My favorite techniques for volume, definition, and making stubborn curls behave.
Cutting off all my bleached hair in 2021 was one of the best hair decisions I’ve ever made. It also forced me to start over.
For the next year, my curls went through every stage imaginable, from a tiny pixie cut to shoulder-length curls. Every few months my routine had to change because short curls behave very differently from long curls.
If you’ve recently had the big chop, or you’re wondering why your short curls suddenly won’t curl the way they used to, this guide is for you.
Here are the techniques that helped me the most.
First, Understand Your Texture
One of the biggest misconceptions is that all curly hair should curl immediately. That’s simply not true. Very short curls often don’t have enough length to complete their natural spiral.
Think about wrapping a ribbon around your finger. If the ribbon is too short, it can’t make a full loop. Curly hair works the same way. If your hair is only half an inch long, your curl pattern may not fully appear until it grows a little longer.
So don’t panic. Be patient while continuing to care for your curls.
Less Hair Doesn’t Mean More Product
This is one of the biggest mistakes I see. People cut their hair shorter…and keep using the exact same amount of product. Short curls need surprisingly little.
For my pixie length hair I usually used:
- A coin-sized amount of leave-in conditioner or curl cream
- One palmful of mousse
- A small amount of gel
On humid summer days, I’d increase the gel slightly using my 123 gel method. During winter, I’d often use less. Your routine should change with the weather, not just your haircut.
My Favorite Styler for Short Curly Hair? Mousse.
If there’s one product I’d recommend for short curls, it’s mousse. Why? Because it gives you something short curls often lose: Curl Clumps.
Unlike heavy creams, mousse adds structure without flattening the hair. If you have:
- Fine hair
- Low-density curls
- Loose curl patterns
You may even find that mousse alone is enough after washing.
My coarse, high-density curls usually need a leave-in or cream underneath because mousse alone isn’t moisturizing enough for me.
Your texture matters. There isn’t one routine for everyone.
Products used in this order: Curl Supreme Creme, Hi! Definition Gel and the Curl Defining Mousse.
If you want to try or purchase these products, save 15% using my affiliate link.
In this tutorial, I will be showcasing the benefits of Treluxe products on my short curly hair client. These products have been a game-changer for me and my clients. So, if you’re tired of using products that don’t work or only last for a few hours, then this tutorial is for you.
Stop Scrunching So Much
This surprised me. For years I thought more scrunching meant better curls. Instead… I noticed more breakage. Especially around my coarse hair.
Now there are wash days when I barely scrunch at all. Instead, I smooth my products over my hair using the praying hands method. Then I simply let my curls form naturally.
The result? Bigger curl clumps, less frizz, less manipulation. Sometimes doing less really is better.
Finger Coiling Changed Everything
If I could only choose one styling technique for short curls… It would be finger coiling. Every single time.
Finger coiling gives me:
- Better definition
- More organized curls
- Longer-lasting results
- Better control around my face
It’s especially helpful after a fresh haircut when your curls are still trying to settle into their new shape. I don’t finger coil every curl individually anymore. Instead, I create larger sections for a softer, more natural finish. It also saves a lot of time.
My Biggest Discovery Since Writing This
Today, I rarely finger coil every curl individually anymore. Instead, I use what I call Lazy Finger Coils, coiling larger sections instead of tiny pieces. It takes about half the time, creates softer-looking curls, and gives me a much more natural finish. It’s become one of my favorite techniques for medium and long-length curls because it’s faster without sacrificing definition.
What About Curly Bangs?
Curly bangs can look incredible… but they usually need a little extra attentionMine almost always behave better after finger coiling. Without it, they separate unpredictably and become much frizzier throughout the day.
If your fringe refuses to cooperate, try finger coiling only that section.
You don’t need to do your entire head.
Styling Grey Curly Hair
One thing that surprised me as I started embracing my greys… Grey curls behave differently. They’re:
- Drier
- More wiry
- Less cooperative
- More prone to frizz
For me, the greys around my hairline almost always need finger coiling. Nothing else gives me the same consistency. If you’ve been wondering why one section of your curls never behaves…look closely.
It may simply be a different texture.
Treat it differently.
Don’t Forget Refresh Days
You don’t have to wash your hair every day. When I’m short on time, I use my 123 Refresh Method to bring my curls back to life without a full wash day. Watch tutorial for long hair here.
Watch refresh tutorial for short curly hair here.
Refreshing is often faster than starting over. And your curls will be so happy you did!
My Biggest Lesson After Growing My Hair Back
Growing my curls from a pixie back to shoulder length taught me something important.
There isn’t one perfect routine. Your routine should evolve as your hair changes. The products you loved with long hair might feel too heavy once you cut it. The techniques that worked for waist-length curls may stop working on a pixie. That’s normal.
The goal isn’t to copy someone else’s routine. It’s to learn how your own curls respond.
Once you understand that…styling becomes so much easier.
