Wondering how to curl short hair? To get waves with ease, just follow these easy steps.
When it comes to styling, short hair can be intimidating. You’re not the only one who, after lusting after the sexiest summer hairstyles, decided to cut your hair short for the season. However, you may now be struggling to curl your new style.
Fortunately, it turns out that it doesn’t have to be that difficult. Even if you use a flat iron, curling iron, wand, or even go heat-free (yes, it’s possible), the steps are incredibly easy to follow overall. It just takes a little bit of practice.
How to Curl Short Hair With a Curling Iron?
You can curl freshly washed and blow-dried hair or next-day hair (though next-day hair is known to hold curls better).
- Prior to using any tools, prepare your hair by applying a heat protectant.
- Without the clip, use a hot barrel [on a 1 to 1½-inch iron], roll the hair around it, and let loose.
- To add definition and more hold, use a texturizing spray.
- Shake out the curls by flipping the hair over.
- If curls lack moisture, add a pea-sized amount of hair oil to them.
How to Curl Short Hair With a Flat Iron?
If you do want to try your hand at flat iron waves, however:
- Your hair should be divided into three or four sections, depending on how thick it is.
- Away from the face, wrap hair strands measuring 1 and 1/2 inches around the iron.
- Use the iron as usual up until about halfway down the hair shaft. Then, flip the iron over to begin curling the hair.
How to Curl Short Hair With a Curling Wand?
A curling wand is great if you prefer a beachy, natural texture because it makes it simple to maintain straight ends.
For bob- and lob-length hair, a curling wand with a one-inch barrel works best—anything larger won’t work for your short hair, and anything smaller will make the ringlets too tight.
- All over the hair, apply a heat-protectant product.
- Use a hair tie or clip to divide up the top section of your hair.
- For a more effortless, modern pattern, hold your iron at an angle (or horizontally for more volume).
- For a modern beauty texture, wrap the hair around the iron rather than feeding it through, leaving one to one and a half inches of hair out.
- Repeat the curling procedure after removing the clip from the remaining hair.
- For a more relaxed look, gently run a flat iron through your hair’s very tips.
- Spray some texture on the final step.
How to Curl Short Hair Without Heat?
If you’d rather not heat-style your hair but still want effortless-looking curls, you can still achieve a curly look:
- Make a middle part in your damp hair to start.
- Start by twisting two 1/2 inch pieces of hair at the front of your head over one another. Add more hair as you go.
- Repeat on the other side, tying the ends in a knot.
- After letting the hair dry, gently untwist it and shake the curls out.
Final Thoughts: How to Curl Short Hair
Once you’ve curled your whole head of hair, it’s time to shake it out! For a fun, beachy look, ruffle up your curls and divide them with your fingers.
Style your hair however you like from here: Try a headband, a fun clip, or wear it down! Once you’re satisfied with how you look, finish off your style with some hairspray or a texture spray.
Remember, practice makes perfect, so keep honing your curling techniques and you’ll be a pro in no time.
More short hair tips, keep reading:
FAQs about Short Curls
Is It Harder to Curl Short Hair?
Curling hair, in general, can be a challenge, and having short hair doesn’t make it any easier.
Why is Short Hair Less Curly?
It’s basic curly-girl physics that when you cut your hair, your curls become lighter and springier, which contributes to a curlier appearance. As it grows in length, the weight of your hair starts to pull down and stretch out your curls, making them look looser.
What is the Best Tool to Curl Short Hair?
- Chi Spin N Curl.
- Conair offers the InfinitiPro Curling Wand.
- A portable curling iron from DAN Technology.
- InstaWave Automatic Curler from Kiss
