39 Short 4c Hairstyles To Elevate Your Look
Sahiba Tandon
Updated At 12 Apr 25
4C hair can be extremely versatile, which gives you different options to style your tightly coiled hair. And there are different long styles you might have seen but what about short 4C hairstyles? Through cuts like bob, half up and half down, taper, and more, you can make your look unique.
39 Best Short 4C Hairstyles
1. Bob
The first haircut that comes to anyone's mind when we talk about short 4C hairstyles would be a reliable and stylish bob cut! It is highly manageable and can be done on any hair texture!
2. Short 4C Haircut
If you're all about ease and bold style, a short 4C haircut is perfect. It brings out your natural texture and keeps things light and low-maintenance. You can shape it to suit your face beautifully. A great way to celebrate your curls with confidence.
3. Short Bob
A short bob gives your 4C hair a clean, structured look while still feeling soft and stylish. It frames your face just right and works well with natural volume. You don’t need a lot of product—just let your curls shine. It’s simple, sleek, and super chic.
4. Short Bob with Curls
Want to mix structure with texture? A short bob with curls gives you the best of both worlds. It’s playful, defined, and full of personality. You can fluff it out or keep it neat—either way, it’s a look that always turns heads.
5. TWA
A TWA is a short form of a Teeny Weeny Afro and it is quite popular among very short 4C hairstyles since it only requires you to brush your hair and you are ready to go!
6. Twist Out Bob
A twist-out will require you to unravel the twists of your hair so that you can create a wave-like style. This curly look with a bob cut will surely make you look like a star!
7. Space Buns
Space buns require you to divide and pin hair into two buns on opposite sides. This hairstyle looks as beautiful on short hair as it does on longer ones.
8. Short 4C Haircut with Undercut
This cut is bold, edgy, and full of attitude. The undercut gives you a clean shape around the sides, while the top keeps your 4C curls front and center. It’s a fun way to switch things up without losing your natural vibe. Plus, it’s super easy to style.
9. Curly Hair with Undercut
Let your curls do their thing up top while keeping the sides neat and sharp. A curly style with an undercut gives you volume, shape, and a trendy twist. It’s low-fuss but high impact. Great for showing off your natural texture with a modern feel.
10. Curly Hair Short Haircut
A short curly cut is perfect when you want something fresh and easy to manage. It keeps your natural pattern intact while making styling super quick. Just moisturize and go! It’s a soft, beautiful look that feels effortless and fun.
11. Braid-Out
Braid-outs are quite popular as protective hairstyles for short 4C hair and rightfully so. They are not only easy to do but also protect you from environmental factors and look fabulous on any hair length.
12. Chunky Twists
Chunky twists give you a big and bold look that will complement your naturally curly hair for a voluminous look.
Briana Dunning, an experienced hairstylist at STRIIIKE salon in LA, recommends how to excel at looser twists like this style:
“Make sure to let hair dry properly, as taking them out prematurely will result in frizz and less definition.”
13. Flat Twist+Wash And Go Combo
Have natural, dense coily hair and want to try very short 4C hairstyles for work and practical purposes? Then try this combination of simple flat twists with a wash-and-go combo. They are protective as well as beautiful.
14. Island Locs
These short island locs are wrapped from the root, giving a rustic yet stunning distressed look which makes your hair look luxuriant!
15. Puff Hairstyle
A puff hairstyle gives you volume and confidence. This updo can be done with either braids or twists, so you have a lot to experiment with!
16. Fluffy Braid-Out
Fluffy Braid-Outs are a nice alternative to protective hairstyles for short 4C hair, as they are chic and easy to carry.
17. Ponytail
A ponytail is a versatile haircut that goes with any type of hair. So, if you are looking for very short 4C hairstyles, high or low, fluffy or sleek, any type of ponytail will look impressive.
18. Colored Hair Bob
Adding just a dash or going on fully colored literally adds a new layer to your basic curly look!
Silvana Castillo, an experienced hair stylist and founder of The Curl Whisperer, a popular hair salon, says that girls with 4C hair are looking out for vibrant hair colors! She quotes:-
“The younger generation wants to experiment with fun colors, always keeping in mind the health of the hair.
19. Boho Braids
Boho braids are knotless, which will require you to tightly coil your tresses. This may take some time but you will end up with an impressive, carefree look!
20. Tuck And Roll
Tuck and roll is a sophisticated style that can be the right hairstyle for days when you want an exciting style without working much on the look.
21. Micro Locs
Micro locs can be a beautiful option when you are suffering from shrinkage and still want to try a twist hairstyle on short hair.
22. Asymmetrical Bob
The asymmetrical bob may take more time to achieve than other basic short 4C hairstyles but this style can become a go-to look in your daily routine!
23. Stitched Cornrows & Fluffy Braids
This combination of cornrows and braids gives even short hair a fuller look! These specific styles will especially suit your tightly coiled hair.
24. Twist Out With Bangs
Twist out is an already iconic hairstyle on black wavy hair but if you want your short 4C curls to look super chic, try getting a bang cut!
25. Cornrows
Cornrows offer a chic and manageable option for those who prefer a shorter hair length while enjoying the benefits of protective hairstyles for short 4C hair.
26. High Bun
For this easy hairdo, gather your coiled hair into a centered or off-centered bun (as per your preference) and use hair ties or pins to secure them!
27. Headwrap Look
By just wrapping a headwrap around your 4C curls, you can not only try something new but also bring culture to your look!
28. Crochet Hair
Not all crochet hair has to be long; you can get a protective style that gives bouncy natural hair texture!
29. Defined Curls
You can have a trendy and classy look by just defining your hair type. No need to spend hours trying to create an extensive look!
30. Half Up Half Down Hairstyle
You have to simply gather half of the hair into a bun and leave the other loose for this time-saving short 4C hairstyle.
31. Front Braids
Simply do two or four front braids and leave the curly hair as is and tada, you’ll achieve among the most amazing (and simple) very short 4C hairstyles for work!
32. Passion Twists
Passion Twists are two-strand twists known for their beautiful boho image that can look as radiant in a short length as they look beautiful in the basic long hair length.
33. Low Bun
You can never go wrong with a low bun! It is especially recommended when you search for short 4C hairstyles, as it'll look stunning whether it is sleek and voluminous.
34. Taper Cut
Whether you have short or long 4C hair, tapered sides with any hair length will complement it. It's as practical as it is chic!
35. Headband Accesory
A simple headband will give your hair volume and can level up your look far more easily than trying any difficult straight or curly hairstyle.
36. Jumbo Braid-Out
For a less intense look, try a looser version of braid-out which is its jumbo version. Since your hair is not as tightly coiled in this style, it'll be lighter to carry!
37. Curtain Bangs
Want to try something new but don't want to use extensions? Then try curtain bangs; they will add a new layer to your overall look!
38. Curly Bangs
Curly bangs give you a new look that you can get if you are bored with your normal short 4C hairstyles and want to mix them up with new trends.
39. Beads Flat Twists
Many hairstyles can be highlighted with the use of hair accessories like beads, especially when you combine them with a short haircut, they become ultra chic!
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