10 Stunning Hairstyles That Will Convince You Short Hair Is Just as Versatile as Long Hair
The most common misconception about short hairstyles is that you'll be stuck rocking one look until your hair grows back out. This couldn't be further from the truth. Whether you're thinking of going full pixie or you're tempted to chop off your long hair in favor of a classic bob, there are so many types of short haircuts and hairstyles you can embrace. Even when you opt for a super-short ’do, a little bit of texture paste can totally change up the look.
Below, we're highlighting 10 short hairstyles for all different types of face shapes, lifestyles, hair types, and vibes. Copy these different styles at home, or show your favorite pic to your hairstylist when you're finally ready to make the transition to shorter hair.
Meet the Expert
Tish Ferguson is a New York City-based freelance makeup artist, hair stylist, male groomer, beauty blogger, beauty educator, and public speaker.
1. Asymmetrical bob
Keep things sweet and centered with this middle-parted, super-blunt bob. This type of blunt, short haircut is a great choice for those with fine hair or thin hair. If you have thicker hair and you’re aiming for a blunt cut like this, ask your stylist to help take a bit of weight off the bottom to keep it from creating a triangle shape.
2. Side-part waves
Just because you're rocking a short bob doesn't mean there can't be some variety in your hairstyles. To easily switch it up your look, do like Coco Rocha and opt for a deep side part with some soft waves. Simply by making slight changes to your hair's texture, you'll create an entirely different feel to the classic cut.
3. Layered pixie
No two pixie cuts are exactly alike. This version of the short hairstyle features a choppy hair haircut with long, side-swept bangs across the forehead, which is ideal for those with round or oval face shapes. Adding volume to the top and keeping the sides short will help to elongate and add dimension to the face.
4. Tousled pixie
Here’s an example of bedhead done right. This high volume pixie offers drama with just the right amount of fun. To recreate this tousled look, use a hair dryer with a concentrator attached to finger dry the hair. Once it’s dry, emulsify a texturizing paste in your hands and then run it through the hair to add lift and texture.
5. Futuristic fashion
“This style is going to take precision and patience,” says Tish Ferguson, an NYC-based stylist. “You will need wet hair, gel, a small tail comb, and or/foam mousse. You will start with wet hair and put the mousse through the hair. Comb the product through the hair. You will then use the comb to position your hair in the direction you want it to go. This is a style for the more advanced.”
6. Classic pixie
If you've ever been tempted to just cut all your hair off, here's some evidence of how stunning a super-short pixie can be. When choosing the right pixie cut for you, you always want to make sure your specific style will suit your face shape. For example, Rihanna has an oval face, which suits pretty much all types of pixie cuts (lucky her!). But if you have a round or heart-shaped face, you may want to try leaving a bit more length around the forehead area to create more balance.
7. Short and sleek
While this look and Rihanna's ultra-short pixie are similar, this pixie haircut is proof that you can still find some variation in your day-to-day short hair with the help of your fave hair product. Just use a dab of a texture paste like the BUMBLE AND BUMBLE Sumotech to add lift and create some definition.
8. Beachy bob
This beachy, low-maintenance short cut basically screams summer. While bobs are often pictured on sleek, straight hair, Hailey is proof that you can embrace your naturally wavy hair texture and still look fab.
If you have a curly or wavy hair texture and you’re opting for a blunt look like this, Ferguson recommends telling your stylist how you normally wear your hair. “It’s important to tell your stylist if you normally wear your hair curly or straight or both,” she says. This can affect how they shape the cut to achieve the desired look.
9. Textured bob
Teetering the line between a pixie and a chin-length layered bob is this lightly textured hairdo that's long in the front and angled to be ever-so-slightly shorter in the back. This is a great source of inspo for thicker hair types who are eyeing a chic, short bob hairstyle. With hidden layers underneath, this look helps take some of the extra weight out of heavier hair to allow for more movement and bounce.
10. The timeless bob
From the jazz clubs of the Roaring Twenties to the front rows of New York Fashion Week, this classic bob cut has proven again and again that it can stand the test of time. While this short style is simple, it does require a bit of maintenance to give it that sleek, polished look–especially if front bangs are in the picture.
To keep this cut looking sharp, apply a shine-boosting heat protectant to towel-dried hair before using a blow dryer. When styling, use a round brush and a hair dryer with the concentrator nozzle attached to give your hair a straight but rounded finish.
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