Beginner’s guide to styling short hair- Tips & tricks

Having short hair can seem easy and carefree at first. But without the right products and techniques, it can quickly turn into an unruly mess. Whether you just chopped off your locks into a pixie cut or have always rocked a shorter ‘does, it’s important to learn how to properly style short hair.  The days of just rolling out of bed and going are over. But don’t worry; with some tips and tricks, you’ll have fabulous, polished short hair in minutes. 

Prep short hair for styling

The foundation of any great hairstyle starts with properly prepping the fort lauderdale hair salons. This step is crucial for short hair since there are fewer strands, so any grease or dirt is more noticeable.  Aim to shampoo hair every other day, rinsing thoroughly with cool water to boost shine. Conditioner is a must for hydrating short hair and preventing dryness or breakage. Apply from the mid-lengths to ends, letting it sit for 2-3 minutes before rinsing out. Once a week, use a clarifying shampoo to remove any product buildup. You can also deep condition weekly by applying a hair mask and letting it sit for up to 30 minutes with a shower cap on. Let hair air dry until damp before styling to avoid damage from rubbing wet strands. Use a wide-tooth comb to gently detangle short hair when wet.

Choose the right styling products 

Look for lightweight formulas that provide hold without stiffness or stickiness. The wrong product can leave short hair greasy and limp. If your short hair is curly or wavy, opt for a cream or mousse meant for defined curls. Scrunch the product in when hair is wet before diffusing or air drying.  Volumizing powders or sprays are great for lifting fine, flat short hair. Focus on the roots when applying lift sections with a brush while blow drying for extra body. Using a heat protectant before hot tools is strongly recommended to prevent damage from styling. Avoid alcohol-based products that can dry out short hair.

Blow dry basics 

Learning to blow dry and style short hair is a game changer. With the right techniques, you can create a salon-quality look at home.  Always start by sectioning damp hair into four quadrants and working through each area slowly. Use a paddle brush to smooth hair under the dryer, holding to create sleekness. 

When wanting volume, opt for a round brush. Roll sections up and under as you dry, then release for bends and flips. Make sure to direct airflow down the hair shaft for a smooth finish. Set your dryer to medium heat and speed. Concentrate on drying the roots first, and then move to the ends. Angling the dryer to follow the shape of the brush will help roll and curl short hair.

Style and finish like a pro

For short hair that flips out, use a curling iron to touch up the ends. Alternate the barrel direction and alternate section sizes. Finish by gently breaking up curls with your fingers. Products like mousse, wax, clay, or pomade allow you to sculpt and piece out short hair for texture. Apply to palms first then work through hair in sections, spiking or smoothing as desired.  The right tools make hair styling easier. Try teasing crowns or bangs with a tail comb for instant volume texturizing spray helps achieve that perfectly undone bedhead look.