5 Tricks for Styling Short Hair

Confession: I am hair-challenged. Like, can’t-blow-dry-my-own-hair kind of challenged. So when I had long hair, I ran to the beauty gurus of the Internet with every embarrassingly simple need (read: “how to French braid”). There was always an endless supply of expert advice, product recommendations and Pinterest-worthy tutorials that helped take my hair from frizzy disaster to fabulous (see our roundup of the best 9 hair tutorials on the web here). My hair incompetency was my own little secret.

But last summer, I cut my hair super-short. And while it was adorable when I left the salon, as soon as it came time to style it myself, I was clueless. So of course, I turned to my trusty blogs and YouTube channels for help, but what I found was totally disheartening. There was nothing to help me navigate this new short-hair world. The first few weeks of my short cut were filled with awkward style attempts and lots of headbands. I learned the hard way: It’s hard out there for short-haired ladies.

 So here’s your solution. Whether you’re considering making the chop or are already rocking a short ‘do, consider this your official short hair guide. Read on for celebrity styles you should copy right now, as well as product recommendations from local stylists Joey Rose, owner of Center City’s Rinse Salon, and Jason Arnold, manager of Jenkintown’s David Arnold Hair Salon. May you never have a bad hair day again!

Karlie Kloss

Maybe I'm a little biased: I have this cut. But it’s super-cute—and super-easy, too. Just give it a dab of smoothing cream and let it air-dry. Our Recommendation: Pureology Super Smooth Smoothing Cream, $24 at Ulta. Hairstyle photo via Conde Nast.

Jennifer Lawrence

The Hunger Games star took the Kate Gosselin circa 2007 and made it chic. Joey says it’s one of his most-requested short ‘dos. The key: texture. Joey’s Recommendation: Bamboo Style Boho Waves Texture Hair Mist by Alterna, $22 at Neiman Marcus.
Hairstyle photo via Glamour.

Rihanna

Rihanna’s blunt bob is a great way to hack off those dead ends and switch things up when growing out a much shorter style. Joey’s advice? “Avoid over-blowdrying—and keep the ends healthy.” Use a shine serum to keep things sleek. Our recommendation: Paul Mitchell Super Skinny Serum, $18 at Amazon. Hairstyle photo via Digital Spy.

Pink

Way before Miley, Pink was rocking the bleached blonde fauxhawk. Says Jason, “It’s perfect for people who want to be a little more adventurous." To get all-day hold, try a styling paste. Joey’s Recommendation: Redken Rewind Pliable Styling Paste, $24 at Drugstore. Hairstyle photo via Time Inc.

Victoria Beckham

Posh Spice has had every style under the sun, but her cropped ‘do is the clear winner. “It works on all hair textures,” says Jason. Try a leave-in treatment to add moisture to any hair type Our Recommendation: Aveda 'Damage Ready' Daily Hair Repair, $28 at Nordstrom. Hairstyle photo via Huffington Post.