Short curly hairstyles 2017 captured the year's shift toward effortless texture and defined movement. These looks balanced playful volume with structured edges, suiting a range of face shapes and lifestyle needs.
As stylists embraced layered cuts and airier products, 2017 short curls offered polished yet low-effort options for everyday wear and special occasions. The following sections outline signature styles, cut techniques, and care strategies that defined the trend.
| Hair Length | Texture Pattern | Best Face Shape | Typical Styling Time | Product Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chin to jaw | Loose spiral | Oval, square | 2–4 minutes | Light |
| Above shoulders | Defined ringlet | Round, heart | 5–8 minutes | Medium |
| Ear length | Tight corkscrew | Long, diamond | 8–12 minutes | High |
| Shoulder grazing | Beachy wave curl | All with side parting | 3–6 minutes | Low to Medium |
Signature Cuts for Short Curly Hair 2017
Blunt Bob with Curl Definition
The blunt bob sat at ear level or just below, with clean lines that made each curl pop. Slight thinning on the interior reduced bulk while keeping shape intact.
Asymmetrical Layers and Fringe
Asymmetry brought one side shorter than the other, often with a side-swept fringe. This framing highlighted cheekbones and balanced heavy curl patterns around the crown.
Textured Pixie with Separation
Textured pixies used point-cutting to create separation, allowing natural curl clumps to form without a helmet-like effect. Styling emphasized airiness at the roots.
Techniques for Enhancing Natural Curl Patterns
Layering for Mobility
Internal layers removed weight without shrinking overall volume, giving curls more room to move. Shorter layers around the crown boosted bounce for finer hair types.
Razor vs Scissors Cutting
Scissors delivered softer edges, while razor work enhanced pieceiness and a lived-in finish. The choice depended on desired definition and natural wave direction.
Diffuser Drying Methods
Drying with a diffuser lifted roots and encouraged spring without frizz. Scrunching with a curl cream while diffusing helped lock in the 2017 shape.
Product Choices and Styling Essentials
Creams and Lightweight Gels
Creams offered hydration and light hold, while gels provided stronger definition. Many stylists recommended hybrid routines for flexible yet lasting curls.
Salt Sprays and Mousses
Salt sprays injected grit and separation, ideal for the undone beach look. Mousses supplied structure for precise coil patterns, especially in tighter curls.
Heat Protection and Air Drying
When heat tools were used, a thermal protectant reduced damage. Air drying with a microfiber towel preserved curl integrity and minimized frizz.
Maintenance Routines for Lasting Curls
Washing Frequency and Scalp Health
Washing every 2–3 days preserved natural oils while keeping the scalp fresh. Co-washing between full washes helped maintain moisture in tighter curls.
Refreshing Second-Day Styles
A light mist of water and a small amount of cream revived day-two curls. Scrunching at the roots refreshed volume without reshaping the entire head.
Trimming Schedule for Shape Retention
Regular trims every 6–8 weeks prevented split ends and preserved the integrity of the short curl design. Point-cutting maintained softness at the perimeter.
Daily Care and Long-Term Curly Hair Health
- Use sulfate-free shampoos to preserve curl elasticity and color.
- Apply leave-in conditioner to soaking wet hair for better slip and definition.
- Sleep on a silk pillowcase to reduce friction and maintain curl clumps.
- Clarify weekly to remove buildup that can dull curl pattern.
- Protect hair from heat by using the lowest effective temperature setting.
- Schedule regular trims to keep ends healthy and shape accurate.
- Rotate between light and strong hold products to adapt to different days.
FAQ
Reader questions
Can short curly hairstyles 2017 work for fine hair?
Yes, layered cuts and volumizing products create the illusion of thickness while keeping curls lively and well-defined.
How do I reduce frizz in tight curls during humid weather?
p> Use a humidity-resistant gel or cream, avoid touching the hair while drying, and seal the cuticle with a cool water rinse at the end of washing.
Is it necessary to use a diffuser every time I dry my curls?
A diffuser helps enhance natural pattern and reduce frizz, but occasional air drying is fine if you refresh with product and scrunching.
Will short curly hair 2017 styles grow out gracefully?
Regular trims and mid-length layers allow curls to transition smoothly, preventing a triangular shape as the length increases.