A common misconception about short hair is it’s difficult to style in new ways. And while we admit there may be less to work with, short strands can boast a new style day after day. If you lack options in your hairstyle wardrobe, chances are you just need a little inspiration to spark your next look. Ahead, 25 styles that’ll make styling your short ‘do easier than ever.
The half-up bun secured with a scrunchie will never not be cute. Pair it with lots of texture and tousled waves down below for a look that you can wear anywhere from running errands to Sunday brunch.
A look that truly stands the test of time (an outward flip at the tips and a slicked side part), this ’60s ‘do could never be a “don’t.”
A sleek bob with bent-in ends and a deep side part is the LBD of short hairstyles. It goes with everything and always works in a pinch. Remember this one the next time you don’t know how to style your strands.
One headband is cute, two are fun, but three boast a halo effect that is just too fabulous to pass up.
You know those back-from-the beach kind of textured waves? You can get it even if you’re stuck in the middle of suburbia. Use a curling wand to get a bend from roots to ends and massage a healthy amount of texturising spray through your strands for that salty texture.
This look is easy to achieve as straighten (while flipping the ends outward), create a deep side part, and brush away flyaways with a hairspray-soaked toothbrush.
Summon every hair clip, barrette, and bedazzled bobby pin in your collection to recreate this blinged-out bob. Slick back one side and create a collage of accessories. Extra points if you can recreate this gorgeous wave, but TBH, when you have such an opulent spread on your head, nobody is looking at how well you curl your hair.
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Who said short-haired beauties couldn’t step out in a full-on updo? Not us! All you need is enough length to get it into a loose bun and a handful of pearls to up the cool factor.
Part your hair down the center and create two microbraids—one on each side—and say “hello” to your summer go-to. You’re welcome.
The sultry, shiny, sculptural wave isn’t exclusively reserved for waist-length strands. Contrary to vintage imagery, you can get the same voluminous curl with a chin-length cut.
When in doubt, a sleek low pony with a centre part is always a good idea. Finish it off with an oversize organza scrunchie, and watch as this look suddenly lands a reoccurring role in your hairstyle wardrobe.
Festival season, wedding season, springtime—there’s never a wrong time to wear flowers in your hair. We love this triple threat that includes tousled waves, braids, and fresh lavender sprigs.
Whether you actually have a fringe or not, we love this ’90s-looking pin placement. Two barrettes positioned high on the hairline (one on either side of your part) is simple yet stunning.
They’re like friendship bracelets, but for your hair. Thread beads onto safety pins and suspend them from microbraids positioned intermittently throughout textured waves. You can even spell out fun phrases for a kitschy-cool look.
There are no words that adequately describe the cool factor of a semi-messy pixie. A few products worked through your ends will make your natural texture look just the right amount of undone.
There’s one struggle every short-haired beauty faces when putting hair up into a high bun: The hair at the nape of the neck never stays put. The solution is a handful of strategically placed snap clips that not only hold your style in place but also boast an unexpected design.
We’ll never not appreciate the versatility and ease of a claw clip. Casually gathering the top half in a single grab gives you a half-up je ne sais quoi that you could never get from a hair tie.
We know an oldie but goodie when we see one, and this classic bump is the sweet style you’ll want to recreate for years to come. A velvet bow moderns it up a bit, but don’t forget to experiment with other accessories to keep this ‘do looking fresh time after time.
A casual pony-braid hybrid will get you far and with little effort to boot. Remember this one the next day you’re working with second (or third) day hair.
The beauty of having short hair is its fuss-free nature. If styling doesn’t come natural, a few jewelled clips will make you look polished in a snap.
Smooth out your hair with a spritz of hairspray and a natural bristle brush (to bid adieu to flyaways) and slide on a thick stretchy headband. That’s all—you’re going to love it.
Is it just us, or is this “Rachel” blowout we’ve been trying to achieve since middle school? Blowdry (or enlist the help of a professional) with a large round brush to get tons of volume and a soft bend in your hair.
If you’re lucky enough to boast a voluminous coil, there really is no better hairstyle than your natural texture.
A floral handkerchief bandana oozes Parisian elegance.
Whether you’re creating sleek pulled-back looks or soft waves, a hairspray that holds your strands in place all day is a must. We love this one by Aveda because it doesn’t give you that hard, crunchy feel.
One curling iron is great, three is better; but since our vanity space is limited, this T3 interchangeable set gives you more options without taking up valuable real estate. Swap out the wands to create any look from Hollywood curls to beachy waves.
A really good dry shampoo is the key to saving second- (and third-) day hair, but we especially love using it on clean strands to create a cool lived-in texture. This one by fan-favourite Ouai Haircare is packed with rice starch and volcanic materials to absorb oil and detox the scalp in a snap.
For those sleek styles, having a blow-dry brush in your beauty arsenal is non-negotiable. This Amika hair tool fuses the convenience of a brush with the results of a styler and sees of flyaways with ease.
No hairstyle is complete without a healthy-looking shine. This multipurpose hair oil by Gisou is infused with sustainably sourced honey to moisturize, soften, and smooth strands from roots to tips. Next: 18 Basic Ponytail Styles That Are Anything But Boring
