Short hair has always been a statement of confidence, style, and versatility. While some may think that short hair limits styling options, the truth is that there are countless ways to play with short locks, creating looks that range from edgy to elegant. In this guide, we’ll explore 20 of the best hairstyles for short hair, breaking down each step to help you achieve your desired look effortlessly.
20 Best Hair Styles for Short Hair: A Comprehensive Guide
1. Pixie Cut
The pixie cut is a classic short hairstyle that never goes out of style. Here’s how to achieve it:
Start by sectioning the hair into manageable parts.
Use scissors or clippers to trim the hair short on the sides and back.
Gradually blend the top section into the shorter sides, leaving slightly longer layers on top for texture.
Style the top section using a small amount of styling product for definition and hold.
Optional: Add bangs for a softer, more feminine look.
2. Bob Cut
The bob cut is a versatile option for short hair that can be customized to suit different face shapes. Here’s how to create a classic bob:
Part the hair in the center or on one side, depending on your preference.
Use scissors to cut the hair to the desired length, typically around chin or jaw level.
Add layers for volume and movement, focusing on framing the face.
Use a flat iron or curling wand to add waves or curls for a textured look.
Finish with a lightweight hair spray to hold the style in place.
3. Layered Crop
The layered crop is a modern take on the traditional pixie cut, adding texture and dimension to short hair. Follow these steps to achieve a layered crop:
Start by dividing the hair into sections, with the top section clipped away.
Use scissors or a razor to create layers in the bottom section, focusing on the crown and sides.
Release the top section and create shorter layers for added volume and texture.
Use a styling product, such as a texturizing spray or pomade, to define the layers and create separation.
Optional: Add side-swept bangs for a playful touch.
4. Tapered Cut
The tapered cut is a stylish and low-maintenance option for short hair, with shorter lengths at the nape and longer layers on top. Here’s how to achieve a tapered cut:
Begin by sectioning the hair into top and bottom sections.
Use clippers or scissors to create a short, tapered cut at the nape of the neck.
Gradually blend the shorter layers into longer lengths on top, focusing on creating a seamless transition.
Use a styling product, such as a wax or gel, to add definition and hold to the hair.
Optional: Add a side part for a more polished look.
5. Undercut
The undercut is a bold and edgy hairstyle that involves shaving or closely trimming the sides and back of the head while leaving longer lengths on top. Here’s how to achieve an undercut:
Decide on the desired length for the top section and clip it away.
Use clippers to shave or trim the sides and back of the head to the desired length.
Release the top section and style it using a styling product, such as a pomade or wax, for texture and hold.
Optional: Add designs or patterns to the shaved sections for a unique look.
Maintain the style by regular trims to keep the undercut sharp and defined.
6. Side-Swept Bangs
Side-swept bangs are a versatile addition to many short hairstyles, adding a touch of elegance and softness. Here’s how to create side-swept bangs:
Part the hair to one side, creating a diagonal part from the crown to the temple.
Use scissors to cut the bangs to the desired length, angling them slightly towards the side.
Use a round brush and blow dryer to style the bangs, sweeping them to the side for a soft, face-framing effect.
Finish with a lightweight hairspray to hold the bangs in place.
7. Mohawk
The Mohawk is a bold and daring hairstyle that involves shaving or closely trimming the sides of the head while leaving a strip of longer hair down the center. Here’s how to create a Mohawk:
Decide on the width of the Mohawk strip and clip away the surrounding hair.
Use clippers to shave or trim the sides of the head, leaving the desired length of hair in the center.
Style the Mohawk strip using a styling product, such as a gel or wax, to create spikes or a sleek, raised effect.
Optional: Add hair accessories or color to the Mohawk strip for added impact.
Maintain the Mohawk by regular trims to keep the sides short and the center strip defined.
8. Textured Crop
The textured crop is a versatile and modern hairstyle that adds volume and movement to short hair. Here’s how to achieve a textured crop:
Start with clean, dry hair and apply a volumizing mousse or spray for added texture.
Use scissors or a razor to create choppy layers throughout the hair, focusing on the crown and sides.
Use your fingers to tousle and style the hair, creating a messy, textured look.
Finish with a light-hold hairspray to hold the style in place without weighing it down.
Optional: Add a side part or fringe for a personalized touch.
9. Curly Bob
The curly bob is a playful and feminine hairstyle that works well with naturally curly or wavy hair. Here’s how to create a curly bob:
Start with damp hair and apply a curl-enhancing mousse or cream.
Use a diffuser attachment on your blow dryer to dry the hair, scrunching as you go to enhance the curls.
Use a curling wand or iron to define any loose curls or add extra volume to the ends.
Optional: Add a side part or bangs for a customized look.
Finish with a lightweight hair spray or serum to define the curls and reduce frizz.
See also: Styling Curly Bob Haircuts: Tips & Tricks
10. Textured Pixie
The textured pixie is a modern twist on the classic pixie cut, adding layers and texture for a more dynamic look. Here’s how to achieve a textured pixie:
Start with clean, dry hair and apply a texturizing spray or pomade for added hold.
Use scissors or a razor to create choppy layers throughout the hair, focusing on the top and sides.
Use your fingers to tousle and style the hair, creating a messy, textured finish.
Optional: Add side-swept bangs or a side part for a personalized touch.
Finish with a light-hold hairspray to hold the style in place without weighing it down.
11. Asymmetrical Bob
The asymmetrical bob is a modern and edgy hairstyle that features longer lengths on one side and shorter lengths on the other. Here’s how to create an asymmetrical bob:
Part the hair to one side, creating a deep side part if desired.
Use scissors to cut the hair to the desired length on both sides, leaving one side slightly longer for asymmetry.
Add layers for volume and texture, focusing on framing the face and accentuating the asymmetrical look.
Use a flat iron or curling wand to add waves or curls for a textured finish.
Finish with a lightweight hair spray to hold the style in place and reduce frizz.
12. French Crop
The French crop is a stylish and low-maintenance hairstyle that features short, textured layers on top with slightly longer lengths on the sides. Here’s how to create a French crop:
Start with clean, dry hair and apply a texturizing spray or pomade for added hold.
Use scissors or clippers to create short, textured layers on top of the head, focusing on the crown and front.
Gradually blend the shorter layers into longer lengths on the sides and back for a seamless transition.
Style the top section using your fingers to tousle and create texture.
Finish with a light-hold hairspray to hold the style in place and add shine.
13. Slicked Back
The slicked-back hairstyle is a polished and sophisticated look that works well for short hair. Here’s how to achieve a slicked-back style:
Start with clean, damp hair and apply a styling gel or pomade for hold and shine.
Use a comb to slick the hair back, starting from the forehead and working towards the crown.
Smooth down any flyaways or stray hairs with the comb for a sleek finish.
Optional: Add a side part or comb-over for a personalized touch.
Finish with a strong-hold hairspray to keep the style in place throughout the day.
14. Faux Hawk
The faux hawk is a trendy and edgy hairstyle that mimics the look of a traditional Mohawk without shaving the sides of the head. Here’s how to create a faux hawk:
Part the hair into three sections: one in the center and two on the sides.
Use a styling product, such as a gel or pomade, to slick back the side sections and create volume in the center section.
Use your fingers or a comb to style the center section into spikes or a raised, textured look.
Optional: Add hair accessories or color to the center section for added impact.
Maintain the faux hawk by regular trims to keep the sides short and the center section defined.
15. Mohawk Fade
The Mohawk fade combines the edgy look of a Mohawk with the gradual transition of a fade haircut. Here’s how to create a Mohawk fade:
Start with clean, dry hair and decide on the width of the Mohawk strip.
Use clippers to create a short, tapered cut at the nape of the neck and the sides of the head.
Gradually blend the shorter lengths into longer lengths on top to create the Mohawk strip.
Style the Mohawk strip using a styling product, such as a gel or wax, for definition and hold.
Optional: Add designs or patterns to the faded sections for a unique look.
16. Choppy Pixie
The choppy pixie is a textured and playful hairstyle that features short, choppy layers for added volume and movement. Here’s how to achieve a choppy pixie:
Start with clean, dry hair and apply a texturizing spray or pomade for added hold.
Use scissors or a razor to create choppy layers throughout the hair, focusing on the top and sides.
Use your fingers to tousle and style the hair, creating a messy, textured finish.
Optional: Add side-swept bangs or a side part for a personalized touch.
Finish with a light-hold hairspray to hold the style in place without weighing it down.
17. Retro Waves
Retro waves are a timeless and glamorous hairstyle that adds vintage charm to short hair. Here’s how to create retro waves:
Start with clean, dry hair and apply a heat prot spray.
Use a curling wand or iron to curl sections of hair away from the face, starting from the front and working towards the back.
Pin each curl in place with a clip or bobby pin to set the waves.
Once all sections are curled and pinned, allow the hair to cool completely.
Remove the clips and gently brush out the curls to create soft waves.
Finish with a medium-hold hairspray to hold the waves in place and add shine.
18. Pompadour
The pompadour is a classic hairstyle that features a voluminous top section swept upwards and back. Here’s how to create a pompadour:
Start with clean, dry hair and apply a volumizing mousse or spray to the top section.
Use a comb to tease the hair at the crown, creating volume and lift.
Smooth the teased hair back and pin it in place with bobby pins.
Use your fingers or a comb to style the front section of hair into a sleek, raised pompadour.
Finish with a strong-hold hairspray to keep the pompadour in place throughout the day.
19. Braided Short Hair
Braids can add a fun and playful element to short hair, creating intricate patterns and textures. Here’s how to create braided short hair:
Start with clean, dry hair and apply a small amount of styling product for hold.
Choose a section of hair to braid, such as a side section or the top section for a crown braid.
Divide the section into three equal parts and begin braiding, crossing the outer strands over the middle strand.
Continue braiding until you reach the end of the section and secure the braid with a small elastic.
Optional: Gently pull on the braid to loosen it and create a more relaxed, bohemian look.
Repeat the braiding process with other sections of hair for a more intricate style.
20. Textured Undercut
The textured undercut combines the edgy look of an undercut with choppy layers for added texture and movement. Here’s how to create a textured undercut:
Start with clean, dry hair and decide on the width of the undercut section.
Use clippers to shave or trim the sides and back of the head to the desired length.
Release the top section and create choppy layers for added texture and volume.
Style the top section using a styling product, such as a pomade or wax, for definition and hold.
Optional: Add designs or patterns to the shaved sections for a unique look.
Maintain the style by regular trims to keep the undercut sharp and defined.
By following these step-by-step instructions, you can achieve a variety of stylish and flattering hairstyles for short hair. Whether you prefer a classic pixie cut, a modern bob, or an edgy undercut, there’s a short
hairstyle to suit every personality and occasion. Experiment with different techniques, products, and accessories to create your own signature look and embrace the versatility of short hair.
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