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Having a cropped cut has plenty of positive selling points. You don't have to worry about too many tangles, the heat doesn't bother you as much, it dries quickly, and it's an ideal style for low-maintenance gals who don't want to put too much time into their hair. However, as with all good things, there is usually a catch. Since your 'do is usually easier to manage than those with long locks, you may unintentionally be practicing things you shouldn't do to short hair.
But don't feel bad, because no one is immune to the occasional styling blunder. Even celebrities, like Rihanna, have had some issues with their short hair. Unlike the stars, however, most people don't have the time, energy, or willingness to part with the cash it takes to correct cropped cut catastrophes. If you want options besides wearing a hat, getting extensions, or locking yourself inside until your tresses grow out, then you're in luck.
Thankfully hair stylists and beauty experts from around the wonderful worldwide web have shared their warnings so that you'll know the kinds of things you should never do to your short hair. From pixie cuts to shags and bobs to lobs, check out these top mistakes to save yourself from a damaged 'do.
1
Don't Skip Trims
Tiffany Sposato, a Pravana-certified hair stylist and colorist, enlightened me by saying that just because your hair is short, doesn't mean that you can put off getting regular trims. Hair, regardless of its length, is still entirely susceptible to getting split ends. And if your 'do is framing your face, then that means any damaged or split ends will be more noticeable than they would be on someone with more length. Lesson learned? Don't skip trims.
Try: Utopia Professional Trimming Scissors, $12, Amazon
2
Don't Forget The Conditioner
Just because you don't have a long, high-maintenance mane, your cropped coif still needs plenty of love in the form of hydration and moisture. If you don't want your hair to get dried out and damaged, then you won't make the mistake of skipping the conditioner for the sake of a quicker morning routine. Professional hairstylist Katsumi Kasai told Refinery29 that you can still keep your locks low-maintenance by using a leave-in conditioner to make sure your short strands will stay nourished.
Try: Pantene Pro-V Daily Renewal Conditioner, $6.99, Amazon
3
Don't Mistreat Your Curls
There's no rule that says you can't go short if you have curly hair. But you shouldn't be surprised if your previously smooth ringlets have become somewhat unruly without the proper care. Expert hairstylist Serge Normant told Allure that women with short hair will, "have to use a blow-dryer and pull on each ringlet to stretch it out." So it's not impossible to have a cropped do' and curls, you just need to dry and style it properly.
Try: Babyliss Pro Watt Ionic Hair Dryer, $54.95, Amazon
4
Don't Go Overboard On Products
Celebrity hairstylist Matt Fugate told MSN that one of the top things you shouldn't do to your short is to use too much product or styling gels that are too heavy. A little goes a long way with a pixie, so just stick to a dab of wax if you want a really defined look.
Try: LE'ess Hair Styling Wax, $12.99, Amazon
5
Don't Forget To Pre-Dry
Even if you think that having short hair means that it won't be as dripping wet as those with longer tresses, you'd be wrong. No matter the length of your locks, you shouldn't attempt to blast your hair with a blow dryer straight out of the shower. According to Sposato, a brief but gentle rub of a cotton T-shirt over your cropped mane will not only significantly reduce the time you're spending on drying it, but it means you'll be exposing your locks to less damage-causing heat.
6
Don't Add Product Too Late
Undoubtedly one of the major perks of having short hair is that it can dry much quicker. But it turns out that many shortly shorn women are guilty of making a common mistake when it comes to blow drying. Stylist Paul Bryan told Real Simple, that the key to keeping hair soft and smooth, regardless of its natural texture, is to work a styling cream from roots to end prior to blow-drying.
7
Don't Use The Wrong Heating Tools
Just because you have a shorter hairstyle doesn't mean that you can't still achieve a sleek, straight style if you want. But one of the major hair care no-nos is when you use the same kind of tools that are best used on longer locks. Celebrity hairstylist Amita Moticka told Total Beauty that women with short hair should use an iron with narrow plates. Using tools that are easier to maneuver and hold smaller sections of hair means that you decrease your chances of damaging 'do.
Try: Babyliss Pro Mini 1/2-Inch Flat Iron, $24.95, Amazon
8
Don't Ignore Your Ends
No matter how short your hair is, the ends are still an incredibly important part to maintain and protect. Professional hairstylist Chuck Amos told Refinery29 that it's super important to protect your ends and using a light-weight pomade will keep your ends sealed and looking healthier.
Try: Baxter of California Pomade, $20, Amazon
9
Don't Ignore Your Face Shape
Although you should be empowered to rock whatever kind of look you want, don't be surprised if the cut you saw in a celeb magazine ends up looking drastically different on you. Rather than fighting against your features, embrace them and play them up. Recent short hair convert and model Coco Rocha told Glamour that she prefers to play with wigs first to find the right length, layering, and look for her particular face shape. Trying on wigs is not only free, but a super easy way to test drive a short hairstyle before making a cut you can't take back.
