Struggling to style your short hair? We’ve got the lowdown on how to love your locks…
Whether it’s time for a big chop, you’re just in for a trim or you’re wanting to sport a new do, there’s a reason short hair is trending.
Not only can it be more low maintenance than longer locks (we’re talking at least half the drying time!), but you can also have fun with shorter hair. While you may think it’ll be harder to style, as it’s not as easy to shove up in a messy bun, you can actually play around with texture and volume to find a style that suits you. Bear in mind though that a new do comes with a refreshed at-home haircare and styling routine, which we’ll get into shortly.
If you decide to brave the bob but aren’t sure where to start with styling, we’re here to help with five easy looks. Whether it’s to inspire a new signature look, a night on the town or just for the day-to-day, rest assured it’ll be good hair days ahead with our expert tips and top product picks.
5 styles to elevate short hair
If you’re like us, you’ll go to great lengths for a great haircare routine. With this in mind, take a look at just five of the many styles you can create at home, with expert tips from Live True London Salon Owner, Valerie Maine and Director, Stephane Ferreira.
Style 1: 60s volume
When it comes to short hair, the more volume the better! Step back in time and be inspired by the voluptuous volume from the 60s. A great option for a simple and easy-to-achieve look, this one is a classic that adds the perfect amount of texture to a straight style.
To achieve this look, Valerie recommends “Starting with freshly washed hair before going in with some mousse, particularly if you have naturally fine or straight hair. Use Pureology Weightless Volume Mousse or Lee Stafford Plump Up The Volume Root Boost Mousse Spray at the roots to give your hair an added boost.”
“Then spritz through a styling spray with heat protectant such as Redken One United Multi-Benefit Treatment Spray, before drying to about 70%,” says Valerie.
“Once done, separate your hair into large sections and dry your hair using a brush so it lies smooth.” Want to get even more volume? Valerie’s secret is to “Concentrate some heat to the underside of the section at the root to create additional volume.”
“Finally, create a section at the crown of the head and tease the hair towards the root to create additional volume, then set with plenty of hair spray such as Matrix Builder Wax Spray or Redken Root Tease Finishing Hairspray to keep in place.”
Create the look
Try: Pureology Weightless Volume Mousse
• Size: 238g
• Suitable for all hair types and textures
• Suitable for vegans*
Create light, airy fullness with flexible movement and shine with this lightweight, soft-touch volumising mousse. Formulated with xylose and a signature aromatherapy blend of tuberose, almond milk and cedarwood, not only does this mousse elevate hair for gorgeous volume, but it smells irresistible too.
Try: Lee Stafford Plump Up The Volume Root Boost Mousse Spray
• Size: 150ml
• No stickiness
• Suitable for vegans*
Perfect for voluminous results without the hefty price tag, this award-winning mousse spray lifts and plumps hair straight from the roots for major volume. Featuring a directional nozzle that gets right to the root for thicker, fuller hair and an infusion of volumising polymers for outstanding volume, enjoy long-lasting hold that takes you from flat to fat in minutes!
Try: Redken One United Multi-Benefit Treatment Spray
• Size: 150ml
• 25 benefits
• Approved by stylists
• Suitable for all hair types and textures
Treat your hair to a multi-tasking hair treatment that delivers 25 benefits to improve manageability, protection and beauty. Lightweight and deeply conditioning, the spray works to reduce dryness. The result? Hair is left feeling softer, stronger and nourished with added shine and improved frizz control – it’s a no brainer really.
Try: Redken Root Tease Finishing Hairspray
• Size: 250ml
• Three benefits in one
• Quick drying
• Adds volume to all hair types and textures
Lock your look in place with this finishing hairspray, formulated to deliver three benefits in one – control, body and texture. Perfect for creating your favourite hairstyle, this hairsprays works hard to boost body, create lift and volume for a lasting matte finish.
Try: Schwarzkopf Volume Lift Hairspray
• Size: 400ml
Lift your hair for less with this formula, designed to plump out hair with 48-hour style control and voluminous looks that go the distance. This hairspray is easy to brush out, long-lasting and protects hair from humidity and UV radiation – and coming in at under £5, it’s a budget-beauty winner!
Style 2: Ultra-sleek
Super sleek hair is timeless – after all, a mirror-like shine always gives hair a healthy-looking appearance, so why wouldn’t it be the goal? But if you find yourself fighting with split ends, dryness or you can’t quite nail that shine, Stephane shares her tips for creating a flawless, ultra-sleek style.
“It’s key to start by washing your hair with moisture boosting shampoo and conditioner, such as Redken All Soft and even indulge in a hair mask such as the FUL Intense Moisture Mask to ensure your hair is as smooth as possible.”
So you’ve got super-hydrated locks, what’s next? Stephane recommends “Spraying through with a styling spray with heat protectant like Matrix Mega Sleek and drying carefully. Once fully dry, brush it through, section the hair out and then use a straightener to create that sleek, straight look.”
Stephane’s top tip for a little shape? “For more movement, twist your straighteners towards you at the end of each section to create a small inwards flick. Finish with L'Oréal Professionnel TECNI.ART Fix Anti-Frizz Hair Spray.”
Create the look
Try: Redken All Soft Shampoo and Conditioner Hydrating Bundle
• Size: 300ml
• Approved by stylists
• Suitable for dry, brittle hair
It’s never been easier to achieve salon-quality hair at home with this duo from Redken. The moisturising and hair softening shampoo and conditioner are enriched with argan oil and 2% moisture complex to help condition dry hair, instantly detangle and replenish moisture for seven times smoother hair.**
Try: MONDAY Haircare MOISTURE Shampoo
• Size: 350ml
• Dermatologically tested
• Free from parabens and SLS (sodium lauryl sulfate)
• Suitable for vegans*
• 100% recyclable bottle
The perfect cure to quench hair’s thirst, this super gentle shampoo nourishes hair with moisture as it cleans, thanks to its formulation of natural ingredients. Coconut oil helps prevent protein loss, hydrolyzed rice protein locks in moisture, while vitamin E supports a healthy scalp and hair growth and shea butter delivers ultimate softness and shine. Follow with the MONDAY Haircare MOISTURE Conditioner for even shinier results!
Try: Matrix Mega Sleek Iron Smoother Heat Protecting Iron Smoother For Coarse Hair Total Results
• Size: 250ml
• Suitable for frizzy hair
Help give hair the protection it needs against high heat damage and humidity with this haircare staple from Matrix. Offering all-day frizz control and smoothness, this spray boasts lasting style memory to keep your hair in place.
Try: L'Oréal Professionnel TECNI.ART Fix Anti-Frizz Hair Spray
• Size: 250ml
• Suitable for all hair types
• No visible residue
Take control of unwanted frizz and pesky flyaways with this strong hold, 24-hour styling spray. Part of the TECNI.ART Fix family, this anti-frizz icon is an absolute must-have for any hair style to hold it in place, all while remaining beautifully sleek and feeling natural.
Try: John Frieda Frizz Ease Moisture Barrier Intense Hold Hairspray
• Size: 250ml
• Suitable for all levels of frizz
Stay sleek and frizz-free all day long with this expertly-formulated hairspray. Enriched with keratin, hold your style in place, lock in 24-hour humidity resistance and seal in moisture to help prevent frizz.
Style 3: Bouncy beach waves
Did someone say effortless glam? When it comes to having a relaxed hairstyle that always rises to the occasion – whether it’s for a quick put-together look or date night, bouncy beach waves hit the mark every time. And it turns out, achieving that just-off-the-beach look is easier than you might think – you just need the right tools and products to hand.
For this style, you can start with either freshly washed or dry hair. If you’re washing your hair, Valerie advises “Using a texturising mousse such as Bumble and bumble Surf Foam Spray Blow Dry Mousse before drying fully. Once dry, spritz a heat protectant through the hair and section into one-two inch sections.”
To achieve the best wave, Valerie recommends opting for a hair straightener instead of a curling wand. “Use a straightener to curl the hair by twisting the iron as you run it down each section, being sure to curl away from the face.
“Once curled, brush through with a wide tooth comb to separate the curls, and finish with a texturising spray such as the OUAI Wave Spray or the Drybar Triple Sec Spray, and a strong hold hairspray, such as the L'Oréal Professionnel TECNI.ART Fix Anti-Frizz Hair Spray,” says Valerie.
Create the look
Try: Bumble and bumble Surf Foam Spray Blow Dry Mousse
• Size: 150ml
• Formulated for medium to fine, straight to wavy and healthy hair
Part mousse (but way lighter), part salt spray (but less gritty), this blow dry mousse is ideal for big, beachy texture with heat-styled polish. Infused with a signature salt mineral complex, this frothy foam adds volume and texture. Simply mist onto damp hair (a little goes a long way) and distribute evenly with fingers before blow drying.
Try: Vo5 Natural Volume Foam Mousse
• Size: 150ml
• Weightless volume
Coming in at just £5, this versatile styling icon from VO5 provides weightless volume with natural-looking movement. The lightweight and air-infused foam gives roots a well-needed lift to add body, while keeping your hair looking effortlessly natural.
Try: OUAI Wave Spray
• Size: 145ml
• Suitable for all hair types
A weightless texture mist for effortlessly chic, undone hair. This wave spray is packed with rice protein to help protect hair fibres and has strong hold so it’s never been easier to achieve that ‘just got out of the ocean and my hair dried perfectly’ look.
Try: Drybar Triple Sec 3-in-1 Finishing Spray
• Size: 118g
• Suitable for all hair types
Beach waves are just a spritz away with this three-in-one formula that texturises, amplifies and refreshes hair, creating instant volume and body for a tousled look. For added fullness, spray with your head upside-down, and spray onto styled hair for a little extra oomph.
Style 4: Go au natural & textured
If you’re wanting to emphasise natural texture, this style will be right up your street. For those who are graced with thinner and naturally straight hair, it can be tricky to get hair to look lifted and textured, without it looking like you spent a good few hours on it. Want to create the illusion of fuller hair? Enter the natural, textured style.
“Start by washing the hair as normal and once towel dried, use a texturising product such as Redken Touchable Texture Volumising Mousse to create some natural looking volume and texture. Make sure to use a heat protectant as well,” Stephane advises.
“Dry the hair as normal until 70% dry, then using a brush, comb and dry the hair in the direction you want it to fall. For longer hair, you may want to use a larger brush. If you have shorter hair, Stephane recommends using a “Pomade such as OUAI Matte Pomade, combing it through with your fingers to set the hair. Finish with a hairspray such as Matrix Builder Wax Spray to lock your look in place.”
Create the look
Try: Redken Touchable Texture Volumising Mousse
• Size: 200ml
• Adds texture and definition to all hair types
Breathe new life into hair from root to tip with this mousse, offering medium to strong control for hair that’s full of volume and body. The foam provides a natural shine to the hair, leaving it looking radiant throughout the day – even after styling – for hair that stays put without ever feeling stiff.
Try: Andrew Fitzsimons MODEL Volume Boosting Wave Spray
• Size: 150ml
• Suitable for all hair types
• Salt-free spray
• Cruelty-free
• Suitable for vegans*
Perfect for creating textured hair, this spray from Andrew Fitzsimons accentuates the beauty of your natural waves to create textured, volumised and tousled locks that’ll take you through any occasion. Plus, with no crunch or stickiness, and a divine fragrance of limoncello and apple blossom, it’s the perfect addition to your styling routine.
Try: OUAI Matte Pomade
• Size: 50ml
• Suitable for all hair types
• Tames unruly ends
Created with short styles in mind, this pomade from OUAI contains beeswax to add texture and thickness to tresses, while kaolin clay helps to deliver long-lasting hold. Work a dime-sized dab through the ends of your hair and let the medium-control finishing paste allow for mouldable texture, shape and separation.
Try: ARKIVE The Scene Setter Hybrid Pomade
• Size: 50ml
• Hybrid clay-to-cream formula
• Suitable for vegans*
• Cruelty-free
• Suitable for all hair types
If you’re on the hunt for a pomade that doesn’t stretch the purse strings, opt for this one from ARKIVE. This multi-styling must-have adds texture, volume and definition to any hair type or style, while the rhubarb and tomato leaf scent makes it a treat for the tresses and the senses. Simply warm a pea-sized amount into the palm of your hands and rub into your roots for lift, work through the ends to define and smooth over the surface to polish.
Try: Matrix Builder Wax Spray
• Size: 150ml
• Suitable for all hair
• Shake well before use
•Suitable for vegans*
Who says you can’t have wax in a can? Spray on this staple from Matrix to help control and finish your style. It’ll be your holy grail, thanks to its ability to add body, separation and dimension to any hairstyle. Not forgetting its ability to control and texture the hair with a satin-matte finish.
Style 5: Side swept
Just like the side parting was a huge trend back in the early 2000s, the side swept hairstyle works wonders on short hair as it adds a little more dimension if you fancy switching things up. So where do you start with this one?
Valerie says, “For this side swept look, wash the hair as normal and once towel dried, spritz through with a styling spray and heat protectant such as Umberto Giannini Super Sleek Heat Protecting Spray. Dry the hair 70% of the way, then section the hair into large sections.”
So how do you achieve a silky-smooth finish? Valerie’s top tip is to “Use a brush to comb and dry the hair in a sweeping motion. As always, finish with a frizz fighting hairspray such as Redken Anti Frizz Hairspray to control flyaways.”
Create the look
Try: Umberto Giannini Super Sleek Heat Protecting Spray
• Size: 175ml
• Suitable for vegans*
• Cruelty-free
• Heat protection for all hair types
Formulated to deliver a super smooth salon finish at home, the heat-activated polymers in this spray coat each strand with a protective shield to repel moisture and humidity and eliminate frizz. What’s more, there’s no heaviness or greasiness – just the smoothest, silkiest finish, perfect for creating the side swept look.
Try: Pantene 5-in-1 Leave-In Styling Primer & Heat Protection Hair Spray
• Size: 200ml
• Five benefits in one
The perfect base to achieve your desired look, this leave-in pre-styling spray is enriched with its iconic Pro-V formula to help restore undernourished hair. A spritz of this wonder spray also helps hair become stronger, healthier, more manageable and easier to style. The finishing touch? It’s also a heat protector so you can rest easy knowing strands are shielded from styling damage.
Try: Redken Anti-Frizz Hairspray
• Size: 250ml
• Suitable for all hair types and textures
• Anti-humidity
• Formulated with wheat protein
Finish your style with a spritz of this anti-frizz hairspray. Not only does it keep your style secure, but it also has an advanced formula which delivers a clean, firm finish that gives hair a shiny look all day long. The best part? This hairspray is quick drying so your hair stays in place without leaving residue after brushing.
Whatever style you choose to go for, it’s all about experimenting to see what works best for you – either way, with these tips you’re guaranteed to look flawless every time. Want more hair inspiration? We’ve got everything you need from caring and styling to colouring and advice.
