Styling short hair

For short hair, matte paste and hair powder are the two most practical products: they need very little and they add texture rather than shine. Glossy water-based waxes look heavy on short hair quickly, so the matte direction tends to work better there.

Why short hair is different

On short hair every product shows more: the same amount of wax reads as far more than it would on long hair. So quantity and a matte finish are what matter most.

Matte paste for the shape

Matte paste does not shine, so the hair reads as styled rather than weighed down. Rub a pea-sized amount out in your palms and work on dry hair — with fingers rather than a comb, so the texture survives.

Powder for mass

If the hair falls flat, hair powder builds mass near the roots without weight. Sprinkle a little at the roots, rub it in with a finger, then style. Powder works on dry hair.

Order of use

Powder at the roots first for mass, then paste for the shape. The other way round, the powder cannot reach the roots.

Matte-finish waxes

Hair powders for mass

Frequently asked questions

How much product for short hair?

Start with a pea-sized amount and add more only if needed — on short hair, too much product shows immediately.

Matte or shiny for short hair?

On short hair a matte finish usually stays more natural; glossy water-based waxes start to look heavy sooner.

Style on damp or dry hair?

Both matte paste and powder work on dry hair. Damp hair is for the glossy wet look.

Related reading

• What finish do you want? A styling chooser
• How to use texture powder
• How to choose a hair wax