Short textured hair offers versatility and a modern, edgy look that suits various personalities and occasions. Styling short textured hair, however, can be a challenge for those who are new to this type of hair or for those looking to refresh their styling routine. In this article, we’ll explore different methods and products to style short textured hair, along with tips and tricks to achieve the best results. This guide is designed to provide you with in-depth knowledge and practical advice to elevate your hairstyling game.
Understanding Short Textured Hair
Before diving into styling techniques, it’s essential to understand what makes short textured hair unique. Textured hair generally refers to hair with natural waves, curls, or coils. When the hair is short, the texture can be accentuated, giving it more volume and definition. Understanding the nature of your hair’s texture will help you choose the right styling techniques and products.
Types of Hair Texture
Hair texture varies significantly from person to person. The primary categories include:
Wavy Hair: Wavy hair has a slight bend or “S” shape. It is less voluminous than curly hair but more so than straight hair. Wavy hair tends to be prone to frizz and requires products that enhance the natural wave without weighing it down.
Curly Hair: Curly hair forms distinct loops or spirals. It has more volume and bounce than wavy hair and is prone to dryness and frizz. Curly hair requires moisturizing products that define the curls while reducing frizz.
Coily Hair: Coily hair, also known as kinky hair, has tight curls or coils. It is the most fragile hair texture and tends to shrink when dry. Coily hair requires intense moisture and care to maintain its shape and health.
Straight Hair with Added Texture: Straight hair can also be textured through styling techniques like braiding, curling, or using texturizing sprays. This type of texture adds volume and movement to naturally straight hair.
Understanding your hair texture will guide you in selecting the right products and styling methods.
Tools and Products for Styling Short Textured Hair
Styling short textured hair requires the right tools and products to enhance the natural texture and maintain the style throughout the day. Here are some essential tools and products to consider:
Tools
Diffuser: A diffuser is an attachment for your hair dryer that helps distribute heat evenly, reducing frizz and preserving the natural texture of your hair. It’s particularly useful for curly and coily hair.
Curling Iron/Wand: For those with straight or wavy hair who want to add more texture, a curling iron or wand can create defined curls or waves. Choose a barrel size that suits your desired curl pattern.
Flat Iron: A flat iron can be used to add texture to straight hair by creating waves or bends. It’s also useful for taming frizz and flyaways.
Wide-Tooth Comb: A wide-tooth comb is gentle on textured hair, helping to detangle without disrupting the natural curl pattern. It’s ideal for wet hair and can be used to distribute product evenly.
Hair Clips: Sectioning your hair with clips makes styling easier, especially when working with short hair. It helps to create a more polished and controlled look.
Products
Texturizing Spray: Texturizing sprays add grit and hold to the hair, making it easier to style and giving it a lived-in look. They’re perfect for adding volume and enhancing natural texture.
Sea Salt Spray: Sea salt sprays mimic the effect of ocean water, adding texture and waves to the hair. They’re great for creating a tousled, beachy look.
Curl Enhancer: Curl enhancers define and moisturize curls, reducing frizz and adding shine. They are essential for curly and coily hair types.
Mousse: Mousse adds volume and hold to the hair without weighing it down. It’s ideal for wavy and curly hair and can be used to create lift at the roots.
Hair Pomade/Wax: Pomades and waxes provide hold and definition, making them perfect for creating structured styles. They add shine and control without making the hair stiff.
Hair Gel: Gel offers strong hold and is useful for creating sleek, polished looks. It can also be used to define curls and waves, especially in more humid conditions.
Leave-In Conditioner: A leave-in conditioner provides moisture and protection to textured hair, helping to maintain its health and manageability. It’s particularly important for curly and coily hair types.
Heat Protectant: Heat protectants shield the hair from damage caused by styling tools like flat irons, curling irons, and blow dryers. Always use a heat protectant before applying heat to your hair.
Styling Techniques for Short Textured Hair
There are various styling techniques you can use to enhance your short textured hair. Whether you’re looking for a casual, everyday style or something more polished for a special occasion, these techniques will help you achieve the look you desire.
1. Air-Drying for Natural Texture
One of the simplest ways to style short textured hair is to let it air-dry. This method preserves the natural texture and reduces the risk of heat damage.
Steps to Air-Dry Textured Hair:
Wash and Condition: Start by washing your hair with a sulfate-free shampoo and a moisturizing conditioner. This will help maintain the natural moisture balance in your hair.
Apply Leave-In Conditioner: After washing, apply a leave-in conditioner to damp hair to lock in moisture and enhance the natural texture.
Use a Curl Enhancer or Mousse: Depending on your hair type, apply a curl enhancer or mousse to define your natural curls or waves.
Scrunch Hair: Gently scrunch your hair with your hands to encourage the natural curl pattern. Avoid using a towel, as it can cause frizz.
Air-Dry: Allow your hair to air-dry completely. This may take some time, but it’s the best way to preserve your natural texture without frizz or damage.
Finish with a Light Hold Spray: Once your hair is dry, use a light hold spray to set the style and reduce frizz.
2. Using a Diffuser for Defined Curls
If you have curly or coily hair, using a diffuser attachment on your blow dryer can help define your curls and add volume.
Steps to Use a Diffuser:
Prep Hair: Start by applying a leave-in conditioner and curl enhancer to damp hair. This will help define your curls and protect them from heat.
Section Hair: Divide your hair into sections using hair clips. This will make it easier to dry each section evenly.
Attach the Diffuser: Attach the diffuser to your blow dryer. Set the dryer to a low or medium heat setting to avoid frizz.
Dry Hair in Sections: Place a section of hair into the diffuser and hold it close to your scalp. Move the diffuser around your head, gently lifting your hair to enhance volume.
Scrunch Hair: As you dry each section, use your hands to scrunch your hair to encourage the natural curl pattern.
Finish with a Light Hold Spray: Once your hair is dry, use a light hold spray to set the style and reduce frizz.
3. Creating Waves with a Curling Wand
For those with straight or wavy hair, a curling wand can be used to create loose, textured waves.
Steps to Create Waves:
Prep Hair: Apply a heat protectant to dry hair to shield it from damage.
Section Hair: Divide your hair into sections using hair clips.
Wrap Hair Around the Wand: Take a small section of hair and wrap it around the curling wand, leaving the ends out for a more natural look. Hold for a few seconds, then release.
Alternate Directions: For a more textured, natural look, alternate the direction in which you wrap the hair around the wand.
Tousle Hair: Once all sections are curled, gently tousle your hair with your fingers to break up the waves.
Finish with Sea Salt Spray: To add texture and hold, finish with a sea salt spray. This will give your waves a beachy, lived-in look.
4. Sleek and Polished Styles with Pomade
For a more structured and polished look, pomade or wax can be used to slick back or define short textured hair.
Steps to Create a Sleek Style:
Prep Hair: Start with clean, dry hair. Apply a small amount of pomade or wax to your hands and rub them together to warm the product.
Apply Pomade: Distribute the pomade evenly through your hair, focusing on the roots for control and the ends for definition.
Comb Hair: Use a comb to slick back your hair or create a side part. The pomade will help hold the style in place.
Smooth Flyaways: Use a small amount of pomade on your fingertips to smooth down any flyaways.
Finish with a Gloss Spray: For extra shine, finish with a gloss spray. This will give your hair a polished, sleek look.
5. Adding Volume with Mousse
Mousse is an excellent product for adding volume and lift to short textured hair. It’s lightweight and provides a flexible hold.
Steps to Add Volume:
Prep Hair: Apply mousse to damp hair, focusing on the roots for lift.
Blow-Dry Hair: Use a blow dryer with a round brush to lift the roots as you dry your hair. This will create volume and movement.
Tease the Roots: For extra volume, tease the roots with a comb after drying.
Finish with a Texturizing Spray: To add texture and hold, finish with a texturizing spray. This will help maintain the volume throughout the day.
See Also: How To Style Super Short Pixie Cut
Maintaining Short Textured Hair
Styling short textured hair is only part of the equation. Maintaining the health and shape of your hair is equally important. Here are some tips for keeping your short textured hair in top condition.
Regular Trims
Short hair requires regular trims to maintain its shape and prevent split ends. Aim to get a trim every 4-6 weeks, depending on how quickly your hair grows. Regular trims will keep your style looking fresh and prevent your hair from becoming unruly.
Deep Conditioning Treatments
Textured hair tends to be more prone to dryness, so it’s important to keep it well-moisturized. Incorporate deep conditioning treatments into your routine once a week to restore moisture and keep your hair soft and manageable.
Nighttime Care
Protect your short textured hair while you sleep by using a satin or silk pillowcase. These materials are gentler on your hair and help reduce friction, which can cause frizz and breakage. You can also wrap your hair in a satin or silk scarf to further protect it.
Avoid Over-Washing
Over-washing can strip your hair of its natural oils, leading to dryness and frizz. Aim to wash your hair 2-3 times a week, depending on your hair type. On non-wash days, use a dry shampoo to absorb excess oil and refresh your hair.
Use Sulfate-Free Products
Sulfates are harsh detergents that can strip your hair of its natural moisture. Choose sulfate-free shampoos and conditioners to keep your hair hydrated and healthy. Sulfate-free products are especially important for curly and coily hair, which is more prone to dryness.
Troubleshooting Common Issues with Short Textured Hair
Even with the best care and styling techniques, you may encounter some common issues with short textured hair. Here’s how to troubleshoot and resolve these problems.
Frizz
Frizz is a common issue with textured hair, especially in humid conditions. To combat frizz, make sure you’re using moisturizing products and avoid over-brushing your hair. Using a diffuser when blow-drying and applying anti-frizz serums or oils can also help.
Lack of Volume
If your short textured hair is falling flat, try incorporating volumizing products like mousse or texturizing spray into your routine. Blow-drying your hair with a round brush can also help lift the roots and create more volume.
Unruly Curls
If your curls are looking unruly or undefined, you may need to adjust your styling routine. Make sure you’re using a curl enhancer or mousse to define your curls and avoid over-handling your hair once it’s dry. Diffusing your hair instead of air-drying can also help create more defined curls.
Dryness
Textured hair is more prone to dryness, so it’s important to keep it well-moisturized. If your hair is feeling dry, incorporate deep conditioning treatments and leave-in conditioners into your routine. Avoid using too much heat, and protect your hair with a heat protectant when styling.
Popular Short Textured Hairstyles
Short textured hair offers endless styling possibilities. Here are some popular short textured hairstyles to inspire your next look.
The Textured Pixie Cut
The textured pixie cut is a chic and edgy style that works well with all hair textures. This cut features short, layered hair with plenty of texture and movement. To style, apply a texturizing spray or pomade to enhance the natural texture and create a tousled, effortless look.
The Curly Bob
The curly bob is a classic and versatile style that looks great on curly and wavy hair. This cut features chin-length hair with plenty of volume and bounce. To style, use a curl enhancer and diffuser to define your curls and add volume.
The Faux Hawk
The faux hawk is a bold and modern style that works well with short textured hair. This style features longer hair on top with shorter sides, creating a faux mohawk effect. To style, use a pomade or wax to create lift and hold on the top section of your hair.
The Shag
The shag is a retro-inspired style that has made a comeback in recent years. This cut features choppy layers and plenty of texture, creating a messy, lived-in look. To style, use a texturizing spray and scrunch your hair with your hands to enhance the natural texture.
The Buzz Cut with Texture
The buzz cut is a low-maintenance style that can be given extra flair with added texture. To style, use a texturizing paste or pomade to create definition and movement in the hair. This is a great option for those who want a short, easy-to-maintain style with a bit of edge.
Conclusion
Styling short textured hair is a creative and rewarding process. With the right tools, products, and techniques, you can enhance your natural texture and create a variety of stunning looks. Whether you’re going for a casual, everyday style or something more polished, the tips and tricks in this guide will help you achieve the best results.
Remember, the key to great hair is not just the styling, but also the care and maintenance. Keep your hair healthy with regular trims, deep conditioning treatments, and the right products, and you’ll always have a great hair day.