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.

Key Takeaways: How to Curl Short Hair with a Wand or Tongs

• To curl short hair with a wand or tongs, work in small sections and wrap each section around a suitably sized barrel before allowing the curl to cool completely.

• A smaller barrel is usually easier to work with on short hair because shorter strands can wrap around it more securely.

• For a short bob, a small-to-medium barrel can help create anything from defined curls to softer waves depending on the finished look you want.

• Always apply a heat protectant before using heated styling tools.

• Avoid brushing curls immediately after styling; allowing them to cool first can help them hold their shape.

Step One: Choose the Right Curler Size for Short Hair

The best curler size will depend on both your hair length and the type of curl you want to create. Shorter hair generally works well with smaller barrels because there needs to be enough length to wrap around the tool.

A slim barrel is ideal for tighter, more defined curls, while a small-to-medium barrel can create softer curls and waves. If you have a short bob and want a relaxed finish, opt for a barrel that allows your hair to wrap around at least once without being too wide for the length. Browse Millies’ hair curling wands and tongs to compare different options.

Step Two: Prep Your Hair and Apply Heat Protectant

Start with completely dry, detangled hair. Applying direct heat to damp hair with a traditional curling wand or tong can expose it to unnecessary heat damage.

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

Distribute your heat protectant evenly through the lengths and ends before sectioning your hair. If your hair is particularly fine, use a lightweight formula so you don't weigh down the finished curls.

Step Three: Section Your Hair

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

For short hair, smaller sections usually give you better control. Start by separating the top and bottom layers using clips, then work with one small section at a time. This also makes it easier to reach shorter pieces around the back and sides of your head without repeatedly curling the same hair.

Step Four: Curl Your Hair

Take a small section of hair and position your wand or tongs close to the roots without allowing the heated barrel to touch your scalp. Wrap or clamp the hair according to the instructions for your styling tool, hold briefly and then release. Always follow the manufacturer's heat and styling guidance for your chosen curler.

Around the front of your hair, curling away from your face can create a softer, more open finish. For a more natural-looking style, try alternating the direction of your curls through the remaining sections.

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!

Let each curl cool in its shape before releasing the clip. Cooling is an important part of the styling process, so resist the urge to immediately brush through freshly curled hair.

Step Five: Cool, Style and Finish Your Curls

Once all your hair has been curled, allow it to cool completely. For defined curls, gently separate individual sections with your fingers. For softer waves, lightly brush or comb through the curls once they are cool.

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

You can also add a lightweight texture or styling product through the lengths if you want extra volume and movement.

Best Curling Tongs and Wands for Short Hair

1. GHD Curve Thin Wand – Best for Tight, Defined Curls

The GHD Curve Thin Wand is one of our top choices if you want a short hair curler for creating tighter, defined curls. Its very slim barrel gives shorter pieces of hair plenty of opportunity to wrap around the tool, making it particularly useful when a wider curler feels too large for your hair length.

It’s a great option for creating defined curls, adding texture or enhancing naturally curly hair. Find it within our hair curling wands and tongs collection.

2. GHD Curve Creative Curl Wand – Best for Tousled Curls and Waves

If you prefer softer, less uniform curls, the GHD Curve Creative Curl Wand is a versatile choice. Its tapered shape makes it possible to vary the size and definition of each curl, helping you create a more relaxed, tousled finish.

This makes it particularly useful if you want your short hair or bob to have movement rather than tightly structured curls. Browse the GHD options in our hair curling wands and tongs collection.

3. LullaBellz Hair Tools It Curl Wand – Best for Defined, Uniform Curls

The LullaBellz Hair Tools It Curl Wand has a 22mm ceramic-coated barrel designed to create smooth, uniform curls. That manageable barrel size makes it a useful option for shorter styles when you want a defined but still voluminous result.

Important: the It Curl Wand is an attachment and requires the LullaBellz Hair Tools First Base handle, which is sold separately. Shop the LullaBellz Hair Tools It Curl Wand.

4. LullaBellz Level Up Curl Wand – Best for Versatile Curl Sizes

The LullaBellz Level Up Curl Wand features a tapered barrel, allowing you to create different curl depths with the same tool. This can be particularly useful if you want more variation throughout a short hairstyle rather than curls that all look identical.

Like the It Curl Wand, this is an attachment that requires the LullaBellz First Base handle. Browse more options in our hair curling wands and tongs collection.

5. Voduz Spectrum 4 in 1 Curling Tong – Best Multi-Purpose Curler

If you regularly switch between different types of curls, the Voduz Spectrum 4 in 1 Curling Tong is a versatile option. Its interchangeable barrels allow you to create different curl styles with one tool, from tighter curls to looser waves.

Millies lists the tool as suitable for both long and short hair, making it a useful choice if versatility is your priority. Explore it alongside other hair curling wands and tongs.

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.
• If you're curling a short bob, pay extra attention to the shortest layers around your face and nape, as these may need smaller sections than the rest of your hair.
• Always follow the temperature and safety instructions supplied with your styling tool.
  

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. Unveil the Curls: Gently remove the curler to reveal soft, bouncy curls without using a heated styling tool.

5.  

   Brush Out the Curls: Use a wide-tooth comb or your fingers to gently separate the curls, then apply a texture spray if you want extra 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

What Is the Best Hair Curler?

The best hair curler depends on your hair length, hair type and the style you want to create. For short hair, a smaller or medium-sized barrel is often easier to control because your hair can wrap around it more securely. For tighter curls, choose a slimmer barrel; for softer curls and waves, choose a slightly wider or tapered wand.

What Is the Best Curling Wand?

The best curling wand is one that suits both your hair length and your preferred curl style. A slim curling wand such as the GHD Curve Thin Wand is useful for defined curls, while a tapered curling wand can give you more variation and a softer, tousled effect.

What Is the Best Hair Curler for a Short Bob?

For a short bob, the best hair curler is generally one with a small-to-medium barrel that allows the hair to wrap around it comfortably. Slimmer barrels give more defined curls, while a barrel around the mid-size range can help create softer movement and waves.

If your bob is particularly short, choosing a smaller barrel can make styling the underneath layers and shorter pieces around your face easier.

What Type of Short Hair Curler Should I Use?

A short hair curler should be easy to manoeuvre and narrow enough for your hair to wrap around the barrel. Curling wands can be useful for creating relaxed or varied curls, while curling tongs give you a clamp to hold shorter sections in place, which some people find easier to control.

What Are the Best Hair Curling Tongs for Short Hair?

The best hair curling tongs for short hair are those with a barrel that suits your hair length and desired curl size. Smaller barrels generally work well for defined curls and shorter styles, while medium barrels can create softer curls on a bob. Multi-barrel tools are another useful option if you want to switch between different curl styles.

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 barrel suited to your hair length and wrap slightly larger sections loosely around the wand. Leave the very ends out for a more relaxed finish, then allow each section to cool before gently separating the curls with your fingers.

How to Use a Curling Wand?

1. Prep and Protect: Make sure your hair is completely dry and apply heat protectant before styling.

2. Choose the Right Heat: Use a temperature appropriate for your hair type and follow the manufacturer's instructions.

3. Wrap the Hair: Wrap small sections of hair around the wand, working away from your face around the front sections. Hold briefly, then release.

4. Cool: Allow each curl to cool before touching or brushing it.

5. Style: Once completely cool, separate the curls with your fingers or gently brush through them for a softer finish. Use a styling product for extra hold if needed.

Ready to find your perfect short hair curler? Browse our collection of hair curling wands and tongs to discover tools for defined curls, soft waves and everything in between.

Explore our latest blogs to find more expert haircare advice, including our 10 Best Shampoos for Coloured Hair and our top picks from Hair by Sam McNight.

Shop your haircare favourites at Millies and create your perfect style at home.