The Ultimate Guide For You: How To Straighten Short Hair

You can’t argue that having straight hair gives you a polished look suitable for any event. But if you naturally have curly hair, getting it straight and maintaining that look can be a tough mission. And if your hair is short, keeping it free of waves is even more challenging! Fortunately, we’ve got some techniques and easy tips to straighten your short hair. Today, why don’t we learn how to straighten short hair together? Let’s dive in now.

1. Tutorial: How To Straighten Short Hair

Having short hair doesn’t mean that you can’t enjoy the sleekness of straight locks. With the right tools and techniques, you can achieve a smooth, straight look that enhances your style. In this tutorial, let’s experiment with different methods to find the perfect routine for your hair type and styling preferences.

Before we start, prepare your hair and some necessary products. Wash your hair with sulfate shampoo and follow it with a deep conditioner. Then blow-dry your hair. While drying your hair, you also have a good opportunity to comb or brush out any tangles or knots. Don’t forget to prepare your tools, a heat protector, and some hairpins.

1.1.  Flat Irons

Flat irons are versatile tools for straightening short hair. Choose a flat iron with narrow plates to effectively reach short hair sections.

• Step 1: Divide your hair into layers: For short hair, you might only need one or two layers, depending on the thickness of your hair. Creating layers is important because it divides your hair into manageable sections, making it easier to straighten without overlapping sections you’ve already ironed, reducing the risk of heat damage. As you work through the layers, gather the hair you’re not using and secure it on top of your head with a clip, keeping it out of the way while you focus on the lower layers.

• Step 2: Prepare your flat iron: Check your flat iron for any dirt or residue before using it. To clean it, make sure it’s unplugged and cool. Most flat irons offer multiple temperature settings, and while there’s no strict rule for which temperature to use, here’s a general guide:

Set 250–300° if you have fine or damaged hair.

Set 300–350° for medium or average hair.

Set 350–400° for thick or rough hair.

• Step 3: Apply heat protectant: Using heat protectant is crucial when styling your hair with heat tools like flat irons, curling irons, or hair dryers. Heat protectants reduce heat damage and prevent moisture loss, which can lead to dryness and brittleness. Heat protectants also enhance styling results by keeping your hair shiny and less prone to breakage or split ends. If your hair is colored, it can preserve its vibrancy by reducing heat-related fading.

• Step 4: Iron your bangs, if applicable: Start by straightening your bangs, as they’re already separated from the rest of your hair, and are easy to see. Straighten from root to tip, and depending on your hair’s curliness or waviness, you might need to pass the flat iron a few times. If your hair is long enough, you can run a comb through it and follow along with your flat iron for a smoother result.

• Step 5: Straighten from the bottom layer to the top layer in segments: Divide your bottom layer of hair into segments, then straighten each one from root to tip, carefully sliding your flat iron down the entire length of each section. Repeat this process several times until you get the look you want. Be cautious when ironing near your scalp or ears, as the heated ends of your flat iron can cause burns if you’re not careful.

• Step 6: Iron the crown hair vertically for volume: Managing the hair at the top of your head (the crown) can be challenging. By pulling your hair upward, you’ll make it easier for your flat iron to reach the roots and increase hair volume. Plus, be patient with the hair at the back of your head. The hair at the back of your head is tricky because it’s hard to see, making it awkward to iron. To address this, divide the back of your hair down the middle vertically and pull each section to the sides. This way, you can stand at an angle to a mirror to better see and straighten the hair at the back of your head.

• Step 7: Apply some nourishing oil: In the last step of the straightening short hair process, apply some nourishing oil to moisturize your hair and keep it in shape.

1.2. Blow Dryers

Blow dryers equipped with a nozzle attachment and a round brush can also straighten short hair. Begin by applying a heat protectant spray to damp hair and then use the blow dryer and brush to stretch the hair while drying. Focus on directing the airflow downward to minimize frizz and encourage straightness.

• Step 1: Prepare your blow dryer:  If your blow dryer includes various nozzle attachments, check the width of each one. A nozzle that’s too wide may waste airflow when used on short hair. However, narrower openings can potentially cause damage. Additionally, adjust the airflow setting to low or medium to further protect your hair. If your hair is prone to damage, lower the temperature setting on your blow dryer to medium or low, adjusting until the airflow feels comfortable when tested on the back of your hand. If you have very short hair, use a high-heat setting.
• Step 2: Comb while blow-drying: For a fast and effortless drying process of how to straighten very short hair, aim the blow dryer downward. This helps minimize frizz and stray hair. While blow drying, gently comb through your hair with your fingers or a comb to ensure even drying. To maintain smooth and well-defined straight hair, gently tug on the ends of your hair as you blow dry. You can achieve this by using your fingers, although using a brush that suits your hair length yields better results. For very short sections, opt for a small brush, while longer sections benefit from a brush with longer, thicker strands to wrap around the ends.

• Step 3: Blow dry from all sides: Gently pull the hair with the brush to straighten it out. Position the blow dryer approximately ½–1 inch (1.25–2.5 cm) away from the hair, moving it along the length without touching the scalp or the brush. Repeat this process several times from different angles: below, above, and from both sides. Slowly circle the brush to expose more hair as you continue blow drying.

• Step 4: Apply hairspray or hair oil: After all, use hairspray or hair oil for shiny hair. Remember this step to keep your hair in shape, too.

1.3. Hair Straightening Brushes

Hair straightening brushes are another option for how to straighten short curly hair. These brushes combine the benefits of a flat iron and a brush, making them efficient for straightening shorter lengths. Simply brush through small sections of hair while applying heat, working from roots to ends for a sleek finish.

• Step 1: Section the hair and use hairspray: Begin at the crown of your head, lifting your hair upwards and leaving approximately a 1-inch (2.5 cm) thick section at the nape of your neck. Secure the remaining hair with hair clips or bobby pins to keep it out of the way. If your hair is concise, you may need to twist small sections before pinning them.
• Step 2: Gently comb your hair: Grab the ends of a hair section, measuring about 1–1.5 inches (2.5–3.8 cm). Hold your flat iron in one hand and use the other hand to select a small strand from the remaining section of hair. Gently run your fingers along the strand to the ends, then pull it straight out to create tension along the entire length.

• Step 3:  Increase volume: Pull the straightening tool away from your scalp to increase volume. For a voluminous style, lift your hair away from your head while straightening, rather than pressing the tool close to your scalp. Use some hair oil to finish the process.

2. How to care for short straight hair after straightening

2.1. How to Maintain Straightened Short Hair

To maintain straightened short hair, consider using a lightweight serum or oil to add shine and combat frizz. Keep your hair hydrated by using moisturizing shampoo and conditioner. Avoid touching or brushing your hair excessively to prevent disrupting the straightened style. Additionally, consider using a satin pillowcase to reduce friction and maintain your straight look overnight.

2.2. Protecting Short Hair from Heat Damage

Always apply a heat protectant spray before using heat styling tools on short hair. This helps minimize the damage that is caused by high temperatures. And this also ensures that your hair remains healthy and strong. Limit the frequency of heat styling and opt for heat-free hairstyles whenever possible to give your hair a break.

Another tip is to avoid excessive brushing or combing of your hair when it’s wet, as this can lead to breakage. Instead, use a wide-tooth comb or your fingers to gently detangle your hair

3. FAQs

3.1. How Often Should I Straighten My Short Hair?

It’s best to limit heat styling to no more than a few times per week to minimize damage to your short hair. Incorporate heat-free styling options into your routine to give your hair a break.

3.2. Can I Straighten Short Hair Without Heat?

Yes, there are heat-free methods for straightening short hair, such as using straightening creams or serums and air-drying with tension. Experiment with different techniques to find what works best for your hair type and desired style. Many videos can guide you on how to straighten short hair without heat. Don’t hesitate to check them out.

3.3. Will Straightening Short Hair Damage It?

Frequent heat styling can potentially damage short hair over time, leading to dryness, breakage, and split ends. To minimize damage, use heat protectant products, avoid excessive heat exposure, and prioritize hair health with regular trims and conditioning treatments.

In conclusion, we have just answered the burning question: Can you straighten short hair? With our detailed guide on how to straighten short hair, we hope you can effortlessly create your favorite hairdo. If you’re looking for a method to get more bouncy and voluminous hair, consider visiting Macsara Hair.

As the leading Vietnamese hair factory with 15 years of experience in this field, we commit to bringing our customers high-quality wholesale hair products. Our hair extensions come in various colors, lengths, and textures to fit your wide range of needs. You are free to customize according to your preferences with big orders with us at a factory direct price. Don’t hesitate to contact us on WhatsApp at +84 98 698 0492 for more information and 24/7 support!

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