- Short hair can be super versatile with the right styling.
- Explore 14 trendy cuts that make short hair feel fresh and interesting.
Some of the world’s most classic haircuts tend to be short. Think: Pixie cuts, textured lobs, fades, cropped cuts, and every kind of bob in the book. If your hair has been short your whole life, this is a fact you’re well familiar with. But if, on the other hand, you’ve been agonizing over whether or not you’re ready for the big chop, you might think that there’s not much to do with short hair. And celebrity hairstylists would beg to differ—saying that hair trends for short hair are among some of their favorites.
From blunt bobs to tousled layers, there’s no shortage of cool-looking cuts for short hair. Below, celebrity hairstylists Andrew Fitzsimons, Barb Thompson, Jerome Lordet, and Aviva Jansen Perea debunk the myth that short hair is boring by providing 14 favorite short hair trends.
Keep reading for a list of this year’s hottest hair trends for short hair.
French Bob
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The French bob is currently dominating social feeds. “French bobs—usually marked by bangs, a chin-grazing length, and choppy ends that are meant to air dry—are usually the most popular for warmer weather as they wear well unstyled,” says Lordet. As for who they look best on, Fitzsimons calls out oval, square, and heart-shaped faces. “The French bob provides a flattering frame that highlights the cheekbones,” he explains.
To get the look, Fitzsimons says to ask for a blunt chin-length cut with slightly undercut ends. “If you opt for bangs, keep them slightly blunt,” he adds. “Style with a round brush for a smooth look, or let it air dry to embrace your natural texture.”
Face-Framing Tendrils
As far as ’90s hairstyles go, face-framing tendrils were a given for virtually every iteration. And since the ’90s and early ’00s are back, it makes sense that this is a top trend for short hair this year. Wear your tendrils with a middle part and waves, like Laura Harrier, for an effortless and eye-catching look.
Pixie Cut
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If you have super short hair or are feeling inspired to make the cut, Fitzsimons recommends a pixie. “The pixie cut is a timeless look; it’s all about a short length and can range from ultra-short to slightly longer layers,” he says. “This cut works beautifully on oval, heart-shaped, and square faces.”
To get the look, ask for choppy layers and baby bangs for a little edge. Post-cut, style your pixie to perfection with a pomade or texture spray for “touchable hold and a chic finish,” suggests Fitzsimons.
Hair Bows
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According to Jansen Perea, hair bows and other accessories are great for shorter tresses because they “will help keep your hair out of your face.” Plus, they help feign volume for folks with finer hair. “The trick is to make it retro, so there’s a lot of height at the crown.”
Perky High Ponytail
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Ponytails are a summer fave, and if you have a lob or a slightly longer short cut, a perky high pony is totally achievable. “A high ponytail for short hair is polished and chic, perfect for oval and heart-shaped faces,” Fitzsimons says.
To get the look, start by smoothing your hair with a boar bristle brush. Then, use gel or hairspray to perfect the smooth style. “Gather it at the crown, and secure it with an elastic,” Fitzsimons instructs. “Use hair pins for shorter sections and wrap a strand of hair around the base for a polished finish.”
Blunt Bob
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If you’re looking to thicken fine tresses, Fitzsimons suggests a blunt bob. The beauty of this sharp cut is that it can be worn straight for a chic geometric appearance or blown out for a softer ‘do. “A blunt bob is all about sharp, clean lines that make a bold statement,” Fitzsimons says. “This cut falls at or just below the jawline and looks stunning on oval, square, and heart-shaped faces. It’s perfect for those who want a sleek, polished look.”
To get the look, Fitzsimons says to ask your stylist for a “straight-across cut with no layers.” Then, keep it looking sharp with a flat iron and a little flip at the end. Just be sure to use a heat protectant in the process.
Textured Lob
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If you want to add a bit more length, consider the lob—specifically, one that’s textured. Fitzsimons says this is a top hair trend for short hair because it’s highly versatile. “It usually falls between the chin and shoulders and features soft, choppy layers,” says the stylist. “This cut suits all face shapes and is great for adding movement and volume to the hair.”
When styling, Fitzsimons says to use a curling wand to add breezy, beautiful movement to the layers of your lob. Then, finish with a texture spray to amp up the body and lock in the look.
Beach Blonde
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Of course, bleach blonde is always an option. It’s a bright choice, an instant head-turner, no matter the length it’s on. “Lots have been chopping it all off and going lighter,” says Thompson. Just note: “This is a very high-maintenance look,” she adds. “Be ready to see your colorist every four to six weeks.”
If you want to go light but not that light, consider dirty blonde shades. Darker shades that are closer to your original hair color will be easier to achieve and maintain (not to mention, they’re less damaging too).
Bob With Bangs
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There’s no denying that bangs have re-emerged as a hairstyle staple, regardless of length. With that in mind, Thompson suggests elevating the classic bob with a flirty fringe. “People are wanting to switch up the classic shape with some fringe and I’m here for it,” she says. “This will help open up the face and, depending on the length of bangs, it will lift you up around the cheekbones.”
Curly Bangs
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Speaking of bangs, Lordet says that curly bangs are trending, especially when paired with shorter styles. Even for people with lobs, pixies, super close crops, or other short styles that aren’t necessarily a French bob, letting natural texture show through bangs is popular come summer, he says. “Sweaty foreheads or increased humidity don’t always allow bangs to stay blown out straight for those who typically style them that way, so adding a little curl cream into bangs and twisting them into the desired shape is an on-trend way to embrace natural texture.”
Tousled Layers
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For a beachier, effortless short hairstyle, Lordet recommends taking a tousled, layered approach. “This is a good way to add natural movement and keep hair in an intentional shape if you got a bob in the spring and are starting to let it grow back out,” he says. “When hair is starting to hit an awkward in-between length, adding in choppy layers will get rid of some weight towards the bottom and give hair a cool, effortless effect.”
To perfect the tousled look, Lordet recommends using a wave spray throughout, with shine serum on the ends. Meanwhile, if you want to amp up the shape, you can use a curling wand.
Curly Pixie
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If you’ve got natural curls or waves, consider working with your texture and land a lovely, low-maintenance look. Tyla’s curly crop serves as the perfect inspiration. If you’re growing out your pixie, consider braiding the sides to lend some structure to your hair. And don’t forget a good curl cream to hydrate those tendrils for more bounce and less frizz.
Baroque Bob
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Retro style is ricocheting back into fashion, popping up in the form of Italian summer head scarves, 1950s shift mini dresses, and the Old Hollywood Baroque bob. This trend for short hair is more about how you style it and less about the cut itself. “It’s another way to style a bob if you already have one but want to make it feel special or done for a night out or occasion,” Lordet says.
To get the voluminous look, he says to divide your hair into a side part and use a large round brush to lift your roots and add shape throughout. To lock in the look, he says to set the curls with large rollers. Once cooled, remove the rollers and finish with a flexible-hold hairspray.
Bold Color Change
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“If you already have a short cut and you’re satisfied with the length but looking to make a change, a big color change can have that impact,” Lordet says. Kendall Jenner’s switch from dark brown to bright, golden blonde is the perfect example.
“Making a dramatic change with short hair is often easier on you and the stylist as there is less hair to color and shorter hair can be healthier, especially when well taken care of, as the length and ends of longer hair are typically where we find the most damage. Take advantage of these benefits to try a color you wouldn’t normally.”