Styling short hair for work can be both versatile and elegant. With the right techniques and creativity, short hairstyles can easily transition from casual to professional, allowing you to look polished and put-together at the office. Whether you have a bob, pixie cut, or any other short haircut, there are a variety of ways to style your hair that are appropriate for the workplace.
In this article, we will explore a range of styling options for short hair that are easy to achieve, professional, and chic. From sleek and straight looks to textured waves and elegant updos, these styles will ensure you feel confident and stylish at work.
Sleek and Straight: A Classic Professional Look
One of the simplest and most effective ways to style short hair for work is by going for a sleek and straight look. This style exudes professionalism, making it a go-to choice for those who want a polished appearance.
How to Achieve the Sleek Look
Wash and condition your hair: Start by washing your hair with a shampoo that promotes smoothness. Use a lightweight conditioner to avoid weighing down your hair.
Apply heat protectant: Before using any heat styling tools, always apply a heat protectant spray or serum. This will prevent damage and keep your hair healthy.
Blow-dry with a round brush: Use a blow dryer and a round brush to smooth out your hair. Direct the nozzle of the dryer downward to minimize frizz.
Flat iron for extra sleekness: For an ultra-smooth finish, use a flat iron to straighten your hair. Work in small sections, ensuring that you don’t miss any areas.
Finish with serum or light hairspray: To add shine and maintain a sleek look, finish with a smoothing serum or light-hold hairspray.
Benefits of Sleek and Straight
Professional appearance: This style is sleek and sophisticated, perfect for any office setting.
Easy to maintain: With the right products, your hair will stay straight and smooth throughout the workday.
Versatile: Can be worn with various hair accessories like clips, headbands, or bobby pins for a personal touch.
Textured Waves: Effortlessly Chic for Work
Textured waves offer a relaxed yet professional look, ideal for those who prefer a little movement in their hair. This style is especially great for adding volume and interest to short haircuts like bobs and pixie cuts.
How to Create Textured Waves
Prep your hair with texturizing spray: After washing your hair, towel-dry it and apply a texturizing spray or mousse. This will give your hair the grip it needs to hold the waves.
Blow-dry with a diffuser: Use a diffuser attachment on your blow dryer to enhance natural texture. If you have straight hair, simply blow-dry your hair normally.
Use a curling wand or flat iron: For defined waves, use a curling wand or flat iron. Wrap small sections of hair around the tool, holding for a few seconds before releasing.
Loosen the waves: Once you’ve curled your hair, use your fingers or a wide-tooth comb to loosen the waves for a more natural, effortless look.
Set with a light-hold hairspray: To maintain the waves throughout the day, finish with a light-hold hairspray.
Why Textured Waves Work for the Office
Subtle and professional: While textured, the waves still appear polished and refined, making them suitable for work.
Great for volume: Adds movement and dimension to short hair, which can sometimes feel flat.
Quick to achieve: Once you’ve mastered the technique, textured waves can be done in just a few minutes.
The Sleek Low Bun: A Simple and Elegant Updo
For a more formal or sleek office look, a low bun is the perfect go-to hairstyle. It works well for shorter hair, such as a long bob, and is ideal for situations where you need to look extra polished, such as presentations or meetings.
How to Create a Sleek Low Bun
Part your hair in the middle or side: Start by deciding where you want your part. A center or deep side part works best for this style.
Gather hair at the nape of your neck: Smooth your hair back into a low ponytail, making sure there are no flyaways.
Twist and secure into a bun: Twist the ponytail and coil it around the base, securing it with bobby pins. Make sure the bun is tight and secure.
Use a smoothing serum: Apply a bit of serum to tame any frizz or flyaways and to give your hair a sleek finish.
Set with strong-hold hairspray: To ensure your bun stays in place all day, use a strong-hold hairspray.
Benefits of the Low Bun
Highly professional: This style gives off a clean and polished appearance that is suitable for any work environment.
Works well with accessories: You can add a decorative hair clip or pin to elevate the look.
Perfect for meetings: When you need to appear extra formal, the sleek low bun is a foolproof option.
Pinned Back Bob: A Chic and Simple Solution
For those with a bob haircut, pinning the front sections of your hair back is a quick and easy way to keep your hair out of your face while still looking chic. This style is great for days when you want to look polished but don’t have time for intricate styling.
How to Style the Pinned Back Bob’
Part your hair on the side: Start by creating a deep side part.
Twist or braid the front sections: Take the front section of hair on each side and twist or braid it back towards your ears.
Secure with bobby pins: Use bobby pins to secure the twisted or braided sections behind your ears.
Add texture or curl the rest of your hair: You can either leave the rest of your hair straight or use a curling iron to add texture and waves.
Finish with hairspray: Lightly mist your hair with hairspray to hold the style in place.
Why This Style Works for Work
Professional yet simple: Keeps your hair out of your face while still looking neat and professional.
Takes minimal effort: This style is quick to achieve and requires very little time, making it ideal for busy mornings.
Versatile for different lengths: Whether your bob is longer or shorter, this style can be adapted to suit your haircut.
SEE ALSO: How to Know if a Pixie Cut Will Suit Me?
Slicked-Back Pixie Cut: Bold and Professional
If you have a pixie cut, one of the boldest ways to style it for work is by slicking it back. This look is strong, professional, and exudes confidence, making it perfect for those who want to make a statement in the workplace.
How to Slick Back a Pixie Cut
Start with damp hair: This style works best on slightly damp hair, so spritz your hair with water if it’s already dry.
Apply styling gel or pomade: Use a strong-hold gel or pomade and apply it evenly through your hair, working from front to back.
Comb your hair back: Use a fine-tooth comb to slick your hair back, ensuring it’s smooth and sleek.
Set with hairspray: Finish the look with a strong-hold hairspray to keep your hair in place all day.
Why the Slicked-Back Pixie Works for Work
Strong and confident: This style gives off a confident and assertive vibe, which can be great for making an impression in the workplace.
Low maintenance: Once styled, the slicked-back pixie requires very little upkeep throughout the day.
Perfect for short hair: This style works especially well for pixie cuts and other short hairstyles.
Accessorize Your Short Hair for Work
Accessories can be a great way to enhance your short hairstyle while still maintaining a professional look. The key is to keep accessories simple and elegant so they complement your outfit without being distracting.
Best Accessories for Short Hair
Headbands: A sleek, thin headband can help keep your hair in place and add a touch of style.
Bobby pins: Decorative bobby pins can be used to pin back sections of your hair while adding a bit of flair.
Clips and barrettes: Use a small clip or barrette to secure your hair while keeping the look professional and understated.
Conclusion
Styling short hair for work doesn’t have to be complicated. With these simple and chic styles, you can elevate your office look effortlessly. Whether you prefer sleek, polished looks, textured waves, or elegant updos, there is a professional hairstyle to suit your needs and personal style. Remember to keep your hair healthy and use quality products to maintain these looks throughout your workday.