Short hair and curls? Oh, honey, that’s a match made in heaven when done right! While long, cascading waves might dominate your Instagram feed, there’s something undeniably fresh and fierce about curls on short hair. They bring structure, personality, and a whole lot of oomph to your look; whether you’re channeling tight, bouncy spirals, soft, beachy waves, or those effortless flicks that scream “I woke up like this” (even if you didn’t). But let’s be real: curling short hair can feel like a puzzle if your tools aren’t cooperating or your curls keep falling flat. Been there, fought that battle, and I’m here to help you win it!
Unlike long hair, short hair demands precision. With less length to work with, your tools and technique need to be on point to avoid awkward half-curls or fried ends. Enter Alan Truman styling tools, your new BFFs for creating salon-worthy curls at home. Designed for all hair types and lengths, these tools take the guesswork out of styling, making curling your short hair feel less like a chore and more like a fun, creative ritual.
Ready to unleash your inner curl queen? Here’s a conversational, step-by-step guide to curling short hair with Alan Truman tools, packed with tips to make your curls pop and last all day.
Step 1: Lay the Groundwork for Perfect Curls
Great curls start before you even plug in your curler. Think of your hair like a canvas—prep it right, and your curls will be a masterpiece.
Wash Smart:
Kick things off with a volumizing shampoo and conditioner that won’t weigh your hair down. Look for lightweight formulas that nourish without flattening your strands. Short hair thrives on lift, so give it that boost from the get-go.
Protect, Protect, Protect:
After towel-drying, spritz on a heat protectant. This is non-negotiable, especially if you’re curling regularly. It’s like sunscreen for your hair—saving it from heat damage while keeping it healthy and shiny.
Dry It Completely:
Here’s a rookie mistake to avoid: curling damp hair. It might seem like no big deal, but curling even slightly wet hair can fry your strands and make your curls droop faster than you can say “bad hair day.” Make sure your hair is 100% dry before you start.
Want to give your short hair some extra va-va-voom? Grab the Alan Truman Volumo 38mm Hair Volumising, Curling & Waving Brush. This genius tool is like a magic wand for adding lift at the roots and subtle movement throughout. It’s perfect for prepping short hair, giving your curls a sturdy foundation to hold their shape and bounce all day long.
Step 2: Pick the Perfect Curler for Your Vibe
Here’s the deal:
not all curlers are created equal, especially when it comes to short hair. A barrel that’s too big can leave you with limp waves or, worse, no curl at all. Alan Truman’s range of curlers is designed to match your hair length and the curl style you’re craving. Let’s break it down so you can find your perfect match:
Tight Spirals or Classic Curls:
Dreaming of bold, defined curls with a retro-glam vibe? The Alan Truman 19mm Argan Gold Ceramic Hair Curler is your go-to. Its slim barrel is perfect for wrapping even the shortest layers, think pixie cuts or cropped bobs. It delivers tight, bouncy curls that stay put all day.
Soft, Everyday Waves:
If you’re after a more relaxed, “I just rolled out of bed looking fabulous” look, reach for the Alan Truman 22mm Tourmaline Ceramic Hair Curler. It’s the Goldilocks of curlers not too tight, not too loose, creating natural waves that add texture without screaming “I tried too hard.” Perfect for daily styling.
Lived-In, Tousled Texture:
For that effortlessly cool, slightly undone vibe, the Alan Truman Tourmaline Ceramic Curling Wand (25–13mm) is a game-changer. Its tapered barrel lets you mix up curl sizes for a natural, flowy look. Ideal for chin-length bobs or slightly longer styles.
Polished, Glossy Ringlets:
If sleek, editorial-worthy curls are your thing, the Alan Truman Round Stick Hair Curler is calling your name. It creates uniform, shiny curls that look like they belong on a magazine cover, perfect for fancy events or when you just want to feel extra.
Loose Flicks or Curled Ends:
Want subtle movement without full-on curls? The Gold Medium Conical Ceramic Wand (25–13mm) or Gold Large Conical Wand (32–19mm) are your best bets. These conical wands create natural, varied curls, perfect for adding flicks to the ends or shaping outer layers without overloading on volume.
Pro tip:
Match your curler to your hair length and desired vibe. Pixie cuts and super-short bobs love slimmer barrels (19mm or 22mm), while chin-length or longer styles can handle slightly wider ones.
Step 3: Curl Like a Pro (It’s Easier Than You Think!)
Now that your hair’s prepped and you’ve got the right curler in hand, let’s get to the fun part, curling! Follow these steps for flawless curls every time:
Section Like a Stylist:
Short hair can get chaotic fast, so use clips to divide it into manageable sections. Separate the top and sides from the back, and work in small chunks for better control. Trust me, this makes all the difference.
Start at the Back:
Begin at the nape of your neck and work your way up. This keeps things organised and ensures every section gets curled evenly.
Wrap Small, Think Big:
Take sections no wider than an inch. Wrap each one around the curler, holding for 5–8 seconds (adjust based on your hair’s thickness and heat tolerance). If you’re using a tapered wand, wrap from the wider base to the narrower tip for a natural, varied curl.
Mind the Roots:
You don’t need to start right at the scalp (unless you want major volume), but begin close enough to add some lift near the roots. This gives your curls that bouncy, lively look without making them stick out awkwardly.
Let ‘Em Cool:
Once you release a curl, resist the urge to touch it! Let it fall naturally and cool completely before moving on. This locks in the shape, especially if your hair is stubborn about holding curls.
Style It Out:
Once all your curls are cooled, run your fingers or a wide-tooth comb through them to soften the look and add texture. Finish with a light-hold hairspray or a dab of styling cream for shine and control without crunchiness.
Step 4: Short Hair Hacks to Elevate Your Curls
Short hair plays by its own rules, so here are some insider tips to make your curls pop:
Mix Up Curl Directions:
For a fuller, more dynamic look, alternate the direction of your curls one section toward your face, the next away. This prevents curls from clumping together and adds that coveted volume.
Focus on the Ends:
Sometimes, curling just the tips of short hair is enough to refresh your entire look. It’s a low-effort way to add shape without committing to full-on curls.
Go Easy on the Heat:
Short hair is closer to your scalp, so it’s more vulnerable to heat damage. Stick to medium heat settings, especially if you’re styling frequently. Alan Truman’s ceramic and tourmaline technology helps distribute heat evenly, so you’re already ahead of the game.
Pump Up the Crown:
Before curling, use the Volumo brush at your crown to lift those roots. This is a lifesaver for fine or flat hair that needs a little extra zhuzh.
Less is More:
You don’t need to curl every strand. Focus on face-framing layers or outer sections for a lived-in, effortless style that still looks polished.
Final Thoughts
Short hair isn’t a limitation! With the right Alan Truman curler, you can switch up your look in minutes, going from sleek and straight to wavy and wild or full-on curled glamour. The secret? Choose a barrel size that suits your length, work in small sections, and let those curls cool before styling. Oh, and don’t skip the prep, your hair will thank you.
So, if you’ve been hesitant to curl your short hair because it feels “too short” or too tricky, it’s time to toss that mindset out the window. With Alan Truman’s high-performance tools, curling is not only doable but downright fun. Ready to find the perfect curler for your hair type? Head over to Alan Truman’s official website to explore their full range. Your short hair is about to have its moment, go make those curls shine!
What’s your go-to curl style for your short hair? Drop a comment or let me know if you need help picking the perfect Alan Truman tool!