Short hair is often celebrated for its ease of maintenance and versatility. Whether you’ve just chopped off your locks or have been rocking short hair for a while, you might be looking for new ways to style it to keep things fresh and exciting. From pixie cuts to bobs, short hair can be styled in a variety of ways to suit your mood, outfit, and occasion. Here’s a guide to styling short hair and making the most of your new look.
Step 1: Start with the Right Cut
The first step to styling short hair is making sure you have the right haircut that suits your face shape, hair texture, and lifestyle. Popular short hairstyles include:
- Pixie Cut: A bold, edgy cut that can be worn smooth or textured.
- Bob Cut: A classic cut that can be sleek or voluminous, with variations like the lob (long bob) or inverted bob.
- Shag Cut: A textured, layered cut that adds volume and movement.
- Buzz Cut: A super short, clean look that requires minimal styling.
Work with your stylist to ensure that the cut you choose enhances your natural hair texture and suits your face shape.
Step 2: Embrace Texture and Volume
Short hair often benefits from texture and volume. These two elements can add dimension and style to even the simplest short cuts. Here are a few ways to create texture and volume:
1. Use a Texturizing Spray or Mousse
Texturizing sprays or mousses are great products for adding volume and definition to short hair. Apply them to damp hair before styling to create a tousled, lived-in look. These products work especially well for pixie cuts or bob cuts.
- Recommended Product: Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray – Adds volume and texture without weighing the hair down.
2. Use a Blow Dryer with a Round Brush
For a sleek, voluminous look, use a round brush and blow dryer. Start by drying your hair at the roots with the brush to lift and create volume. Then, curl the ends inward for a soft, polished finish. This technique works well with a bob or chin-length cut.
3. Create Loose Waves
For a beachy, effortless look, use a curling iron or flat iron to create loose waves in your short hair. Curl sections of your hair away from your face, then break up the curls with your fingers to achieve a relaxed, natural texture.
- Tip: If you have a pixie cut, you can use a small barrel curling iron to add some soft waves or curls around the ends.
Step 3: Experiment with Accessories
One of the best things about short hair is that it’s easy to accessorize, which can quickly elevate your look. Here are some ideas for accessorizing your short hair:
1. Headbands
A stylish headband can instantly add a fun twist to your short haircut. Choose a thick, embellished headband for a bold statement, or a thin, simple one for a more subtle touch.
2. Bobby Pins
Bobby pins are a great way to create interest in short hairstyles. Use them to pin back sections of hair, create decorative patterns, or add some edge with metal or colorful pins. For example, you can add a few pins on one side of a bob for a chic, asymmetrical look.
3. Hair Clips
Vintage-inspired or modern hair clips can add flair to a short haircut. Whether you use a large statement clip or several small clips, they can transform a simple short style into something special.
4. Scarves
A scarf is another accessory that can be worn to elevate your short hairstyle. Tie a scarf around your head for a retro-inspired look, or wrap it around a low bun for a more sophisticated feel.
Step 4: Go for Different Parting Styles
The way you part your hair can drastically change your short hairstyle. Here are a few ideas to change up your look with a simple change in parting:
1. Side Part
A deep side part can add volume and create a sleek, asymmetrical look. For short haircuts like a bob or pixie, this part can create a dramatic effect and emphasize the shape of the cut.
2. Middle Part
A middle part gives a symmetrical, balanced look, and works well with bob cuts and pixie cuts. This parting style can make your hair appear fuller and gives your face a more open look.
3. Messy Part
For a more relaxed, edgy vibe, try a messy, tousled part. Create the part by ruffling your hair and allowing it to fall naturally, or use a little texturizing spray to make the style look more lived-in and carefree.
Step 5: Add a Fringe or Bangs
Short hair and bangs are a great combination for adding personality and flair to your look. There are several types of bangs that work well with short cuts:
1. Bangs with a Bob
A bob cut with bangs is a timeless look that can work with any face shape. You can go for blunt bangs that sit right above the eyebrows for a bold, dramatic look, or opt for softer, side-swept bangs for a more delicate feel.
2. Pixie Cut with Bangs
A pixie cut with bangs adds dimension and can soften the overall look. You can choose from short, straight-across bangs or longer, wispy bangs depending on the style you prefer. Side-swept bangs can add sophistication, while choppy, textured bangs add an edgier feel.
3. Curtain Bangs
Curtain bangs are a great way to add a retro touch to your short hair. These bangs frame the face and can be styled in a way that works with any length of short hair, from a pixie cut to a bob.
Step 6: Play with Sleek Styles
If you’re going for a more polished, sophisticated look, sleek short styles can work wonders. Here’s how to get a sleek, chic finish:
1. Straight and Sleek
For an ultra-sleek look, straighten your hair with a flat iron and add a bit of shine serum to make your hair look glossy and smooth. This style works particularly well for a sleek bob or a pixie cut with a bit of length.
- Recommended Product: Moroccanoil Treatment – Adds shine and smooths out frizz for a polished finish.
2. Polished Curls
For a more formal look, use a curling iron to create defined curls, then smooth them out with a bit of hairspray for a more controlled look. This works great for short bobs or lob cuts.
Step 7: Keep It Healthy
Short haircuts look best when your hair is healthy and well-maintained. Regular trims are essential to keeping your short hairstyle looking fresh and sharp. Additionally, don’t forget to hydrate your hair with nourishing oils, serums, and conditioners to prevent dryness or split ends.
- Recommended Product: Olaplex No. 3 Hair Perfector – Strengthens and nourishes hair, keeping it healthy and vibrant.
Conclusion
Short hair is incredibly versatile, offering endless styling options to suit your mood, occasion, or personal style. From textured waves and voluminous looks to sleek, polished finishes, there’s a style for every short cut. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different textures, accessories, and parting styles to keep your look fresh and fun. With the right products and a little creativity, your short hair can always look its best.
Let me know if you need any adjustments or further ideas for styling short hair!