Very short haircuts have become the go-to choice for women everywhere this year. The shift toward pixie cuts, cropped bobs, and ultra-short styles represents more than just a passing trend. Women are choosing these bold cuts because they offer freedom from lengthy styling routines while making a powerful personal statement. The movement spans all age groups, from young professionals to mature women looking to refresh their look.
Making the decision to cut your hair dramatically short often brings an unexpected surge of confidence. Many women report feeling lighter, more energetic, and surprisingly liberated after their big chop. This psychological boost happens because these cuts force you to rely on your natural features rather than hiding behind longer lengths. The result is a more authentic version of yourself that feels both fresh and fearless.
This year’s approach to very short hair differs significantly from previous decades. Modern cuts focus on soft textures, lived-in finishes, and styles that work with your natural hair pattern rather than against it. The emphasis has shifted from rigid, heavily styled looks to effortless cuts that enhance your individual beauty. Throughout the following sections, we’ll explore the specific trends shaping this movement, how to choose the perfect cut for your face shape, and the styling secrets that will keep your new look fresh and manageable.
- What Defines a Very Short Haircut in This Year's Context
- The Hottest Very Short Haircut Trends Taking Over This Year
- How to Choose the Right Very Short Cut for Your Face Shape
- Oval Faces: Why You Can Experiment with Almost Any Short Style
- Round Faces: Cuts That Add Angles and Elongate
- Square Faces: Softening Techniques Through Layers and Texture
- Heart-Shaped Faces: Balancing Wider Foreheads with Strategic Cuts
- Diamond Faces: Highlighting Cheekbones While Adding Width at the Jawline
- Styling Secrets for Very Short Hair
- Maintenance and Care for Your New Short Cut
- Your Short Hair Journey Starts Now
- Frequently Asked Questions
What Defines a Very Short Haircut in This Year’s Context
The definition of very short hair has shifted dramatically in recent months. What once meant uniformly cropped styles now includes a broader range of lengths and textures. Modern interpretations focus more on the overall effect rather than strict measurements, creating space for personal expression within shorter formats.
Understanding the Length Spectrum: Pixie Cuts to Chin-Length Bobs
Very short haircuts now span a wider range than ever before. At the shortest end, you’ll find classic pixie cuts that sit close to the head and require minimal styling. These typically measure one to three inches in length and work beautifully for women who want maximum impact with minimal effort.
Moving up the spectrum, you encounter the increasingly popular bixie cut. This hybrid style combines pixie proportions with bob-like length around the face. The back stays short while the front extends to ear or jaw level, giving you versatility without sacrificing the bold aesthetic of shorter hair.
Chin-length bobs represent the longer end of the very short category. While some might argue these fall into medium-length territory, current styling techniques and cutting methods place them firmly in the short hair camp. The key lies in how they’re executed rather than their actual measurement.
How Modern Short Cuts Differ from Traditional Styles
Traditional short haircuts followed rigid rules about precision and uniformity. Every strand had its designated place, and maintaining the look required frequent salon visits and careful styling. Today’s approach throws those restrictions out the window.
Current cutting techniques prioritize movement over perfection. Stylists use methods like point cutting and slide cutting to create natural-looking edges that grow out gracefully. This means you can go longer between appointments without looking unkempt.
The shape philosophy has also changed completely. Instead of creating geometric forms, modern cuts work with your natural growth patterns and face shape. This personalized approach means two women can have the same basic cut but look entirely different based on their individual features.
The Role of Texture and Movement in Contemporary Short Hair
Texture serves as the foundation of today’s short styles. Rather than fighting against your natural hair pattern, current techniques amplify what you already have. Straight hair gets strategic layering to create movement, while curly hair receives cuts that enhance natural curl formation.
Movement matters more than static perfection. You want your hair to shift and flow as you move through your day. This dynamic quality makes short cuts feel alive rather than helmet-like. Here are the main ways stylists achieve this effect:
Layered Cutting: Creates different lengths that move independently from each other. Razor Work: Produces softer, more natural-looking edges than traditional scissors. Asymmetrical Elements: Adds visual interest and prevents the cut from looking too uniform. Face-Framing Pieces: Longer sections around the face that provide softness and movement.
Key Characteristics That Make a Cut Feel Fresh and Current
Modern short cuts share several defining features that separate them from outdated versions. Softness takes priority over harsh lines, even in geometric styles. This means blended edges, graduated lengths, and seamless transitions between different sections of the cut.
Customization plays a huge role in contemporary cutting. Your stylist considers your lifestyle, hair texture, and personal style before making any decisions. A busy professional might receive a different interpretation of a pixie cut than someone with more time for styling.
The finish also differs significantly from past approaches. Instead of perfectly smooth, shiny results, current trends favor slightly undone textures. This lived-in quality makes the cut look effortless and naturally beautiful rather than overly styled.
The Evolution from Structured to Lived-In Short Styles
The shift away from rigid structure represents one of the biggest changes in short hair cutting. Previously, maintaining your look meant recreating the exact same style every day. Modern cuts adapt to your daily routine and lifestyle demands.
Lived-in styling techniques allow for variation in your daily look. You might wear your hair sleek and polished for work meetings, then switch to a textured, casual style for weekend activities. The same cut accommodates both approaches without looking forced or unnatural.
This flexibility extends to the growing-out process as well. Traditional short cuts often looked awkward as they grew, forcing frequent trims to maintain the shape. Current cutting methods create styles that evolve gracefully, giving you options as your hair reaches different lengths.
Your daily maintenance routine becomes much simpler with these evolved cutting techniques. Many women find they can simply wash and go, using minimal products to achieve their desired look. This practical approach fits better with busy modern lifestyles while still delivering sophisticated results.
The Hottest Very Short Haircut Trends Taking Over This Year
Five standout trends are reshaping how women approach very short haircuts this year. Each style offers something different, from ultra-low maintenance options to cuts that provide surprising versatility. These trends share a common thread of prioritizing natural texture and effortless styling over rigid perfection.
The Modern Pixie: Softer Edges and Face-Framing Elements
Today’s pixie cuts bear little resemblance to their sharp-edged predecessors. The harsh, geometric lines have given way to softer, more organic shapes that complement rather than compete with your facial features. This evolution makes the pixie accessible to more face shapes and hair textures than ever before.
Face-framing pieces play a crucial role in modern pixie styling. Longer sections around the ears and temples create a gentle transition from the shorter crown area to your face. These strategic lengths soften the overall effect while adding movement and dimension to the cut.
The cutting technique itself has evolved to create more forgiving shapes. Instead of blunt, straight lines, stylists use texturizing methods that create natural-looking edges. This approach means your cut grows out more gracefully and requires less frequent maintenance to look polished.
Bixie Cuts: The Perfect Hybrid Between Bob and Pixie
What happens when you combine the best aspects of two classic cuts? You get the bixie, a style that’s gaining momentum among women who want short hair without completely sacrificing length. This hybrid approach offers the edginess of a pixie with the versatility of a bob.
The back section stays pixie-short, creating that cropped, modern silhouette. However, the sides and front maintain more length, typically reaching the jawline or just below. This contrast creates visual interest while giving you styling options that pure pixie cuts can’t match.
Bixie cuts work particularly well for women transitioning from longer hair to shorter styles. The additional length around the face provides a safety net while you adjust to your new look. You can always go shorter later if you decide you want a more dramatic change.
Textured Crops and Their Effortless Appeal
Short textured crops represent the ultimate in wash-and-go styling. These cuts work with your hair’s natural movement patterns rather than fighting against them. The result is a style that looks intentionally casual while maintaining a polished appearance.
The key to a successful textured crop lies in the cutting technique. Stylists use methods that create multiple lengths within the same section of hair. This variation allows each strand to move independently, creating that coveted lived-in texture without requiring extensive styling.
Different hair types respond uniquely to crop cutting. Fine hair gains volume and body through strategic layering. Thick hair benefits from thinning techniques that reduce bulk while maintaining shape. Curly hair gets specialized cutting that enhances natural curl patterns.
Choppy Layered Bobs with Movement and Dimension
The classic bob has undergone a dramatic transformation this year. Gone are the days of blunt, one-length cuts that required perfect styling to look good. Today’s bobs feature choppy layers that create movement and prevent the style from looking flat or lifeless.
These layers aren’t random or haphazard. Each one serves a specific purpose in the overall design. Shorter layers add volume at the crown, while longer pieces frame the face and provide styling versatility. The variation in lengths creates a dynamic silhouette that changes as you move.
The choppy approach works especially well for women with fine hair who struggle to achieve volume with traditional cutting methods. The multiple lengths create the illusion of thicker, fuller hair while maintaining the sophistication of a bob. You can style it sleek for professional settings or enhance the texture for casual occasions.
The Return of Micro Fringes and Precision-Cut Bangs
Bangs are making a significant comeback, but not in the way you might expect. Micro fringes sit well above the eyebrows, creating a bold, geometric element that adds instant personality to any short cut. This style requires confidence but delivers maximum impact.
Precision-cut bangs offer a more traditional approach with a modern twist. These aren’t the heavy, blunt bangs of previous decades. Instead, they feature carefully crafted shapes that complement the rest of the cut while maintaining their own distinct character.
Both micro fringes and precision bangs require regular maintenance to look their best. The upside is that these touch-ups can often be done between full haircuts, making them more manageable than you might think. The key considerations for fringe styles include:
Face Shape Compatibility: Certain fringe styles work better with specific face shapes. Lifestyle Factors: Consider how much daily styling time you want to dedicate to your bangs. Hair Growth Patterns: Your natural growth direction affects how your fringe will lay. Maintenance Schedule: Plan for regular trim appointments to keep the shape crisp.
The precision required for these cuts makes choosing an experienced stylist particularly important. A skilled professional can assess your hair’s growth patterns and face shape to create a fringe that enhances rather than overwhelms your features.
Short cuts with fringe elements offer surprising versatility despite their seemingly bold nature. You can style them forward for maximum impact or sweep them to the side for a softer look. This adaptability makes them practical choices for women with varied daily routines.
How to Choose the Right Very Short Cut for Your Face Shape
Your face shape acts as the foundation for choosing any haircut, but this becomes even more critical with very short styles. Unlike longer hair that can camouflage certain features, short cuts highlight your natural bone structure and facial proportions. Understanding how different cuts interact with your specific shape helps you make confident decisions about your next salon visit.
Oval Faces: Why You Can Experiment with Almost Any Short Style
Oval face shapes enjoy the most flexibility in short haircut selection. Your balanced proportions mean that almost any style will look harmonious rather than overwhelming your features. This freedom allows you to focus on personal preferences and lifestyle needs rather than strict rules about what works and what doesn’t.
The length of an oval face typically measures about one and a half times its width. This ratio creates natural balance that most haircuts complement rather than disrupt. You can choose ultra-short pixie cuts that show off your entire face or longer bobs that frame your features beautifully.
Round Faces: Cuts That Add Angles and Elongate
Round faces benefit from styles that create the illusion of length and add definition to soft curves. The goal isn’t to hide your natural shape but rather to add structural elements that balance your proportions. Strategic cutting techniques can achieve this without requiring dramatic changes to your preferred style.
Height at the crown becomes particularly important for round face shapes. Cuts that add volume on top while keeping the sides closer to your head create vertical lines that elongate your appearance. Asymmetrical elements also work well by interrupting the circular flow with angular details.
Avoiding certain styling choices helps maximize the flattering effects of your cut. Very blunt bobs that end at chin level can emphasize width rather than length. Similarly, styles that add bulk at the sides of your face may work against your goals of creating elongation.
Square Faces: Softening Techniques Through Layers and Texture
Square faces possess strong, defined jawlines and angular features that benefit from softening techniques. Rather than hiding these striking characteristics, the right cut can highlight them while adding feminine curves through strategic layering and texturizing methods.
Layers play a crucial role in softening angular face shapes. Multiple lengths create movement that breaks up harsh lines and adds flowing elements to your overall silhouette. The placement of these layers matters significantly – face-framing pieces around the jawline can soften that area while maintaining the strength of your bone structure.
Texture becomes your ally in creating softer effects. Choppy, piece-y cuts add organic irregularity that contrasts beautifully with geometric facial features. This approach works whether you choose a pixie cut or a longer bob style.
Heart-Shaped Faces: Balancing Wider Foreheads with Strategic Cuts
Heart-shaped faces feature wider foreheads that taper down to narrower chins and jawlines. The key to flattering cuts lies in adding visual weight to the lower portion of your face while avoiding styles that emphasize the width at your temples and forehead area.
Side-swept bangs work particularly well for this face shape. They partially cover the wider forehead area while directing attention downward toward your eyes and cheekbones. The angle of the sweep matters – too straight across can emphasize width, while a diagonal line creates more flattering proportions.
Length around the jawline helps balance your proportions by adding width where you need it most. Bobs that end between your chin and shoulders create the illusion of a fuller lower face. Adding some wave or texture to these lengths increases the balancing effect even further.
Diamond Faces: Highlighting Cheekbones While Adding Width at the Jawline
Diamond face shapes feature prominent cheekbones with narrower foreheads and jawlines. Your goal is to showcase those beautiful cheekbones while adding some width to the upper and lower portions of your face for better overall balance.
Chin-length cuts work exceptionally well for diamond faces. This length adds width right at your jawline where you need it most. Whether you choose a blunt bob or something with more texture, ending the cut at this level creates better proportional balance across your entire face.
Avoiding certain styles helps prevent emphasizing the narrow areas of your face. Very short crops that expose your entire forehead and jawline can make these areas appear even narrower in comparison to your cheekbones. Consider the complete picture your cut creates rather than focusing on individual elements. Several factors work together to create the most flattering result for your face shape:
Width Placement: Choose cuts that add width where your face is narrower. Length Considerations: Different face shapes benefit from different ending points for your cut. Styling Direction: The way you style your hair can enhance or diminish the effects of the cut itself. Texture Choices: Smooth styles create different effects than textured, piece-y looks.
Face shape serves as your starting point, but other factors influence your final decision. Your hair’s natural texture, thickness, and growth patterns all play roles in determining which cuts will work best for your individual situation. Professional stylists consider all these elements together rather than relying solely on face shape guidelines.
Personal preference ultimately matters more than strict adherence to traditional rules. If you love a particular style and feel confident wearing it, that confidence will show regardless of whether it follows conventional face shape wisdom.
Styling Secrets for Very Short Hair
Mastering short hair styling requires different techniques than longer lengths. The reduced surface area means every product choice and styling decision carries more visual weight. Small adjustments can create dramatically different looks, making it important to understand which approaches work best for your specific cut and lifestyle.
Essential Products for Short Hair Maintenance
Product selection becomes crucial with shorter cuts because you have less hair to distribute formulas through. Lightweight options work better than heavy creams that can weigh down your style. Start with a volumizing shampoo and conditioner if your hair tends to lie flat against your head.
Texturizing spray serves as your most versatile styling tool. Apply it to damp hair before blow-drying to create grip and movement, or use it on dry hair for instant texture refresh. Choose alcohol-free formulas to avoid drying out your shorter strands.
A quality heat protectant becomes non-negotiable if you use any heated styling tools. Short hair shows damage more readily because there’s less length to camouflage split ends or dryness. Look for products that offer protection up to 450 degrees Fahrenheit.
Wax or paste gives you control over individual pieces without creating stiffness. These products work particularly well for pixie cuts and textured crops where you want to define certain sections while keeping others soft.
Heat Styling Techniques That Enhance Texture Without Damage
Low heat settings accomplish more than you might expect with short hair. Your reduced length means hot tools work faster and more efficiently. Start with the lowest temperature setting and increase only if necessary to achieve your desired result.
Round brush blow-drying creates lift and shape in bob-length cuts. Use a brush diameter that’s proportional to your hair length – smaller brushes for shorter cuts, larger ones for longer bobs. Roll the brush under at the ends for a classic finish or flip it out for a more modern look.
Flat iron techniques differ significantly for short hair compared to longer styles. Instead of long, smooth strokes, use short, quick movements to create bends and texture. This approach prevents the overly sleek look that can appear unnatural on cropped cuts.
Air-Drying Methods for Effortless, Undone Looks
Air-drying short hair successfully requires understanding your natural growth patterns. Does your hair stick up in certain areas? Does it have natural cowlicks that affect how it lies? Work with these patterns rather than fighting against them.
Scrunching works well for textured cuts and natural waves. Apply your styling products to damp hair, then gently squeeze sections upward toward your scalp. This motion encourages natural texture while preventing frizz formation.
Strategic finger positioning during the drying process can influence your final result. Lift sections at the roots while they’re still damp to create volume. Smooth other areas down with your palms if you want sleeker sections.
The timing of your wash matters more with short hair than longer styles. Hair that’s too wet when you start styling won’t hold shape well, while hair that’s too dry won’t accept products effectively. Aim for hair that’s damp but not dripping.
Creating Volume and Movement in Shorter Lengths
Root lifting techniques become essential for fine or flat hair in short cuts. Use your blow dryer to direct airflow opposite to your natural growth direction. This creates lift that lasts longer than surface-only volume methods.
Backcombing or teasing can add instant height, but use these techniques sparingly on short hair. Focus on the crown area and use a fine-tooth comb to create gentle lift rather than aggressive teasing that can damage your hair.
Strategic product placement helps maximize volume effects. Several application methods work particularly well for short cuts:
Root-Only Application: Apply volumizing products only to roots to avoid weighing down ends. Upside-Down Styling: Flip your head upside down while blow-drying for natural lift. Cool Shot Finishing: Use your dryer’s cool setting to lock in volume and shape. Sectioned Drying: Dry small sections individually for more control over the final result.
Quick Morning Routines for Busy Lifestyles
Short hair excels at quick styling, but having a system makes mornings even more efficient. Establish a routine that takes five minutes or less from start to finish. This might involve refreshing your style with dry shampoo and finger-combing, or quickly running a flat iron through select pieces.
Overnight preparation saves significant time. Sleep on a silk or satin pillowcase to reduce friction and maintain your style. For textured cuts, try the “pineapple” method – loosely gathering hair at the very top of your head to preserve shape.
Product refreshing beats complete restyling most mornings. A light mist of water mixed with leave-in conditioner can reactivate styling products from the previous day. Focus on areas that look flat or lost their shape overnight.
Morning texture boosting requires minimal effort with the right approach. Flip your head upside down and shake your hair with your fingers. Apply a small amount of texturizing spray to your palms and scrunch it through your hair for instant refresh.
Maintenance and Care for Your New Short Cut
Mastering short hair styling requires different techniques than longer lengths. The reduced surface area means every product choice and styling decision carries more visual weight. Small adjustments can create dramatically different looks, making it important to understand which approaches work best for your specific cut and lifestyle.
Essential Products for Short Hair Maintenance
Product selection becomes crucial with shorter cuts because you have less hair to distribute formulas through. Lightweight options work better than heavy creams that can weigh down your style. Start with a volumizing shampoo and conditioner if your hair tends to lie flat against your head.
Texturizing spray serves as your most versatile styling tool. Apply it to damp hair before blow-drying to create grip and movement, or use it on dry hair for instant texture refresh. Choose alcohol-free formulas to avoid drying out your shorter strands.
A quality heat protectant becomes non-negotiable if you use any heated styling tools. Short hair shows damage more readily because there’s less length to camouflage split ends or dryness. Look for products that offer protection up to 450 degrees Fahrenheit.
Wax or paste gives you control over individual pieces without creating stiffness. These products work particularly well for pixie cuts and textured crops where you want to define certain sections while keeping others soft.
Heat Styling Techniques That Enhance Texture Without Damage
Low heat settings accomplish more than you might expect with short hair. Your reduced length means hot tools work faster and more efficiently. Start with the lowest temperature setting and increase only if necessary to achieve your desired result.
Round brush blow-drying creates lift and shape in bob-length cuts. Use a brush diameter that’s proportional to your hair length – smaller brushes for shorter cuts, larger ones for longer bobs. Roll the brush under at the ends for a classic finish or flip it out for a more modern look.
Flat iron techniques differ significantly for short hair compared to longer styles. Instead of long, smooth strokes, use short, quick movements to create bends and texture. This approach prevents the overly sleek look that can appear unnatural on cropped cuts.
Air-Drying Methods for Effortless, Undone Looks
Air-drying short hair successfully requires understanding your natural growth patterns. Does your hair stick up in certain areas? Does it have natural cowlicks that affect how it lies? Work with these patterns rather than fighting against them.
Scrunching works well for textured cuts and natural waves. Apply your styling products to damp hair, then gently squeeze sections upward toward your scalp. This motion encourages natural texture while preventing frizz formation.
Strategic finger positioning during the drying process can influence your final result. Lift sections at the roots while they’re still damp to create volume. Smooth other areas down with your palms if you want sleeker sections.
The timing of your wash matters more with short hair than longer styles. Hair that’s too wet when you start styling won’t hold shape well, while hair that’s too dry won’t accept products effectively. Aim for hair that’s damp but not dripping.
Creating Volume and Movement in Shorter Lengths
Root lifting techniques become essential for fine or flat hair in short cuts. Use your blow dryer to direct airflow opposite to your natural growth direction. This creates lift that lasts longer than surface-only volume methods.
Backcombing or teasing can add instant height, but use these techniques sparingly on short hair. Focus on the crown area and use a fine-tooth comb to create gentle lift rather than aggressive teasing that can damage your hair.
Strategic product placement helps maximize volume effects. Several application methods work particularly well for short cuts:
Root-Only Application: Apply volumizing products only to roots to avoid weighing down ends. Upside-Down Styling: Flip your head upside down while blow-drying for natural lift. Cool Shot Finishing: Use your dryer’s cool setting to lock in volume and shape. Sectioned Drying: Dry small sections individually for more control over the final result.
Quick Morning Routines for Busy Lifestyles
Short hair excels at quick styling, but having a system makes mornings even more efficient. Establish a routine that takes five minutes or less from start to finish. This might involve refreshing your style with dry shampoo and finger-combing, or quickly running a flat iron through select pieces.
Overnight preparation saves significant time. Sleep on a silk or satin pillowcase to reduce friction and maintain your style. For textured cuts, try the “pineapple” method – loosely gathering hair at the very top of your head to preserve shape.
Product refreshing beats complete restyling most mornings. A light mist of water mixed with leave-in conditioner can reactivate styling products from the previous day. Focus on areas that look flat or lost their shape overnight.
Morning texture boosting requires minimal effort with the right approach. Flip your head upside down and shake your hair with your fingers. Apply a small amount of texturizing spray to your palms and scrunch it through your hair for instant refresh.
Your Short Hair Journey Starts Now
Very short haircuts offer freedom that longer styles simply cannot match. The reduced styling time, increased confidence, and bold aesthetic create a lifestyle shift that extends far beyond your morning routine. Whether you choose a modern pixie with its soft edges, a versatile bixie that bridges two classic cuts, or a textured crop that works with your natural hair patterns, you’re making a choice that prioritizes both style and practicality. The key lies in understanding your face shape, selecting the right products, and maintaining your cut with appropriate frequency to keep it looking fresh and intentional.
The evolution of short hair trends this year proves that dramatic cuts no longer require sacrificing femininity or versatility. From micro fringes that add personality to choppy layered bobs that move beautifully, these styles adapt to your daily needs while making a confident visual impact. Your success with any very short cut depends on choosing a style that works with your natural features, lifestyle demands, and personal preferences. Trust your instincts, find a skilled stylist who understands your vision, and step into the transformative world of very short hair with confidence and excitement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How often do I need to trim my very short haircut? A: Most very short cuts need professional trims every 4-6 weeks. Pixie cuts require the most frequent maintenance, while textured bobs can sometimes go 6-8 weeks between appointments.
Q: Can I style very short hair without heat tools? A: Yes, air-drying works well for short hair. Apply styling products to damp hair, scrunch textured cuts upward, and use your fingers to guide the shape as it dries naturally.
Q: What face shapes work best with pixie cuts? A: Oval faces can wear almost any pixie style, while square faces benefit from softer, layered versions. Heart-shaped faces look great with side-swept bangs, and round faces should choose styles with height at the crown.
Q: How do I add volume to fine, short hair? A: Use volumizing products at the roots only, blow-dry upside down, and try backcombing gently at the crown. Root-lifting techniques work better than adding bulk throughout the length.
Q: What’s the difference between a bixie and a regular bob? A: A bixie combines pixie proportions in the back with bob-length pieces around the face. The back stays very short while the front reaches ear or jaw level, creating more versatility than a traditional pixie.
Q: Should I color my hair before or after getting a very short cut? A: Generally, cut first, then color. This allows your stylist to see the exact shape and plan color placement accordingly. Short cuts also require less complex color techniques than longer hair.
Q: How do I grow out a pixie cut gracefully? A: Plan for 6 months to a year of growth with strategic trims every 6-8 weeks. Your stylist can gradually adjust the shape, and you’ll need different products and styling techniques as your hair gains length.
Q: What products are essential for short hair maintenance? A: Start with volumizing shampoo and conditioner, add a lightweight texturizing spray, heat protectant if you use styling tools, and a small amount of wax or paste for piece definition.