If you’re excited for the big chop, rocking a TWA or a braided bob, I’ve made a selection of the cutest short hairstyles for kinky hair to inspire you. The road to healthy, strong, and rich natural hair starts here – with short kinky hairstyles that regenerate your curls.
To get the sculpted afro, pixie, or shoulder-length ringlets of your dreams, you need a malleable silhouette. Regardless of how short you’re willing to go, your coils should be cut in strategic layers. See how you can grow yours the smart way below.
TWA Short Kinky Hairstyles
Big Chop Hairstyle for Kinky Hair
The big chop is the very first and necessary step in your natural hair journey. When removing damaged locks, it’s best to crop them as close to the scalp as possible. For a wise growth canvas, taper the sides and back and leave a slightly longer top.
Super Short Curly Pixie Cut
If you’d rather have a bit more room for styling, turn your big chop into a playful pixie cut. Here, you can use styling products for the longer curls on top. At the same time, you can slick down the back and sides for definition and texture.
Kinky Twist Out Pixie Hairstyle
A great way to take care of your teeny weeny afro (TWA) is with a reliable twist out hairstyle. Weave your curls in flat twists and let them sit overnight. The following morning, twist them out and enjoy bouncy ringlets.
Flat Top TWA Hairstyle for Kinky Hair
For a more dimensional look, you can crop and sculpt your TWA into a flat top. In this case, the sides and back should be closely cut. As for the top, it should be carved into a box-like shape for the flat top effect.
Slick Buzz Cut Big Chop Hairstyle
Buzz cuts are not only some of the most popular short hairstyles for kinky hair, but they’re also one of the smartest ones. When cutting your hair this short, you’ll be ridding it of any dead weight and getting off to a fresh start. Slick down your curls for a wet buzz cut look.
Two Tone TWA Hairstyle for Kinky Hair
If you’d rather focus on defining your individual ringlets, you can opt for a two tone coloring approach. Once you’ve cut your TWA base, you can dye the tips of your curls on top in a contrasting shade. Blonde works the best for emphasizing your dark coils.
Natural Pixie Coils with Head Scarf
Scarves are highly useful for both protecting and complementing short kinky hairstyles. If you have super tight coils, you can maintain their form in the back throughout the day with a well-placed scarf. Allow the curls in front to form and flow naturally.
Bandana TWA Hairstyle for Kinky Hair
Alternatively, you can use a bandana for a similar impact. However, the accessory will prove to be especially practical for protecting your edges. Bandanas conceal and shield your hairline while highlighting your curls on top and in the back.
Roll and Tuck Short Kinky Updo Hairstyle
No matter how short your TWA is, the roll and tuck technique paves the way for eye-catching hairstyles. As the name suggests, you simply roll and tuck your locks to secure them in a swirly updo. To create an original design, add some cornrows to the mix.
Sculpted TWA Hairstyle for Kinky Hair
If you plan on growing out your natural hair to a significant length, you need to have a good initial body. When cutting your TWA, ask your stylist to sculpt it into your desired shape. For instance, if you want a pixie with a longer top, shape the body in an angular fashion with shorter sides.
Medium to Short Hairstyles for Kinky Hair
Short Side Hairstyle for Kinky Hair
One of the fastest, easiest, and prettiest short hairstyles for kinky hair only requires one of two elements – pins or cornrows. Create a deep part to one side and either pin or braid a narrow section of hair. That way, you’ll be able to sport a side part hairstyle without worrying about your curls sliding out of place.
Medium Blunt Box Braids Bob Hairstyle for Natural Hair
Box braids are the go-to choice for flexible short kinky hairstyles. Instead of getting waist-length box braids, crop them above your shoulders for a beautiful blunt braided bob. Use metallic, wooden, or plastic beads to secure the ends.
Shoulder-length Locs Hairstyle for Kinky Hair
Dreadlocks or faux locs help you achieve a textured hairstyle for expressing your culture. For even more movement throughout your hair, crop the locs in random short and long layers. The shoulder-length locs look is both easy to wear and style.
Asymmetrical Bob with Cornrows Hairstyle
For a more attention-grabbing hairstyle, try a steep asymmetrical bob with cornrows. To highlight the difference between the two sides, get cornrows done on the shorter one. As a result, you’ll enjoy a greater contrast with longer side of the asymmetrical bob.
Inverted Concave Box Braids Bob Hairstyle
If your aim is to frame your face in a flattering way, mix two distinct hair shaping techniques. In this case, it’s an inverted and concave bob haircut with box braids. The approach works well for a side part hairstyle that sharpens your jawline.
Spring Twist Shoulder-length Hairstyle
To get super tight and bouncy coils, try short hairstyles for kinky hair with spring twists. The African hairstyle retains a similar texture to natural curls and takes it to the next level of volume and definition. A shoulder-length spring twists cut should be accompanied by varying layers.
Jumbo Box Braids and Cornrows Short Hairstyle
On the topic of volume, jumbo box braids are just what you need for lifting your locks and increasing fullness. Here, there are fewer braids involved, but their size will result in a bigger and bouncier look. To add a personal twist to the style, consider some small cornrows or metallic accessories.
Layered Sisterlocks Hairstyle for Kinky Hair
On the other side of the spectrum, sisterlocks are ideal if you want an abundance of skinny braids. Overall, sisterlocks come in close to 4C hair. Therefore, if that’s your curl pattern, the style is perfect for mirroring your natural hair texture.
Bantu Knot Out Bob Hairstyle
For big, loose, and voluminous curls, a Bantu knot out hairstyle is what you’re looking for. The bigger you want your curls to be, the fewer Bantu knots you should create. Wrap them tightly and take them out the next day for the ultimate volume boost.
Ball Bun Hairstyle for Short to Medium Kinky Hair
If your hair is long enough, you can use the good ol’ ball bun hairstyle to increase the illusion of face length. Simultaneously, the hairstyle protects your curls. Sleek the base down if you want a contrasting effect.
Protective Short Hairstyles for Kinky Hair
Natural Twists Hairstyle for Kinky Hair
As far as protective short hairstyles for kinky hair go, loose natural twists are a must. For women with short to medium length afro-textured hair, it prevents damage and forms future ringlets. When you take the twists out, you’ll have large and beautifully shaped curls.
Short Afro Puffs Hairstyle for Kinky Hair
In addition to the classic ball bun, you can switch up your style with afro puff space buns. To do so, simply part your relaxed hair down the middle. From there, tie each section into a loose bun. The pigtails-inspired hairstyle is excellent for protection and playfulness alike.
Creative Cornrows and Twists Short Kinky Hairstyle
There is no limit to the cornrows designs you can explore in short hairstyles for kinky hair. For a truly unique look, braid your hair on each side with a creative geometric pattern. The top and back can be left longer as a faux hawk with tight twists.
Short Bantu Knots Hairstyle for Kinky Hair
Bantu knots can also be rocked as an all-day hairstyle on their own. Here, you might want to venture into laying the groundwork for smaller curls by creating numerous Bantu knots. Make sure you section your hair the way you want your curls to subsequently fall.
Halo Braid with Cornrows Protective Hairstyle
Protective and chic at the same time, here we have the full halo braid hairstyle with a cornrows crown. The main top and back area of your scalp should be filled with cornrow braids in your design of choice. Then, the perimeter should feature a thicker and looser braid that wraps all the way around your head.
Short Crochet Braids Hairstyle for Kinky Hair
To get results that are as natural as possible, look into short hairstyles for kinky hair with crochet braids. Basically, they look like jumbo curls after a thorough definition treatment. Keep them cropped in a longer pixie silhouette as your natural hair grows.
Shoulder-length Curly Nubian Twists with Headwrap
Another way to honor African heritage is with traditional Nubian twists. You can keep the main body tightly wrapped in coils and unravel the tips for some curly and voluminous texture. For additional protection, add a headwrap to the look.
Short Senegalese Twists Hairstyle for Kinky Hair
As an alternative, opt for the equally flattering and protective Senegalese twists. The African hairstyle is also known as rope twists, owing to the rope-like visual aspect of the braids. Decide whether you want small or jumbo braids and then proceed with the basic two strand twisting method.
Flat Twist Updo Hairstyle for Kinky Hair
Regardless if your current texture is kinky or relaxed, a flat twist updo will effectively protect your locks. Applying a reverse braiding technique from the nape to the crown will provide plenty of volume on top. To get your desired effect, leave the ends in loose twists.
Goddess Braids Updo Hairstyle for Short Kinky Hair
Feed-in braids or goddess braids help if you’re searching for a jumbo, 3D braid effect. Start narrower and increase the width of each braid as you progress. Create a swirling pattern for an alluring and comfortable updo hairstyle.
Tapered or Shaved Short Kinky Hairstyles
V-cut Faux Hawk Short Hairstyle for Kinky Hair
If you’re not afraid to experiment with shapes, try a upside down triangle approach. Taper the back and sides down completely and shave a V along your nape. Your curls can get gradually longer as you move up towards the crown of your head.
Short Tapered Haircut with Longer Kinky Top
Would you rather like more styling freedom? Maintain the same back and sides taper technique, but leave your curls on top longer. You can style them towards the front or part your hair to the side.
Kinky Faux Hawk with Undercut Design Hairstyle
A faux hawk haircut allows you to flaunt a large section of big curls on top while playing around with a creative undercut. The lower section not only lets you use your imagination for a one-of-a-kind design, but it also complements your facial features through tight and high cutting.
Androgynous Top Knot Crown Braid Cornrows with Undercut
Get inspired by short kinky hairstyles for men with an androgynous top knot and cornrows hairstyle. Create a full disconnected undercut and use your locks on top for a crown braid and intersecting cornrows.
Zig Zag Undercut Design on Short Pixie Cut
Add a funky spin on any classic short pixie cut with a zig zag undercut. After you have sculpted your ideal pixie shape, taper fade the second half of your hair. To finish off, use a surgical line shaving technique to create the zig zag design.
Short Sleek Finger Waves Hairstyle with Shorter Sides and Back
For a slick, classy, and wet look, try short hairstyles for kinky hair with finger waves. Work with a reputed stylist to shape precise layers of waves throughout your hair, edges included.
Curly Bowl Cut with Low Taper
Another androgynous hairstyle to keep in mind is the retro bowl cut adapted to kinky hair. For afro-textured curls, the best way to go is to keep the cutting line lower, at around eye-brow length. From there, complete the look with a low taper undercut.
Afro Mullet with Tapered Sides
If you’d rather accentuate how your hair is naturally full, kinky, and dense, carve your locks into an afro mullet with tapered sides. To get the look, make sure your curls are long enough for the mullet effect. After that, just shave down the hair on both sides.
Full Tapered Undercut with Curly Faux Hawk Top
A steep undercut will help accentuate the wealth of curls you have on the crown of your head. Cut your bottom curls to buzz cut length, all the way to the upper sides of your head. You’ll only have to focus on highlighting your curly faux hawk top.
High and Tight TWA Haircut for Kinky Hair
A great TWA alternative for rebellious women can be obtained with the high and tight cutting technique. The military haircut adds length, dimension, and texture to your overall appearance, scucpting your locks in the process.
Fringe Short Hairstyles for Kinky Hair
You may also be interested in 50+ Alluring Short Hairstyles with Bangs
Layered Bob Haircut with Bangs
To rock effortless wispy bangs, all you need is a well-executed layered bob foundation. Your curls should be cut using the individual carve and slice method to get a full rounded shape. At that point, a few of your ringlets will fall naturally over your forehead as a casual fringe.
Kinky Bob with Full Curly Fringe
On the other hand, you can crop a section of your curls specifically for a full set of bangs. In this situation, you should delimit a thicker area over your hairline and cut it right above your brows. If you want to have a fringe hairstyle on the daily, this is the best idea for you.
TWA Hairstyle with Side Part and Bangs
To give a sculpted TWA a dash of personality, try your hand at a side parted approach with bangs to match. You don’t need to use a lot of curls for the fringe – just a handful of wispy ones will suffice. Part your afro on your desired side and sweep the ringlets over your forehead and to the side.
Afro Mohawk with Natural Angular Fringe Curls
For a punk-inspired hairstyle, consider taking the big leap to carve out a full and long mohawk. Thanks to your kinky texture and the tapered sides, your curls will get a major volume boost on top. Consequently, they’ll naturally form an angular fringe you’ll love wearing.
Full Side Swept Kinky Bangs and Short Haircut
As an alternative, you can take a short haircut you’re growing out and pull everything to the side. Make a deep side part and style your coils in the front fully to the side. It helps if the opposing side and the back are cut shorter than the rest.
TWA Hairstyle with Curly Baby Bangs
If you have a youthful personality, test out short kinky hairstyles with baby bangs. To put it otherwise, allow your curls to mask your hairline and rest comfortably at the top of your forehead. The rest of your TWA can be sculpted in progressive layers for extra volume.
Curly Asymmetrical Side Bangs Short Kinky Hairstyle
To bring dimension to your hairstyle, cut your bangs at an angle from one side to the other. The gradual asymmetrical approach works incredibly well for women with pixie cut that feature longer tops.
Long Side Bangs Pixie with Faux Locs
On that note, you can also pull of a pixie with long bangs by using faux locs. Choose your favorite colors as faux highlights and get your locs installed with a side part in mind. The long pixie length is ideal for emphasizing facial features like high cheekbones or piercing eyes.
Full Mid-length Curly Bangs and Kinky Wedge Cut
For a well-balanced hairstyle, go for full medium-length curly bangs. Your ringlets should fall about halfway down your forehead or around half an inch above your brows. As for the rest of your hairstyle, you can try a matching wedge cut bob approach.
Faux Curly Bangs Updo Hairstyle for Kinky Hair
If you’re not ready to start cutting your curls for bangs, you can recreate them with a faux fringe. Provided your hair is around shoulder-length, you can pull it up into a small bun and leave the tips out front as curly bangs.
Conclusion
All in all, short hairstyles for kinky hair are exactly what you need to sport your natural curls with style and confidence. In addition to exploring short kinky hairstyles, you also need to check your curl care routine.
For instance, you should never keep protective styles with braids should in more than a few weeks at a time. Aside from that, I recommend sleeping with a silk bonnet or your hair loosely tied into a pineapple bun for second-day curl retention. Other than that, style with specific afro-textured hair products and avoid heat at all costs.
