Styling short natural hair can be both fun and challenging. The right technique and products can help you achieve a polished and fashionable look. One versatile product you can use is styling gel. This article will guide you through the process of styling short natural hair with styling gel, offering tips, techniques, and product recommendations.
Understanding Short Natural Hair
Short natural hair refers to hair that is kept at a shorter length, typically above the shoulders, and is styled in its natural texture. This can include curls, coils, or waves. The natural texture is embraced rather than altered with heat or chemicals.
Benefits of Styling Short Natural Hair
- Low Maintenance: Short natural hair requires less time and effort to maintain compared to longer styles.
- Versatility: Even short hair can be styled in various ways, from sleek and polished to voluminous and textured.
- Healthier Hair: By avoiding heat and chemical treatments, short natural hair can remain healthier and stronger.
Choosing the Right Styling Gel
Not all styling gels are created equal. Here’s what to look for when selecting a gel for short natural hair:
Ingredients
- Aloe Vera: Helps with moisture and shine.
- Glycerin: Provides hydration and flexibility.
- Panthenol: Adds volume and thickness.
Hold and Flexibility
- Strong Hold: Ideal for defined styles that need to stay in place.
- Flexible Hold: Best for a more natural, movable look.
Free from Harsh Chemicals
Choose gels that are free from alcohol, parabens, and sulfates to avoid drying out your hair.
Preparing Your Hair
Before applying styling gel, ensure your hair is clean and well-moisturized. Follow these steps:
Cleansing
Use a sulfate-free shampoo to cleanse your hair. This will remove any product buildup and prepare your hair for styling.
Conditioning
Apply a conditioner suited to your hair type. This will help with detangling and add moisture.
Drying
Pat your hair dry with a towel. Avoid rubbing, as this can cause frizz. Allow your hair to air-dry slightly before applying gel.
Applying Styling Gel
Proper application of styling gel is crucial for achieving the desired look. Follow these steps:
Sectioning
Divide your hair into small sections. This ensures even application of the gel and helps in achieving a uniform style.
Application
- Start with a Small Amount: Use a pea-sized amount of gel and distribute it evenly through your hair.
- Work in Sections: Apply gel to each section, using your fingers or a comb to distribute it evenly.
- Avoid Overuse: Too much gel can weigh down your hair and cause flakes.
Styling Techniques
- Finger Coiling: For defined curls, use your fingers to coil small sections of hair.
- Shingling: Apply gel to wet hair and use your fingers to smooth and define curls.
- Raking: Use your fingers to rake through your hair, ensuring even distribution of the gel.
Creating Different Looks
Short natural hair offers a variety of styling options with gel. Here are a few popular looks:
Defined Curls
- Apply Gel: Use a generous amount of gel on damp hair.
- Scrunch: Scrunch your hair with your hands to encourage curl formation.
- Dry: Let your hair air-dry or use a diffuser for quicker drying.
Sleek and Smooth
- Apply Gel: Use a small amount of gel on damp hair.
- Smooth Down: Use a comb to smooth the gel through your hair.
- Dry: Allow your hair to dry completely for a sleek finish.
Voluminous Texture
- Apply Gel: Apply gel to damp hair, focusing on the roots.
- Diffuse: Use a diffuser to dry your hair, scrunching and lifting it for added volume.
Messy Waves
- Apply Gel: Use a small amount of gel on damp hair.
- Twist: Twist small sections of hair for a natural, wavy look.
- Dry: Let your hair air-dry for a relaxed, textured finish.
See Also: How To Style Short Razor Cut Hair
Maintaining Your Style
Once you’ve styled your hair, you’ll want to ensure it lasts throughout the day. Here are some tips:
Avoid Touching
Try to avoid touching or running your fingers through your hair too much, as this can disrupt the style and cause frizz.
Refreshing
If your style starts to lose definition, you can refresh it by lightly dampening your hair and applying a small amount of gel.
Night Care
Protect your hair at night by using a satin or silk pillowcase. This reduces friction and helps prevent frizz.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using Too Much Gel: Overuse can lead to a crunchy or flaky appearance.
- Applying Gel to Dry Hair: Gel should be applied to damp hair for best results.
- Skipping Moisturizer: Ensure your hair is moisturized before applying gel to avoid dryness.
Product Recommendations
Here are a few styling gels that work well with short natural hair:
- Eco Styler Olive Oil Gel: Offers strong hold with moisturizing benefits.
- Aunt Jackie’s Don’t Shrink Flaxseed Elongating Curling Gel: Provides defined curls and reduces shrinkage.
- Kinky-Curly Curling Custard: Ideal for creating defined, bouncy curls.
Conclusion
Styling short natural hair with styling gel can be a simple and effective way to achieve a variety of looks. By choosing the right gel, preparing your hair properly, and using the right techniques, you can create styles that are both fashionable and easy to maintain. Remember to experiment with different looks and find what works best for your unique hair texture. With the right approach, you can enjoy beautifully styled short natural hair every day.
Related Topic:
15 Ways To Style Super Short Hair