How to Style Short Curly Hair: Everything You Need to Know
Styling curly hair can be both an art and a science. Unlike straight hair, curly hair has its own unique needs and characteristics that require specific techniques and products to enhance its natural beauty. Whether you have loose waves or tight coils, understanding the basics of curly hair styling can help you achieve the look you desire while keeping your curls healthy and manageable.
Understanding curly hair types
There are several classification systems used to categorize curl patterns in your natural hair, we recommend the Andre Walker Hair Typing System, which categorizes hair into four main types (straight, wavy, curly, and coily) and further divides them into subcategories (1a-4c). Here’s a general guide to help identify the difference between curl patterns:
- Straight (Type 1):
- Type 1a: Very straight, fine, and thin hair.
- Type 1b: Straight hair with slight bends at the ends.
- Type 1c: Straight hair with a bit more volume and thickness.
- Wavy (Type 2):
- Type 2a: Loose waves that are fairly straight at the roots and become more defined toward the ends.
- Type 2b: Waves with a more defined “S” pattern and some frizz.
- Type 2c: Waves that tend to be more defined with a few curls mixed in, and prone to being frizzy.
- Curly (Type 3):
- Type 3a: Well-defined, loose curls that are springy and shiny.
- Type 3b: Curls that are tighter and more spiral-like, with more volume. Can be considered “ringlets”
- Type 3c: Tight, corkscrew curls that are densely packed coils.
- Coily (Type 4):
- Type 4a: Tight, springy curls with a visible curl pattern and a lot of volume.
- Type 4b: Curls that form a “Z” shape with less definition and more shrinkage.
- Type 4c: Tightly coiled hair that may not have a defined curl pattern and is highly textured.
Our favorite short curly hair styles
- Pixie Cut: A curly pixie cut with curly hair can be bold and stylish. It’s a short, cropped haircut that accentuates your natural curls and frames your face beautifully.
- Curly Shag: The shag haircut with layers adds texture and volume to curly hair. Has face framing layers and sometimes bangs. It’s a trendy option that allows you to embrace your curls while adding movement and dimension to your hairstyle.
- Curly Bob: A curly bob is a trendy chic versatile hairstyle characterized by a short-to-medium length haircut with curls. It has a classic clean line or can feature layers to add texture and movement, and the length usually falls somewhere from chin, neck, shoulder to collar bone.
Choosing the right products
We recommend using Bumble and Bumble and Innersense. For Bumble and Bumble, the Curl Defining Cream offers moisture, frizz control, and enhanced curl definition without weighing down your hair, while the Curl Conditioning Mousse provides volume and hold for soft, bouncy curls. Additionally, Bumble and Bumble’s Hairdresser’s Invisible Oil can help tame frizz and add shine.
From Innersense, the Hydrating Cream Hairbath gently cleanses curly hair without stripping its natural oils, while the Quiet Calm Curl Control cream defines curls, reduces frizz, and adds moisture. For extra hold and definition, consider Innersense’s I Create Hold Styling Gel.
Washing and Conditioning Techniques
Effective washing methods:
To shampoo curly hair effectively, begin by wetting your hair with lukewarm water. Choose a sulfate-free, hydrating shampoo designed for curly hair, and apply it to your scalp, massaging gently with your fingertips to lift dirt and oil without disrupting the curl pattern.
Rinse your hair thoroughly with lukewarm water, ensuring all shampoo is completely washed out. Follow up with a hydrating conditioner, applying it from mid-length to the ends and detangling gently with a wide-toothed comb or your fingers. Leave the conditioner in for added moisture if desired, then rinse with cool water to seal the hair cuticle and reduce frizz. This will help you deep condition your hair.
Gently pat your hair dry with a microfiber towel avoiding vigorous rubbing to prevent frizz and maintain your curls’ natural shape. Adjust your shampooing frequency based on your hair’s needs throughout the week, aiming to strike a balance between cleanliness and retaining natural moisture.
Conditioning best practices:
To condition curly hair effectively, start with a nourishing conditioner formulated for curls. After shampooing, apply generously from mid-length to ends, focusing on dry areas. Detangle gently with fingers or wide-toothed comb while conditioner is in hair to get the curls loose.
Consider leaving some conditioner for added hydration and curl definition. Rinse with cool water to seal cuticle, reduce frizz, and enhance shine. Use a weekly treatment mask for deeper conditioning. Avoid over-conditioning at roots to prevent your hair becoming flat. Adjust routine based on hair’s needs for defined curls.
Use a Curl Enhancing Gel or Styling Cream:
To enhance your curls and reduce frizz, apply a curl-enhancing gel, styling cream or styling mousse. Innersense offers styling products specifically formulated for curly hair, such as their I Create Hold, I Create Volume, or I Create Definition. Apply the product to damp hair, scrunching it upward to encourage curl formation.
Applying styling products:
When styling curly hair, begin with damp hair for better product absorption and curl definition. Section hair for even distribution of styling products. Choose from leave-in conditioner, curl cream, gel, or styling mousse based on your hair’s needs. Rub a small amount of product between palms to emulsify, then apply evenly focusing on mid-lengths and ends, avoiding the scalp to prevent weighing down curls. Use a scrunching motion to enhance curl formation and volume. Consider “praying hands” or “raking” method for extra definition. Air dry or use a diffuser on low heat to set style and lock in moisture. Avoid touching or pulling hair to prevent frizz. Once dry, gently scrunch or fluff hair to soften any product crunchiness, revealing beautifully defined curls.
Diffuse or Air Dry: Once you’ve applied your products, you can choose to either air dry your hair or use a diffuser attachment on a blow dryer. If air drying, avoid touching your hair too much to prevent disrupting the curl pattern. Curls fall by touching the hair too much. If diffusing, use a low heat setting on your hair dryer, apply a heat protectant, and gently cup your curls in the diffuser, moving it around to evenly distribute heat and encourage volume. If diffusing comes out frizzy for you, add a light layer of hairspray to add hold to prevent frizz. This works for very short hair and very long hair.
Finish with a Hair Oil or Serum: Once your hair is dry, you can apply a small amount of hair oil or serum to seal in moisture and add shine. Innersense offers lightweight oils and serums that won’t weigh your curls down. Apply a few drops to your palms, rub them together, and then gently scrunch the product into your hair.
Maintaining your style
Refresh as Needed: Throughout the day or between washes, you can refresh your curls by spritzing them with water or a leave in conditione from Innersense. We also recommend Bumble and bumble curl reactivator. This will help revive your hair, maintain its shape and for you to wear your hair with confidence.
Sleep on Silk or Satin: To prevent wild hair while you sleep, consider switching to a silk or satin pillowcase. These materials create less friction against your hair compared to cotton pillowcases, helping to maintain your hairstyle and minimize frizz overnight. You can also wear a silk bonnet while you sleep.
Quick Tip! Book a haircut every 3-6 months to help maintain your curls.
Use a clarifying shampoo once a month to ease buildup from styling products.
FAQs about styling curly short hair
How do you style curly hair while trying to grow it out?
Heatless curls/air drying is always a great option for growing out your hair. It helps you avoid heat which can possibly lead to breakage. You do not have to stay away from heat every time you style your hair. It is just recommended to limit your exposure to heat.
What hairstyles work well for naturally curly hair in women over 50?
Our advice would be a natural half up half down style. This is a practical way to keep your hair out of your face while showcasing the natural texture of your hair.
What are some cute and manageable hairstyles for older women with short, curly hair?
A textured short bob is a great cut for older women who want short curly hair. Again there is no specific cut for everyone. We always recommend a consultation with your curly hair specialist to discover your desired outcome.
How should I style my hair before my next curly cut at the salon?
Please arrive with your hair down, dry, and styled in its natural curly state. No buns, ponytail, clips, gel, firm styling products or hairspray please- oils and creams are ok.
