Styling your short, wavy hair can feel like a bit of a balancing act between too much effort and not enough structure. But with a few thoughtful tweaks to your routine, you can make your waves look effortless, in a good way.
This guide focuses on easy-to-follow, practical techniques to help you enhance what you’ve already got, with advice tailored for 2a to 2c textures.
(Unsure of what we mean by 2a or 2c hair? Check out our guide to 2A, 2B and 2C hair).
Start with the right foundations
All good styling starts in the shower. Use a lightweight, sulphate-free shampoo and a moisturising conditioner focused on your mid-lengths and ends. Avoid over-washing, two to three times a week is usually enough for wavy hair, which tends to dry out easily.
If your waves fall flat or feel frizzy, you're probably working against your natural hair porosity (how well your hair absorbs and retains moisture/products) or overloading it with the wrong stuff. A clarifying rinse every few weeks can help reset any residual product build-up.
Styling: apply products when wet, not damp
Once you’re out of the shower, blot your hair gently with a cotton T-shirt or microfibre towel, but never rub. While your hair is still soaking wet, apply a single styling product.
Choose one product depending on the finish you’re after:
- For definition and light hold: Use a mousse or curl cream. Scrunch it upwards from ends to roots.
- For volume and texture: Use a sea salt spray, but keep it light to avoid dryness.
Avoid layering multiple products unless you know your hair responds well to it. Too much product can weigh short hair down or make it crispy and crunchy.
Technique matters
How you handle your hair while it dries is just as important as what you put in it.
Scrunching: After applying your product, scrunch gently to encourage natural curl patterns. Tilt your head side to side to avoid a flat crown.
Micro-plopping: (Yep, you read that right). Let’s try and look past it’s unsettling name, because it’s actually a pretty useful thing to try. Instead of wrapping your whole head in a towel, gather sections and lightly compress them with a soft t-shirt, squeezing out excess water. This helps set the wave without flattening it.
Drying: Let your hair air-dry as much as possible. If you need to speed things up, use a diffuser on the lowest heat and speed setting. Cup the waves with your hand and lift as you dry, focusing on the ends first and roots last.
Refreshing your waves the next day
Short hair doesn’t always hold its shape overnight, but you can bring back definition without starting entirely from scratch.
- Mist lightly with water or a curl-refresh spray.
- Use your hands to gently scrunch and reshape the waves.
- Add a tiny bit of sea salt spray or leave-in conditioner to revive hold and smooth any flyaways.
Avoid brushing dry waves, it’ll only cause frizz. If you must detangle, do it in the shower or when wet, using a wide-tooth comb.
Night-time prep for better mornings
If your hair gets squashed overnight, consider switching to a silk or satin pillowcase, it reduces friction and helps keep your wave pattern intact. (I know we harp on about this a lot, but it really does work!)
For extra protection, twist your hair loosely into a soft scrunchie on top of your head (a mini 'pineapple'), or use a satin bonnet if your hair is prone to flattening.
Cuts are king
A good cut is the fastest way to make short, wavy hair easier to manage. Ask your stylist for a shape that enhances your wave pattern rather than fights it, something with light layering or a structured bob often works best.
Keep the ends healthy with a trim every 6–8 weeks. Waves can make your split ends more obvious than straight hair does, and damaged ends won’t hold shape well.
Keep it simple
It’s easy to get caught up in routines with ten steps, five products and a prayer. But for short, wavy hair, the simplest systems often work best. One styling product, one good drying technique, and a cut that flatters your wave pattern is usually all it takes. Don’t spend a fortune on any TikTok miracle products, and try not to get suckered into relying on any one expensive (or soon to be discontinued) hair product. Really, any styling routine needs to be sustainable for your lifestyle and your purse.
Styling Short & Wavy Hair FAQs
How do I stop my waves going flat during the day?
Use a lightweight mousse or sea salt spray and apply it to very wet hair. Make sure to dry using scrunching or diffusing to lock in shape. Avoid touching it too much once set.
Should I use heat tools on short wavy hair?
Yes, but don’t overdo it. If you’re using a curling wand or straightener to tweak individual sections, always apply heat protectant (spray or serum) first and keep temperatures low if you can. The same goes for blow-drying.
What’s the best haircut for short, wavy hair?
This is of course a matter of opinion. But a chin-length bob with subtle layers works well for most wave types. Try and avoid heavy layering or blunt ends unless you want a more sculpted or edgy look.
