How to Style Short Hair

Styling short hair can be both exciting and versatile, offering the opportunity to explore a variety of looks with minimal effort. Whether you’re aiming for sleek and sophisticated or messy and textured, this guide offers clear, step-by-step instructions to help you achieve your desired style.

Why Choose Short Hair?

Short hair is incredibly versatile, low maintenance, and trendy, making it a popular choice for many. From pixie cuts to bobs, short hair opens up options for creative styling, allowing you to showcase your personality and adapt the look for different occasions.

Things to Consider Before Styling

Before starting, take a moment to gather the tools and products you’ll need. Having the right items ready makes a significant difference in achieving professional-looking results.

Tools You May Need:

• A good quality flat iron or curling wand
• Blow dryer with a nozzle attachment for precision
• Round brushes or styling combs depending on the look you’re going for
• Clips or hair ties to section your hair while styling

Essential Products:

• Heat protectant spray to minimise damage from hot tools
• Lightweight mousse or texturising spray to add volume and texture
• Smoothening cream for sleek finishes or pomade for definition
• Light hairspray for hold without stiffness

Now, let’s look at some playful, polished, and professional ways to style short hair.

1. The Polished Sleek Look

Ideal for formal settings or minimalist style, this look radiates sophistication.

Steps:

1. Wash your hair and towel-dry until it’s damp.
2. Apply a heat protectant and smoothening cream evenly.
3. Blow dry your hair using a flat brush to smooth it out, working section by section.
4. Use a flat iron to straighten each section for an ultra-sleek finish.
5. Enhance shine by applying a small amount of serum, concentrating on the ends.

Pro Tip:

For extra polish, define your part—either centred or to one side. Tuck one side behind your ear for a chic finish.

2. Messy Textured Waves

Perfect for casual outings or when you want to add a touch of effortless glamour.

Steps:

1. Start with clean, dry hair and spritz with a heat protectant.
2. Grab a curling wand, and work in small sections (about 1-inch wide).
3. Wrap each section around the wand, holding for 5-7 seconds before releasing.
4. Once all the waves are done, gently tousle your hair with your fingers to break up the curls for a natural look.
5. Finish with texturising spray for added volume and hold.

Pro Tip:

Alternating the direction of each curl creates a more natural and less uniform appearance.

3. The Classic Voluminous Pixie

Designed for pixie cuts, this style creates volume and definition, making it great for workdays or dinners out.

Steps:

1. Start with clean, damp hair and apply a volumising mousse.
2. Blow dry your hair using your fingers to lift the roots and create volume.
3. Define sections using a small amount of pomade or styling wax to highlight the texture.
4. Use a light mist of hairspray for hold.

Pro Tip:

If you’re running short on time, skip the blow dry and use dry shampoo to refresh your roots and instantly add volume.

4. The Tucked Bob

This sleek, semi-casual look is perfect for shorter bobs and works well for both day and evening occasions.

Steps:

1. Blow dry your hair straight, focusing on creating smooth ends.
2. Use a straightener to ensure clean lines and a polished finish.
3. Tuck one or both sides behind your ears, using bobby pins if needed to keep them in place.
4. Apply a small amount of hair wax to smooth flyaways and define sections.

Pro Tip:

Pair this look with bold statement earrings to accentuate your style.

5. The Edgy Faux Hawk

Best suited for those with daring pixies or short layers, this style brings edge and boldness to your look.

Steps:

1. Start by applying a small amount of hair wax to your palms and rub it through barely damp hair.
2. Use your fingers to mould the middle section of your hair upwards into a faux hawk shape.
3. Add extra volume by gently teasing the backcombed sections with a fine-toothed comb.
4. Spray lightly with hairspray to lock the style in place.

Pro Tip:

Experiment with different heights and textures to suit your unique style and face shape.

6. Half-Up Style

A playful option for short bobs and lobs, this look blends elegance and fun.

Steps:

1. Section off the top half of your hair, leaving the bottom loose.
2. Gather the top section into a small ponytail, bun, or twist, and secure with a clip or hair tie.
3. Gently curl or wave the loose ends for added texture.
4. Finish with a light spritz of hairspray.

Pro Tip:

Use decorative clips or scrunchies to make the style more personalised.

Final Words of Encouragement

Short hair offers endless possibilities for creative styling. Whether you prefer polished or playful looks, mastering these techniques will keep your routine interesting and versatile. Start experimenting with different styles, and don’t be afraid to try something new.

With these easy-to-follow methods, styling short hair can feel empowering and fun. Happy styling!