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Shape short hair with styling paste

Use a small label-directed amount of styling paste on dry short hair when you want to separate, direct or lightly hold selected pieces without covering the whole head.

A woman uses her fingertips to work styling paste through a small area at the crown of her short hair.

Step by step

  1. A woman with a short dark pixie haircut lifts a small amount of styling paste from an unbranded jar with her fingertip.
    STEP 1 OF 3

    Check the label and take a small amount

    • Confirm that the paste is intended for your current hair state and read its directions for amount and placement.
    • Take the label-directed starting amount with one fingertip, then close the container and set it down.
  2. A woman uses her fingertips to work styling paste through a small area at the crown of her short hair.
    STEP 2 OF 3

    Spread, then work through one area

    • Rub the product between both palms and fingertips until it is a thin, nearly invisible film.
    • Use your fingertips to guide one small reachable area from close to the roots toward the ends. Keep the other hand on the head only to steady the hair.
    • Move to a second area only if product remains on your hands; do not scoop more before checking the first pass.
  3. A woman pinches one short front piece of her dark hair into place with two fingertips.
    STEP 3 OF 3

    Pinch the pieces into place

    • Use two fingertips to lift or turn individual short pieces in the direction you want them to sit.
    • Step back from the mirror or feel the shape with a light palm. Stop when the pieces are directed and the hair still moves naturally.
    • Wash your hands before touching your face or other surfaces.

About 1–3 min hands-on for dispensing and spreading paste, shaping short pieces and washing hands. Start with the label's required hair state.

Practical editorial estimate, not measured. Short hair needs a small amount of shaping; first-time label reading or a more detailed finish can take longer.

You’re done when…

The selected short pieces are directed with a light, even finish and no visible clumps of product on the hair or scalp.