As women age, hair often becomes drier, thinner and less voluminous. Short hairstyles can exacerbate these effects, making hair appear even more flat and limp. However, with the right products, techniques and styling tricks, older women can create beautiful, bouncy curls in short locks that take years off their look.
Why Curling Short Hair is Challenging for Older Women?
Curling short hair poses some unique challenges for older women:
- More delicate and fragile strands – Hair naturally weakens with age and is more prone to dryness and breakage when subjected to heat styling. Special care needs to be taken when curling.
- Lack of weight and fullness – With less overall hair volume and density, short styles can fall flat easily without adequate curl support. Creating voluminous curls helps add body.
- Increased frizz and flyaways – Dry, thinning hair in older women is often more unruly. Frizz and flyaways can diminish polished curled styles.
- Difficulty holding a curl – Shorter hair lengths, especially when fine or thin, have a harder time sustaining curls over time. The right products are key.
But armed with the right techniques and products, older women can achieve salon-worthy curls whatever their hair type or texture.
Best Curling Irons and Tools for Short Hair
Using quality hot tools designed for short hair will make a big difference in your finished curled style. Look for irons that are:
- Small in barrel size – Opt for a 0.5 – 1 inch barrel to avoid loose waves. Conical or tapered barrels also allow more curl versatility.
- Lightweight with an ergonomic design – This causes less wrist strain for longer styling sessions. Many also come with heat resistant gloves or wraps.
- Equipped with adjustable heat settings – This allows customization based on your hair type and condition. Go with medium to low temperatures whenever possible.
- Made with advanced heating elements – Options like ceramic, tourmaline and titanium maintain even heat distribution and often provide built-in frizz reduction during curling.
Some top-rated curling irons for short hair include:
Curling Wands
- Bed Head Wave Artist Deep Waver for defined waves
- BaBylissPRO Nano Titanium Conical for loose curls
- Hot Tools Pro Signature Detailing Wand for subtle volume
Clipless Curling Irons
- xtava Twist Curl Portable for touch-ups on the go
- INFINITIPRO Curl by Conair for defined curls & volume
- T3 Twirl Trio Interchangeable Barrels for versatile looks
| Product | Barrel Size | Heat Range | Unique Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bed Head Wave Artist | 0.75 – 1 inch | Up to 400°F | Deep waver barrels add definition |
| BaBylissPRO Nano Titanium | 0.5 – 1 inch | Up to 450°F | Lightweight, smooth titanium barrel |
| Hot Tools Pro Signature | 0.75 inch | Up to 430° | Angled shape creates bounce |
| xtava Twist Curl | 0.75 inch | Up to 410°F | Dual voltage for travel; interchangeable barrel sizes |
| INFINITIPRO Curl by Conair | 0.5 – 1 inch | Up to 395°F | permutations for defined or loose curls |
| T3 Twirl Trio | 0.5 – 1.25 inches | Up to 410°F | 3 interchangeable tourmaline barrels in 1 iron |
Best Practices for Curling Shorter Hair
Follow these pro tips when curling shorter locks:
Prep Hair Properly First
- Always curl clean hair for enhanced shine and lasting power
- Apply a heat protectant spray or cream before hot tooling
- Start with mostly dry hair – 80% dry or more creates better sets
- For extra volume, clip hair roots while blow drying
Section Hair Cleanly
- Work in rectangular partings rather than randomly grabbing pieces
- Grab hair by the mid-length when clamping in curlers rather than the ends
Wrap Hair Deliberately
- If struggling with wrist flexibility, wrap away from your face
- For tighter curls alternate wrapping directions with each piece
- Customize technique based on the look you want – defined spirals or soft waves
Set Curls with Cool Shots
- Blast curls briefly with the iron’s cool shot button or cold air setting to help set the style
- Let newly curled pieces cool completely before brushing or touching them
Lock in Style with Proper Products
See our recommended products below for enhancing curled styles. Use nourishing formulas that avoid sticky residues that can weigh hair down.
Best Styling Products for Curled Short Hair
Using specially formulated styling products when creating short curled hairstyles makes all the difference in fighting frizz and flyaways and boosting longevity.
Curl Defining Creams and Mousses
Curl enhancers applied before heat styling impart touchable definition and bounce while combatting dryness.
- Moroccanoil Curl Defining Cream – argan oil-infused for conditioning
- Ouidad Advanced Climate Control Gelée – creates frizz-free separation with hold
- Alterna Caviar Anti-Aging Mousse – contains replenishing caviar extract
Thermal Protectant Sprays
Protecting strands from heat damage leads to healthier hair better able to hold curls.
- Kenra Platinum Blow-Dry Spray – also speeds up drying time
- Color Wow Dream Coat Supernatural Spray – shields from humidity for 3-day frizz control
- TREsemmé Thermal Creations Heat Tamer Spray – affordable drugstore option
Shine Enhancing Serums
Smoothing lightweight oils and serums add luminous shine while eliminating flyaways.
- Redken Frizz Dismiss Oil Serum – nourishes hair while offering thermal protection
- Moroccanoil Treatment Original – iconic finishing serum instantly boosts shine
- BioSilk Silk Therapy Treatment – tames flyaways and static
| Product | Key Benefits | Best For | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Moroccanoil Curl Defining Cream | Defines curls; conditions | Coarse or curly hair | $$$ |
| Ouidad Advanced Climate Control Gelée | Defrizzes; curl separation | Humidity resistance | $$ |
| Alterna Caviar Anti-Aging Mousse | Volumizes; thicker-looking strands | Body building | $$$ |
| Kenra Platinum Blow-Dry Spray | Accelerates drying; protects | Quick air drying | $$ |
| Color Wow Dream Coat Supernatural Spray | Shields humidity for 3-day frizz control | Humid climates; frizz reduction | $$$ |
| TREsemmé Thermal Creations Heat Tamer Spray | Affordable protection spray | Drugstore option | $ |
| Redken Frizz Dismiss Oil | Thermal protection; nourishes | Frizz smoothing | $$ |
| Moroccanoil Treatment Original | Boosts shine; eliminates flyaways | Iconic finisher | $$$ |
| BioSilk Silk Therapy | Smoothes flyaways and static | Lightweight smoothing | $$ |
Best Curling Techniques for Short Hair
While standard curling techniques can be used, certain methods work especially well to maximize volume and curl longevity for shorter locks.
Spiral Curling
This uses elongated, stacked curl movements – wrapping each section down and around the barrel multiple times – to create lasting springy curls with enhanced lift at the roots for volume. Alternate spiral curl directions.
Benefits:
- Stronger curl formation
- Amplified lift and volume
- Mix of curl sizes for dimension
Pin Curl Setting
Wind hair tightly into pin curls secured against the scalp after curling to “set” styles. This intensifies curl and direction. Use duck bill clips for shorter lengths.
Benefits:
- Boosts longevity
- Added wave direction control
- Bouncy, voluminous finish
Root Teasing
Lightly backcomb at the roots – don’t overtease – before heat styling when extra body at the crown is desired. Just target teasing to the areas needed.
Benefits:
- Immediate root lift where needed
- Heightened volume and movement
- Avoid overteasing to prevent damage
Common Problems When Curling Short Hair and Solutions
Run into issues while curling shorter locks? Here are some common problems with solutions to troubleshoot:
Problem: Curls fall flat or don’t hold
Solution: Add a few pin curls or finger roll pieces between curling. Finish with a firm hold hairspray.
Problem: Overheated hair and damage
Solution: Always use a thermal protectant and/or lower your hot tool’s temperature.
Problem: Frizzy, dry hair
Solution: Increase conditioning treatments. Apply anti-humectants like balms or oils.
Problem: Tight curls won’t form
Solution: Wrap hair tighter and for longer around smaller barrels. Check for product buildup.
Problem: Stiff, crunchy curls
Solution: Switch products, avoiding heavy mouses and gels. Scrunch out crunchy texture when finished.
Problem: Arm strain and lack of dexterity
Solution: Opt for a lightweight, ergonomic curling iron. Wrap away from your face.
Caring for Curled Short Hair
Set your short curled style up for success with proper maintenance:
- Embrace dry shampoo – washing less preserves curls
- Sleep on a satin pillowcase to reduce friction
- Try pineappling – loosely pile curls on top of head when sleeping
- Refresh limp strands with curl enhancer sprays or creams as needed
- Use microfiber hair towels and gently squeeze to dry
- Handle gently – don’t comb or roughly touch while setting
How Often to Wash Curled Short Hair
To extend shorter curled styles, stick to only washing hair 1-2 times per week max. Curly hair can sometimes go longer since natural oils help enhance and set texture.
| Hair Type | Wash Frequency Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Straight, fine | Every 2-3 days |
| Straight, medium/thick | Every 3-4 days |
| Wavy | Every 3-5 days |
| Curly | Every 5-7 days |
List any exceptions such as exercise that causes excess sweat and dirt buildup requiring more frequent cleansing to avoid scalp issues.
When to Get a Trim
To keep curled short hairstyles fresh, get a trim every 6 to 8 weeks to cut off split ends and encourage new growth. Some experts suggest dusting off just 1/4 to 1/2 an inch for shorter cuts where retaining more length is often desired. Ask your stylist to texturize and feather ends for amplified fullness and movement.
Common Short Curled Hairstyles for Older Women
There are many great short curled hairstyles for older women that are low-maintenance, play up natural texture and show off gorgeous grays. Here are some of the most popular short curled looks.
The Chic Bob
A curled bob hitting anywhere from the chin to collarbone oozes effortless chic. Sculpt with piece-y curtain bangs or tuck one side behind an ear.
Good for: Oval, square, diamond, or heart face shapes. Tames unruly wavy or curly hair textures neatly.
Textured Pixie Cuts
Pixies cropped close at the nape with slightly longer layers on top add volume when permed. Embrace natural cowlicks and gray.
Good for: Oval, heart and diamond face shapes. Great hands-off option for busy lifestyles.
Blunt Bob with Bangs
Uber on-trend, a collarbone-grazing blunt cut becomes instantly mod with cropped brow-skimming fringe and defined waves.
Good for: Oval, long, square face shapes. Best for naturally straight hair textures or shorter permed styles.
Shoulder-Length Shags
This slightly grown-out shag with shattered ends falling below the collarbone turns heads with cascading S-waves.
Good for: Oval, diamond, or triangle face shapes. Permits easier updos. Great for thick or wavy hair.
Feminine Lob with Flipped Ends
A sweet medium-length lob curling just slightly under and up at the ends is ultra-feminine and graceful on older women.
Good for: All face shapes. Especially nice on finer hair that benefits from extra volume at hemline.
Conclusion
Curling shorter hairstyles poses unique challenges for older women related to unruly texture, fragility and the ability to hold a curl. But armed with the right curling tools, techniques and products to smooth, define and protect, women over 50 can create stunning, age-defying curled styles.
Finding a look that works with your hair’s natural propensity to curl along with face shape and lifestyle is key. Whether a tightly coiled pixie or soft shoulder-length shag, embrace low-maintenance styling augmented with amplifying curls that turn back the clock.
With a few minor adjustments like more frequent conditioning, nighttime pineappling and extending time between washes, short locks can get a new lease on life with bountiful youthful curls.
Frequently Asked Questions About Curling Shorter Hair for Older Women
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions:
What’s the best way to boost volume when curling short fine hair?
Some effective ways to get added volume are to begin curling on the mid-length rather than ends, pin curl setting, backcombing at roots, using ample thermal setting spray and finishing with volumizing powder.
Which is better for short hair: a curling wand or iron?
Wands often work better thanks to smaller diameters in barrels more suitable for shorter lengths. The lack of a clamp also prevents crimped ends or kinks.
Is it OK to curl really short pixie cuts?
Yes, pixie cuts and styles even shorter look fantastic curled. Just use the lowest heat setting and smallest barrel iron. Prep hair adequately with heat protecting products. Alternate curl direction.
Can I sleep on curls to enhance short styles overnight?
You sure can. Pin curl or flexi rod setting on dried curled hair amplifies texture overnight for va-va-voom volume the next day after releasing. Silk pillowcases prevent frizz.
How long does curl last on short hair?
With the right techniques and aftercare, curls can last 3-4 days on short locks before requiring heat to touch up. Using curl-enhancing shampoos, conditioners and styling products extends longevity too.