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 many fashion influencers have been 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 bedhead.” 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?
No matter your curl pattern, density, face shape, or whether you have loose waves or tight coils, short curly hair can work on everyone 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 2020 London Hairdresser of the Year recipient 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,” de Angelis tells Who What Wear.
“A short hairstyle can absolutely suit multiple curl textures, but your stylist must adopt the correct cutting technique for the required texture,” he adds. “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 forms 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 de Angelis. Marianne’s loose waves—cut just above the collarbone—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 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 collarbone length with a soft, undone wave and loose fringe to give a ‘shaggy’ element,” says de Angelis.
Rich in nourishing plant oils and free from nasties (the “suspicious six,” including silicone and alcohols), this conditioner is a great addition to your curly-hair arsenal. It’s great for detangling washdays.
We can’t help but envy Renia Jaz’s beautiful defined ringlets, but how easy are they to style? De Angelis 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,” he says.
Olaplex’s Bond Maintenance 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. De Angelis recommends making sure your hairstylist adopts the correct cutting technique for the required hair texture.
Chloe’s bouncy, carefree curls are her signature and flatter her face shape. When it comes to styling a short curly ‘do, de Angelis recommends a curl cream, which is great for 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.
Alyssa, the queen of short curly hairstyles, debuted a pixie crop recently, and we’re huge fans. Do we dare go this short, too?
Described as a “lotion for hair,” Ouai’s Finishing Créme is the final step in your hair routine.
The face-framing possibilities are endless with soft waves like Tia’s.
Achieve voluminous beach waves with this texture spray by IGK.
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 revitalize your style. This post originally appeared on Who What Wear UK
