Achieving curly styles with very short hair is possible, offering versatile looks often thought exclusive to longer lengths. Many believe short hair restricts styling options, but shorter cuts have dynamic potential. With the right approach, even a pixie or a very short bob can be transformed with defined curls or soft waves. This guide explores methods and product choices for creating curly styles on very short hair.
Essential Preparation
Proper preparation forms the foundation for successful curl formation on short hair. Begin by washing hair with a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner to ensure it is clean and hydrated. Thoroughly detangle with a wide-tooth comb while wet, working gently from ends upwards to prevent breakage.
After washing, gently blot excess water with a microfiber towel, leaving hair damp but not dripping. Applying a lightweight leave-in conditioner provides additional moisture and manageability. If heat styling, a heat protectant spray should be evenly distributed through damp strands before any heat is applied. This safeguards hair from thermal damage.
Techniques for Short Hair
Creating curls on very short hair requires specific techniques. Finger coiling is an effective heat-free method. Apply a curl-defining product to small, damp sections of hair. Wrap each section tightly around your finger from root to tip, holding for a few seconds before releasing. This technique encourages a uniform curl pattern.
Small rods or flexi-rods are an excellent option for defined curls. Select rods with a small diameter (1/2 inch to 1 inch), as larger barrels create looser waves that may fall quickly. Wrap tiny sections of damp hair around the rods, ensuring ends are tucked in. Allow hair to dry completely before unraveling.
For a softer, wavier texture, create mini braids or twists on damp hair. Divide hair into small sections, braid or twist tightly, and let them dry fully before gently undoing them to reveal a crimped or wavy pattern.
If using heat, a micro-curling iron (1/2 to 1 inch barrel) is recommended for very short hair. Wrap small sections of hair around the barrel, hold for a few seconds, then release and catch the curl in your palm to cool and set. Alternating curl direction—away from and towards the face—creates a more natural and voluminous look. Work in small sections and use a heat protectant to minimize damage.
Selecting and Applying Products
Styling products are instrumental in defining and holding curls on very short hair. Mousses and foams add volume and a lighter hold without weighing down fine or short strands. Distribute a small amount evenly through damp hair, focusing on roots for lift. Gels provide a stronger hold and are effective for techniques like finger coiling, maintaining curl definition and reducing frizz.
When using gel, apply sparingly to small sections of damp hair, smoothing it down the strand before coiling or shaping. Curl enhancers or creams boost natural curl patterns, add moisture, and control frizz. They are suitable for enhancing existing texture or setting new curls. Apply these products to damp hair, ensuring even distribution from root to tip. For optimal results, work the product into small sections, then gently scrunch or smooth to encourage curl formation.
Setting and Preserving Curls
The final steps involve drying and protecting newly formed curls. Air drying is a gentle option that minimizes frizz, allowing curls to set naturally. For a quicker process, a diffuser attachment on a hairdryer, used on a low heat and speed setting, can enhance curl formation and add volume without disrupting the curl pattern. Position the diffuser cup around sections of hair, gently lifting towards the scalp.
Once hair is completely dry, if gel or mousse was used, it might create a slight “cast” or crispness. Soften this by gently scrunching hair with your hands to “break the cast” and reveal soft, defined curls. To preserve curls overnight, sleeping on a satin pillowcase or wrapping hair in a silk scarf can reduce friction and prevent frizz and flattening. For refreshing curls on subsequent days, a light mist of water or a diluted curl-refreshing spray can reactivate products and reshape strands without needing to re-curl entirely.