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Home • Hairstyles

15 Short Haircut Ideas for Type 3 Curls

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15 Short Haircut Ideas for Type 3 Curls
By Jemima Price · Published May 1, 2024

Now that people are embracing their textured hair with more gusto than ever, many are braving shorter curly hairstyles to stand out! We’ve seen an explosion of short curly hairstyles hit the runways, magazine covers, and being reinvited by celebrities like Ice Spice and Lori Harvey.

Here is a round-up of the most up-to-date short Type 3 hair looks.

1. The High Top

15 Short Haircut Ideas for Type 3 Curls
Image Source: @janayediggs

The high top is not just for the guys. This can look great on type 3a, 3b or 3c hair for an edgy look.

2. The Short-Stacked Bob

15 Short Haircut Ideas for Type 3 Curls
Image Source: @aiyanaalewis

This cut gives height to softer 3a/3b curls. This is ideal if you have finer curls but still want a full look.

3. The Curly Medium Length Bob

15 Short Haircut Ideas for Type 3 Curls
Image Source: @mo_beautii

This bob works well with looser 3a curls and is a timeless look for curly hair.

4. The Feminine Voluminous Bob

15 Short Haircut Ideas for Type 3 Curls
Image Source: @breendaki

A voluminous bob adds volume buckets to 3b hair, giving hair lift and bounce.

5. Curly Asymmetrical Bob

15 Short Haircut Ideas for Type 3 Curls
Image Source: @raeraerizzle

Add some wow to your 3b/3c hair with the Curly Asymmetrical Bob. This manageable hairstyle gives instant glamour and height to your curls.

6. Curly Bangs

15 Short Haircut Ideas for Type 3 Curls
Image Source: @slickback_buttahtoast

This pretty Curly Hair with Bangs is a super cute look for 3a curls, bringing height to flatter roots. Regular trims are needed to maintain this rounded shape.

7. The Natural Tapered Cut

15 Short Haircut Ideas for Type 3 Curls
Image Source: @barberiasdelmundo

This tapered cut adds wow to 3c hair with long bangs, curls piled on top, and trimmed sides.

8. Short Rounded Cut

15 Short Haircut Ideas for Type 3 Curls
Image Source: @iamthedaisha
Article continues after video.

For more long Type 3c bangs-glamour, try adding a few bantu knots on the side of this Short Rounded Cut.

9. Pixie Cut

15 Short Haircut Ideas for Type 3 Curls
Image Source: @katrisharose

Who says Pixie Cuts are just for straight hair? 3b curls can create the most beautiful, cropped look, complete with curled sideburns.

10. The Faux Hawk

15 Short Haircut Ideas for Type 3 Curls
Image Source: @cherrychy_

The faux hawk is for curlies who want a cutting-edge look. The natural 3b/c curls here are enhanced with color for extra sass!

11. The Tapered Undercut

15 Short Haircut Ideas for Type 3 Curls
Image Source: @shortnaturalhairstyle

This undercut is perfect for 3a/b hair because of the contrast between the curls on top and the straighter underlayer. Colour has been used to highlight the stunning ringlets piled on top here.

12. The Classic Bob

15 Short Haircut Ideas for Type 3 Curls
Image Source: @divinecurlz

You can’t go wrong with the Classic Bob for all Type 3 curls. With longer face-framing pieces at the front and shorter curls at the back for volume and height, this cut can be fun and elegant.

13. The Asymmetrical Pixie Cut

15 Short Haircut Ideas for Type 3 Curls
Image Source: @jennifer_pixie

The Asymmetrical Pixie Cut is bold and fresh. Side parts always add volume, and this one-sided cut brings attention to the cheekbones and neck whole, allowing the curls to tumble down on the other side.

14. A Fluffy Curly Pixie Bob

15 Short Haircut Ideas for Type 3 Curls
Image Source: @heydonae
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A Fluffy Curly Pixie Bob adds a soft, whimsical look to short 3a curls. Allow longer spirals to frame the face.

15. The Layered Bob with a Side Parting

15 Short Haircut Ideas for Type 3 Curls
Image Source: @manesbymell

The layered bob with side parting is a modern take on the layered cut for stunning type three blended curls.

If you’re ready to make the big chop and embrace a new hair transformation this season, check out these 20 Bob Hairstyles For Every Hair Type for inspiration.

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