If you have short hair and are looking to switch up your look with some soft, textured waves, you’re in the right place. Waving short hair can instantly add volume, movement, and dimension, giving you a fresh and dynamic hairstyle. Whether you’re preparing for a special occasion or simply want to change up your everyday style, mastering how to wave short hair is an easy and fun way to achieve a chic look. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to achieve beautiful waves in short hair, no matter your hair type.
Why Waves for Short Hair?
Short hair can sometimes feel a bit too sleek or flat, especially if you have fine or straight hair. Waves add texture and volume, bringing your short haircut to life. Whether you have a pixie cut, bob, or a lob (long bob), adding waves can enhance your haircut’s shape and style. Waves also create a more tousled, carefree vibe that works well for both casual and formal looks. Plus, they’re a great way to make your short hair look fuller and more dynamic without needing any drastic changes.
Essential Tools for Waving Short Hair
Before you get started on creating those gorgeous waves, there are a few tools you’ll need to make the process smoother and ensure your waves last all day. Here’s what you’ll need:
1. Flat Iron or Curling Iron
A flat iron can work wonders for creating waves in short hair. You can also use a curling iron with a smaller barrel if you prefer tighter waves. Both tools can help you achieve the desired wave texture, but a flat iron might be more versatile for short hair as it can create looser, more natural-looking waves.
2. Heat Protectant Spray
Using heat styling tools can cause damage over time, so it’s essential to protect your hair before styling. A heat protectant spray helps shield your hair from high temperatures, preventing dryness and split ends. Spray your hair lightly with a heat protectant before you start using your flat iron or curling iron.
3. Volumizing Mousse or Texturizing Spray
If you want to add some extra volume to your waves, a volumizing mousse or texturizing spray can give your hair the lift it needs. These products help add texture and hold to your waves, so they last longer and don’t fall flat throughout the day.
4. Hair Clips
Hair clips are a must-have when you want to section your hair. Sectioning your hair ensures that you’re working with manageable parts, making it easier to create uniform waves. Use clips to separate your hair into sections before you start styling.
5. Hairspray
Once your waves are in place, finish with a light mist of hairspray to keep them intact. Choose a flexible hairspray that will provide hold without making your hair stiff or crunchy.
How to Wave Short Hair: A Step-by-Step Guide
1. Prep Your Hair
Start by washing and conditioning your hair. If your hair is naturally straight or fine, apply a volumizing mousse or texturizing spray to damp hair. This will add body and texture, helping the waves hold better. After applying your product, towel-dry your hair gently to remove excess moisture.
2. Dry Your Hair
Once your hair is prepped, dry it thoroughly using a blow dryer. If you have naturally straight hair, you can use a blow-dry brush to add volume and a bit of texture. For added volume, flip your head upside down while drying or blow dry your hair in sections. This helps create lift at the roots, which is essential for great waves. If you prefer a more natural texture, you can also air dry your hair and let the natural waves form as it dries.
3. Section Your Hair
Once your hair is dry, divide it into small sections using clips. The more sections you create, the more defined your waves will be. For shorter hair, 3 to 4 sections should be sufficient. Sectioning makes it easier to focus on one part of your hair at a time and ensures that you get even waves throughout.
4. Start Waving Your Hair
Now, it’s time to start creating the waves. If you’re using a flat iron, place one section of hair between the plates and clamp down gently. Twist the flat iron away from your face (or towards your face, depending on the wave direction you prefer) and slowly pull it down through the hair. The slower you go, the more defined the wave will be. Continue with the rest of your sections.
If you prefer using a curling iron, the method is similar. Wrap each section of hair around the barrel, hold for a few seconds, then release. To avoid tight curls, make sure to use a curling iron with a smaller barrel for looser waves.
5. Alternate the Direction of the Waves
For a more natural, beachy look, alternate the direction of the waves. Curl some sections away from your face, and others toward it. This will give your waves more texture and avoid the uniform, ringlet-like look that can happen when all the waves go in the same direction.
6. Finish with a Texturizing Spray
After you’ve waved all your hair, run your fingers gently through the waves to loosen them up and make them look more natural. This step helps create the soft, beachy look that many women with short hair love. For added texture and volume, finish with a texturizing spray or light-hold hairspray. These products help keep the waves in place throughout the day without making them too stiff.
7. Optional: Add Some Volume
If you want even more volume, flip your head upside down and shake your hair out. This will loosen up the waves and give them a more tousled, carefree look. You can also tease the roots gently with a comb to add extra lift. Just be careful not to overdo it, as too much teasing can damage your hair over time.
Tips for Maintaining Waves in Short Hair
1. Don’t Over-Wash Your Hair
Washing your hair too frequently can strip it of its natural oils, making it harder to maintain your waves. Try washing your hair every other day or 2-3 times a week to keep your waves intact. On the days in between, use dry shampoo to refresh your hair and add volume.
2. Refresh Waves with a Curling Wand
If your waves start to fall flat throughout the day, you can quickly refresh them with a curling wand. Simply take small sections of hair, curl them lightly, and finish with hairspray to add more hold.
3. Sleep with a Loose Bun or Braids
To keep your waves intact overnight, consider tying your hair into a loose bun or braiding it before bed. This helps preserve the texture and prevents your waves from becoming limp. In the morning, simply undo the bun or braids and run your fingers through your hair to refresh your waves.
Conclusion
Waved short hair offers a variety of benefits. It enhances your haircut’s natural texture, adding movement and dimension. Waves can make short hair look fuller and more voluminous, which is especially great for those with finer hair. Additionally, waves are versatile—they can be dressed up for formal events or styled casually for everyday wear. Whether you’re aiming for soft beachy waves or more defined curls, waved short hair provides a chic, modern look.
