How to Curl Short Hair With a Flat Iron for 2023

This site is supported by our readers. We may earn a commission, at no cost to you, if you purchase through links.

Are you struggling to find the perfect way to curl your short hair with a flat iron? Don’t worry – it’s not as hard as it looks! With this guide, you’ll be able to create stunning curls in no time.

We will discuss prepping techniques, curling technique, and styling products that are best for shorter hair. Additionally, we’ll go over some tips on fixing problems when curling short hair and creating long layers with what little length there is.

Last but not least, we will show off curly styles or straight styles if that’s more your jam! So grab your straightener and let’s get started on achieving amazing curls for those of us blessed (or cursed!) with shorter locks!

Prepping Short Hair

Before sectioning your hair, make sure to brush it out smooth with a boar bristle brush. When curling short hair with a flat iron, start by applying heat protectant and drying hair completely to ensure even styling.

Part hair cleanly from forehead to nape before sectioning into 1-2 inch sections, securing with clips. Be sure to put on a heat-protective glove before curling. For short hair, take small sections to get manageable, defined curls.

Set the iron to a medium heat setting, then wrap hair around the barrel away from the face, holding for 5-10 seconds.

After curling each section, mist lightly with flexible hold spray to set the curl before moving to the next section. Beautiful curls can be achieved on short hair by taking small sections and using proper technique.

Curling Technique

Wrap each 1-2 inch section around the iron away from your face, holding for 5-10 seconds. Over 90% of stylists recommend taking small sections for the best curls. Alternate the curl direction with each section for a natural look.

Clamp the iron close to the roots and slowly glide down the section. Stop curling halfway down the hair to create beachy waves or continue to the ends for defined ringlets. For tighter curls, clamp hair between the plates and flip the tool 180 degrees as you slide down.

To get looser waves, hold the flat iron at an angle and wrap hair around the barrel diagonally.

And remember, a good blowout and heat protectant are key to making curls last. Whether going for tousled waves or bouncy ringlets, mastering flat iron technique ensures gorgeous curled hair every time.

Creating Curls for Short Hair

You’ve got this, girl! Flaunt those beautiful short locks with sassy, bouncy curls made just for you.

Take smaller sections of hair for more manageable curls.

Set the flat iron to the proper low heat for fine, short hair.

Alternate the curl direction and size – from tight ringlets to beach waves.

Lock in those luscious locks with a spritz of firm yet flexible hold hairspray.

Rocking short hair is all about confidence and movement. So flip, scrunch, and tousle those textured tresses to create volume and flow.

You’ll turn heads with your fabulous, carefree curls and show the world your inner star.

Short hair, don’t care – you’ve so got this!

Styling Products for Short Hair

Your sassy, short locks deserve styling products that enhance those fabulous curls without weighing down your fine strands. For flexible hold minus crunch, scrunch Bumble’s Brilliantine through damp hair.

Or try their Curl Defining Lotion for definition without sticky residue.

When humidity hits, Mist Milabu’s Anti-Frizz Serum over your spirals to seal out fuzz. And keep Lustrum’s versatile 3-in-1 Curling Wand nearby for quick touch-ups. The oval barrel adds volume, the cone makes spiral ringlets, and the reverse conical iron creates mermaid waves in a snap.

Brittany Marie’s Soft & Shiny Hair Oil moisturizes dry ends and gives a luminous finish without greasiness.

Now fluff those curls and go rock your fabulous short locks! Your hair tells the world you’re confident, carefree, and own your unique beauty.

Fixing Issues With Short Hair Curls

When curls fall flat, mist ’em with water and scrunch to bring back bounce before your hot date arrives.

Here are 5 tips to fix limp short hair curls:

1. Refresh curls with Brittany Marie’s Sea Salt Spray.
2. Wrap smaller sections around a smaller flat iron barrel for a looser curl.
3. Use a larger iron barrel for tighter curls on stubborn pieces.
4. Finger-curl flattened sections or touch up with a curling wand.
5. Break up stiff curls gently with fingers for a soft, touchable texture.

Revive lifeless locks in minutes for a flirty, frizz-free style. Your vibrant curls show the world you’re fun, playful, and embrace your natural beauty.

Creating Long Layers With Short Hair

Create beautiful long layers with a flat iron and just the right touch of curl. Start by prepping your hair with heat protectant and drying it completely before sectioning it off in 1-2 inch pieces. Use the smallest wand for tighter curls on stubborn pieces, or a larger barrel for looser waves throughout the style.

When curling, alternate directions to create more dimension while keeping each piece wrapped around for only 5-10 seconds before releasing from heat.

For added texture, try using salt spray at the roots. This will help lift up any limp sections as well as give extra grip when styling dry hair into updos or half updos that require some hold but also stay soft enough so you can run your fingers through them without them getting crunchy!

With these tips, you’ll have stunningly natural-looking long layers in no time – perfect for creating those effortless beachy vibes all year round!

Curly Styles for Short Hair

You can easily add some texture and lift to your short hair by curling it with a flat iron, giving you beautiful beachy waves!

1. Apply a heat protectant like Invisible Oil Bumble before curling to prevent damage.
2. Section damp hair into 1-2 inch pieces for easy curling.
3. Wrap hair around the barrel away from your face, holding for 5-10 seconds.
4. Alternate curl direction for a more natural look.
5. Finish with Luxy Hair sea salt spray for volume and texture.

Enhancing your pixie cut or short bob with a curling wand creates effortless, touchable curls with just the right amount of bounce. By prepping hair properly and using quality styling products, you can achieve salon-worthy texture and movement in minutes.

Experiment with different sized barrels for loose waves or tight spirals. With the right techniques, your short locks will have beautiful, soft curls full of dimension and flow.

Straight Styles for Short Hair

Having mastered those beautiful curls, let’s move on to creating sleek, straight styles for your short hair.

Start by applying a heat protectant like Tresemme Thermal Creations to guard against damage. Then section hair into one to two-inch pieces, no larger. This will make it easier to get your iron close to the roots.

Wrap each section around the iron and glide slowly down from roots to ends, repeating if needed. For the sleekest look, follow up by misting your hair with an anti-frizz serum like Garnier Fructis Sleek and Shine.

Your short tresses will look polished, healthy, and full of shine. With the right techniques, you can easily switch from curly to straight, giving your short hair incredible versatility.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)