How to make curls on short hair using Dark & Lovely hair relaxer | Beauty

How I Styled My Short Hair with Relaxer and Gel: A Low-Maintenance Journey

Earlier this year, I made the decision to cut my hair. Life was hectic, especially with school runs for my kids, and I wanted a hairstyle that required minimal effort. I didn’t want to spend time combing, brushing, or even checking the mirror before stepping out of the house. Cutting my hair felt like the perfect solution to reduce stress in my routine.

After the big chop, I experimented with different hair colours, but eventually, I decided to no longer colour my hair. Still, I wanted to add style to my look, so I created curls with my short hair. At first, I doubted that I could achieve this using a regular relaxer, as I’d heard there were relaxers specifically designed for curls. But since I couldn’t find one, I decided to use Dark and Lovely hair relaxer because it doesn’t make hair overly thin after relaxing.

Here’s the step-by-step process I followed to achieve beautiful curls with my short hair:

How to Create Curls on Short Hair Using Relaxer and Gel

1. Prepare Your Hair and Relaxer

   • Start with freshly shaved or very short hair.
   • Mix the relaxer with the activator according to the instructions on the packaging. I used the Dark and Lovely relaxer because it’s gentle on hair and doesn’t overly thin it after use.

2. Apply the Relaxer

   • Use your hands to evenly rub the relaxer mixture into your hair. Be sure to cover all areas.
   • Comb through the hair gently to monitor the softening process. The goal is to achieve a "half-relaxed" state where the hair is softer but not fully straightened.

3. Wash Out the Relaxer

   • Once the hair feels softer and halfway relaxed, rinse out the relaxer thoroughly with water. Follow up with a neutralizing shampoo to stop the relaxing process and protect your scalp.

4. Style with Gel

   • Pat your hair dry with a towel but leave it slightly damp.
   • Apply a generous amount of hair gel to your palms. I used Eco Gel, alternating between the regular gel and the gel for curls.
   • Rub the gel onto your hair in circular motions with your hands. This technique helps the hair form natural-looking curls.

5. Smooth and Shine

• Once the curls are formed, smooth the edges or style your hair as desired.
• Add a small amount of hair oil for shine and extra hydration.

Why I Loved This Hairstyle

This curly short hairstyle was everything I needed at the time. It was incredibly low-maintenance, stylish, and easy to achieve. I didn’t need to spend time combing or brushing, and it gave me the confidence to step out quickly and still feel put together.

Though I’m now in the process of growing my hair back to start plaiting again, I sometimes miss the convenience and simplicity of my short, curly hair. If you’re looking for a quick and stylish way to manage short hair, I highly recommend giving this method a try! You don't need to curl it every day. Some days you can comb it out and then curl it when you want. 

Have you ever tried a similar hairstyle, or do you have tips for managing short hair? Share your thoughts in the comments below—I’d love to hear from you!