Short relaxed hair offers a world of styling possibilities that can enhance your natural beauty and reflect your personality. Whether you’re looking for a sleek and sophisticated style or a fun and playful one, there’s a look out there for you. In this guide, we’ll explore various ways to style short relaxed hair, taking into account different hair textures, face shapes, and personal preferences.
Understanding Your Hair Texture & Face Shape
Before diving into styling techniques, it’s essential to understand your hair texture and face shape. This knowledge will help you choose the most flattering styles for your unique features.
Hair Texture
Relaxed hair has been chemically treated to straighten the natural curl pattern. However, the level of relaxation can vary, and so can the resulting texture. Some people may have a more silky, straight texture, while others might retain a bit of wave or have a coarser feel. Knowing your hair’s texture will help you select products and styling methods that work best for you.
Face Shape
Your face shape plays a significant role in determining which hairstyles will suit you. Common face shapes include oval, round, square, heart, and diamond. Each shape has its own set of flattering styles, and understanding yours will guide you in making the right choices.
Essential Hair Care Products for Short Relaxed Hair
To achieve the best results when styling your short relaxed hair, you’ll need the right products. Here are some essentials to keep in your hair care arsenal:
Moisturizing Shampoo & Conditioner
Relaxed hair can be prone to dryness, so it’s crucial to keep it well-moisturized. Look for a shampoo and conditioner specifically formulated for relaxed or chemically treated hair. These products will help replenish lost moisture and keep your hair healthy and shiny.
Leave-In Conditioner
A leave-in conditioner is a great way to provide extra moisture and protection throughout the day. Apply it to damp hair after washing and before styling to help detangle and smooth your hair.
Heat Protectant
If you plan to use heat styling tools such as a flat iron or curling wand, a heat protectant is a must. It will create a barrier between your hair and the heat, reducing the risk of damage and breakage.
Styling Cream or Gel
Styling creams and gels can help you achieve a variety of looks, from sleek and straight to defined curls. Choose a product that suits your desired style and hair texture.
Sleek & Sophisticated Styles
If you’re aiming for a polished and professional look, sleek and sophisticated styles are the way to go. Here are some options to consider:
Straight Bob
A straight bob is a classic and timeless style that works well for most face shapes. To achieve this look, start by washing and conditioning your hair. Apply a heat protectant and use a flat iron to straighten your hair, section by section. For added shine, you can also apply a small amount of serum to the ends of your hair.
Side-Swept Bangs
Side-swept bangs can add a touch of elegance to any short relaxed hairstyle. They can help soften your facial features and draw attention to your eyes. To style side-swept bangs, blow-dry your hair using a round brush to create volume at the roots. Then, use a flat iron to straighten your bangs and sweep them to one side.
Slicked-Back Look
For a bold and modern style, try a slicked-back look. Apply a generous amount of styling gel to damp hair and use a comb to smooth it back away from your face. You can also use a hairspray to set the style in place and add extra hold.
Playful & Flirty Styles
If you’re in the mood for something fun and playful, there are plenty of options for short relaxed hair. Here are a few ideas:
Curly Pixie
A curly pixie is a great way to showcase your natural texture and add some volume to your hair. To achieve this look, start by washing and conditioning your hair. Apply a curl-defining cream or gel to damp hair and use your fingers to scrunch your hair as it dries. You can also use a diffuser attachment on your blow-dryer to speed up the drying process and enhance your curls.
Finger Waves
Finger waves are a vintage-inspired style that can add a touch of glamour to your short relaxed hair. To create finger waves, start by applying a styling cream to damp hair. Use your fingers to create S-shaped waves in your hair, starting at the roots and working your way down to the ends. Secure the waves with bobby pins and let your hair dry naturally or use a blow-dryer on a low heat setting.
Messy Updo
A messy updo is a quick and easy style that’s perfect for a casual day out or a night on the town. To create a messy updo, gather your hair into a high ponytail and twist it into a bun. Use bobby pins to secure the bun in place and pull out a few strands of hair around your face to create a relaxed and effortless look.
Accessorizing Your Short Relaxed Hair
Accessories can take your short relaxed hairstyle to the next level. Here are some ideas to get you started:
Headbands
Headbands are a versatile accessory that can add a pop of color or a touch of elegance to your hair. You can choose from a wide variety of styles, including wide headbands, thin headbands, and headbands with embellishments.
Hairpins & Bobby Pins
Hairpins and bobby pins are essential for securing your hair in place and creating different styles. You can use them to pin back your bangs, create a half-up, half-down look, or add a decorative touch to your updo.
Scarves
Scarves are a great way to add a bit of flair to your short relaxed hair. You can tie a scarf around your head like a headband, wrap it around a ponytail, or use it to create a turban-inspired look.
Maintaining Your Short Relaxed Hair
To keep your short relaxed hair looking its best, it’s important to follow a proper maintenance routine. Here are some tips to help you:
Regular Trims
Regular trims are essential for keeping your hair healthy and preventing split ends. Aim to get a trim every 4-6 weeks, depending on how fast your hair grows.
Deep Conditioning Treatments
Deep conditioning treatments can help restore moisture and nourishment to your relaxed hair. Use a deep conditioning mask once a week or as needed to keep your hair soft and shiny.
Protect Your Hair from Heat Damage
As mentioned earlier, heat styling tools can cause damage to your hair if used too frequently or at high temperatures. To protect your hair, always use a heat protectant before styling and try to limit your use of heat tools as much as possible.
Avoid Over-Processing
Relaxing your hair is a chemical process that can weaken your hair over time. To avoid over-processing, it’s important to follow the instructions on your relaxer kit carefully and not relax your hair too often. Most experts recommend waiting at least 8-10 weeks between relaxer treatments.
Conclusion
Styling short relaxed hair is all about embracing your unique look and having fun with your hair. Whether you prefer sleek and sophisticated styles or playful and flirty ones, there are plenty of options to choose from. By understanding your hair texture and face shape, using the right products, and following a proper maintenance routine, you can keep your short relaxed hair looking healthy, shiny, and beautiful. So go ahead, experiment with different styles, and find the one that makes you feel confident and fabulous!
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