for lift, and let the natural shape do the rest. This retro inspired look embraces the volume and shrinkage of curly hair, making the growing phase look entirely on purpose.
17. Finger Coils On Short Curly Hair
Seeking a highly defined, polished look for your growing curls? Finger coiling is a styling method that works wonders on short curly hair. You simply take small sections of wet hair, apply a strong hold curl gel, and twirl them around your finger. This creates perfectly uniform, spiral curls that look incredibly neat and defined. It is a brilliant way to tame frizz and unify different curl patterns during an awkward growing phase. While it takes a bit of patience to do, the results can last for several days. You can also coil just the front sections to frame your face, leaving the back natural for a quick yet polished finish.
18. Short Curly Hair With Scarf Wrap
Ever thought about adding a pop of color to hide awkward layers? Wrapping a silk or satin scarf around your head transforms your look instantly. This is a brilliant solution for growing out short curly hair. Simply fold the scarf into a band, place it over your forehead, and tie it securely at the nape of your neck. Let your curls spill out beautifully from underneath the wrap. This completely hides any uneven lengths around your hairline and protects your delicate edges. Plus, silk or satin reduces friction and prevents frizz. It looks incredibly glamorous, takes zero effort, and keeps your transitioning curls looking stylish and protected all day long.
19. Defined Curls On Growing Out Pixie
Want to show off the exact length you have achieved? Defining your curls on a growing out pixie highlights your progress beautifully. As your pixie grows, you might notice different textures mixing together. Using a denman brush or a curl defining cream can help unify these textures. Apply your styling product to soaking wet hair. Then, use the brush to smooth the cuticle and create ribbon like curls. Shake them out gently once dry. This method stretches out your shrinkage and makes your hair look significantly longer. It turns a messy growing out phase into a sharp, deliberate, and incredibly bouncy style that celebrates every single inch of your growth.
20. Curly Lob With Layers
Approaching the finish line of your growing out journey? The curly lob with layers is the ultimate goal. A lob, or long bob, sits right around the collarbone. Adding layers removes the heavy, bottom heavy feeling that often happens when growing out a bob. The layers encourage your curls to bounce up and frame your face gorgeously. This length offers maximum versatility. You can wear it down, pull it into a low ponytail, or try half up styles. To style, flip your head upside down and diffuse the roots. This creates volume at the crown and ensures your beautiful, layered curls fall perfectly into place every single time you style it.
21. Faux Hawk Short Curly Hair
Ready to rock a bold, rebellious look? The faux hawk is an amazing styling option for short curly hair in the growing out phase. You do not need to shave the sides to get this effect. Simply use some strong hold edge control or gel to slick down the sides of your hair firmly against your head. Leave the center section of your curls loose, voluminous, and wild. You can pin the sides if gel is not enough. The contrast between the sleek sides and the tall, curly mohawk center is striking. It is a fun, dramatic way to embrace your expanding volume and make a serious statement wherever you go.
22. Short Curly Hair With Bobby Pin Art
Looking for a creative way to pin back those annoying front pieces? Bobby pin art is a trendy, practical solution for growing out short curly hair. Instead of hiding your pins, use them to create geometric patterns along the sides of your head. You can line up three or four gold or silver pins in a row, or create a starburst pattern. This holds back the sections that are falling in your eyes while adding a brilliant, decorative element to your style. It takes a basic curly wash and go from simple to stunning in minutes. Plus, it keeps those awkward front layers completely out of your face in a very stylish way.
23. Messy Curly Top Knot
Wishing you could just put all your hair up and forget about it? A messy curly top knot is totally achievable when growing out short hair. Gather your curls at the very top of your head. You do not need to worry about it being perfect or sleek. Wrap the curls loosely around the base and secure them with a spiral tie or claw clip. Let a few ends stick out and leave some tendrils around your face. This relaxed, messy vibe looks incredibly chic and effortless. It is the perfect style for second or third day hair when your curls are a bit frizzy but still have good volume and texture.
24. Short Curly Hair With Deep Side Part
Want to create dramatic volume without a lot of product? A deep side part on short curly hair does exactly that. When you part your hair far to one side, you sweep a large section of curls over. This creates an instant, impressive wave of volume at the root. It also completely changes the symmetry of your face and gives you a very glamorous look. When growing out a short cut, a deep side part helps manage the bulk of your hair by moving it all to one side. Simply flip your hair over, find the highest point of your eyebrow, and part your curls there for a stunning, voluminous daily style.
25. Curly Bangs With Growing Out Bob
Have you tried adding bangs to your growing out bob? Curly bangs with a growing out bob is a highly stylish combination that makes the transition look intentional. As your bob grows past your chin, it can start to feel shapeless. Adding a set of curly bangs immediately refreshes the whole look. They draw attention upward to your eyes and add a lovely framing effect. Whether you prefer soft, sweeping curtain bangs or bold, blunt curls across your forehead, they change the entire vibe. Style your bangs by applying a cream and twirling them around your finger. This keeps them defined and perfectly shaped as the rest of your hair grows out.
Conclusion:
Navigating the transition from a short cut does not have to be a frustrating experience. With the right cuts, clever styling tricks, and a bit of patience, you can rock every single phase of the process. From playful accessories to strategic trims, there are countless ways to keep your locks looking their absolute best. Embrace the volume, experiment with different textures, and remember that every inch of growth is a step closer to your ultimate hair goal. The awkward phase is just a temporary stop on your journey to gorgeous, longer curls. Keep your curls moisturized, treat them gently, and enjoy the versatility that comes with growing out your beautiful, natural hair.
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