Photo: Jason Merritt/Getty Images Entertainment/Getty Images
When it comes to styling super short hair, it's all about the product. Gals with cropped cuts who're looking to rock a messy look have several options. However, if you're looking for flexible hold, a molding paste may be your best option. Molding pastes are made for sculpting any hair type. Yes, ladies, fine hair as well as thick, coarse hair can reap the benefits of a great molding paste, as long as you don't use too much. Don't choose just any molding paste; get the scoop on which brands are top-notch.
CHI Pliable Polish
Style Hair Magazine votes CHI Pliable Polish as the top clay or paste. Use this product to create a textured, piecey look that's still totally touchable. The paste may be thick at first, but user reviews at Folica.com say that once warmed in your hands, this product creates fabulous texture and gives hair shine without being greasy. It's also great for taming fly-aways -- even in coarse, unruly hair -- and doesn't leave locks feeling sticky or stiff.
Shu Uemura Art of Hair Shape Paste
This molding paste was chosen as one of InStyle.com's top beauty picks. Though it's on the pricey side, this hair product is rated top-notch thanks to its cool packaging, floral scent and ability to style hair effectively. You won't have to worry about helmet head with this paste; it leaves locks soft and touchable. Josh Fasen, a stylist at Hush Hush Hair Salon in Manhattan Beach, California, also gives this product high marks on the salon's website. He touts its ability to deliver "lasting style, memory and definition."
Phyto Matte Texturizing Paste
MarieClaire.com calls this product a no-brainer. Website staffers love how it's easy to use, and when it's applied to not-so-clean hair, it can soak up the grease. It's great for getting that just-out-of-bed look. Thanks to ingredients such as beeswax and acacia collagen, it won't leave your locks feeling dry. However, these ingredients make this product a no-no for vegans. If that's not a problem, know that as a bonus, you can share this unisex product with your boyfriend and save a few bucks.
Tips
Molding paste can be worked through either damp or dry hair. Using it on damp hair will give you a piecey look with loads of texture. Applying it to dry hair is a great way to give locks definition. Don't use too much paste; you'll end up weighing down your hair, and the result is a less-than-volumized style. If molding paste proves too heavy for super thin or very fine hair, look for something lightweight like a spritz or a spray.
