How to Style Short Hair

PDF download Download Article
PDF download Download Article

Having short hair means foregoing typical long styles like braiding or updos, but that doesn't mean you don't have a variety of hip and beautiful style options. Make the most of your short haircut by learning how to style it in several different ways.

Method 1
Method 1 of 5:

Creating a Sleek Look

PDF download Download Article
  1. Use a shampoo made with natural ingredients that won't cause your hair to frizz up . Condition as usual, then use a soft towel to pat the excess moisture from your hair.
  2. Apply a smoothing serum to your hair from the roots to the tips. You can use a product especially made for straightening hair or simply an anti-frizz serum or gel.
    Advertisement
  3. The straight, sleek style looks best when your hair is parted on one side or the other, rather than straight down the middle. Use a comb to part your hair smooth it down in the correct direction. [1]
  4. Dry your hair . Use a blow dryer and a paddle or Denman brush to blow your hair dry and smooth. Use the brush to pick your hair up at the roots, then run the brush through your hair as you dry it. Continue until all of your hair is completely dry. [2]
    • Don't hold the hair dryer too close to your head or you could burn or scorch your hair.
    • The nozzle attachment is best for a smoother sleeker finish.
  5. Heat up and iron and use it to touch up areas that you weren't able to completely straighten with the blow dryer. Concentrate on a uniform technique from the scalp area to the end.
  6. This style looks pretty when the bangs are swept to the side opposite from the part. Use your finger or the end of a comb to move the tips of your bangs across your forehead.
  7. Hold it in place with a few squirts of hairspray. Add barrettes, a headband, or a hair clip for a festive final touch.
    8. Advertisement
Method 2
Method 2 of 5:

Getting a Tousled 'Do

PDF download Download Article
  1. Shampoo and condition your hair as usual to prepare it for the wavy, tousled look. Use products that add body and volume to your hair, rather than shampoo and conditioner designed for straightening hair. Pat the moisture from your hair with a towel when you're finished.
  2. If you have fine to medium hair that's straight or wavy, it's best if you use a diffuser for this look. This device diffuses the flow of hot air so that it preserves your hair's natural curls and waves. If you don't have a diffuser, use the lowest heat setting on your hair dryer to thoroughly dry your hair. [3]
  3. Salt-based sprays work well for this purpose - they give layers of hair a "piecey," textured look. If you don't have texturizing spray, you can make your own by mixing salt and water. Spray it all over your hair and use your fingers to scrunch the tips.
  4. Rub a small amount of pomade between your hands, then run your hands through your hair. Smooth the top of your hair forward from back to front, then sweep your bangs to one side of the other. Smooth it down in the back and on the sides.
    5. Advertisement
Method 3
Method 3 of 5:

Going for Spikes

PDF download Download Article
  1. This method works a little better when your hair is freshly washed. [4] If you need to, use dry shampoo to freshen up your hair.
  2. Squirt some extra-strength gel onto your hand and run it up the section of hair from the roots to the tips. Hold it in place for a moment to make sure it stays spiked.
  3. Grab a section of hair at a time and apply the gel in the same way. Make the spikes even, or alternate smaller spikes with larger ones. Continue until you've made as many spikes as you desire.
  4. For extra hold, spray the spikes with some hair spray before you go about your day. Wearing a headband could also help to hold them in place.
    5. Advertisement
Method 4
Method 4 of 5:

Slicking it Back

PDF download Download Article
  1. Since this style requires holding your hair in place against its natural grain, you'll want to start with hair that has a little natural oil distributed throughout to help hold it in place. Otherwise, your hair will want to flop forward.
  2. Use a comb to comb it away from your face and straight toward the back of your head. Then insert the comb at the roots and lift your hair from your head without pulling the comb through. This adds a little volume to the slicked back style.
    • For a super slicked look, skip the volume-adding technique and simply comb your hair back as close to your scalp as possible.
    • For a less severe look, part your hair on one side and slick it around the front and then back, rather than combing straight back from the forehead.
  3. Use maximum-hold spray to hold the style in place. Be sure to apply plenty to the sides, front, and top of your hair, the part that will tend to move out of place after a few hours.
    • Consider wearing a headband to keep your hair from coming forward if yours tends to come loose from hairspray.
    • You can also pin your bangs back with barrettes to keep the slicked back style in place.
    4. Advertisement
Method 5
Method 5 of 5:

Using Hair Accessories

PDF download Download Article
    • Clips can give your hair dimension and style. Try pulling your hair back and adding butterfly or flower shaped clips.
    • Bows and ribbons can make your hair look shiny and pretty especially if it is a large bow at the back of your hair.
    • Headbands can be so pretty on short hair and make your hair look fuller if pulled all the way back. Also ones with flowers, bows, and so on on them can add height to the headband.

Community Q&A

Search
Add New Question
  • Question
    How can I make my hair grow longer?
    Community Answer
    Eat a well-balanced diet, stay hydrated and get plenty of rest. Staying healthy will help your hair grow.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 16 Helpful 47
  • Question
    Is there a way to curl hair with plaits when you have a bob?
    Community Answer
    Put your hair in little buns at the top of your head (no donuts required) and sleep with them. Your hair will be curly in the morning.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 13 Helpful 36
  • Question
    What is the purpose of not washing your hair?
    Community Answer
    It can help retain the natural oils and not strip it
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 18 Helpful 50
See more answers
Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Video

      Tips

      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Name
      Please provide your name and last initial
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
      Advertisement

      You Might Also Like

      How to
      Make a Bun for Short Hair
      How to
      Braid Short Hair: Cute Beginner Styles
      How to
      Braid Short Hair for Men
      How to
      Start Dreads with Short Hair
      How to
      Style a Bob
      How to
      Style Short Hair (Men)
      How to
      Keep Short Hair Out of Your Face
      How to
      Protect Short Hair While Sleeping
      How to
      Style Short Layered Hair
      How to
      Style Very Short Curly Hair
      How to
      Do a Ponytail with Short Hair
      How to
      Make Your Hair Look Short
      How to
      Flat Iron Short Hair
      How to
      Blow Dry Short Hair
      Advertisement

      References

      1. ↑ Shun Pittman. Master Cosmetologist, Global Salon Educator & Author. Expert Interview. 16 June 2021.
      2. ↑ Shun Pittman. Master Cosmetologist, Global Salon Educator & Author. Expert Interview. 16 June 2021.
      3. ↑ Shun Pittman. Master Cosmetologist, Global Salon Educator & Author. Expert Interview. 16 June 2021.
      4. ↑ Shun Pittman. Master Cosmetologist, Global Salon Educator & Author. Expert Interview. 2 December 2021.
      5. ↑ Shun Pittman. Master Cosmetologist, Global Salon Educator & Author. Expert Interview. 2 December 2021.
      6. ↑ Shun Pittman. Master Cosmetologist, Global Salon Educator & Author. Expert Interview. 2 December 2021.
      7. http://www.totalbeauty.com/content/gallery/ways-to-style-short-hair/maxad

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      Even with short hair, you have a lot of freedom over how you style it, and it should only take a few minutes to get the perfect style. For a slicked back look, just comb your hair back and spray it with a little hair spray. You can also get a tousled look by smoothing your hair back with pomade and sweeping your bangs to one side. If you want spiky hair, get some wax or hair gel on your fingers, work it through your hair, and hold the spikes for a moment to help them dry. When you’re done, just spray your hair with hairspray to secure the spikes. If you’re in a rush, just comb your hair and wear your favorite hairband or hairclip. For more tips, including how to straighten your short hair, read on!

      Did this summary help you?
      In other languages
      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 171,378 times.

      Reader Success Stories

      • Annabel Kite

        Dec 14, 2019

        "I great article. I feel like I can always come to wikiHow to find the answers. I also like how I can answer ..." more
      More reader stories Hide reader stories
      Share your story

      Did this article help you?

      Advertisement