Curls can add volume, texture, and versatility to short pixie haircuts, giving them a chic and modern edge. Using a flat iron to curl pixie hair is an effective technique that creates soft, bouncy curls or defined waves, even on very short lengths. This guide will walk you through every step, from preparing your hair to achieving the perfect curls using a flat iron.
Why Curling a Pixie Cut is Ideal for Styling
Pixie cuts are known for their low-maintenance styling and edgy look. However, curling a pixie cut brings a softer, more playful vibe to the haircut. Curling short hair can also provide more volume and body, making the style appear fuller. The flat iron is a versatile tool that can create anything from loose waves to tight curls, depending on the size and technique used.
What You Need to Curl Pixie Short Hair
Before you start curling your pixie hair with a flat iron, it’s essential to gather all the tools and products you will need. This will ensure that the process is smooth and that your curls turn out beautifully.
Flat iron: Opt for a flat iron with narrow plates, around 1 inch wide or less. This size is perfect for short hair because it can easily grip and style smaller sections.
Heat protectant spray: A must-have to shield your hair from heat damage.
Comb or brush: A fine-tooth comb or a soft-bristle brush to detangle and section the hair.
Clips: To hold sections of hair that you’re not curling at the moment.
Light-hold hairspray or texturizing spray: To help set the curls and add texture for a longer-lasting style.
Mirror: A good-quality mirror, preferably one with magnification, to see all angles of your short pixie cut as you style.
Preparation: Protecting and Prepping Your Hair
Step 1: Wash and Dry Your Hair
Before you begin curling, ensure your hair is clean and dry. Start by washing your hair with a gentle shampoo and conditioner, especially ones designed to add volume or protect against heat. Hair that is too oily or dirty won’t hold curls as well, and applying heat to damp hair can cause significant damage.
Step 2: Apply a Heat Protectant
Once your hair is completely dry, apply a heat protectant spray evenly throughout your strands. Heat protectant is essential, especially for shorter hair, as it provides a barrier between your hair and the intense heat of the flat iron, preventing breakage and split ends.
Step 3: Section Your Hair for Curling
Since pixie cuts are short, you don’t need to create a lot of sections. However, parting the hair into manageable sections can make the process easier and ensure each part gets equal attention. Use clips to hold the hair in place and start from the bottom of your head, working upwards.
How to Curl a Pixie Short Hair with a Flat Iron
Step 1: Choose the Right Temperature Setting
When curling short hair, it’s important to keep the flat iron at the right temperature. For fine or fragile hair, keep the heat between 250°F and 300°F. For thicker or coarse hair, you can set the flat iron to a temperature of 300°F to 350°F. Never go beyond 400°F, as this can cause irreversible damage.
Step 2: Take Small Sections of Hair
Using a flat iron to curl short hair requires small sections for the best results. Taking sections that are about 1/2 to 1 inch wide will give you more control and create defined curls. For a more relaxed wave, you can take slightly larger sections, but for tight, bouncy curls, keep the sections smaller.
Step 3: Position the Flat Iron
Hold the flat iron horizontally or at a slight diagonal angle, depending on the type of curl you want. For looser waves, hold it more horizontally, while tighter curls are achieved by holding the iron more vertically.
Place the flat iron at the root of the sectioned hair.
Clamp the iron gently, being careful not to grip too hard to avoid dents.
Step 4: Twist the Flat Iron to Create Curls
Once the flat iron is clamped on the section, twist the iron away from your face, making a full rotation while slowly gliding the iron down the section of hair. The speed at which you glide the flat iron will determine the curl’s tightness. Moving slowly will result in tighter curls, while a quicker movement will create looser waves.
For a relaxed wave: Twist the iron 180 degrees and slide down quickly.
For tight curls: Twist the iron 360 degrees and slide down more slowly.
Step 5: Curl All Sections
Work your way through the sections, repeating the same steps. If you want more definition, alternate the direction of the curls as you move through the sections. Curling in the same direction will create a more uniform look, while alternating directions adds more texture and volume.
Step 6: Style the Front Section
The front of a pixie cut is key to framing the face. Take extra care when curling this section. You can create soft waves that sweep to the side or tighter curls for a bolder look. Use the same twisting technique but adjust the angle of the iron to suit the style you’re aiming for.
SEE ALSO: How to Straighten Short Curly Hair Naturally?
Finishing Touches: Setting and Styling Your Curls
Step 1: Separate and Define the Curls
After curling all your hair, allow the curls to cool down for a minute. Once the hair is cool, gently run your fingers through the curls to separate and loosen them. This will give the curls a more natural, voluminous look.
Step 2: Add Texture for Volume
If you want to add more texture and definition, use a light texturizing spray or dry shampoo. Lift sections of the hair and spritz the roots to give the hair a fuller appearance, especially at the crown where pixie cuts can sometimes fall flat.
Step 3: Set the Style with Hairspray
To ensure your curls last all day, use a light-hold hairspray. Hold the spray about 12 inches from your head to avoid making the curls crunchy. This will provide a soft hold that keeps the curls intact while allowing movement.
Different Curling Techniques for Pixie Cuts
Loose Waves for a Casual Look
For a casual, beachy look, opt for loose waves by twisting the flat iron only 180 degrees. This will create gentle waves that add a relaxed, carefree style to your pixie cut. Looser waves work well for everyday wear and add texture without too much volume.
Defined Curls for a Bold Look
If you prefer a more dramatic look, defined curls are ideal. To achieve this, twist the flat iron 360 degrees, holding the hair for a moment before gliding down. Defined curls work well for formal occasions or when you want your pixie cut to have more structure and volume.
Messy Curls for a Playful Style
Messy curls add a playful, carefree vibe to pixie haircuts. To achieve this look, curl the hair in different directions, using different sized sections. Don’t worry about uniformity – the key to messy curls is their imperfect, tousled look.
How to Maintain Curls in Short Pixie Hair
Refresh Curls the Next Day
Curls in a pixie cut can last for several days if properly maintained. The next day, refresh your curls by lightly misting your hair with water or a curl refresher spray. Use your flat iron on any sections that need a quick touch-up.
Avoid Over-Styling
Pixie haircuts can be more vulnerable to damage because of their short length. Avoid using a flat iron on your curls every day. Instead, try to maintain the style with minimal heat.
Use Silk Pillowcases for Longevity
To help preserve your curls overnight, sleep on a silk pillowcase. Silk reduces friction, preventing curls from flattening or frizzing while you sleep.
Conclusion
Curling pixie short hair with a flat iron is a simple but effective way to add texture, volume, and flair to your look. Whether you’re going for soft waves or bold, defined curls, following the steps in this guide will help you achieve the perfect style. With practice, you’ll find the technique that works best for you, allowing you to change up your pixie cut with ease.