14 Short Curly Updo Hairstyles We’re Obsessed With Right Now

14 Short Curly Updo Hairstyles We’re Obsessed With Right Now

If you’ve ever thought curly hair was too short for an updo, I’m here to change your mind. Short curls have so much natural texture and volume to work with, which actually makes updos easier in some ways than styling stick-straight strands. You get built-in body without teasing, and most of these looks come together in ten minutes or less.

I’ve pulled together fourteen updos that work beautifully on short curly hair, from bobs to pixies to everything in between. Some are polished enough for a wedding, others are perfect for a Tuesday when you just want your curls out of your face. Let’s get into it.

Simple Short Bohemian Updo

This one is all about looking pretty without trying too hard. You gather your curls loosely at the crown, let a few pieces fall around your face, and secure it with bobby pins that basically disappear into the texture.

It’s a favorite for medium to thick curly hair because the volume does most of the work for you. Add a thin braid or a few twisted strands wrapped around the base for a little extra detail, and finish with a lightweight curl cream so pieces stay soft instead of stiff.

Loose Side Braid Updo for Short Hair

Side braids on short curly hair have a relaxed, romantic quality that I really love. You sweep your curls to one side, loosely braid what you can, and pin the ends under to create the illusion of a fuller updo.

This style suits round and oval face shapes especially well since the asymmetry adds some visual length. It’s low maintenance too, since curls hide any little braiding imperfections better than sleek hair ever could. A dab of edge control along the hairline keeps flyaways in check without flattening your texture.

Cute Short Curly Hair Updo

Sometimes you just want something quick and adorable, and this is that style. Think a high or mid-height puff with curls piled up and a bit of shine spray for definition.

It works on nearly any curl pattern, from loose waves to tight coils, and it’s genuinely one of the fastest updos on this list. I’d call this a five-minute style, which makes it great for gym days, errands, or lazy weekend mornings when you still want to look put together.

Elegant Updo For Short Fine Hair – Step-By-Step Tutorial

Fine curly hair can be tricky because it doesn’t always hold volume the way thicker curls do. This updo solves that by using small sections pinned strategically to build height at the crown before smoothing everything back into a low twist.

Start by prepping damp curls with a volumizing mousse, diffuse them, then section the top third and pin it back first. Twist the remaining hair into a soft knot and secure with pins hidden underneath. Finish with a light-hold hairspray so the style stays lifted through the day without weighing fine strands down.

Feminine Short Wavy Updo

There’s something so soft and pretty about this look, especially if your curls lean more toward loose waves. You pull the top section back, leave the sides and ends wavy and loose, and pin just enough to keep shape.

It flatters heart and square face shapes nicely because it softens the jawline. This is also one of those updos that photographs beautifully, so keep it in mind for engagement photos or a date night when you want to look effortlessly romantic.

Feathered Updo for a Short Bob

Bobs with feathered layers have gorgeous natural movement, and this updo shows it off instead of hiding it. You twist the sides back and clip them, letting the feathered ends fan out at the crown for texture.

Curly and wavy bobs both work well here, though the feathering really shines on hair with some natural lift already. A texturizing spray at the roots before you start gives the feathered pieces something to grip onto, so they hold their shape rather than falling flat.

Wavy Bob with Fishtail Braid

Fishtail braids on short hair sound intimidating, but with a wavy bob you really only need to braid a small section along the hairline before pinning it back into the rest of your style. It adds a woven detail that looks way more complicated than it actually is.

This updo suits fine to medium hair thickness best, since thinner braids show off the fishtail pattern more clearly. Curly ends left loose around the braid keep the whole look from feeling too structured or stiff.

Stylish Short Pixie Updo

Yes, pixies can do updos, and honestly the results are so charming. This look uses small twists or pin curls along the crown and sides, creating texture and shape even when there isn’t a ton of length to work with.

It’s ideal for curly or coily pixie cuts where the natural texture gives you plenty to grab onto. Maintenance is minimal since there’s no braiding or gathering involved, just strategic pinning and a bit of gel to define the twists.

Curly Updo for a Playful Vibe

This one embraces the fun, bouncy side of curly hair rather than trying to smooth it into submission. Curls are gathered high, twisted just once, and left to spring free from the base for a lively, carefree finish.

It’s a great pick for tighter curl patterns and coily textures that hold shape well on their own. I love this for festivals, brunch dates, or any day you want your hair to feel like part of the outfit rather than an afterthought.

Bouffant Half Updo for a Bob

Half updos get a retro upgrade here with a bouffant twist at the crown. You backcomb the top section gently, smooth over the surface, and pin it while leaving the bottom half of your bob curly and loose.

This style flatters most face shapes since the added height balances out width at the cheeks or jaw. Fine hair benefits most from the extra volume, though thicker curls can do this too with a lighter backcombing hand.

Twisted Chignon Low Bun for Shorter Hair

Low buns on short curly hair need a little trick, and twisting is it. Instead of trying to wrap short strands into a traditional bun, you twist sections and coil them at the nape, pinning as you go to build a compact, elegant chignon.

This is one of the more polished options on the list, making it a solid choice for job interviews or formal events. A pomade or curl-defining cream helps smooth the twists so they hold together neatly at the base.

Curly Bun with a French Braid

Combining a French braid with a curly bun gives you texture at two different points, which makes for a really interesting silhouette. Braid a section from the hairline back, then gather everything, braid included, into a small bun at the crown or nape.

Medium to thick curls hold this shape especially well since there’s enough hair to make the bun look full. It’s a slightly more involved style, so I’d save it for days when you have a few extra minutes, like before a wedding or holiday gathering.

Short Messy Updo with Headband Braid

Headband braids are such an easy way to dress up an updo without much effort. You braid a section from one side to the other like a headband, then gather the rest of your curls into a loose, messy bun or twist behind it.

This works on nearly every curl type and length, which is probably why it’s so popular. It’s also forgiving if your braiding skills are a bit rusty, since the messiness is part of the charm rather than something to hide.

Effortless Low Half Updo for Natural Curls

This might be the easiest style on the entire list, and sometimes that’s exactly what you need. You simply pull the top half of your curls back into a small clip or tie, leaving the rest to fall naturally, curls and all.

It works on virtually any curly hair length and texture, from loose waves to tight coils, since there’s no real technique required. A curl-refreshing spray in the morning is really all you need to bring this style back to life on day two or three.

Short curly hair has way more updo potential than people usually give it credit for. Whether you want something quick for a busy morning or a little more polished for a special occasion, there’s a style here to match the vibe. My advice is to start with whichever one uses products and tools you already own, get comfortable with the technique, then branch out from there. Your curls will thank you for the versatility.