How to Do the Drill Hairstyle with Short Hair

Alright, let’s talk drill hairstyles specifically how to rock one when you’ve got short hair. You’ve probably seen those clean, coiled, fierce-looking drill looks on TikTok or Instagram and thought, “Dang, that’s fire… but my hair’s too short for that, right?” Nah, my friend you can absolutely pull it off.

Let me walk you through the whole thing like we’re two pals figuring this out in front of a mirror. Trust me, short hair doesn’t mean limited options it just means faster results (and way less arm strain).

So, What Exactly Is the Drill Hairstyle?

Think tight, clean twists or coils styled in a way that screams confidence, edge, and a little bit of attitude (the good kind). It’s super popular in UK drill culture and among hip-hop communities, with a lot of drill artists repping it proudly. You’ll find variations of this style across many modern short hairstyles for men and in general hairstyles for men that lean toward bold, defined texture.

What You’ll Need Before You Start

Let’s not pretend like this is rocket science, but you do need the right tools to get a clean finish. If you’re just starting out and want some extra guidance, check out our full guide to hairstyles that includes tips for all hair types and textures.

 Your Drill Hairstyle Toolkit:

• Rat-tail comb (for parting like a pro)
• Hair sponge or twist sponge
• Leave-in conditioner (because dry coils are a crime)
• Curling cream or twisting gel
• Hair clips or sectioning bands
• Edge control (optional, but come on it sharpens the look)
• Patience (yeah, this one’s not sold in stores, sorry)

Step by Step: How to Do the Drill Hairstyle on Short Hair

Here comes the fun part. Let’s twist it up literally.

Step 1: Start with Clean, Damp Hair

You don’t need a salon rinse, just a basic wash and towel dry. Moisture is key here dry hair refuses to twist properly. Plus, nobody wants flakes under their coils. Gross.

Step 2: Section Your Hair

Grab that rat-tail comb and get slicing well, parting. Section your hair into small square or triangular parts depending on your vibe. Want a clean geometric look? Go with squares. Want something more natural and loose? Triangles, baby.

Pro tip: Don’t go freestyle unless you want your head to look like a DIY science project. Trust the parting process.

Step 3: Apply Your Product

Scoop a small amount of curling cream or twisting gel onto your fingers and run it through each section. This stuff is basically the glue that keeps your style looking fly.

Bonus points if you add some leave-in conditioner first. Your hair will thank you.

Step 4: Twist or Coil

Now, for short hair, you’ve got two main routes:

Finger Coils: Take a small section, apply product, and twist it around your finger until it forms a tight curl.
Sponge Method: If you’re lazy (no shame in that), grab a twist sponge, rub it over your hair in small circular motions, and boom coils in minutes.

Need more inspiration for styles that work with this method? Explore more on short hairstyles for African men and see how these coils can be personalized.

Step 5: Clean Up the Edges

Edge control time! Use a little dab on your hairline and lay those edges down with a toothbrush or small brush. This part is optional, but it pulls the whole style together.

How Long Does It Last?

Good question. Honestly, with the right care, your drill style can last 5–7 days sometimes longer if you’re really about that bonnet life.

• Sleep with a satin or silk durag/bonnet.
• Moisturize daily with a light spray.
• Avoid scratching or tugging (I know, the temptation is real).

If you’re styling for younger ones, some kids hairstyles for short hair also use similar techniques so you’re learning a skill that works across the board.

Can You Customize It? Heck Yes.

Want to stand out more? Throw in some extras:

Add a fade on the sides for that crispy contrast, or explore hair color ideas to add some visual pop to your coils. Think red coils, ash blonde tips, or even deep auburn shades. You can also check out alternative hair color ideas for something more unique.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

I’d be doing you dirty if I didn’t mention a few rookie mistakes. So here’s what not to do:

• Skipping moisturizer  Dry hair = sad, frizzy coils.
• Over-twisting  Chill out, don’t twist like you’re wringing a wet towel.
• Dirty sponge  That tool touches your scalp. Clean it. Please.
• Forgetting to part  Uneven parts ruin the whole aesthetic. Ask a friend or use a mirror combo if needed.

Quick Comparisons: Short Hair vs Long Hair Drill Styles

Feature	Short Hair	Long Hair
Time to Style	Fast AF ⏱️	Takes longer
Edge Definition	Sharp & Clean	Sometimes messier
Product Usage	Minimal	Gels for days
Styling Options	Sponge, finger coils	Braids, twists, coils
Cool Factor	Underrated	More mainstream

So yeah, short hair holds its own just fine.

Final Thoughts: Ready to Twist It Up?

IMO, the drill hairstyle is one of the dopest, low-maintenance styles you can rock with short hair. It’s edgy, it’s personal, and it lets you show off your confidence without trying too hard.

And the best part? You don’t need a stylist. You just need your hands, the right product, and maybe a little Drake in the background. 

So next time someone says you can’t do much with short hair, just smile and start twisting. You’ve got this.

Now go get that drill look on lock. Your mirror’s waiting.