Step-by-step process on how to style short wavy hair
I’ve had short hair for a few years now and it took me some time to finally figure out a fresh style that works best for my hair needs. So learning how to style short wavy hair was a huge win for my hair journey!
Short hair can be low maintenance at times and easy to manage, so why is it so difficult to style? I think it’s because short hair is not as forgiving as long hair and more noticeable when it’s not styled correctly.
As someone with short hair, I understand the time and energy that goes into styling wavy hair or executing the perfect beach wave. Majority of the time I straighten my hair, because I just don’t want to deal! Truthfully, curling wavy short hair isn’t easy and it takes planning and patience.
So when I finally learned how to style short hair properly, I realized that it wasn’t so bad at all! I never did it, because I was either styling it incorrectly or never took the time to properly learn the process of styling short wavy hair.
Here’s my BIGGEST mistake: the number one secret isn’t a curling iron, but a flat iron or straightener! Yes, I was doing it wrong this whole time – which isn’t surprising to me. Fast forward till now, I have practiced this technique multiple times and now I’m ready to help you!
In the video below, you’ll see Milabu providing a thorough tutorial on styling short wavy hair:
So let’s begin. Below is how to style short wavy hair:
1. Hair Protection:
When your hair is damp, use a sea salt spray or volumizer at roots to protect your hair from heat. Blow-dry or let your hair air dry before using the flat iron. Depending on what my time allows, I prefer to air dry my hair.
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2. Proper Flat Iron
The ideal size flat iron size is one that is 1 to 2 inches in width. Definitely make sure you’re using a good quality flat iron, so you’re not damaging your hair. The proper temperature is 350 degrees.
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3. Clip Action
Let’s begin! Clip the top portion of your hair up above your head and begin with the bottom layer of your hair. It’s a lot easier to curl when you section off your hair this way. Remember the thicker your hair, the more sections you have to separate and curl.
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4. Perfecting The Curl
Now it’s time to curl your hair. Start by taking small sections of your hair, smooth it out at the root, and place the flat iron in a downward position on the base of your hair. Begin to twist the flat iron at a 180-degree angle, bend right up at the scalp, and slowly pull the flat iron through the section of your hair. All you need to do is one bend in the flat iron!
Hint: If you want tighter curls, pull the flat iron slowly through the hair. If you want loose waves, move the flat iron quickly through the hair.
5. Continue The Wave
Continue this process all around your hair and make your way to the next section. Start from the front of the head and work your way to the back. Therefore, they’re brushing away from the face. Once done, look around to see if any pieces need a little more bend.
6. Shape It!
Now it’s time to shape! With your fingers, begin at the crown and shake downwards. This will give a little lift and break up your curls. You don’t want your curls to clump together, they should be separated to get that true beachy look. Next, spray product at the root to give it some texture and hold.
Here’s another great example from Truly Jamie!

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