Styling short natural hair can seem like a daunting task, especially for those who are new to embracing their natural texture. However, short natural hair offers a world of possibilities when it comes to styling. Whether you’re rocking a curly, coily, or wavy texture, the beauty of short natural hair lies in its versatility, ease of maintenance, and the unique ways it can be styled. With the right techniques, products, and knowledge, you can create gorgeous and well-defined styles for every occasion.
In this guide, we’ll take a deep dive into the best ways to style your short natural hair. From simple daily routines to special occasion looks, you’ll discover easy, stylish, and timeless techniques for making your short natural hair shine.
Understanding Your Short Natural Hair
Before diving into styling methods, it’s essential to have a clear understanding of your natural hair texture. Natural hair comes in many different types, ranging from loose waves to tight coils. Recognizing the texture and needs of your hair will help you choose the right products and techniques for a perfect style.
Curly Hair
If you have curly natural hair, your curls may be tight, loose, or somewhere in between. Curly hair often benefits from moisture, so using hydrating products is key to keeping your curls defined and bouncy.
Coily Hair
Coily hair tends to have tighter curls or even a zigzag pattern, with a lot of volume. It’s important to keep coily hair moisturized and nourished with leave-in conditioners, oils, and creams to maintain curl definition and avoid breakage.
Wavy Hair
Wavy hair lies somewhere between curly and straight hair and tends to have less volume. To enhance natural waves, use a lightweight styling cream to define the waves and add texture without weighing them down.
Kinky Hair
Kinky hair, which has a very tight curl pattern, requires deep hydration and regular trimming to keep it looking fresh and defined. Gentle detangling is crucial, and styling gels or creams can help in defining each curl.
Once you’ve identified your hair type, the next step is choosing the best products and methods for styling your short natural hair.
Essential Tools and Products for Styling Short Natural Hair
The right tools and products can make a world of difference when styling your short natural hair. From hydrating shampoos to defining gels, here are some of the essential products and tools to help you achieve the best results:
Moisturizing Shampoos and Conditioners
Hydration is key for healthy, bouncy curls, so invest in high-quality moisturizing shampoos and conditioners. Look for sulfate-free shampoos that won’t strip the natural oils from your hair and conditioners that are designed to hydrate and nourish your hair.
Leave-In Conditioners
Leave-in conditioners are essential for detangling short natural hair while providing moisture and curl definition. A good leave-in conditioner can be used after washing to keep hair hydrated and soft.
Curl Creams and Gels
Curl creams and gels are great for adding definition to your curls, coils, or waves. Choose products that are specifically designed for your hair texture to help enhance your natural curl pattern while keeping frizz at bay.
Diffusers
For curly or wavy hair, using a blow dryer with a diffuser can help create volume and enhance curl definition without causing frizz. A diffuser evenly distributes heat and reduces blow-drying time.
Wide-Tooth Comb or Finger Detangling
To prevent breakage, always detangle your hair with a wide-tooth comb or your fingers, especially when it’s wet. Avoid using fine-tooth combs, as they can cause unnecessary damage to natural hair.
Satin or Silk Scarf/Hat
To protect your curls overnight, wear a satin or silk scarf or bonnet to reduce friction. This helps preserve your curl definition while preventing frizz and breakage.
Styling Tools (Curling Irons, Flat Irons)
While it’s best to keep heat styling minimal, occasionally using a curling iron or flat iron can add extra texture or sleekness to your style. Always use a heat protectant spray before applying heat to your hair.
How to Style Short Natural Hair
Now that you have the tools and products, let’s explore some of the best styling techniques for short natural hair. Whether you prefer a neat and sleek look or something more textured and voluminous, these methods will help you achieve stunning results.
The Defined Curl Look
For those with curly or coily textures, the defined curl look is a go-to style that never goes out of fashion. This style enhances your natural curls, making them bouncy, well-structured, and full of life.
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How to Achieve It:
- Start with freshly washed hair. Apply a generous amount of leave-in conditioner and section your hair.
- Use a curl cream or gel to define each section, applying the product from roots to ends.
- Use the “shingling” method, which involves using your fingers to work the product through the hair in a scrunching motion.
- If you want added volume, use a diffuser to dry your curls while gently scrunching the hair.
- Once dry, fluff your curls with an afro pick to add more volume and movement.
The Wavy Bob Style
For those with short hair and natural waves, the wavy bob style is a chic and effortless look. This style is perfect for everyday wear, especially for those with short to medium-length hair.
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How to Achieve It:
- Apply a lightweight wave-creating product to damp hair.
- Use a blow dryer and a round brush to create subtle waves. Alternatively, you can let your hair air dry in braids or twists for a more natural wave.
- Once dry, use a texturizing spray or sea salt spray to enhance the waves and add volume.
- For added texture, you can scrunch the hair with your fingers or use a curling iron on a few random sections for added definition.
The Finger-Coiled Look
Finger-coiling is a method where you use your fingers to curl small sections of hair, enhancing the natural curl pattern while adding structure and shine.
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How to Achieve It:
- After washing, apply a generous amount of curl cream or gel to damp hair.
- Section your hair into small sections and, one by one, wrap each section around your finger to form a curl.
- Allow your hair to air dry or use a diffuser to speed up the drying process.
- Once completely dry, separate the curls gently using an oil or serum to add shine and reduce frizz.
The Twist-Out
A twist-out is a fantastic method for those with coily or kinky hair. This technique involves twisting sections of damp hair and unraveling them once dry to reveal beautifully defined, bouncy curls.
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How to Achieve It:
- Apply a leave-in conditioner and styling cream to damp hair.
- Section your hair and twist each section tightly. The smaller the twists, the tighter the curls will be.
- Allow the twists to dry completely, either overnight or by using a blow dryer.
- Gently unravel the twists using your fingers or a wide-tooth comb. Add oil to the ends for a smooth finish.
The Frohawk
For a bold, edgy style, the frohawk is an excellent option. This look features a mohawk-inspired style that is full of volume and height while maintaining the natural texture of your curls.
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How to Achieve It:
- Start with dry, curly or coily hair.
- Create two small sections on the sides of your head, and pin them away from the center.
- Work on the top section by applying curl cream or gel and using a blow dryer or diffuser to add height and volume.
- Once the top is fully dry, separate the curls using an afro pick and add more volume.
- For a more defined mohawk, you can use gel or a styling cream to keep the sides smooth and neat.
The Slicked-Back Look
For a sleek and polished look, the slicked-back style is a great choice for short natural hair. This look is perfect for professional events or formal gatherings.
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How to Achieve It:
- Start with damp hair and apply a lightweight styling gel or mousse.
- Using a fine-tooth comb or your fingers, comb your hair back towards the nape of your neck.
- Use a blow dryer to set the style and add shine.
- Finish with a light-hold hairspray to keep the style in place throughout the day.
Maintenance Tips for Short Natural Hair
To keep your short natural hair looking healthy and vibrant, it’s important to maintain your curls and avoid any damage. Here are some tips for maintaining healthy, bouncy short natural hair:
Regular Trims
Regular trims are essential for keeping your natural curls healthy and preventing split ends. Aim to trim your hair every 6-8 weeks to maintain shape and prevent damage.
Deep Conditioning Treatments
Use a deep conditioning treatment once a week to provide moisture and nourishment to your hair. This helps prevent dryness and ensures your curls remain soft and hydrated.
Avoid Excessive Heat
Try to limit the use of heat styling tools, as excessive heat can cause damage to natural hair. When using heat tools, always apply a heat protectant spray to shield your hair.
Protect Your Hair at Night
To preserve your curls, wear a satin or silk scarf or bonnet to reduce friction and prevent frizz. This also helps retain moisture and prevent hair breakage while you sleep.
Conclusion
Styling short natural hair is all about embracing your natural texture and finding techniques that work for your unique curl pattern. With the right tools, products, and styling methods, you can create stunning looks that highlight the beauty of your natural hair. Whether you prefer a defined curl, a relaxed wave, or an edgy frohawk, there’s a style for every occasion. With consistent care and attention, your short natural hair will always look its best and radiate confidence.
