Short hair don’t care - if that’s your motto, then surely you need to also know how to maintain your locks. Short hair is increasingly growing in popularity and often has been a repeat trendsetter across the years. With celebrities like Jennifer Lawrence, Victoria Beckham, Jessie J and the Kardashians often rocking shorter hair styles, it’s no wonder why they are desired looks.
However, as with any hair, you must take care of it to embrace the cut and keep it shining. Whilst caring for short hair is naturally easier to manage, make no mistake it still requires some TLC. We have some top tips that are simple, but key which we’ve shared with you.
Top tips on caring for your short hair:
1. Comb it less frequently
Over-brushing can be dangerous for our locks. Whilst we’re not promoting you to leave your hair to matt itself up, brushing it too often can reduce the volume and add stress to the hair follicles. Short hair is less likely to tangle than long hair and so often we can run our fingers through it to give it a little freshen and to add some volume. If you really can’t let go of the hairbrush, choose one with bristles that are softer on the hair. Consider our Detangling hairbrush for Fine and Fragile hair.
2. Use less product
This should be a no brainer, less hair equals less product. But, it is important you actually follow this. It’s easy to forget when adding products that you have less hair. Too much product can add weight to your hair, which then adds stress to the follicle and can give you greasy looking hair. With any product, a little goes a long way and it’s easier to add more product if needed than take it back! Less is more here.
3. Reduce the use of heated styling tongs
This is the same for any hair length, but particularly important for shorter hair. The easiest way to reduce your usage is not to use heated tools daily. Really consider if your hair needs heated styling each day, could you just give it a freshen up with your hands and a little product? Short hair can become brittle and split with too much heat, particularly if your hair is coloured, which can become dry and dull if heated too often.
4. Trim your hair at least every 6 weeks
Get rid of those split ends! We all need regular trims and these should be a minimum of every 6 weeks. Split ends make the hair harder to brush through, causing more stress to the follicle. If you have a particularly short hair style like a graduated bob or a lob then you need to be able to maintain the look with regular trims.
5. Wash your hair everyday
So, because you have shorter hair, your hair is naturally closer to the oil producing follicles meaning your hair can become dirty quicker. The best way to resolve this is to wash your hair daily, or as often as you personally need to as everyone’s hair is different.
6. Deep Conditioning
No matter the length this is a little gem. Whether you choose a treatment that you leave in overnight or just switch your usual conditioner with a deep treatment, it is a must. It’s the easiest, quickest and cheapest way to refresh your locks and give it a blast of health. See our article on “How to keep hair healthy at home”.
7. Take care of your scalp
Often, we forget about our scalp, only focusing on the hair we can see but remember, your hair comes from the scalp and so will only ever be as good as the scalp is. You must ensure you care for your scalp by giving it a thorough wash when washing the hair and adding an exfoliant to remove any build up, your hair will thank you for it in time as it can grow in a clean, unstressed area. We recommend reading our article on “The benefits of a scalp brush”.
Taking care of your short hair styles:
The above tips are key for short hair though there are some top tips below dependent on the cut you have chosen. Short hair styles generally are easier to maintain and manage, though all hair needs self-care often.
Short Bob
A short bob is what it says on the tin, imagine the classic black Victoria Beckham bob, short and sweet. Caring for this hairstyle could not be easier, a rounded brush is key so that you can shape the bob round your jaw line. Another tip is after washing, add a small 50p size mousse to your hands and run all through your hair to save you from any wispy bits once styled whilst adding extra volume.
Side-Parted Bob
A side-parted bob can be multiple lengths, some to the jawline or some a lob which is also known as a long-bob, often grazing past the shoulder. The best way to care for this hairstyle is to have regular trims, the reason being is that this bob looks best with a sharp blunt cut. If you have a side parting then added volume can really help you here, for the side with the most hair to have that extra wow factor. Use our Ultimate Teaser to give your bob that extra zhush.
Short and Shaved
You have to focus on scalp care for this hairstyle because your scalp is on show, added to that, regular cuts are important. As soon as the shaved half of your hair starts to grow, you no longer have a buzz cut and so you need to regularly get this trimmed. A reminder here that SPF is important for the scalp on show.
Mini Fringe
Fringes can be high maintenance because they require daily attention but this doesn’t have to be difficult. Fringes can have the full treatment with wash, product, blow dry and styling with straighteners. Or, if you are pushed for time, some dry shampoo and a rounded brush will give you a refresh and style in seconds.
Short and sweet just like your hair. Short hair can be simple to maintain provided you keep up with the efforts to maintain health and shine. Short hair styles are anything but dull and so the hair itself needs to reflect that. Though as mentioned, do not forget the scalp particularly for the shaved cuts, the scalp needs regular maintenance to help the hair grow and remove any build-up that could be adding unnecessary stress to our hair. Glossy, healthy and refreshed hair is simple to achieve, take time out regularly to focus on your hair and the results will glow.
