20 Easy-to-Style Short Hairstyles

The most effective short hairstyles manage to be both functional and fashionable. Having less hair should logically translate to a reduction in styling duration. While adopting a shorter cut can seem daunting, a skilled hairstylist possesses the ability to identify a style that aligns with both your aesthetic goals and maintenance expectations.

The process of styling short hair presents its own unique challenges compared to styling long hair. For example, longer hair has natural weight that pulls it downwards, while shorter hair is significantly lighter. This lack of weight can cause short styles to appear puffy. This quality, however, can be leveraged to generate considerable volume and impact, a particular benefit for those with thinner hair.

According to celebrity stylist Andrew Fitzsimons, short hairstyles are exceptionally stylish and currently trending for the summer season. He notes that short hair is suitable for nearly every face shape. A shorter cut can effectively accentuate your facial features while also building depth and dimension, especially on hair types with greater thickness. To provide ideas for your subsequent salon visit, insights were gathered from Fitzsimons and other notable hairstylists based in New York City and Los Angeles.

Voluminous Lob

This buoyant hairstyle, famously worn by Khloe Kardashian, is appealingly brief and charming. As explained by Fitzsimons, there is immense value in a look that appears impeccable while not being cumbersome in the heat.

Natural Pixie

For those seeking a significant transformation, a major haircut is a powerful option. Larry Sims, a hairstylist and the co-founder of Flawless by Gabrielle Union, suggests this approach. This particular style is an excellent choice for individuals who prefer to avoid heat styling tools altogether, as it showcases the hair’s inherent qualities. When opting for a natural pixie, similar to the one seen on Doja Cat, you can ask your stylist to incorporate techniques like clipper cutting and shaving to infuse the look with personal flair.

Voluminous Crop

A shorter hairstyle is fully capable of possessing significant structure, so creating height and body is an achievable goal. This particular honey-blonde variation is an excellent way to emphasize your hair’s innate texture. Requesting an angled cut, as demonstrated by Janelle Monaé, will introduce a greater sense of drama and style.

Wixie

The winged pixie sported by Kristen Stewart is a guaranteed attention-grabber. This haircut offers remarkable flexibility and can be adapted to suit any desired mood, according to hairstylist April Peele of Salon SCK in New York City. The style can project either a punk-rock edge or a more subdued feel, depending entirely on the styling choices. Peele also notes that the back of this cut consistently offers a fun and interesting element.

Fade

The red fade cut worn by Samira Wiley presents a look that is both low-effort and fashion-forward. This hairstyle projects a sense of modern confidence. As the hair grows out, it naturally transitions into a series of other attractive styles, as noted by Peele.

Face-Framing Curls

To select the most complimentary short hairstyle for your features, it is crucial to consider your face shape. Celebrity stylist Anthony Cole recommends a fringe that begins shorter and gradually becomes longer to help create the illusion of an oval facial structure. The key is to achieve a sense of equilibrium. The curly bob with bangs seen on Ruth Negga serves as a prime illustration of this principle, with strategically placed layers framing the face.

Pink Pixie

Taking inspiration from Helen Mirren, one should not shy away from going shorter or experimenting with hair color. Jackson Simmonds, a stylist and colorist at Julien Farel Restore Salon & Spa, highlights that her pastel version provides a noticeable pop of color that remains more understated than a brighter, neon shade would be.

The Shullet

The contemporary version of the mullet, often called the “shullet,” is significantly more accessible than its historical counterpart. Anthony Cole explains that this style combines the easy maintenance and sharp lines of a short pixie in the front with the fluid movement and texture of longer hair in the back.

Long Pixie

This deep brunette pixie effectively demonstrates how hair color can elevate a short hairstyle, according to Tamika Gibson, the founder of The Hair Diagram. Gibson states that carefully chosen hair color can make a short cut appear more vibrant and can contribute to a more sensual and alluring overall aesthetic.

Retro Lob

The glamorous lob seen on Selena Gomez is defined by its dramatic side part and waves reminiscent of Old Hollywood. This type of styling is often reserved for longer hair, but her shorter version proves it is equally striking. The extremely high-gloss finish of her hair color perfectly complements this elegant hairstyle.

Natural Bob With Bangs

This look is perfectly suited for individuals with naturally carefree curls who desire a style that keeps hair off their neck during the summer, as mentioned by stylist Devin Toth of Salon SCK.

Fauxhawk

For those not entirely committed to a drastic cut, the fauxhawk worn by Danai Gurira offers a compelling alternative. This style cleverly creates the impression of a much shorter, cropped haircut.

Textured Blunt Bob

Hair can be a tool to create facial balance, as explained by Janine Jarman, a hairstylist, salon owner, and founder of Curl Cult. For heart-shaped faces, which are wider at the top and narrower at the chin, the goal is to introduce width and volume at the narrowest point. This textured blunt bob, cut just above the chin, is a superb option for this particular face shape.

Pompadour

Tilda Swinton’s pompadour hairstyle adds a sophisticated and literal lift to short hair. By preserving some length on the top section, this edgy cut allows for a greater variety of styling possibilities.

Finger Wave Bob

For those who prefer not to sacrifice too much length, this 1920s-inspired finger wave bob introduces just the right amount of texture to create visual appeal. Fitzsimons shares that for oval-shaped faces, straight bobs or choppy layers are highly effective for flattering both the face and the hair.

Tucked Bixie

The “bixie,” a hybrid of a bob and a pixie haircut popular in the 1990s, is currently experiencing a resurgence. To achieve a more polished look, consider a sleek, tucked-in style similar to Zendaya’s. A quality hair gel is crucial for replicating her smooth appearance.

Blunt Bob

The straight, center-parted blunt bob worn by Kendall Jenner is a testament to the impact of minimalist hairstyling. With her elaborate dress and jewelry, the understated bob provides a perfect counterbalance to her overall look. The incredibly shiny finish can be replicated using a finishing oil.

Buzzcut

The buzzcut on Adwoa Aboah is a topic of conversation for good reason. It is a style that radiates pure confidence. Additionally, it stands out as being the most low-maintenance haircut possible.

Grown-Out Bixie

Since cutting her hair, Florence Pugh has consistently showcased effortless short styles, including this grown-out bixie. The haircut’s sweeping side part cleverly forms a chic, faux bang that perfectly accentuates her facial features.

Springy Curls

Natalie Portman’s curly bob provides wonderful inspiration for embracing one’s natural hair texture. Her curls are well-defined and bouncy, and a deep side part forms a delicate faux bang that frames her face. This can be achieved with a trusted leave-in conditioner and a diffuser attachment.

Two-Toned Asymmetrical Pixie

Taraji P. Henson presents a stunning look with this two-toned pixie cut featuring closely buzzed sides. Clint Wilson, a co-founder and hairstylist at Salon SCK, suggests adding a splash of color to the front of a short style by using either hair extensions or temporary hair chalk.

Classic Pixie

This timeless haircut has been a staple for generations. According to hairstylist Rene Fris, its enduring popularity comes from being universally flattering and simple to manage because it is cut to complement the head’s shape. Fris advises using a hair paste to give this style definition and hold.

Fluffy Pixie

Quinta Brunson’s fluffy pixie cut is a perfectly executed example of short hair with flair. To get the look at home, use a small-diameter round brush in combination with a blow dryer.

Side-Swept Crop

For individuals with thin or fine hair, incorporating a side part is an effective technique. This simple shift can provide immediate lift and create the appearance of more volume in a cropped haircut.

Platinum Pixie

The recording artist Saweetie’s platinum pixie is a hairstyle that is both uncomplicated and bold. It is essential to maintain this style with regular conditioning treatments to ensure the hair remains hydrated and healthy.