Short hair has always been a classic and beautiful hairstyle many women rock, especially during the summer! But while it looks amazing, you have limited styles to choose from, and it seems hard to follow some, like having curly hair.
If you have naturally wavy or curly short hair, that’s great! If you have straight hair and trying to find ways to curl it properly despite the short length, don’t worry. There are ways on how to curl short hair with a curling iron safely and successfully.
So for those who have short hair wishing to curl their hair for those beach waves or tight ringlets, read on! I’ll show you the top tips and methods to get you your desired hairstyle.
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How to Curl Short Hair With a Curling Iron
I used to be so freaked over curling irons and hair straighteners, fearing that I’d end up with burned hair or an icky hairstyle. Once I got into using them though, I realized how easy it was to use, even with short hair! I now manage to do any hairstyle using it so if your aim is curly short hair, here are some tips to follow:
1. Prepare Your Hair For Heat Styling First
Before you get into curling your hair and using heat styling methods, you have to prepare for it! Since your hair will be exposed to heat, it can damage quicker if not protected. With that said, follow these steps on prepping your hair for protected and more successful curly hair.
Use Texturizing Spray
Do you have dry hair? If so, then you should start with a texturing spray, which gives your hair more volume and body after styling it. It also helps short hair hold the curls for longer periods.
Apply the spray on all parts of your hair, running your fingers through each area to ensure that the spray is evenly spread around. I also recommend that you wash your hair before applying the texturized, which adds even more hold.
Apply Heat Protectant
You always have to add a heat protectant before using any heat on your hair. This tip especially goes to those who have finer hair for safety purposes AND to add even more volume to it. These products are used to add more volume, shine, and prevent hair damage in the long run.
For those with fine hair, use a heat protectant spray. If you have thicker hair, use a gel instead. Apply the gel or spray in all parts of your hair and like the texturizer, use your fingers to evenly spread the heat protectant. Allow the heat protectant to sit for up to two minutes to dry adequately.
Comb or Brush Your Hair
Using a quality brush or comb, brush your hair gently from the root down to the ends and tips. This further spreads the texturizer and heat protectant, also ensuring that your hair has no knots that may affect the way you curl it.
For those who have finer hair and want more volume, I suggest that you use a round brush and comb it out. For thick hair, any good brush will do, just don’t tug at it!
Clip Up Your Hair
Lastly, clip up your hair to make it easier to curl the bottom layer (where you’ll be starting!). Pull hair from both sides of your head and place it above your ears. After that, clip these sides up using a strong hair clip.
If you have very short hair, you might not have the length of a top layer to clip it up. If that’s the case, then you can skip this step and begin curling!
2. Steps On Using Your Curling Iron
Now that your hair’s prepped, it’s time to curl your hair! Here are the quick and easy steps to follow for any curls:
Prepare Your Curling Iron
Prepare your curling iron and use a half-inch wand (about 1.30 centimeters). This will ensure that your wand has a large width for curling your short hair without it being TOO big.
Take Your Hair Then Wrap and Hold
Hold the curling iron using your dominant hand and with the other hand, take about an inch of your hair from behind the ear. For shorter hair, take only a small amount from the front.
Set your curling iron’s temperature to about 400 degrees if you have virgin hair. For color-treated hair, don’t go beyond 390 degrees. If you have fine or double-processed hair, stick to about 350 degrees.
Wrap your hair one to two times and away from your roots and face. Wrap it around 1.5 times for a C-curl, or 2.5 times for an S-curl.
Hold your hair for half a minute if you have medium or thick hair. For fine hair, wait for up to 15 seconds max. Release your hair and hold it with your hand for about five seconds to set it better.
Alternate the Curling Directions
Once you’ve curled one-piece, curl the next section, this time towards your face. By alternating the directions, you have more volume. Just make sure that you curl the similar amount of hair per section to make it even.
Curl the Bottom Layer and Repeat For the Top Layer
Continue to curl your hair’s bottom layer one inch at a time. Work from the front first until you’re through with the side, getting all curls at the similar shape and size. When you’re through with the bottom layer, unclip the top part of your hair and repeat the process with the next layer. If you’re curling extremely short hair pieces, be wary with your fingers and try curling it upwards instead!
Let Your Hair Cool and Tousle
After finishing up on all parts of your hair, allow the curls to sit, cooling down from the heat exposure. Don’t move the curls around or touch it first so it gets easier.
Once cooled down, get some sections of your hair, lifting it in the air and shaking it our using your hands. Massage and toss your hair or even run your hands through it, giving it a messier and more natural look. DON’T use a brush or comb, which pulls out your curls!
Set It And Done!
Set your now-curled hair with hairspray, though you should only use very small amounts to avoid your curls from looking dry, crunchy, and stiff. For those who want a more natural and messy look, then you don’t need to put the hairspray!
3. Bonus Tips to Curl Your Short Hair Well
Besides these steps, there are also other tips and ways on how to curl your short hair even better. Try to follow these easy “hacks” to make your hair bounce and look amazing:
- When you’re curling your hair, make sure that you leave an inch out from the barrel’s ends. This will make a less formal look, having your hair look naturally curly and wavy. You can also straighten your ends with a flat iron to make it look easier and natural.
- I can’t stress this enough when I tell you to curl your hair AWAY FROM YOUR FACE! Hold the curling iron correctly, using your right hand for the left side of your hair and vice versa. Hold it vertically and use only adequate heat according to your hair’s thickness.
- Fortunately, the curls can last for about two days or overnight, so you wake up slaying! You can have it last even longer with hairspray, though as mentioned, this lessens the naturalness of your hairstyle.
- If you want beach waves, curl a larger piece of your hair. For tight ringlets, curl one small piece of hair at a time. Get firmer curls by curling the top to tips of your hair.
If you want to learn even more ways on how to curl your short hair, check out this cool video:
Wrapping It Up
Short hair doesn’t have to limit the way you want to style your hair. With the right equipment and tips, you can get
I hope this article on how to curl short hair with a curling iron helped you out! Whether it’s for an upcoming vacation or party, try these methods to have amazing curls now! If you have any questions or want to share your methods on curling short hair, then comment below. Your thoughts are much appreciated!
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