Short hair doesn’t mean limited styling options! With the right tools and techniques, you can create beautiful curls that transform your look in minutes. Whether you have a pixie cut or a bob, these curling methods will add volume, texture, and bounce to your shorter locks.
1. Flat Iron Flips
Grab your straightener for quick curls! Hold it at an angle and twist as you pull through small sections of hair.
The flat iron’s plates create defined curls when you rotate your wrist while moving down each strand.
2. Overnight Braids
French braid damp hair before bed for effortless morning waves. The tighter your braids, the more defined your curls will be.
Work with tiny sections for maximum wave definition on shorter lengths.
3. Headband Wrap Method
Place a soft headband around your crown and wrap sections of hair around it. Sleep with this style, and you’ll wake up to bouncy curls!
No heat means healthier hair in the long run.
4. Foam Rollers
Foam rollers create bouncy, retro-inspired curls. Apply setting lotion to damp hair first for longer-lasting results.
They’re lightweight enough to sleep in comfortably, unlike many other curling tools.
5. Pin Curls
Wind small sections around your finger, then pin flat against your scalp. This vintage technique creates gorgeous, defined curls on even the shortest pixie cuts.
Let them set completely before removing.
6. Sock Bun Curls
Cut the toe off a sock and roll it into a donut. Pull your hair through and wrap around the sock.
This works surprisingly well for short bobs, creating voluminous curls from mid-shaft to ends.
7. Twist and Clip
Twist small sections of damp hair tightly, then secure with clips. Let dry naturally or use a diffuser for faster results.
The tighter you twist, the more defined your curls will become.
8. Finger Coiling
Apply curl cream to damp hair, then wrap small sections around your finger to create defined coils. This works beautifully for naturally textured or curly short hair.
Air dry or diffuse gently.
9. Cocktail Straw Curls
Wrap thin sections of hair around small plastic straws and secure with bobby pins. This creates tight, spirally curls perfect for super short styles.
Great for adding texture to pixie cuts!
10. Flexi Rod Magic
Flexi rods create bouncy, defined curls without heat damage. They’re bendable, making them perfect for securing short hair.
Choose smaller diameter rods for tighter curls, larger ones for loose waves.
11. Diffuser Scrunching
Apply curl-enhancing mousse to damp hair, then scrunch while blow-drying with a diffuser attachment. The cup-shaped tool enhances natural wave patterns.
Tilt your head for volume at the roots.
12. Perm Rod Set
Traditional perm rods create uniform curls without chemicals. Apply setting lotion to damp hair before wrapping.
Smaller rods work best for short hair, creating tight, defined curls that loosen beautifully.
13. Bantoe knopen
Twist small sections of hair and wrap into tight knots secured with pins. Works beautifully on textured hair but creates gorgeous waves on all hair types.
Smaller knots create tighter curls.
14. Mini Bun Curls
Section damp hair and twist into several tiny buns across your head. Secure with pins and let dry completely.
The more buns you create, the more defined your curls will be.
15. Curl Cream Scrunching
Apply curl-enhancing cream to damp hair, then scrunch upward with your hands. Let air dry or diffuse gently.
This technique enhances your hair’s natural wave pattern without heat damage.
16. Pencil Rod Curls
Wrap small sections around pencil-thin curling rods for tight, springy curls. These work wonderfully on even the shortest pixie cuts.
The thin diameter creates defined curls on minimal length.
17. Twist-Out Technique
Apply styling cream to damp hair and create two-strand twists all over. Allow to dry completely before unraveling.
This creates defined, natural-looking curls perfect for textured short hair.
18. Rag Curls
Cut fabric strips and wrap damp hair sections around them, tying ends to secure. This old-school method creates soft, bouncy curls overnight.
The fabric absorbs moisture while setting the curl pattern.
19. Wand Curling
A curling wand creates modern, undone waves. Wrap small sections away from your face, holding for just 5-7 seconds.
Leave the ends out for a contemporary, relaxed finish perfect for short bobs.
20. Hair Rollers
Velcro rollers create volume and soft curls without clips or pins. They grip hair easily, making them perfect for short styles.
Place them at the crown for maximum lift and bounce.