In case you didn’t get the memo, when it comes to the latest hair trends, the shorter the cut the better. Lobs, bobs, and blunt cuts are seeing a lot of love lately — and it has seen many fashion influencers reaching for the scissors (or, you know, booking a hair appointment). For curly hair, the short-cut trend brings a lot of potential when it comes to revamping your style.
A shorter length, cut above the chin, can give curly textures a lot of extra body and volume. The cut can be carefree and, if you fancy, give off “sexy bed head” but, as most curly-haired folks know, it can take some work to make your curls do as they’re told. Can short curly hair be low maintenance?
It doesn’t matter your curl pattern, density or face shape, whether loose waves or tight coils, short curly hair can work on everyone — but with a little effort.
“A style that is short and curly is easy to style and manage, but it is one that requires maintenance,” says Daniele de Angelis, International Artistic Director of Toni Guy.
The London Hairdresser of the Year 2020 explains how the short, curly cut can be achieved.
“You should be sure to make regular visits to your hairdresser, especially if the length is above jaw level in order to keep its shape,” she explained to WhoWhatWear.
“A short hairstyle can absolutely suit multiple curl textures,” she adds, “but your stylist must adopt the correct cutting technique for the required texture.”
“For example, tight curls shrink a lot so you need to be careful when deciding how much you want them to take off. Curls are also heavy, so weigh the shape down. If you’ve got a longer length you may find the top of your hair becomes flat and wide and form a triangular shape like a Christmas tree! Layers will help solve this and add bounce back into your hair. “
For inspo, we’ve listed women who have completely inspired our next hair appointment.
“For looser curls, a mid-length shape works really well,” explains Daniele. Marianne’s loose waves, cut just above the collar bone, are a really great alternative to the short curls trend.
Struggle with volume? I hear you. Living Proof’s dry volume blast helps create the illusion of thick hair without making it feel heavy.
Amy’s curly cut complete with a full fringe has become her signature hairstyle and many have followed suit. “Something we are seeing a lot of at the moment and is very on-trend, is a collar-bone length with a soft, un-done wave and loose fringe to give a ‘shaggy’ element,” says stylist Daniele.
Rich in nourishing plant oils and free from nasties (or rather, the “suspicious 6” such as silicone and alcohols), this conditioner is a great addition to your curly hair arsenal. Great for detangling wash days.
We can’t help envy Renia Jaz’s beautiful, defined ringlets but how easy are they to style? Stylist Daniele explains that curly hair tends to be much drier than hair that is straight due to its lack of protein so it’s very important to look after its condition. “It’s equally as important to use a good quality shampoo and conditioner,” she says.
Olaplex’s Bond shampoo is championed by many hairstylists for its strengthening and hydrating properties.
Tight curls respond well to regular trims which help to add volume and definition. Freddie’s gorgeous head of hair makes a statement and frames her face. . Daniele recommends making sure your hairstylist adopts the correct cutting technique for the required hair texture. “For example, tight curls shrink a lot so you need to be careful when deciding how much you want them to take off,” says Daniele.
Chloe’s bouncy carefree curls are her signature and flatter her face shape. When it comes to styling a short curly do’, Daniele recommends the label.m Curl Cream which is great for “great definition” and achieving that “soft, 80s curl.” Always style when wet.
Make sure you feed your curls with some extra nourishment from time to time. Amika’s soulfood mask helps hydrate and restore dry hair.
Queen of short curly hairstyles, Alyssa, debuted a pixie crop recently and we’re a huge fan. Do we dare go this short too?
Described as a “lotion for hair”, Ouai’s finishing créme is the final step in your short hair routine.
The face-framing possibilities are endless with soft waves like Tia’s.
Achieve voluminous beach waves with this texture spray by IGK Hair.
Like we said, the shorter the better. Ellie’s natural curls are tapered on the sides and left thicker and voluminous on top, creating a fresh and stylish shape.
Get added shine with this sought-after hair oil. It can be worked into strands after styling to define the shape of curls or applied as an overnight treatment to strengthen and condition.
If your hair is wavier than curly, you can still pull off this trend as Aida proves.
The Herbivore sea mist adds texture and moisture to tired tresses. Spray any time to revitalise your style.
