Short hair, whether it's a longer bob or close-cut pixie, can be sexy, sophisticated, and just plain easier to manage. However, one issue that that can make having short hair somewhat difficult is not knowing how to straighten or style your short hair. Not to worry, though. Once you've found a way to make your hair do sheik, it's all uphill from there.

An important thing to keep in mind for any short hair style is your hair type. This is key because some hair types are much easier to style. For example, if you hair is very fine, or not as thick and curly, then straightening is a breeze. However, if your hair is very thick and coarse, or extremely curly, then other measures may be necessary to obtain the short hair style you desire. Those with curly and coarse short hair may consider applying a chemical relaxer to your hair. A relaxer is essentially the exact opposite of a perm. It relaxes the curl from the root, creating a permanent straight look. This makes washing, blow drying, and straightening hair much faster. For short hair, it makes the styling process run more smoothly. Be sure to consult your hair stylist before getting a relaxer, never attempt to do it yourself! This is a very strong chemical, and if not used correctly by a person with experience, it can result in major hair loss and scalp damage. It should only be used for people whose hair is very curly and coarse and difficult to manage.

Styling.

Here are some general steps to styling short hair. This method can be used for chin length cuts, to the shortest pixie cut. The tools you will need are: blow dryer with comb attachment or a wide-tooth comb, hair sectioning clips, rat-tail comb, 1" or 1 1/2" flat iron (the thinner the better), and a serum or finishing product of some sort.

1. After washing and towel drying hair, comb out with wide tooth comb in the style you intend to wear your hair. Drying your hair into the style will make the styling process even easier.

2.Blow dry your hair using the comb attachment, or wide-tooth comb, to comb through sections of your hair. If your hair is thick, it may be helpful to section your hair and hold with the hair clips and dry each individual section. Two sections on either side of your head should work perfectly. This will aid in faster drying.

3. Once hair is completely dry from root to ends, be sure your hair is still pre-styled the way you intend it to be. Meaning if you usually part your hair to the right, make sure it is parted this way before you begin straightening. Once your hair is the way you like it, use the hair clips to re-section your hair.

4. Un-clip one section of hair, and using the tail end of the rat-tail comb, part a small chunk of hair starting from the bottom. Re-clip the rest of the hair up and away from the parted section.

5. If hair is long enough, hold it at a 90 degree angle, sticking directly out from the head. Taking the flat iron, begin at the root of the hair and pull away from the scalp. This helps create body throughout the hair. Once iron is in the middle of the hair shaft, curl the flat iron under to create a slight curl at the bottom of the hair. Do not use the curling method if you wish to achieve a pin-straight look.

6. Repeat this method for all sections of your hair. When straightening is complete, use a small amount (usually pea-size to dime-size works best) shine serum, palmade, or your favorite finishing product and work throughout the hair. Your style is complete!