How to Style Very Short Curly Hair

Co-authored by Michael Van den Abbeel and Amber Crain

Last Updated: November 11, 2022 References

When you have very short hair, there is not much that you can do in terms of pulling it up into ponytails, buns, or braids. This is a good thing, because you have one less thing to worry about when getting ready in the morning! Start by using products to help you define your curls, then create tousled or sleek styles based on the look you want to achieve!

Method 1

Method 1 of 4:

Defining Your Curls

1
Let your hair air-dry, if possible, to prevent frizz. Heat is the main culprit of dry, frizzy hair, and hairdryers can wreak havoc on your beautiful curls. Fortunately, because your hair is so short, it should not take very long for your curls to air-dry.
- If your hair is soaking wet, scrunch it dry with a microfiber towel or an old T-shirt. Avoid rubbing your hair with a towel, since this can create frizz.
- If you must blow dry your hair, use a diffuser to prevent voluminous frizz.
2
Detangle damp hair with a wide-toothed comb. Avoid detangling your hair with a regular hair brush or fine-toothed comb since they can create frizz. Instead, work a wide-toothed comb through your hair. Start by combing out the ends and gradually work your way to the roots to prevent additional tangles.
- In a pinch, you can also detangle your hair by running your fingers through your curls.
- Try using a wide-tooth comb in the shower to detangle it while it’s wet.
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3
Apply styling mousse while your hair is damp to define your curls. How much styling mousse you use depends on how short your hair is. Start with a dime-sized amount, then add more as needed. Work the mousse into your hair evenly from root to tip.^{[1]
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- You can also experiment with curling gels, creams, and setting lotions.
4
Deep-condition your hair every 1-2 weeks to combat dryness and frizz. You can deep-condition your curls with keratin-based treatments or masks. Apply the conditioner to your hair, give it time to penetrate the hair shaft, then rinse it out according to the instructions on the label.^{[2]
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- Hydration helps your curls look silky and defined.
- You can buy keratin-based treatments in salons and beauty supply stores.

Method 2

Method 2 of 4:

Styling Tousled and Casual Looks

1
Apply styling mousse to damp hair. A good styling mousse will help give your curls the ideal texture for tousled looks. Work a generous amount of mousse into your hair from root to tip.^{[3]
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- If you want textured, beachy waves rather than defined curls, use a sea salt spray on damp hair instead of the mousse.
- If you have natural hair, you may want to use a styling gel instead, since it has more moisture.
2
Part your hair, if desired. Unless you are going for a slicked-back look, you should part your hair down the center or off to the side. Use the handle of a rat-tail comb to create your part so that it is nice and neat. If you are going for a slicked-back look, comb your hair straight back.^{[4]
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3
Blow dry your hair with a diffuser until it's almost completely dry. Hold the blow dryer under the ends of your hair while you point the diffuser at the ceiling, scrunching occasionally as you dry small sections at a time. Use low heat and take your time so you don't blow out your curls. Defined, springy curls are key to this look!
- If you're going for tousled waves rather than defined curls, you may want to let your hair air-dry most of the way before hitting it with the diffuser.
4
Blast your roots with the blow dryer to create volume. When your hair is almost completely dry, flip your head over and blow dry the roots to get killer volume! Lots of volume, along with springy curls, are what set the tousled look apart.
- Tease your hair lightly at the roots if you want a little more lift.
5
Apply a texturizing powder to create a bed-head look. You can emphasize the tousled look even more by sprinkling a texturizing powder onto your roots. Then, comb your hair upwards with your fingers to create lift and volume.^{[5]
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6
Tease your hair at the roots if you want to rock a pompadour. If you need to, apply a little more styling mousse to your hair first. Next, use a rat-tail comb to tease your hair at the roots, then use a brush to lightly comb the tips back towards your crown.^{[6]
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- Your hair should have enough structure to stand up on its own. If it doesn't, curl the hair around a round brush and blow dry it in the direction you want to style it in.
7
Apply a smoothing oil or serum to the lengths of a bob haircut. To define your ringlets further, add a tiny amount of smoothing product to the lengths of your hair. Avoid applying it near the roots so you won't weigh down your curls.^{[7]
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- Use a little more product to the curly layers around your face if you want extra definition!
- If you have natural hair, use your fingers to coil most of your curls into shape, then follow up with edge control cream to tame the baby hairs around your hairline.
8
Mist your hair with light hold hairspray to set your look. Mist a quick layer of hairspray all over your head so help your curls retain their shape throughout the day. Use a light touch, since you want your curls to retain plenty of bouncy movement!
- If you have natural hair, use a toothbrush to smooth down the baby hairs along your hairline. If you need to, apply an edge control cream to help smooth everything down.

Method 3

Method 3 of 4:

Creating Sleek Looks

1
Start with damp hair. You can do this style right after you step out of the shower, but you might want to pat your hair dry with a T-shirt or a microfiber towel first so that it is no longer dripping wet. Alternatively, mist your hair with water from a spray bottle.
- If you have natural hair, apply a generous amount of leave-in conditioner to your damp locks.
2
Apply a keratin treatment, curling cream, or hair oil to create extra shine. Start with a keratin treatment oil or cream first, then apply a curl-enhancing cream to combat frizz and add shine. A little bit of oil goes a long way. Start with a pea-sized amount, then use more as needed.^{[8]
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- You don't need to use oil made specifically for hair. Olive oil, pure argan oil, or coconut oil will also work!
3
Blow dry your hair straight back to create a sleek pixie. Start with a medium-heat setting, then finish off with a cool setting once your hair is about 90% dry. Aim the blowdryer towards the crown of your head. You can then style your hair with or without a side part.^{[9]
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- If your hairdryer doesn't have a medium setting, start with a high-heat setting.
4
Touch up the unruly strands of a bob with a curling iron. Find any curls that appear frizzy, and wrap them around a hot curling iron for a few seconds, then slide the curling iron out. You don't have to curl every strand--just the ones that appear frizzy or stick out.^{[10]
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- Mist your hair with a heat protectant before you curl it.
5
Finish off with a shine serum or spray. This will help keep your curls looking smooth and glossy throughout the day. Start with a pea-sized amount, then use more as needed. Focus on the mid-lengths and ends of your hair.^{[11]
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Method 4

Method 4 of 4:

Getting a Flattering Cut

1
Cut your hair in layers to help distribute the volume. When it comes to hair, different people have different ideas of what's "short" and what's "very short." If your idea of "very short" is something that's between pixie and bob-length, get some light layers to help distribute the volume--otherwise you might end up with a puff!^{[12]
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- If your hair is cropped short, you don't have to worry about layers. It doesn't need much volume control.
2
Consider a classic pixie if you want something more edgy. For even better results, consider getting a graduated pixie, where it is a little longer on the top than on the sides. Don't go for a precise cut; leave it coarse and choppy.^{[13]
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3
Try a sculpted pixie cut if you want to bring dimension to your face. A sculpted pixie cut is similar to the classic pixie, except that it is cropped short on the sides and left longer at top.^{[14]
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- This is a great option for those who are transitioning from long-to-short hair (or vice versa), or for those who are treating their hair for heat damage.
4
Try a TWA or teeny-weeny afro if you have natural or African hair. This is a versatile hairstyle that is easy to style and take care of. It is perfect for those with natural or African hair and is a great alternative to doing protective styles, such as cornrows.

Community Q&A

Question

Can I use a normal hairdryer if I don't have a diffuser?

Community Answer

Yes. Just use the high heat and soft air pressure. Flip your head over and use your fingers to scrunch up your hair.
Question

I want to grow out my natural curly hair, is this a good decision? If not, should I get it cut short in a layered bob or a pixie?

Community Answer

If you’d like to grow your hair out, grow it out! If it’s longer you can do different styles with it.
Question

My hair is always frizzy no matter what. Is there a way to get my hair permanently straight?

Community Answer

You could straighten it everyday if you wanted, although if you have frizzy hair this will damage it and make it brittle and dry. If you decide to do this, make sure you have very regular trims and use a hair mask once a week along with hair oil. You can also go to a salon and get your hair permanently straightened.