Hair Care Tips How To Curl Short Hair With A Curling Iron? By Marilyn Atkins Posted on August 22, 2023 0 If you’re looking to add some volume and bounce to your short locks, mastering the art of curling your hair with a curling iron is a game-changer. In this article, we’ll guide you through the simple steps to achieve those beautiful curls you’ve always dreamed of. Whether you have a bob or a pixie cut, this ultimate guide will teach you the techniques and tips you need to know to curl your short hair with a curling iron like a pro. Get ready to transform your style and embrace those gorgeous curls! Choosing the Right Curling Iron When it comes to curling your short hair, choosing the right curling iron is crucial. One of the first factors to consider is the barrel size. For shorter hair lengths, a smaller barrel size is ideal as it allows you to create tighter, more defined curls. On the other hand, if you prefer loose waves or larger curls, a slightly larger barrel size would be more appropriate. Another important factor to consider is the material of the curling iron. Ceramic and tourmaline are popular choices as they distribute heat evenly and prevent hair damage. They also help to reduce frizz and create a smooth, shiny finish. Titanium curling irons, on the other hand, heat up quickly and are well-suited for coarse or hard-to-curl hair. Lastly, don’t forget to take into account the heat settings of the curling iron. It’s crucial to have control over the temperature to prevent heat damage. Look for a curling iron with adjustable heat settings so you can customize it according to your hair type and the desired look. Preparing Your Hair for Curling Before you begin curling your short hair, it’s important to properly prepare your hair to ensure the best results. Start by washing and drying your hair thoroughly. Clean hair provides a better foundation for the curls and ensures they last longer. Once your hair is dry, apply a heat protectant spray or serum to shield your hair from any potential heat damage caused by the curling iron. To make the curling process easier, divide your hair into sections. For shorter hair, dividing your hair into small sections helps you to curl each strand more efficiently and achieve a more uniform look. Use clips or hair ties to separate your hair into manageable sections, making sure each section is not too thick or too thin. Techniques for Curling Short Hair Whether you want classic curls, flat waves, or twisty spirals, there are various techniques you can use to curl your short hair. Experiment with these techniques to find the one that suits your hair type and desired style the best. Classic Curling Technique The classic curling technique involves wrapping small sections of hair around the barrel of the curling iron, holding it for a few seconds, and then releasing it. This technique creates traditional, bouncy curls that are perfect for any occasion. Flat Wrap Technique The flat wrap technique involves placing a section of hair flat against the curling iron barrel and then twisting it slightly as you wrap it around the iron. This technique creates more relaxed waves that are perfect for achieving a beachy or tousled look. Twist and Curl Technique The twist and curl technique involves twisting a small section of hair before wrapping it around the curling iron. This technique creates tight, defined curls that add texture and dimension to shorter hair. Curling the Front Sections The front sections of your hair frame your face and play a crucial role in your overall hairstyle. To achieve a polished and put-together look, it’s important to pay attention to how you curl these sections. Start with the bangs and take small sections at a time. For a natural and effortless look, curl the bangs away from the face. Hold the curling iron vertically and wrap the section of hair away from your face. This technique creates a soft and face-framing curl that adds a touch of elegance to your hairstyle. Next, move on to curling the side sections. Similar to the bangs, hold the curling iron vertically, and wrap the hair away from your face. Repeat this process on both sides, ensuring that the curls are consistent in size and direction. To create face-framing curls, take small sections of hair from the front sections and curl them towards your face. This technique adds an extra touch of glamour and draws attention to your facial features. Curling the Back Sections Curling the back sections of your hair can be a bit tricky, especially with shorter hair. However, with the right technique and a little patience, you can achieve beautiful curls in the back as well. To make it easier, divide your hair into subsections. Start by taking the top section of your hair and clipping it away to focus on the lower sections first. This ensures that you have better access to the back of your head and prevents any tangles or overlaps. When curling the back sections, it’s important to curl from the roots to the ends. This creates a more voluminous and natural-looking curl. Take small sections of hair, hold the curling iron vertically, and wrap the hair around the barrel, starting at the roots. Hold the curl for a few seconds before releasing it. To add a natural-looking touch, alternate the direction of the curls. Curl some sections away from your face and others towards your face. This adds dimension and prevents the curls from blending together. Adding Volume to Short Hair Short hair can sometimes lack volume, but with the right techniques, you can give your hair some extra body and bounce. One effective way to add volume is by backcombing the roots. Take small sections of hair at the crown area and backcomb them using a fine-tooth comb. This creates a bit of teasing and lifts the hair at the roots, giving it a voluminous boost. Another trick is to use styling products specifically designed for adding volume. Look for volumizing mousse or texturizing spray and apply it to your damp hair before blow-drying. These products help to create a fuller and more textured look. If you want to take it a step further, you can tease the curls themselves. Gently run your fingers through the curls to create more volume and separation. This technique works particularly well for achieving a glamorous and voluminous hairstyle. Maintaining Curls on Short Hair Once you’ve achieved the perfect curls, it’s important to maintain them so they last throughout the day. Here are some tips for maintaining your curls on short hair. Using a high-quality hairspray is crucial for keeping your curls in place. Choose a hairspray with a strong hold but avoid applying too much, as it can make your hair stiff or crunchy. Hold the hairspray about 12 inches away from your hair and lightly mist it over your curls. This will help to set the curls and prevent them from falling out. Avoid touching or brushing your curls too much throughout the day. Excessive touching can cause the curls to lose their shape or become frizzy. Instead, gently scrunch your curls with your fingers if you need to freshen them up. When it comes to sleeping with curls, consider using a silk or satin pillowcase. These materials help to reduce friction and prevent your curls from getting flattened or tangled during the night. Alternatively, you can also loosely tie your hair into a pineapple or top knot on the crown of your head to preserve your curls. Creating Different Curl Types With the right techniques and curling iron, you can create different types of curls to change up your look. For loose waves, use a curling iron with a larger barrel size. Take larger sections of hair and wrap them around the barrel, holding for a few seconds before releasing. This creates soft and natural-looking waves that are perfect for a more relaxed or casual style. If you’re looking for tight curls, opt for a curling iron with a smaller barrel size. Take smaller sections of hair and wrap them tightly around the barrel, holding for a few seconds. This creates defined and bouncy curls that add a playful and youthful touch to your hairstyle. To achieve spiral curls, consider using a spiral curling iron. These curling irons have a unique barrel shape that creates tight and spiral-like curls. Simply wrap small sections of hair around the barrel, starting at the roots, and hold for a few seconds. Brushing and Styling Curled Hair Once you’re ready to switch up your hairstyle, it’s important to know how to brush and style your curled hair. Gently brush out the curls using a wide-tooth comb or a brush with soft bristles. Start from the ends and work your way up to prevent any unnecessary pulling or breakage. This helps to create a softer, more natural look while still maintaining some of the curl definition. If you want to create an updo with your curled hair, consider using bobby pins or hair ties to secure your hair in place. Play around with different styles such as a messy bun, a half-up half-down hairstyle, or a sleek ponytail. The combination of the curled hair and the updo creates a stylish and elegant look. Don’t be afraid to experiment with hair accessories to enhance your curled hair. Adding a sparkly hair clip, a headband, or a colorful scarf can instantly elevate your hairstyle and make it more eye-catching. Have fun trying out different accessories and find what suits your personal style. Protecting Your Hair from Heat Damage Any time you use a curling iron, it’s important to take steps to protect your hair from potential heat damage. Here are some important tips to keep in mind. Always use a heat protectant before applying heat to your hair. Heat protectants help to create a barrier between your hair and the heat, minimizing the damage caused by high temperatures. Spray or apply the protectant evenly throughout your hair, focusing on the mid-lengths and ends where the heat is most concentrated. Avoid excessive heat exposure by limiting the amount of time you keep your hair on the curling iron. Holding your hair on the iron for too long can cause it to become overly heated and result in damage. Aim to hold each section of hair on the curling iron for no more than 10-15 seconds, depending on the thickness and texture of your hair. Lastly, remember to moisturize and nourish your hair regularly to keep it healthy and strong. Use deep conditioning treatments, hair masks, and leave-in conditioners to provide your hair with the moisture and nutrients it needs. This helps to minimize damage and maintain the health and integrity of your hair. By following these tips and techniques, you can safely and effectively curl your short hair with a curling iron. Experiment with different styles, have fun with your curls, and embrace the versatility that short hair offers. With a little practice and the right tools, you can achieve stunning curls that enhance your natural beauty and make a statement.