Ever wished that your hair would cooperate with you? You’re not alone. Each year millions of women do the brave and handsome thing to go short, and most don’t look back.
Short hair has a magic that long hair may not be able to have. It’s bold, easy to care for (more or less), and so easily versatile. The right cut to your hair won’t just make life easier, but it can help you get a new look for the day, or just make the blow dryer thing of the past.
The best part? There is no need to follow the fads that are not around for six months. There are tons of short styles that have lasted the test of time, classic enough to feel like it’s a lifetime ago, but modern-looking enough to feel like the present day. We are going to look at 15 of the most popular, stylish and the ones which experts, stylists and fashion icons keep coming back to, year after year.
Why short hair is always in style!
It’s important to realise that the reason why short hair cuts never goes out of fashion is because it’s easy to style.Before going through the list, it should be noted that the reason why short hair never really goes out of fashion is because it is easy to style. It’s easy: versatility and confidence.
The short style is versatile for all face shapes, hair types and age groups. They can appear both feminine and soft or edgy and sharp. They can be effortless on a hectic weekday and classy outfits for a Saturday night out. That’s why Audrey Hepburn, Halle Berry, Zendaya and countless other celebrities have all pioneered cropped cuts at some point in their careers; it’s simply that short hair is IMMUTABLY strong.
Top 15 Short Hair Cuts That Stand the Test of Time
1. Classic Pixie Cut
Perhaps the most popular of all the pixie hairstyles is the pixie with a short cut. It perfectly frames the face, highlights the eyes and cheekbones and takes only a few minutes to style. There are several dozen options of pixies, ranging from tapered sides, to long top or swept over one side, so there’s nearly something for everyone.
Ideal for: Oval, heart and diamond face shapes.
Styling tip: Use a little bit of texturizing paste to add definition and dimension to fine hair.
2. The Bob — Timeless for a Reason
In fact, if there is one trend to pass down to the ages, it would undoubtedly be the bob, which has remained in style since the 1920s. The classic chin-length bob is clean, with a good structure and extremely versatile in application, as it will fit practically any type of hair. It will give the illusion of thickness in thin hair, and will give structure to thicker hair.
Ideal for: All face shapes, particularly round, and oblong.
Hair styling advice: A round brush blow dry will give the bob a salon look at home.
3. The Lob (Long Bob)
The lob — or long bob — is the part of the bob located at the collarbone and connecting short and medium length hair. It’s the perfect cut for those who wish to have the formality and elegance of a bob but are not ready for a more drastic haircut. It’s very popular for a reason: it fits just about anyone and grows out nicely.
Works best on: All face shapes.
Styling suggestion: The loosen beach waves create an effortlessly stylish weekend atmosphere to the lob.
4. The French Bob
The French bob is above the chin and it is usually done with square side-parts. It’s quite Parisian and artful: in the vein of a Left Bank coffee house and an old-fashioned movie theater. This is a style that has come back into vogue lately and it’s not surprising. It looks well-dressed, planned and very tasteful.
Ideal for: faces that are heart-shaped and oval.
Styling advice: It should be more blunt and to the point. Trimming is crucial, and should be done on a regular basis every 6-8 weeks.
5. The Shag Cut
The shag is a cousin of the rock ‘n’ roll to the bob. With layers, textured ends and can sometimes include bangs for the curtain. The shag was first popular in the 1970s and was revived early 2000s and is now a popular choice for hair styles that are shorter but still want some texture and a bit of edge.
Best for: Oval and Square face.
Styling advice: When hair is damp and diffuse, scrunch with some mousse for easy living look.
6. The Undercut
The undercut is for those who desire to make their short hair stand out. The sides and back are shorn to a more extreme degree, but the top is longer and left to dope free. Bold, architectural and very cool. The undercut may be punk or quite refined, depending on how much is left on top.
Ideal for: People with strong jaw lines and oval faces.
Styling tip: Pomade or firm hold gel will help to give the top section shape and keep it in place throughout the day.
7. The Textured Crop
The textured crop is more casual and laid back than the pixie. It will provide movement and dimension through choppy layers, which is a great option for thick or coarse hair. It has the “lived in chic” that many stylists are looking for in an elegant outfit, and it’s as easy as a fresh pair of jeans or a brand new shirt.
Ideal for: Round, square and oval face shapes.
Styling tip: Sea salt spray on dry hair brings out the texture beautifully.
8. The Bixie (Bob-Pixie Hybrid)
The bixie is just as its name implies: a bixie is a cross between a bob and a pixie. It’s not as short as a pixie but it’s shorter, chopper than a regular bob. This combination has become hugely popular in recent years since it offers wearers the best of both worlds, a pixie with the softness of a bob.
Ideal for: Heart-shaped and Oval faces.
Hair care idea: Air dry for a natural, soft appearance or flat iron at the ends for a sleeker look.
9. The Asymmetrical Cut
People who wish to get something different always loved the asymmetry in hair styles. A longer side on one side makes for interest and a dramatic silhouette for the picture. It’s so gorgeous as a variation on the bob or as a pixie with a single strand of hair framing your face.
Best for faces that are oval and are heart-shaped.
Styling idea: Make sure the longer side is smooth, to highlight the contrast to the shorter side.
10. Curtain Bangs with a Short Style
Very bangs have been making a comeback and are a great choice with most short haircuts on this list. Both have a middle section that is parted and then swept gently to both sides, creating a softening effect on the face and making it look romantic, vintage and flattering regardless of the cut.
Ideal for: Round and square face shapes.
Styling trick: To achieve a beautiful ringlet, use a round brush and a medium-heat blow dryer.
11. The Sleek Blunt Cut
The neat and straight short cut exudes a certain unabashed punch. Clean lines and precision without layers or texture. A blunt cut when worn straight and flattering, looks editorially classy and gives the impression of confidence. Best for straight or slightly wavy hair.
Ideal for: Oblong and Oval face types.
Styling tip: A flat iron and a bit of shine serum keep this look shiny and on purpose.
12. The Curly Pixie
The combination of natural curls and pixie cut is a perfect match. Short hair cuts in curly form adds volume, bounce and character to a pixie that a straight pixie can’t provide. The curly pixie isn’t against the curls, it embraces them and the result is a halo of texture that is happy and dynamic.
Ideal for: Every type of face.
Styling tip: Scrunch wet hair with curl cream. Be careful not to touch it until it is thoroughly dry because that could cause frizz.
13. The Wolf Cut
The wolf cut is the edgier and more dramatic of the two cuts, the shag. The layered look of the shag and the volume and body of the mullet — and somehow it’s so very chic. For shorter lengths, the wolf cut is dramatic, artistic and un-forgettable.
Ideal for oval and heart shaped faces.
Styling tip: When blow drying with a diffuser, blow with a diffuser in order to achieve maximum volume; then, lightly finger style the layers.
14. The Tapered Cut
Tapered cut is a nice and exact cut. The hair gradually shortens in length from the crown to the nape of the neck and forms a neat hair shape. In work settings it’s a favorite as it always appears polished and purposeful, but has enough character to be contemporary.
Ideal for: round and square face shapes.
Styling tip: Keep the taper neat and tidy with the aid of fine-tooth combing and a light styling cream.
15. The Micro Pixie
If you’re dauntless, the micro pixie is your ultimate commitment. Opt for ultra-short sides and very little length at the top — it’s almost buzz cut but with a little shape that will keep it feminine. It is fearless, stunning and in an entirely radical way, timeless.
Ideal for: Ovoid shape or heart shape and for strong cheekbones.
Hack tip: A little sculpting wax will help to create definition and will help keep even this simple style looking intentional.
How to Choose the Right Short Hair Cut
There is no right or wrong with the perfect style, it’s about what looks good on your face. Here are some basic tips:
- Oval Face: If you’re lucky, most styles look great. Experiment freely.
- Round face: Using cuts with height at the top and length along the sides will lengthen the face. Give lob or tapered cut a try.
- With a square face, soft layers and side swept bangs help to take the edge off. The shag or bixie will do.
- Heart face: Chin volume or lower helps to fill in a wider forehead. The French bob or lob are good options.
- Oblong face: Width is your friend. The textured crop or curly pixie adds the horizontal volume you want.
Keeping Your Short Haircuts looking great!
Actually, short haircuts need to be maintained regularly for them to look their best. Stylists who have done this before know that the following is a list of great choices:
- To be sure, cut every 4-8 weeks based on the growth rate of your hair and the look you want to maintain.
- Invest in the correct products — the improper selection of formula can make short hair look flat or grease.
- If you want a frizz-free appearance, sleep on a silk pillowcase to minimize breakage and frizz, particularly for short hairstyles where each strand is revealed in the eyes.
- Even for short hair, apply heat protectant to avoid heat damage – there’s not much hair to cover up the damage.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re looking for soft, feminine, sharp and edgy or quietly classic, there’s a short cut out there. There’s been 15 styles that have been written and written about over the decades and each one has stood the test of time.
This decision is a lot of people say is really freeing. It eliminates noise and allows your features, personality and confidence to shine. Once you discover the perfect short face haircut and lifestyle for your face, you will have no reason to complain about it. Believe us, you’ll wonder why you waited so long!
So go ahead. Book that appointment. If you don’t love your hair, life is too short!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs).
Q1. Which short haircut will be the easiest to maintain?
The textured pixie or bixie are two styles that are simple to care for every day. They dry in the air and have minimal product requirements, and yet they appear to be done by a professional even if you haven’t done much.
Q2. Is it possible to have short hair for thicker hair?
Absolutely. Shag, textured crop and ‘wolf cut’ styles are designed to be worn on fuller hair where they will create movement and remove some bulk.
Q3. How many times a week do you need to get a cut for a short cut?
The maintenance of most short cuts is a cut every 4-6 weeks, to keep the shape clean and intentional. For longer short styles such as the lob, a longer wait between cuts (6–8 weeks) is possible.
Q4. Which short hair cuts are best for older women?
Classics are always in fashion for older women like the bob, lob and soft pixie which are stylish and appealing without looking too youthful. Relaxed layers are great for creating a stunning look.
Q5. Are short haircuts good for all hairstyles?
Yes — there are short styles for straight, wavy, curly and coily hair. It’s all about selecting a cut that complements your natural hair, not against it. A great stylist will always consider your hair type when making any hair care recommendations.
