Like many of my friends, the main reason I chopped all my hair off was because I wanted a style that would be low-maintenance . Or at least on that required less than half an hour of blow drying. You can imagine my surprise when I realized the celebrities and commercials that romanticized the ease of a pixie 'do had given me a false sense of simplicity. My morning routine still took too long. If this sounds like you, too, then you're probably in the market for hair products for short hair that should simplify getting ready. Having a cropped cut should logically take less time than long hair does, but life doesn't always make sense — especially when it comes to any beauty-related.
Whether you hair is natural, fine or thick, curly or stick-straight, each type comes with its own set of struggles. Though opting for a shorter 'do can alleviate many coif issues, it may not solve them all. I mean, I still have cowlick that won't go away no matter what. So if you're looking to minimize your mane routine, then check out these hair products specifically made for short hair that should simplify getting ready in the morning.
1
Carol's Daughter Hair Milk 4-In-1 Combing Creme
Carol's Daughter Hair Milk 4-In-1 Combing Cream, $10, Amazon
One of the things that can eat up the most of your time is detangling your curls, regardless of how short they are. If you have natural hair and feel like detangling is taking a toll on your tresses, celebrity hairstylist Ammon Carver told Marie Claire that "combing cream keeps [breakage] from happening by protecting your hair from damage caused by comb or brush friction." Carver named Carol's Daughter Hair Milk 4-in-1 Combing Creme ($10) as one of his top choices for speeding up the process of detangling short, curly hair.
2
Biolage Exquisite Oil
Biolage Exquisite Oil, $23, Amazon
Even with a cropped 'do, fly-aways can still happen. Tiffany Sposato, a Pravana-certified hairstylist tells Romper that Biolage Exquisite Oil ($23) is ideal for taming short frizz hair because the product doesn't leave your tresses feeling heavy or greasy. So instead of struggling to keep random strands laying flat, just work a tiny dab of the oil in to keep your mane smooth all day long.
3
Kenra Platinum Texturizing Taffy #13
Kenra Platinum Texturizing Taffy #13, $13, Amazon
If you're rocking a serious case of bedhead, don't fight it. Roll with the roughed up look and quickly add dimension and texture to your short style with a lightweight product. Sposato tells Romper her favorite way to add texture is with Kenra Platinum Texturizing Taffy #13 ($13) because the fibers let you play with and reshape your look throughout the day. Keep in mind, a little bit of product goes a long way when you have shorter tresses.
4
Tresemme Thermal Creations Volumizing Mousse
Tresemme Thermal Creations Volumizing Mousse, $5, Amazon
Protecting and managing your strands are two big issues when trying to get ready with short hair. A volumizing mousse, like Tresemme Thermal Creations Volumizing Mousse ($5), lets you maintain control when styling short hair. Using a product like this cuts your getting ready time significantly because a mousse can create texture, volume, or seal in a straightened look all depending on how you want to style it.
5
Beyond The Zone Retro Vinyl Classic Pomade
Beyond The Zone Retro Vinyl Classic Promade, $13, Amazon
If sleek and smooth is your preferred look, but you fear your morning routine has gotten too complex, you're in luck. "For shorter hairstyles, pomade is the best hair product to add shine," celebrity hairstylist Harry Josh told Shape. He recommended Beyond The Zone Retro Vinyl Classic Pomade ($13) for keeping things short and sweet.
6
R+Co Badlands Dry Shampoo Paste
R+Co Badlands Dry Shampoo Paste, $28, Amazon
Everybody has had one of those days where they probably should wash their hair, but it just seems like too much effort. Rather than using a hat to hide your worn-in 'do, try a paste version of dry shampoo that's ideal for cropped cuts. Chuck Amos, a stylist, recommended the oil-absorbing R+Co Badlands Dry Shampoo Paste ($28) to Refinery 29 since oil can build up quickly in shorter hairstyles. The fact that you can also use this as a pomade is a bonus. A product that justifies my laziness? Sign me up.
7
René Furterer Vegetal Styling Wax
Rene Furterer Vegetal Styling Wax, $26, Amazon
On the days when you're feeling particularly edgy or want to channel James Dean, you can opt for the slicked-back look in a way that's never been easier. Hairstylist Garren recommended René Furterer Vegetal Styling Wax ($26) to Allure. What makes this pick ideal for the rebel style? Lightweight wax is best for short hair since it won't be too oily or weighted down, Garren noted. The natural ingredients provide the Ruby Rose-esque look without any hassle or heaviness.
8
Supremo Magic Move Soft
Supremo Magic Move Soft, $19, Amazon
What's one way to simplify getting ready with short, natural hair? One solution is to use a product that pulls double duty by both creating and locking in moisture. Amos recommended to Refinery 29, "Supremo Magic Move Soft ($19) keeps your ends sealed together and makes short hair look healthy." Plus, the product doesn't leave your tresses feeling like they're drowning in residue.
9
Not Your Mother's Beach Babe Texturizing Sea Salt Spray
Not Your Mother's Beach Babe Texturizing Sea Salt Spray, $7, Amazon
On days when you just want to head out the door, but still want a look with a little extra something, salt sprays are a godsend. "I love Not Your Mother's Beach Babe Texturizing Sea Salt Spray ($7) for short hair," Sposato tells Romper. "It gives a funky style, brings out natural waves, and isn't heavy." It's safe for everyday use and the product easily washes out.
10
Mizani Thermasmooth Smooth Guard Serum
Mizani Thermasmooth Smooth Gaurd Serum, $11, Amazon
If using flat irons, blow dryers, or other heat tools is part of your morning routine, simplify things a bit by protecting your short 'do first instead of trying to fix damage afterwards. Celebrity stylist Cesar Ramirez told Glamour that using Mizani Thermasmooth Smooth Guard Serum ($11) before styling will protect short locks and also add some shine. It's definitely a perk that it's affordable, too.
11
Klorane Leave-In Concentrate With Essential Olive Extract
Klorane Leave-In Concentrate With Essential Olive Extract, $20, Amazon
Stay a step ahead of the moisture game by multitasking in the bathroom. According to Sposato, short hair can't hide damage as easily as longer locks can. That's why both your thirsty strands and your tight schedule could benefit from using something like Klorane Leave-In Concentrate With Essential Olive Extract ($20). By applying a leave-in treatment to your short strands, you've streamlined the process of getting ready.
