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While there are a few classic ways to style short hair, think: the pixie, the bob, and the lob, that doesnt mean that above-the-shoulder coifs are relegated to only a few simple looks. Hairstylists and tightly-cropped celebrities alike have proven that a short do can be styled in countless ways, and the photos below are proof. Keep scrolling to get fresh ideas on how to style short hair, taking inspiration from a few famous manes. Plus, we consulted celebrity hairstylists Nate Rosenkranz and Ryan Richman to share their expert-approved tips and product recs. Ahead, check out 37 of the most gorgeous ways to style short hair.
Meet the Expert
Ryan Richman is a celebrity hairstylist who works out of Los Angeles, Nashville, and New York City. He has worked with Lili Reinhart, Sarah Hyland, Sadie Sink, and more.
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Margot Tenenbaum Bob
When Hailey Bieber wanted a fresh chop, she opted for a blunt, layer-free bob a la Margot Tenenbaum. The Rhode founder put her own spin on The Royal Tennenbaums-inspired look, adding lustrous waves and a coppery hue.
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Textured Pixie
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Pixie cuts are chic by nature, but this textured take on Thandiwe Newton adds a fresh edge. To achieve it, follow Richmans tips:
"Use a blow dryer with the concentrator nozzle attached and a flat mixed bristle brush. Direct the hair where you want it to lay with your brush and follow close behind with your blow dryer."
Next, he recommends finding a great texturizing product like Monat Studio One Dry Texturizing Spray ($35). "Use your fingertips to create a tousled texture."
"If your pixie has bangs, use a medium-sized round brush on top of the bang section to pull the bangs forward as you dry them while rolling the brush back towards your forehead. Release the hair from the brush by pulling it back towards the crown of the head to create the perfect side-swept bang."
Finally, style with a small amount of molding paste or wax like Oribe Rough Luxury Molding Wax ($39) or Monat Restyle Instant Sculpting Taffy ($35).
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Breezy Bob
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Bobs are classic, but this version worn by Kaia Gerber is also effortlessly cool. Rosenkranz instructs:
"To get Kaia’s look, start by applying a smoothing serum then blow-dry your hair with a round brush like the Wet Brush Break-Free Volume & Body Round Brush ($15). You want to get your hair smooth, but don’t stress too much on getting it perfectly straight."
"Once dry, take medium-size sections and use a flat iron or curling iron to create a slight bend at the ends, both towards and away from the face, alternating sections for a natural feel."
"A great tool option is the new Bio Ionic 3-In-One Styling Iron ($149)—it’s a flat iron, curling iron, and wand in one," says Rosenkranz. "Its multi-use features allow you to achieve endless styles."
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Texturized Bob
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Rihanna proves that a textured bob can add volume to thin hair. To get that damp look, spritz on a gloss spray like Kenra Professionals Shine Spray ($19). Dont be afraid of giving your fringe short layers—it adds to the cool-girl look and can be swept to the side, parted in the middle, or curtained out like Rihannas bangs.
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Curly Shag
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Prada muse, Mica Arganaraz, is one of our favorite poster girls for a shag cut. By working with her hairs texture and embracing her curls, she achieves a look that is both casual and cool.
"Shags are all about volume and texture. If you have a natural wave to your hair use a diffuser nozzle on your blow dryer to dry your hair and embrace your natural texture," says Richman.
"For straighter hair, rough dry your hair upside down while moving the hair back and forth with your fingertips for maximum volume and texture."
"If you need to, use a round brush when the hair is mostly dry to smooth the ends."
"Use a flat iron or curling iron to create your desired wave; make sure to curl in multiple directions for a shaggy, undone style."
To keep curls bouncy and healthy, use a detangling conditioner while in the shower. Just apply, comb through, and rinse.
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Sleek Chignon
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Those with short hair shouldnt feel limited to wearing it down. Buns are perhaps one of the most versatile updos, and the chignon is its most sophisticated variation. This chic, low, middle-parted chignon bun is low-maintenance, ye elevated. Get the look:
While the sleek chignon tends to work best on those with straight hair, a flat iron and shine serum can help those with any hair texture achieve this style.Once hair is prepped, simply gather into a low pony and separate into two sections.Wrap one section into a bun and the second section around it. Secure with a few bobby pins and youre all set.
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Natural Curly Bob
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Embrace your natural texture and let your curly hair run free. All it takes is the right product to achieve this natural curly bob. Liberating and low-maintenance, this look has lots of volume and shine.
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Blunt Bob
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Anyone can pull off a bob, as Jennifer Hudson does here with style and grace. Follow Richmans advice for getting the look:
"Prep towel-dried hair with Monat Studio One Blow Out Cream ($38) to protect against heat and to restore softness and shine."
"A straight sleek bob is best styled with a blow dryer with the concentrator nozzle attached and a Denman Row Brush ($21) or similar."
"Grab each section of hair at the root with the edge of your brush and glide the brush down followed closely behind with your dryer."
"If you need to, use a flat iron on very low heat to smooth out the ends."
If your strands are natural or curly, youll want to condition hair on the regular before you pick up the blow-dryer and flat iron.
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Lived-In Strands
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Hair is easier to style when its a little lived in, so sit back, relax, and let your hair do its thing.
To ensure you make the most of your natural texture, sans frizz, use a microfiber towel like Aquis Lisse Luxe Hair Turban ($30)—the fabric is much kinder to your hair cuticle. It will soak up excess water post-wash.
After that, work a leave-in mousse, balm, or cream into your hair with your fingers, and let it air-dry.
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Long Pixie
Gregg DeGuire / WireImage / Getty Images
Sonoya Mizunos sleek pixie cut is easy to achieve, yet super elegant. Whether youre sporting recently cut locks or are growing out your pixie, you can rock this look both day and night. To add shine, apply a dime-sized amount of hair oil, working through strands with a wide-toothed comb and sweeping to one side for a polished finish.
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Messy Slick-Back
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Slicked-back hair is everywhere—and for good reason. Here, Rowan Blanchard demonstrates the look. Rosenkranz gives some advice for achieving it:
"Creating some tousled volume is a deceptively simple approach with a lot of impact."
"Start by blow-drying the sides and back of the head close to the root in the direction you want the hair to lay. Then move to the top, creating volume towards the front by over-directing your blow dryer forward with a round brush."
"Use a cream gel like Alterna Caviar Anti-Aging Professional Styling Luxe Crème Gel ($40) throughout the hair to set in place."
"Try fluffing up your roots with some dry shampoo, running your fingers through your hair in a backward motion, and finishing the look off with a good dose of flexible hair spray."
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Wet Textured Bob
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Wet-look hairstyles have taken the world by storm. Here, Saoirse Ronan nails the look via texturized bob. Rather than pull hair away from her face, her deep side part allows her tendrils to fall naturally in front.
"A wet look is best created with an oil-based product," says Richman. Work it into your hair to score the style you want.
"To finish, apply Monat Rejuveniqe Oil Intensive ($99) section by section for even distribution. Monat also makes a light version of Rejuveniqe Oil that will add intense shine and a wet look without the hair feeling too greasy."
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Wavy Lob
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If a bob sounds too short for your taste, a lob can be just as flattering while allowing you to maintain a bit of length, as seen here on Gemma Chan.
"Start by applying a mousse like Ouidad VitalCurl + Soft Defining Mousse ($26) from roots to ends and blow-dry with a round brush," says Rosenkranz.
"As you are releasing each section, unravel the hair and pull downward on it a bit while its still warm to elongate the wave; hold for a few seconds as it cools and sets."
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Banged Bob
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No matter your hair texture, a short cut can breathe life into thin hair by adding volume and fullness. The key to rocking a curly fringe? Avoid heavy-duty styling products to prevent weighing the hair down.
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Braided Side-Part
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When in doubt, part your hair to the side, tuck it behind your ears, and create a simple Dutch braid on the opposite side of the part, pinning it behind your ear. Pair with a red lip and no one will know your look only took five minutes.
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Beachy Waves
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Beachy waves are the epitome of sexy. Here, Chrissy Teigen gives us dressed-up beach vibes on the red carpet. If you have a curling iron, you can recreate this après beach look in just five simple steps:
First, air-dry the hair.Then, section hair horizontally using clips.Using a curling iron, alternate the direction in which you curl hair with every other section.Set with hairspray and apply a finishing agent.
Knowing what size barrel to use on your curling iron can be tricky. As a rule of thumb, if you have straight or fine hair, opt for a 0.75-inch barrel; those with curly hair should use a 1.25-inch barrel; and if youre unsure of your hair texture, go for a 1-inch barrel.
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Wet Slick-Back
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Our approach to greasy roots is to disguise them with a conditioning treatment that doubles as a look: Slather on a heavy-duty hair mask or nourishing oil, slick it back, and go.
"For this great look, start by blow-drying the sides and back of the head close to the root in the direction you want the hair to lay," instructs Rosenkranz."Then move to the top, creating volume towards the front by over-directing your blow dryer forward with a round brush.""Use a cream-gel throughout the hair to set in place."
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Pixie Curls
Pixie cuts dont have to be piece-y. Ruth Neggas take on the short style features sleek, lush curls and a side part.
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Piece-y Pixie
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Zoë Kravitzs piece-y pixie is practical, expressive, and lucky for us, easily achievable:
Simply work a texturizer like Living Proof Dry Volume & Texture Spray ($32) into your strands, styling with your hands to create a mussed-up and texturized look.
With closely cut sides and a bit more hair on top, this versatile cut can complement those with round or square faces.
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Sleek Bob with Fringe
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Zendaya is giving off some serious femme fatale vibes with this blunt bob. Although this is actually a wig, you can also recreate the look using your natural hair. According to Rosenkranz:
"While [hair is] wet, apply a smoothing balm like Number 4 High Performance Smoothing Balm ($30) from roots to ends and blow-dry with a flat brush in a slight C-shape to get the smooth shape."
He adds, "This look isn’t about volume, so avoid focusing on creating any lift at the root while blow-drying."
"To add extra shine and create that glass-like smooth polish, finish the style by brushing the hair from root to ends with a smoothing brush."
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Modern Pin Curls
In addition to the aforementioned bob, hairstyle chameleon Zendaya has also worn her hair in sleek curls. At the 2023 SAG Awards, the Euphoria actress radiated Old Hollywood glamour with a modern, bouncy take on pin curls.
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Tousled Bob with Deep Side Part
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A deep side part paired with loose, fluffy flat-iron waves is très chic. Those with thin strands will benefit from the short do, thanks to its volume-boosting capabilities. Bonus: a deep side part elongates facial features.
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S-Wave Lob
For a more classical take on retro hair, try an S-wave. This style evokes Old Hollywood glamour. For this, youll want to use hot rollers, like T3 Volumizing Hot Rollers Luxe ($130).
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Accessorized Wavy Bob
Jeweled metal hair accessories look especially whimsical on short, curly, or wavy hair and would be perfect for a wedding, holiday party, or another formal event. Plus, not only are hair accessories an easy way to dress up your look, but they also serve the practical purpose of masking unwashed hair—just sayin.
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Textured Lob with Curtain Bangs
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When it comes to cool-girl hair, Alexa Chung can do no wrong. Her textured lob is low-key and inherently French—although she is, in fact, British. Her middle part curtain bangs frame her face beautifully and have a laidback vibe. To style, Richman says:
"Section your curtain bangs in a V-shape starting at the high point of the head and take diagonal partings out towards the eyebrows.""Using a medium-sized round brush, place it on top of the hair and pull the brush forward off of your face.""Once the brush reaches the ends of the hair, roll the brush back down to your head where you started following with your dryer until dry. This will give your bangs that perfectly swept shape."
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Cornrows
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As you run from errands to brunch to errands again, a braided look is an infinitely cool way to keep your strands out of your face. Cornrows are beautiful, and they have the added bonus of protecting natural hair. And because they are so versatile, youll never tire of wearing this braided style.
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Teased Bob
Heres a style that works best on second-, third-, or fourth-day hair. Tease the living daylights out of the hair on top of your head and then smooth it back. Because teasing works to add volume, this look works well on thin hair.
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Wavy Lob with Middle-Part
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So simple, yet so effective, Kerry Washingtons wavy lob gives us hair envy. Regardless of your hair type and face shape, this haircut looks flattering on everyone. Its a great option if youre transitioning to a shorter do, too.
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French Fringe
In early 2023, Megan Fox unveiled a beige-blonde lob with a set of Birkin bangs. Named after the French style icon, the fringe style pairs straight-across bangs with an easy, wispy feel.
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Voluminous Curls
Aaron J. Thornton / FilmMagic / Getty Images
Yara Shahidi lets her natural curls shine with this look. To replicate her style, Rosenkranz says:
"Start with a great shampoo and conditioner for extra hydration like Ouidad Curl Quencher® Moisturizing Shampoo ($18) and Conditioner ($20)."
"Next, apply Ouidad Curl Quencher® Hydrafusion Intense Curl Cream ($26) from roots to ends and separate hair into sections."
"Starting at the nape of the neck, separate each section into sub-sections and create twists to the hair using your hands."
"Work in sections moving up the head, repeating the same technique. Make sure to put in the side part as you are working through. Air-dry or use a hood dryer on low airspeed and low heat to speed up drying."
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Tousled Lob
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Halle Berrys tousled lengths are visually effortless and a tad playful. Layers work to give this cut added texture and movement while removing any weight that may weigh down the style.
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The Quiff
The Crowns Claire Foy didnt even need jewels to prove how luxe a quiff can look — but her heavily adorned gown doesnt hurt. The 1950s style adds a flat top to a classic pompadour.
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Pushed-Back Blunt Bob
A perfectly straightened blunt bob pushed back and secured in place with a matte pomade is never a mistake. We recommend Byrd Matte Pomade ($20), which offers a medium hold and low sheen. Its ideal for natural and texturized hairstyles, and its water-based formula washes out in one go.
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Wavy Lob with Side-Swept Bangs
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Maya Rudolph looks stunning with her wavy lob. A wide-barrel curling iron will give you the same romantic waves. Worried about taking the plunge with bangs? Side-swept fringe is super low-maintenance and will complement almost any hairstyle and face shape.
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Vintage Coif
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We are obsessed with vintage coifs inspired by mens styles on short hair. To style:
Use a soft wax or a gel to give you hold and shine.Apply the product to hairs mid-lengths and ends.Then make a side part and sweep hair over, followed up by combing the sides and back to finish.
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Shoulder-Grazing Waves
Jenna Ortega hit the 2023 SAG Awards rocking a goth take on mermaid waves. The Wednesday star wore her chestnut brown hair in textured bends that grazed the top of her shoulders.
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Shaved Side
Taraji P. Hensons asymmetrical crop with a shaved side is one of our favorite looks on The Color Purple actress. This dimensional chop has a slight undercut for added volume.
Whats the best way to curl short hair?
First, prep strands with a heat protectant, then use a 1-inch barreled curling iron to create loose waves throughout the hair. Spritz a texturizing spray throughout, to add further definition. Finish by finger-combing or brushing through strands so that the curls arent too Shirley Temple-ish.
Can you braid short hair?
Short hair can be braided, though it might require some creativity. If your hair is too short to rock a full-on braid, try braiding just a piece at the crown. A French-style braid will allow you to pull in even shorter hair.
Whats the best way to cut your own hair short?
For an at-home haircut, smooth your hair (to ensure its straight), then use a fine-tooth comb to create sections. Use your fingers to grab the hair above where you want to cut and snip— repeating the process on the entire head.
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