Braids are a classic and beautiful hairstyle that can work for any hair type. For those with curly hair, braids can be a fun way to tame curls and create defined styles. Short braids look especially stylish on curly hair and there are many options to try. In this article, we will share 40 short curly braid hairstyle ideas to inspire you. With these braided styles, you can show off your curls in chic yet easy to do designs.
Whether you go for a single French braid down the side, double Dutch braids or braided buns, these short braided ‘dos will highlight your hair’s natural texture in a flattering way. Get ready to be inspired by fun braided up styles, half-ups and more half-down braided looks perfect for curly hair..
Blonde Half Braid
In this style, half of the blonde curly hair is braided while the other half is left loose. A simple three strand braid is made from the top of the head to the halfway point. The braid is then secured with an elastic band. Curls cascade down in soft waves from the braided section adding bounce and volume. This modern half-up half-down look flatters curly hair with a touch of sophistication.
Blonde Waterfall Braid
This cascade of curls features a long braid draped down the front of the head. Finely textured blonde locks are plaited together from the top of the head. As the braid progresses lower, more sections of hair are incorporated to create a waterfall effect. Loose rings of curls peek out from the sides with movement and flair.
Boho Crochet Braid
This style looks hippie. Blonde curls are braided. A thick braid is made at the top of the head. Small pieces of hair are added to the braid as it goes down. This makes the braid get bigger. It looks like a crochet hook was used to make it. The braid hangs loosely at the front. Loose ringlet curls can be seen at the sides.
Colored Cornrow Braid
This braid has color. The curls are blonde but some strands are dyed. Thin sections of hair are braided back from the forehead. As the braid goes to the back, more hair is added. This creates a cornrow braid shape. Sections of hair in different colors like blue and pink are mixed in. The braid continues in a straight line.
Cornrow Twisted Braids
This style has two braids. Thin strands of curled blonde hair are braided close to the head. The braids start at the top and go to the back. As they braid, the strands twist around each other. This causes the braids to twist as well. Loose ringlets stick out from the braids. The twists give the braids texture and interest.
Curly Box Braids
This style puts curls in braids. Sections of hair are braided all over the head. The braids form a box shape across the top. As the hair is braided, the curls stay loose and bouncy inside. The braids cross over each other with curly strands poking out. It keeps the hair neat but shows off the curl pattern.
Curly Braided Bun
In this style, curly hair is braided and then put up. Strands of blonde curls are plaited together starting at the top of the head. The braid goes all the way around into a circle. It is then wrapped up into a high bun shape on top. Loose ringlets stick out beautifully from the bun. This keeps hair up in a neat, stylish way while still flaunting the soft curls.
Curly Braids
Blonde curly hair is sectioned into three parts. The strands are carefully plaited together to create a braid on each side of the head. Loose rings and waves remain free around the braids. As the curls spill out, they bounce around the sides in a casual manner. This shows off the natural waves in an easygoing look held together by just two braids.
Curly Crochet Braids
Sections of curly blonde hair are used to make thick braids. Instead of plaiting, a crochet needle is worked through the strands to create full, textured braids. The braids are anchored at the top of the head and hang loosely further down. Loose ringlets escape the braids, giving movement and body. Colorful yarn is woven throughout the braids, adding boho flair.
Curly Mohawk Braids
Thin strands of curly hair are taken from both sides of the head and braided together at the front. As more hair gets added, the braid grows wider resembling a mohawk shape. Loose curls stand out on either side. The braid is worn high and tight at the front while the waves below have bounce.
Dutch Braids With Curls
Fingers expertly separate curly hair into two sections. Starting at the front, hair is twisted and woven under itself to create classic Dutch braids on both sides. As the braids progress, more curled strands are folded in so they stay contained but retain volume. Loops of golden waves escape the braids freely.
Dyed Top Braid With Wavy Curls
A thick braid wraps around the top of the head like a headband. Parts of the blonde curls making up the braid have been colored a vivid green. Loose waves spill over the braid and hang below in a messy style. The pop of unnatural color peeking through the braid contrasts the natural hair color flowing beneath.
French Braids
Two French braids frame the face. Thin strands of curly hair are carefully woven under and pulled tight against the head. More curled sections are incorporated to build the braids as they travel back. Loose rings escape and wisps soften the hairline. The symmetric plaits organize strands neatly while still showing off the gold curl pattern.
French Curls Braids
Three thin braids are sectioned from the top of the head. Instead of the usual French plait style, these braids are looser and less tight to the scalp. Fingers lightly twist strands together so curled pieces catch and kink out messily along the braids. Ringlets burst and bounce freely around the braids as well.
Front Head Braid
A singular braid is created at the front of the head. Wisps of curling hair are carefully plaited together in a wide braid shape stretching across the forehead. Loose waves spill down from underneath, left to do their own thing. The solitary braid neatly holds back strands at the hairline to expose facial features.
Goddess Braids
Thick strands of wavy hair are sectioned off along the hairline. Starting at the front, the strands are loosely braided backwards with room left between each plait. More curly strands smoothly join each braid as it trails down the head. Loose pieces are woven in, adding volume and bounce. Ringlets flow free all around to complete the romantic style.
Jumbo Curly Braids
Thick strands of curly hair are tightly woven together to create oversized braids along the sides. The chunky braids start small at the top of the head and flare out considerably as more hair gets pulled in. Loose ringlets wildly burst from within each braid and in between. The prominent braids serve as statement accessories that aren’t too controlling of the spirited curls.
Knotless Braided Bun
Curly strands are individually braided into knotless plaits that snake around the head. As the braids travel, more hair is incorporated to extend their lengths. At the back, the braids wind together into a coiled bun shape sitting high atop the head. Ringlets bounce freely all around the secured bun.
Knotless Braids
Sections of hair are parted and carefully braided without knots. Thin strands of golden curls are smoothly woven under and over into individual braids along different angles of the head. More curled pieces join each braid as they lengthen, adding fluidity. Loose ringlets spill between the plaits and stray wisps soften the look.
Lined Braids
Thin sections of curled hair are taken at the top of the head in neat vertical lines across the scalp. Each small section is then loosely braided downwards beside the next. As the braids progress, additional curls join to slowly build volume. Loose ringlets remain freely around the braids.
Loose Boho Braids
Wide sections of wavy hair are loosely woven into uneven braids along both sides. Instead of tight plaiting, strands are carelessly twisted together with fingers, leaving pieces out randomly. Waves roll out messily from within the loose braids as well as between them. Ribbons are woven throughout for added bohemian flair.
Loosely Twisted Braids
Thick fingers gently twist together small bundles of curled strands starting at the front hairline. Instead of fully plaiting, the twists are open and messy with pieces poking out. More waves are incorporated as the twists trail loosely down the head on both sides. Ringlets burst freely all around the laidback braids.
Marmaid Braid
Strands of curled hair are sectioned on both sides of the head from the temples back. In a loose fishtail braiding motion, strands are crossed over each other to create “mermaid tails” extending downwards. More pieces join to build volume in the braids as they trail. Loose ringlets cascade around the braids freely. Colorful shells.
Micro Braids with Curls
Thin sections of curly hair are carefully braided close to the scalp all over. Dozens of micro braids no wider than a few strands originate from the hairline and scalp partings. As they progress, ringlets join in but stay loose. Abundant spiraled strands burst from between the tiny plaits.
Natural Waterfall Braid
At the back of the head where hair naturally parts, strands are loosely braided downwards resembling a waterfall. Fingers gently twist pieces together without fully plaiting. Waves spill out of the braid and frame it on both sides while more ringlets join the braid as it flows downwards.
Neat Knotless Braids
Thin sections of curled hair are precisely braided without any knots along the head. As the individual braids progress from the crown, more ringlets join in and the plaits get wider but stay neat. A few baby hairs are left out softly to frame the face. Loose waves spill out around the braids.
Ponytail Box Braids
Thick sections of hair from the top of the head are tightly braided back into chunky box braids resembling a cornrow pattern. The braids follow the natural part and come together at the back of the head into a high ponytail. Abundant loose curls bounce freely around the braids and spill from the ponytail base.
Short Bohemian Braids
Small sections of wavy hair are loosely braided from the crown to the mid-lengths. The braids are very short and uneven with wispy pieces poking out. Ringlets spill messily around and from within the messy braids. Flowery embellishments are threaded throughout the braids for bohemian flair.
Short Bohemian Curly Braids
Thin sections of bouncy curls are parted along the top of the head towards the crown. Each short section is loosely braided just a few strands wide with flowery embellishments woven in. Ringlets freely spill out of the dainty braids and between them. Wisps frame the face while loose pieces halo around the braids.
Short Curly Boho Braids
Small bundles of spiraled strands are sectioned loosely along the top of the head. Each wispy section is carelessly braided just a few stands thick. Mini braids trail from the crown only a few inches long with ringlets tumbling out. Flower crowns and beads are woven throughout the braids.
Short Curly Braids
Thin sections of short spiraled strands are parted along the crown. Each section is loosely braided a few inches down, weaving in nearby ringlets. Mini braids sit closely together across the top of the head sprouting curly wisps. Loose curls surround and break away from the braids with pieces softly framing the face.
Side Pull Through Braid
A thick section of curled hair is pulled from one side of the head near the temple. In a smooth under-and-over motion, the strand is woven through itself to create a braid along the side of the head. As it progresses, more ringlets are incorporated to lengthen and thickening the braid. Loose curls spill down and frame the braid on both sides.
Side Braid With Curls
A thick section of curled hair is pulled from one side of the forehead. Fingers easily twist and weave the strands under and over each other as they trail down the side of the head. More ringlets are added in a messy yet organized fashion to elongate the braid. Spiraled strands spill freely around and from within the braid. Loose curls tumble down the opposite side and bounce around the face.
Small Braids Crown
Thin sections of spiraled strands are parted all around the top of the head, focusing on the crown area. Each wispy section is tightly braided just a few strands wide, creating a circlet of mini braids throughout the front and sides of the crown. Ringlets spill messily between and around the braids. Loose curls are left to frame the face and cascade below.
Stitch Braids With Curls
Thin strands of curled hair along the hairline are sectioned and braided close to the scalp. The stitch-like braids originate at the front and travel upwards towards the crown in neat vertical lines. As they progress, additional ringlets are woven into the braids. Loose waves spill out between the thin plaits and halo around the braided sections.
Tribal Braids With Curls
Thick sections of curled hair along the head are separated into squares and triangles resembling tribal patterns. Within each geometric section, strands are tightly braided without fully plaiting. Ringlets spill out messily from the braids. Beads, feathers and charms are woven throughout for an earthy accent.
Twisted Braids
Thick strands of curled hair are pulled back from the crown and separated into sections on both sides. Fingers gently twist strands together as they trail downwards without fully plaiting. The loose twists create casual braids with ringlets woven throughout and spilling out. More waves join in as the braids progress downwards,
Undercut Braids
Undercut braids is a hairstyle where the sides of the head have very short hair in an undercut style. The top of the head has longer hair that is braided. Common braids used are French braids or flat braids that go from the front to the back of the head. The braids can be worn messy or tight. This stylish look combines an edgy undercut with the classy look of braids.
Versatile Box Braids
Box braids are a protective style where the hair is braided close to the scalp in square-shaped braids. Versatile box braids can be worn in many different ways. They can be worn down or styled up in a ponytail or bun. Small or large box braids can create different looks. Box braids also last for weeks without much maintenance.
Waterfall Braid
A waterfall braid is a long braid that starts at the top of the head and flows over to one side like a gorgeous waterfall. It can create a beautiful layered look for medium to long hair. Sections of hair are braided over other sections as you braid down to create the cascading effect.
Conclusion
There are many beautiful and versatile braided hairstyles that can be created with short curly hair. From undercut braids to waterfall styles, box braids to messy French braids, these looks are stylish, protective of curls and can be worn from casual to dressy events. Exploring creative braiding techniques allows curly-haired women to showcase their natural texture in chic, on-trend updos and downs. Braids truly are a go-to option for shaping short curly strands.