“But how will I style it?” You’ve probably asked yourself before styling short hair. Chances are that at least one of these ways to style short hair will inspire your next trip to the salon.
How to Style Short Hair
Whether you’re side-eyeing the undercut or looking for ways to update a pixie, here’s how to style short hair for women as shown on our favorite looks across the board. Scroll on and feel free to screenshot to your heart’s content.
1. Undercut
It seems like we see this look on just about every other street-style star we come across these days. You might love the look and think it’s super cool, but feel afraid that this short haircut can only be worn one way. So not true! If you’re considering trying out this undercut on super long hair, opt for a look that allows you do to both—wear your hair up and down. Have your undercut start right at your temples or just at the nape of your head. When you wear your locks down, no one will ever know!
2. Ducktailed Crop
If you fancy having your hair fall to the side from time to time, get a length that offers you that option. A curly crop that’s cut near the ear but slightly longer on top can achieve this look. When learning how to do short hair in this style, you can easily switch it up by smoothing your hair down on each side like the popular vintage 1950s ducktail, which seems to be having a moment.
3. Slicked-Back Hair
Want a really firm way to keep your short locks in check? Then you need to try the ultra-chic wet-look hair trend, as seen on street style celebrities, designer runways, and tons of A-list stars (To get this look at home, check out our step-by-step tutorial). Best achieved on straight/straightened hair in pixie, bob or lob lengths, this look has serious star power and adds instant polish, literally and otherwise, to any outfit.
6. Mullet-Inspired Crop
How to do short hairstyles with a strong retro influence (case in point: ’80s hairstyles), and gracefully pull them off? Simply ease your way into the look. If you love the mullet, for instance, find the perfect balance. Ask your stylist to cut your hair so you’re able to switch up this style without your longer back section (the tail) becoming too jagged. Keep the layers a bit more subtle as you want everything to blend seamlessly, especially when it’s time to switch things up. Do so by styling your bangs in new ways—slicked-back, swooped to the side or even spiked or slightly curled, as above.
7. Versatile Lob
Looking for a short haircut that’s not too short or too long? Don’t bob it, lob it! With certain hairstyles for short hair, the beauty is definitely in the details; most women find more value with a cut that looks great in its own right but also offers a myriad of styling options should the need arise. If this is your concern, a lob is a perfect look for you.
8. Tousled Pixie
Messy and undone hair is definitely having a moment, and short hair is no exception to the trend. First, ask your stylist for a nape-hugging bob or pixie, with the top lengths long enough to tuck behind your ears, or at least graze your forehead (no short, choppy bangs, please!). Styling is a cinch too: To learn how to do short hairstyles in a sexy, tousled manner, try rubbing a bit of Bed Head by TIGI Wax Stick onto your palms and then raking it through damp hair. Rough-dried with a blowdryer, this wax helps give chunky, texturized movement.
9. Short Blunt Bob
A blunt bob is another micro-trend we’ve been seeing on the runways and streets, and the newest way to wear this huge ’90s throwback is super-cropped—we’re talking just-below-the-ear level—and all in one length. Yep, no bangs, no layers, nada. Most definitely not for the gun-shy, this is a look that’s all about pristine hair texture and a jawline you want to show off. So if you’ve got two out of two, go for it!
10. TWA
Blessed with natural texture? Then there’s absolutely nothing wrong with keeping it simple via a TWA, or Teeny Weenie Afro. The look gives off effortlessly chic vibes like no other and is also rather easy to maintain.
11. Slick Pixie
If you’ve got a classic pixie cut, which typically involves shorter hair on the sides and back, then you like a crisp look with a bit of edgy confidence. For a modern, pretty-in-punk variation, go for a slick-back version with the help of some hair gel, like TRESemmé TRES Two Extra Firm Control Gel.
12. Curly Bob
Classically glamorous, this vintage-inspired one-length bob has been very popular on runways and red carpets and is essentially a look of a blunt cut with a bit of an old-school Hollywood wave thrown in the mid-length. Using a curling wand, the first section of your hair down the middle of the parting, and starting at the back, wrap hair around the barrel. To open up your features, wrap hair around the curler away from the face. Continue with this method throughout your hair, and lock in that sheen with a shine spray, like Bed Head by TIGI Headrush Shine Hairspray.
13. Side-Shave
Definitely not for the faint of heart, the side-shave undercut is a look that gives a playful (and fierce) peek-a-boo effect. Wear it with the shaved side exposed when you’re feeling daring, and flip the longer lengths over for a more conservative take. Ask your stylist to shave your hair with respect to your natural parting to avoid any stubborn cowlicks.
14. Flipped-Out Bob
Another vintage-inspired look that’s all sorts of charming, the flippy bob, or a short haircut with longer bottom layers styled to curl upwards, is also a clever way to showcase a slender jawline and neck area.
15. Short Layered Hair
Whether you have a pixie or a lob, adding layers to a short cut can really give it some texture and movement. Ask your stylist to add in long or short layers all throughout. This can give your style some added volume and can look super chic when worn wavy. To get that windswept wave, use a mousse-like Suave Professionals Natural Volume Mousse for texture before blowdrying and curling.
16. Bangs Short Hairstyles
Adding bangs is another ingenious styling option, as the right cut can really help frame your face. Baby bangs, a full fringe, and side-swept bangs always make a great look, but it’s important to ask your stylist which bang suits your face before you actually make the cut. Click on our bang guide for short hair for more inspo.
17. Sleek Short Hair
Using a little styling gel can give your hair a runway-ready look in minutes. To achieve this, use a gel, like TRESemmé TRES Two Mega Firm Control Gel, to help slick your tresses and hold them in place. If you want a look that stands out, work your styling gel into your hair and scrunch together. This will give you a polished yet slightly grungy look.
18. Braided Short Hairstyle
When in doubt, add a braid. Braids look darling on shorter lengths, as they can give any cut some romantic edge. A fun option for a really short fringe area is a side-twisted braid. Start by parting your hair, and create a small section from the front part of your head, splitting that into two smaller sections. Use a twist-action instead of French-braiding. Go down your hairline until you reach your ears, then pin your style into place with some bobby pins.
Short Hair Styling Tips
So you finally took the plunge and got that new short haircut you’ve been itching to try. Congratulations! Needless to say, when it comes to styling short hair, there are endless ways to up the ante and get the most out of that fresh, new length. Although the thought of not looking the way you left the salon on a day-to-day basis can be frightening, it’s time to get acclimated to that new length. Getting adjusted to styling short hair sometimes requires adding more steps to your routine, or you may get lucky and end up omitting a whole bunch of steps altogether. Read on for some simple ways to style short hair that can help you maintain (and play with!) your new haircut post-chop.
1. Embrace your natural texture… and pick your products from there.
When it comes to learning how to style short hair, first and foremost is embracing your natural texture. Working with your natural texture helps you show off your personal style right off the bat. You can also avoid subjecting your hair to unnecessary heat styling, which is always a good thing. Whether you wear your hair short and sleek or full and voluminous, going with the flow always makes for a self-confident look. Get into the habit of using styling products tailored to your hair type. You won’t need as much product anymore, so learn to create an efficient arsenal. If you have a curly texture, that means using products that add definition without the stiffness to natural and curly/kinky strands, like TRESemmé Flawless Curls Defining Gel.
2. Pick up a functional, time-saving nightly routine.
Depending on the length of your new haircut, your regular styling process in the mornings could range anywhere from easy-peasy to super-tedious (imagine trying to curl a straight pixie first thing Monday morning). The key is to take advantage of bedtime. Sleep with comfortable sponge rollers, use Flexi-Rods, or pin-curl your hair at night. In the morning, release, tousle your hair, and set with some hairspray for long-lasting control. In terms of hair care, you can also treat strands to a weekly mask soak, like Nexxus Humectress Replenishing Hair Masque, to ensure hydrated, healthy-looking strands for the coming week.
3. Curate your morning regimen.
When it comes to figuring out how to do short hairstyles quickly, it’s more a process of unlearning old habits. Showering with a well-nourishing wash and care system, like TRESemmé Pro Pure Micellar Moisture Shampoo and Conditioner, is sometimes all we need for the day. Sometimes, you might find your hair needs more help, like a leave-in conditioner, serum, or a mousse for extra lift—and that’s okay! Just keep in mind your ends might not need all that extra product you used to slather on. Experiment with different combos, and choose an efficient cocktail of products that work best for your day-to-day mornings. Less is more!
4. Get regular trims.
Regular trims are crucial for short hair. Not only does a hair trim help prevent and get rid of split ends, but trims are also the best way to keep your cut even and the shape on point. Opt for getting your trims done by a professional to avoid any mishaps at home. You can ask your stylist to maintain your haircut with a casual dusting of your ends.
5. Enhance with color.
Add a twist to short hairstyles by tweaking your look with a new dye job or subtle highlights. Color can add a layer of dimension to short hair. It can also provide an extra dose of style whenever you’re feeling stuck in a style rut or are suffering from style ADHD.
6. Play with your part.
Opt for a change in direction. Creating middle, side, and deep parts are quick ways to play around with your short ’do. It’s also a great way to change your look entirely without doing all that much. Blow-dry your hair at the roots with a volumizing product and style hair in the direction of your new part. Styling short hair doesn’t have to be limited, especially when there are tons of styling options. Whether you settle for something straight and spiky, or go with something wavy and romantic, know that there are lots of ways to create your own signature look. Are you thinking about trying out a short hairstyle? Be sure to snap a picture and tag us @AllThingsHairUS!
