It was a no-brainer a few years ago when I decided to get a short haircut. I was ready for something different and wore my hair long for most of my life. Since I did color, braids, and everything else in between already, cutting my hair was very appealing. When some of my favorite naturalistas on Instagram took the plunge I decided I would too.
So, I hopped over to my favorite stylist’s chair with a few images of what I had in mind and she hooked me all the way up! Each haircut after that initial one was shorter and shorter until I eventually began getting the sides and back shaved. Styling short curly hair has its pros and cons but I keep my routine pretty simple. Below is a complete guide to rocking a short haircut.
Simplified wash days.
Once I cut my hair, my styling time was suddenly cut in half. Sunday is typically my wash day and what would normally take me 1 ½-2 hours was now taking me 40 minutes! I normally don’t wash or condition my hair on the weekdays, but with the short haircut requiring so little time to wash and style, I began experimenting during the week. I air dry my hair and with a short cut, I don’t stress about the time it takes for my hair to dry. Whenever I decide to sit under a dryer, it only takes 20 minutes for my hair to completely dry and set.
Easy styling routine.
To style, I use the Thirsty Curls Leave-in Curl Revitalizer as a base and follow up with Supercurl and Curly Magic by Uncle Funky’s Daughter. I like using this three-layer approach because it guarantees moisture retention. A little bit of product goes a long way (and I tend to be quite liberal when it comes to applying my hair products). This technique will work for both wash and go’s and twist-outs, see my steps below:
Step 1: Begin with clean, soaking wet hair (keep a spray bottle with water nearby in case your hair begins to dry). Spritz Thirsty Curls liberally all over your entire head. Then use your hands or a comb to gently massage the leave-in evenly throughout the hair, from root to end.
Step 2: Starting at the back of your head, use a rattail comb to create a small section about two inches above the nape of your neck, from ear to ear. Split this section in half and apply a nickel-sized amount of Supercurl to this section. This cream is marshmallowy soft and I adore the texture. Your curls will feel like butter!
Step 3: To this same section, apply a dime-sized amount of Curly Magic. Using your fingers, shingle through to the ends and twirl (coil) your curls at the end. I love how this technique gives me perfectly clumped curls every time. Create a new section and repeat until you’ve completed your entire head.
Step 4: Let your hair dry completely before separating and fluffing.
A short, curly tapered haircut can be extremely easy to manage on wash day but beware, the everyday maintenance is not for the weak. When my hair was one to three inches long, I had to dedicate at least 45 minutes every morning to reshaping and reviving, my curls (Thirsty Curls came in handy! Especially with the short/shaved sides).
Whatever you do – remember to have FUN with it! Short hair can be very versatile, sporty, sexy, and fun. Make it yours.
xoxo
Wesley (@coconutandconcrete)
1 comment
It would be easier to embrace their tips if I knew what earch person’s particular curl pattern was. I can not tell just by looking at their finished styles. I am mostly low porosity “coily” 4a. That would make a world of difference when choosing which product that would work on my particular hair type.