How to Curl Short Hair with a Wand or Tongs & 5 Best Curlers for Short Hair

Curling short hair can seem challenging, but you can achieve beautiful, bouncy curls with the right techniques and hair care products - such as a wand or tongs. Here’s how.

How to Use Curlers for Short Hair: Step-by-Step Guide

1. Choose the Right Size: 

For short hair, small curlers are ideal as they fit the length better.

2. Prep Your Hair: 

Ensure your hair is clean, dry, and apply a heat protectant to minimise damage. 

3. Section Your Hair:

Divide your hair into manageable sections to make the curling process easier.

4. Curl Your Hair: 

Wrap small sections of hair around the curler, hold for a few seconds, then release. If you are curling your hair in advance of an event or occasion, we recommend pinning your curls using hair clips after they’ve been curled. This will ensure longer-lasting curls! 

5. Finish Off: 

Apply a light hairspray to hold the curls in place without making them stiff.

What are the Best for Curling Tongs for Short Hair

1. GHD Curve Thin Wand

Price: €159.00

The GHD Curve Thin Wand features a slim barrel ideal for creating tight, defined curls, perfect for short curly hairstyles. Its barrel is designed to give you perfect, long-lasting curls, wrapping even the shortest strands effortlessly for a polished, chic finish.

2. GHD Curve Tong Classic Curl

This curling tong is designed with a medium barrel, making it perfect for creating classic, even curls on short hair. The GHD Curve Tong Classic Curl heats up quickly and maintains an even temperature, ensuring consistent and bouncy curls every time.

3. Beauty Works X Molly Mae Curl Kit

The Beauty Works X Molly Mae Curl Kit includes a curling wand with a slim barrel, making it suitable for shorter hair. It allows for precise, defined curls and includes accessories to help you achieve salon-quality results at home.

4. Beauty Works Flat Iron Curl Bar 25mm

The Beauty Works Flat Iron Curl Bar features a 25mm barrel, perfect for creating soft curls and waves on short hair. Its size makes it easy to handle shorter strands, delivering a smooth, frizz-free finish with each curl.

5. Lullabellz Hair Tools It Curl Wand

The It Curl Wand by Lullabellz is an affordable option with a smaller barrel size, making it ideal for short hairstyles. It heats quickly and is easy to use, allowing you to create tight, long-lasting curls with minimal effort.

Hair Curling Tips

• For flawless curls, ensure your tongs are heated to the right temperature for your hair type. 
• Work in small sections to achieve well-defined curls. 
• Start curling near the roots, but avoid direct contact with the scalp. 
• Let your curls cool completely before styling to lock in the shape. 
• For a natural look, gently run your fingers through the curls or keep them tight for more definition. 
• A light mist of hairspray will keep your curls in place all day.

How to Use a Heatless Hair Curler

1. Prep Your Hair: Start with damp hair, and apply a leave-in conditioner or a curl-enhancing product.
2. Wrap Your Hair: Use the heatless hair curler to wrap sections of your hair around the device, securing as you go.
3. Wait: Let your hair dry completely. This could take a few hours or overnight for best results.
4. 4. Unveil the Curls: Gently remove the curler to reveal soft, bouncy curls without heat damage.

Brush Out the Curls: Use a wide tooth comb and apply dry texture spray to ensure you get the most volume and hold. 

How to Maintain Healthy Curls on Short Hair

1. Moisturise Regularly: Use hydrating hair products to moisturise your curls.
2. Limit Heat Styling: Embrace heatless styling methods or use heat-protectant products.
3. Trim Regularly: Keep your ends healthy with regular trims.
4. Use the Right Products: Choose curl-enhancing products that are suitable for short hair.

Where to Buy Curling Wands in Ireland?

Curling wands can be found in various stores across Ireland, including beauty supply stores, department stores, and online platforms. Look for retailers like Millies that offer a wide range of options so you can find the perfect tool for your short hair. 

Hair Curling FAQs

How to Curl Hair Without a Curler?

You can achieve curls without a curler using heatless methods such as braiding damp hair, using hair rollers, or wrapping hair around a headband overnight. If you think your hair is damaged, check out our top tips on How to Repair Damaged Hair.

How to Use a Curling Wand for Waves?

To create waves, use a larger barrel wand and wrap larger sections of hair loosely around the wand. Hold for a few seconds then release for soft, beachy waves.

How to Use a Curling Wand?

1. Heat the Wand: Choose the right temperature for your hair type.
2. Wrap the Hair: Wrap small sections of hair around the wand away from your face. Hold for a few seconds then release.
3. Style: Let the curls cool, then style as desired. Use a texturizing spray for extra volume and hold.

Browse our collection of hair curling wands and tongs to discover the perfect tool that suits your style and hair type. Explore our latest blogs to find the best advice on hair care, such as our 10 Best Shampoos for Coloured Hair and our top picks from Hair by Sam McNight. 

Don’t miss out—transform your hair routine today with Millies!