Hairstyles like the bob, in particular, have managed to evolve with the times and taste of the wearer. Recently, we’ve seen a resurgence of power bobs—confident short hairstyles for women that feature some layering at the ends, with a subtle fringe. The look is straightforward and no-nonsense, and contrary to popular belief, can actually be updated to fit most hair types. Scroll down to find your version of the power bob whether you’re holding office, or just want a new ‘do for the office:
Confident Short Hairstyles for Women
1. One-Length
A soft, blunt bob that’s mostly one-length is not only on-trend, it also looks crisp and professional—no wispy layers are there to get in the way of getting the job done. It can be easily upgraded for your face shape with some long bangs, which can provide a bit of swing and can also be swept to one side to change up the look here and there. Flyaways are the main concern of this style as they deter from the overall shape of the bob. Keep them at bay with a drop of serum to keep your strands sleek and shiny.
2. Concave
The inverted shape of a concave bob, allows its layers to hug the neckline and gives a soft, even subtly sexy vibe that’s still appropriate for the workplace. If your hair type is straight or can easily be blown out, this might be a great hairstyle if you’re looking for confident short hairstyles that are feminine yet no-nonsense. Ask your stylist for a bob that’s slightly stacked or higher in the back (it helps give that undercurl), and longer layers towards the chin, which can be swept to one side or even worn with a center part. To style, apply a volumizing spray before you blow-dry. We love Suave Professionals Luxe Style Infusion Volumizing Weightless Blow Dry Spray, for a fuller, rounded shape that stays from 9 to 5.
3. Slicked Back
High-octane jobs—or life in general, really—sometimes require a fuss-free look. This makes us happily on board with the slicked-back trend, which has been gaining ground on both the runways and on real women, due to its practicality and overall chic feel. Keeping it (literally) polished for the office doesn’t take much work. A quarter-sized amount of non-greasy gel or a matte cream, such as Bed Head by TIGI Manipulator Matte, gives you that crucial, fashion-forward look with hold, but without any artificial shine. Wear hair with a slight parting and tucked behind both ears for a cute complement to your suits.
4. Asymmetrical
A hairstyle that’s cut with the front layers longer than the sides and back results in an asymmetrical bob. Usually done deliberately at the salon, this style usually involves your natural hair parting being a bit longer than your minor part. Styled with a slight outwards flip, it results in a cool, modern look that’s perfect for the workplace. To achieve a mod-inspired, yet still natural-looking flip, prep hair before blowdrying with a small amount of mousse. Nexxus Mousse Plus Volumizing Foam gives hair airy, lightweight body without the crunch.
5. Springy
A curly bob looks absolutely chic for the office, especially when cut in a blunt style right around ear-length. It respects your natural texture, but the blockier ends give it some weight and structure at the bottom. Think wedge-shaped: A slightly triangular shape balances out any pouf at the top, while giving it a more modern feel too. A springy, curly bob also acts as a fun foil to your buttoned-up officewear and makes your look more unique, while the abbreviated length keeps it unobtrusive. A curl-defining mousse, such as Dove Style+Care Curls Defining Mousse, scrunched on the lengths while drying with a diffuser, helps give your ringlets definition.
6. Blocky Bangs
If you’re a fringe gal, consider getting a full-on blunt bang instead of your usual layered look. It’s a great way to refresh your ‘do. this style also spotlights great cheekbones and doesn’t get in the way of a computer screen or an important face-to-face meeting. Surprisingly easy to style in the mornings, the blocky bob has a wash-and-wear quality as it’s short enough to fall properly into place without much ado. To ensure strands don’t get staticky, prime hair while in the shower with a moisturizing system. We recommend Nexxus Therappe Shampoo and Humectress Conditioner.
7. Tapered Afro
Afros, when trimmed into a tapered shape, is one of the trendiest ways to wear the look these days. It’s one of those confident short hairstyles for women with natural hair that respects the texture and looks bomb for any occasion. Unlike the springy bob, which needs more weight towards the ends, the tapered afro leaves the heft on top, or near the crown, to give it its shape. This look shines when optimally moisturized, so coating hair with some serum to calm down any frizz, like Suave Professionals Keratin Infusion Smoothing Hair Serum, is crucial, particularly on freshly-washed days.
