Short hair is an all-year-round stylish look, and you shouldn’t let the length of your hair dictate your hairstyle choices. However, flat ironing hair can be difficult and short hair could take the process to another difficulty level without the proper caution, process and tools.
Nevertheless, the results are totally rewarding because you can create your hair magic to be on equal footing with long-haired ladies. Below are the steps you should follow to flat iron short hair and achieve your desired results.
1. Prepare Your Hair for Straightening
Before you flat iron short hair, you should start preparing your hair.
a). Ensure you have the Right Flat Iron for your Hair
There are different types of flat irons in the market, and each is meant for a different purpose. Short or fine hair can benefit from a flat iron with a thinner plate as the thin plate offers maneuverability, leading to efficient straightening. This decreases the chances of you getting burned.
b). Purchase all the Necessary Supplies
If you lack the appropriate flat iron for short hair, you should buy or borrow one from a friend. If you don’t own a heat protectant, ensure you purchase one to prevent your hair from getting damaged from excess heat. In addition, if you lack the necessary brushes, purchase them as they will help with blow-drying and styling.
c). Wash your Hair
Accumulated oil and dirtiness in your hair may cause less-than-desirable results when flat ironing your short hair. Thoroughly wash your hair using your normal shampoo. Rinse the shampoo and follow with a deep conditioner which allows it to stay on your hair for the recommended time on the label, then rinse your hair again.
d). Blowdry your Hair Fully
Thoroughly blowdry your hair until all moisture leaves your hair since flat ironing wet hair could damage your short hair. While drying your hair, it is also the best time to brush or comb any snarls or tangles.
e). Divide your Hair into Layers
Generally, short hair will have a few layers, like one or two, depending on the hair thickness. It is important to layer your hair since it will create even hair sections, and this will be easier for you to manage while ironing.
This can also help prevent flat ironing a section you have already ironed and, as a result, causing heat damage. Collect the sectioned hair for later on your head and clip it away while you work on the lower layers.
f). Prepare your Flat Iron
Inspect the flat iron and check if it’s dirty before using it. Effectively clean your flat iron when unplugged and cool it with a clean rag dampened with rubbing alcohol. Wipe the plates dry using a fresh cloth, and your flat iron should be ready for use.
g). Heat your Iron
Every flat iron has different available settings. There is no hard and fast rule regarding temperature since each person’s hair responds to flat iron heat differently. However, the following generally applies:
- 250–300° for fine or damaged hair.
- 300–350° for medium/average hair.
- 350–400° for thick or coarse hair.
2. Flat Iron Your Short Hair
a). Use a Heat Protectant Product
First, check the label of your product as the brand of heat protectant you are using may have specific instructions. Generally, most heat protectants should be applied to wet deep, conditioned hair, so you should use your heat protectant after washing your hair.
b). Flat Iron your Bangs if Possible
The bangs are a great starting point since they are divided from the hair on the crown and the sides of your head, which are easy to see. Next, work your way from the roots so your hair’s tips.
- Depending on the waviness or curliness of your hair, you may need to run your short hair through the flat iron severally.
- If your hair is long enough, run a comb through it and follow it with a straightener.
c). Straighten your Hair in Segments from Bottom to Top Layer
Partition the bottom layer into segments, work them from the roots to the ends, and slowly slide your flat iron down each hair length. Repeat the process a few times until you achieve your desired results. Practice caution when flat ironing close to your ears or scalp to avoid getting burned with the ends of your flat iron.
d). Move the Finished Sections out of your Way
Clip sections of the straightened hair aside using a hair tie or an alligator clip. This makes it easier for you to flat iron each section while minimizing your chances of unnecessary over-ironing.
e). Straighten the Sides of your Head
Clip the top layers of your hair on your head’s sides if you haven’t done this already. Start with the bottom layer and draw your iron steadily in smooth motions through segments of your bottom layer until you are satisfied.
Gather all the finished hair together and out of the way, then release the next layer from the unfinished top layer that you had clipped aside earlier.
Iron in front of your mirror at an angle that will give you a better view of the hair you are working on that allows you to be more precise when straightening your short hair.
f). Iron Crown Hair Vertically for Volume
The crown, also known as the hair at the top, can be difficult to manage. Pulling your hair towards the ceiling gives your short hair better access to the hair roots and improves hair volume.
Notably, it can be difficult to see the hair at the back of yur head, making flat ironing your short hair even more awkward. Instead, divide your hair at the back of your head down the middle vertically and pull it to either side of the head. Stand at an angle in front of a mirror to get a decent view of your straightening hair.
Tips and Tricks for Curling Short Hair
- The finishing touch when styling your hair is as important as the tipping point between spectacular and regular waves. Using your fingers to roughen your hair ends with pomade or wax results in a defined wave and a smooth finish.
- For tight curls on short hair, grab small sections, and for loose curls, choose large sections.
- To ensure your curls stay in place for as long as possible, ensure you use specially formulated products to cater to your hair type.
- The flat iron holds curls better on short hair if it’s in its natural state and has not been heat-treated recently. It can be more challenging to achieve curls on short hair if it has heat damage.
Image Credit: roadaffair.com
