10 styling products you need if you have short hair

“Fudge Hair Shaper has a matte texture that ensures you don't look a hot sweaty mess,” says Fudge Professional Ambassador Lisa Farrall of Wig London. “I like to work this into my hand and apply it deep into the hair, and go from the root to ends in circular motions.” We like that the pliable medium hold texture of this hairstyling product (as opposed to something with a firm hold) allows for movement in the hair.

“As shorter styles are naturally more voluminous, use a smoothing product like Aveda Smooth Infusion Nourishing Styling Cream to blow-dry or air dry your style smooth,” says Aveda Artist Darren Summors. Psst... this hairstyling product works a treat on frizzy hair.

“For women with short hair, a styling clay, like De Lorenzo Elements Clay, is ideal as it defines and separates short styles,” says Rob Sylva, ambassador for De Lorenzo. “It’s also important to find a product with hold to tame fly-aways and keep your style in place. Work with small amounts at a time, rubbing through the palms of the hands to help activate the ingredients and apply to sections of wet or dry hair.”

Look no further if you're after a super easy solution to styling short hair. “Shu Uemura Art of Hair Volume Maker is perfect for short hair because the precise brush applies the root-boosting hair powder just where you need it, and in controlled amounts,” says Lauren Branciamore, hairstylist at The Society Salon. “It adds beautiful texture and definition, and the invisible powder refreshes the hair between washes without the heavy feel dry shampoo sometimes has... plus it’s small and handbag-friendly to give your hair a boost when you’re on the go!” We also think this is one of the best styling products for fine hair, due to its lightweight texture.

This may not look like a regular dry shampoo, but we guarantee that it's just as effective for short hairstyles. “Eleven Australia Dry Powder Volume Paste recreates second-day texture by lifting the roots and adding volume and grit for that perfect done-but-undone hairstyle,” says Joey Scandizzo, hairstylist and founder of Eleven Australia. “Apply a small amount of the paste on dry hair; for those with short hair, work the product through from roots to ends to create a model off-duty look.”

“Mr Smith Shaper is a high-hold medium shine paste that is great for short crops,” says hairstylist Elyston Hayden. “I love using this on my short-haired clients as it really brings out the natural texture in hair. Apply a 10-cent piece worth to towel-dried hair and style it up with your fingers.”

If you want to create the look of wavy hair without the need for something as heavy as a hair gel or the effort of a curling iron, this product is suitable for all hair types. “Short hair usually requires a bit more styling on the day-to-day, so I would suggest Wella Professionals EIMI Sugar Lift, which gives hair a light, crunch-free texture,” says hairstylist Renya Xydis. “No need for heavy styling gels or clays… just a light spritz of this and you’re good to go.” Similar to a texturising spray, mist this over damp hair and scrunch your hair up with your fingers to build volume. Finish by either letting your hair air dry or use a hairdryer on a light heat setting.

“Label M Sea Salt Spray is a must,” says Nathan Cherrington, owner and Artistic Director of Toni&Guy Concord. “This sea salt spray gives instant texture and natural volume, and also creates that lived-in and effortless finish that short-haired girls long for.”  

“If you’re a short-haired girl, a light moulding cream, like Mr Smith Style Cream, is crucial for definition as it’s not too heavy and won’t weigh the hair down,” says Tarryn Cherniayeff, founder of MOB Hair. Top tip: Due to its heavier texture, it's best to use this on thick hair as it may weigh down thin hair.

"Less is More Honeywax provides hold with light shine,” says hairstylist Barney Gleeson of Salon Baby Hair. “Use your fingertips to get some out of the pot, warm it between the palms of your hands and scrunch it through your hair for texture and definition after it’s blow-drying.”

Learn how to keep your short hair away from your face with this clever braid tutorial.  

Have you tried any of these hair products before? How did you like them? What do you think are the best products for styling short haircuts? Tell us in the comments below.

Main image credit: Getty