How to Curl Short Hair: 5 Essential Steps For Perfect Curls Without Damage

Do you want to learn how to curl your short hair? Here are some of the most essential tips on how to make perfect curls with short hair every time.

When it comes to hairstyling, short hair has its own unique charm that you can easily enhance with your curling wand. While shorter hair lacks the length of longer hairstyles, it doesn’t mean that it lacks opportunities for creativity and experimentation. 

One popular and timeless way to highlight the beauty of short hair is by adding curls. Whether you are looking to enjoy some bouncy ringlets or loose beach waves, mastering the art of curling short hair can elevate your style to new heights.

In this article, we will teach you how to curl your short hair step-by-step to ensure that you are getting perfect locks every time. Curling short hair may seem challenging at first, but with the right techniques and a little practice, you'll be able to achieve stunning curls that last all day.

So, let’s not waste any more time - we’ve got a lot to cover. Let’s go:

1. Choose the right curling wand for your short hair

When it comes to thermal hair styling, having the right tool is essential for achieving the results that you are looking for. And we are not only talking about aesthetics - a great curling wand will also be more delicate and gentle to your hair, allowing you to curl it without damage.

When looking for the best curling wand for short hair, here are some things to keep in mind:

1.1. Size of barrels

The size of the plates matters if you want to learn how to make curls with short hair effectively. While it ultimately depends on the style that you want to achieve, the general rule of thumb is that smaller sizes work best for short hair, and allow you to create more defined curls.

So, opt for a curling wand with one of the following sizes:

• 3/4 inch barrel - a good size for creating tight, defined curls or small ringlets on short hair.
• 1 inch barrel - if you are looking for a more versatile option, the 1 inch barrel can be a good fit as it creates a wider range of curl types.
• 1 1/4 inch barrel - this size is larger and provides looser curls or waves. It's a great choice if you prefer a more relaxed, beachy look on your short hair.

Keep in mind that shorter hair typically requires smaller barrels to achieve tighter, defined curls, while larger barrels can provide more volume and loose waves.

In addition, opt for a curling wand that is compact and lightweight. Short hair requires precision and maneuverability, so a wand that is easy to handle will make the curling process more comfortable and efficient.

1.2. Type of plates

When it comes to choosing the best curling wand for short hair, especially if you are a beginner, another thing that you will need to consider is the type of plates.

So, if you want to learn how to curl your short hair, don’t underestimate the importance of research, and keep in mind that each plate type has its own unique advantages and disadvantages:

• Ceramic-coated plates - as the most popular option on the market, ceramic-coated plates are generally a good choice for thin or fine hair as they distribute heat evenly and maintain a consistent temperature. However, they may not be ideal if you have thick hair.
• Titanium plates - they can be a good option for styling thick or coarse hair because they can get to higher temperatures than ceramic-coated plates. However, they are more likely to cause heat damage as they heat up very fast and are more difficult to control.
• Tourmaline plates - made from the gemstone tourmaline, these plates are generally the best option for short hair as they are durable, easy to manage, and allow for fast heat styling without damage, whether your hair is thick and coarse or fine and thin.

In addition, curling wands with tourmaline plates such as the NuMe Classic Curling Wand use proprietary far-infrared heat technology that deeply penetrates the hair shaft and helps to lock in moisture.

Tourmaline emits negative ions when heated up, neutralizing the positive ions in your hair - which are the culprit for frizzy curls or static.

1.3. Look for adjustable heat settings

If you want to learn how to curl short hair, the next step that you will need to consider when looking for a good curling wand is to opt for one with adjustable heat settings.

This is important because short hair generally requires lower heat to avoid overexposure and damage - which means that a wand with titanium plates may not be the best option as they heat up to very high temperatures.

Instead, look for a wand with temperature control that allows you to select a suitable heat level for your hair type, which will significantly minimize the damage from heat styling. Going for a tourmaline-plated curling wand will also ensure curling without damage due to its negative ions.

Another thing to keep in mind is that short hair tends to be more sensitive to heat damage compared to longer hair. The proximity of the heat source to the scalp and ends of the hair increases the risk of overexposure.

So, adjustable heat settings will allow you to lower the temperature and minimize the potential for damage while still achieving desired curl results.

2. Prepare your hair for curling

If you are wondering how to curl short hair, the second step that you will need to take after ensuring that you have a good curling wand for your hair type is to start preparing your hair for the curling process.

First, shampoo and condition carefully to ensure that you are removing any product, dirt, oil and dust build up from your scalp and strands.

Applying high temperatures to dirty hair can be damaging in the long run because all this build up essentially gets burnt on your hair when you curl it - and, as we mentioned earlier, shorter hair tends to be more sensitive to hair damage.

In addition, make sure that your hair is fully dry before heat styling. Ironing wet hair is extremely dangerous because wet hair is in its most vulnerable state - applying high heat causes the water inside the hair shaft to turn into steam, which can lead to hair damage.

When choosing a good shampoo and conditioner, opt for ones that are not made with parabens or silicones to avoid further damage and sensitivity to your short hair. Instead, look for products made with natural ingredients such as the NuMe Vegan Tourmaline Hair Care Set.

3. Apply a thermal heat protectant

Next on our list of steps on how to curl short hair is to apply a thermal heat protectant. Once you’ve carefully washed, conditioned and ensured that your hair is fully dry (you can either blow dry or air dry), the next step is to prepare it for the heat styling.

And for this, we will need a thermal heat protectant.

Essentially, the way heat protectants work is simple - they have been specifically designed and formulated to shield the hair from the heat styling tool, creating a protective barrier and reducing any possible damage that may be caused by high heat.

A thermal heat protectant typically contains ingredients that can absorb and disperse some of the heat, preventing it from directly affecting the hair shaft.

In addition, thermal protectants also contain hydrating ingredients, such as natural oils, to lock in moisture in the hair strands and prevent it from being stripped by the heat styling tool.

By preserving the hair's moisture levels, the protectant reduces the risk of dehydration and damage.

4. Master the curling technique

In order to learn how to curl short hair and get perfect curls every time, you will need to master some very simple steps that you can easily do at home without the need to visit a beauty salon.

1. Start by dividing the hair into small, manageable sections using clips or hair ties.
2. Next, separate the hair at the back of your head and work your way forward.
3. Take a small section of the hair, and wrap it around your curling iron starting from the roots.
4. Hold the iron vertically for a more natural-looking curl
5. Gently release the curl from the wand, avoiding tugging and pulling.
6. Repeat the same technique for the remaining sections of the hair

5. Set and spray

Once you’ve finished curling your short hair, the last step is to allow your beautiful curls to cool completely before you touch them. This helps set the curls and ensure that they are going to last as much as possible so you can enjoy them for longer.

In the meantime, you can use this opportunity to apply a light-hold finishing hairspray to lock in the curls without making them stiff.

3 products you need when curling short hair

When it comes to curling short hair, here are some products that will make sure that you hairstyle always looks amazing:

1. NuMe Clout Control Anti-Frizz Spray

 

If you are trying to achieve the perfect style with your curling iron, you probably want to ensure that it's sleek and smooth instead of frizzy. The NuMe Clout Control Anti Frizz Spray will help you get the best look without any effort.

This revolutionary spray provides the ultimate defense against frizz, shielding the hair from humidity and keeping your hair healthy and shiny with 18 amino acids, UV filter, and vitamins in its formula. 

2. NuMe Hairology Scalp Serum

The secret to the perfect look, whether you are curling your short hair or keeping it as-is, is having a healthy scalp. The scalp is where hair follicles are located, and these follicles are responsible for growing hair.

A healthy scalp ensures that hair follicles are well-nourished and able to produce strong, healthy hair. Poor scalp health can lead to weakened hair growth or even hair loss.

That's we recommend incorporating the NuMe Hairology Scalp Serum into your hair care and scalp care routine - made with the power of four core plants, it transforms your hair into its highest potential.

3. NuMe Argan Oil

If you are suffering from dry hair, don't worry - the NuMe Argan Oil Serum is the perfect solution for you. This lightweight, non-greasy moisturizer softens the hair while providing a protective layer on your finished style.

Enriched with vitamin E, it also promotes hair growth. enhancing the elasticity and flexibility of your hair. 

FAQ

Can I curl short hair without it looking too puffy or voluminous?

Yes, you can curl short hair without it looking too puffy or voluminous. It is important to choose the right barrel size for your curling wand - ideally, around 1/2 to 1 inch for short hair.

Smaller barrels create tighter, more defined curls that are less likely to appear overly voluminous.

What is the best curling technique for short hair?

The best curling technique for short hair is to use a smaller barrel size (around 1/2 to 1 inch), take small sections, wrap tightly from root to tip, and hold for a few seconds.

Release and finger-comb for natural-looking curls that suit short hair length.

Will curling short hair damage it more than longer hair?

Curling short hair doesn't inherently cause more damage than longer hair. However, short hair is more susceptible to heat damage due to its proximity to the scalp.

It's crucial to use heat protectant, lower heat settings, and minimize exposure to prevent potential damage, regardless of hair length.

How can I make my curls last longer on short hair?

To make your curls last longer on short hair, start with clean, product-free hair, use a quality curling iron or wand, apply a lightweight styling product before curling, let the curls cool and set completely, and finish with a light-hold hairspray.

Avoid touching or brushing the curls excessively throughout the day.

Can I achieve beachy waves on short hair?

Yes, you can achieve beachy waves on short hair. Use a larger barrel curling wand, wrap random sections of hair loosely, leaving the ends out. Alternate curling directions for a natural look.

Finger-comb the curls, apply texturizing spray, and tousle for effortless beachy waves.