There comes a point where women across the globe consider getting the big chop to spice up their hair. Luckily, all those short hairstyles can work a dream no matter the wardrobe – and they’re super cute to boot.
A fresh crop can take a little more styling at first – true. But it’s easy breezy once you know how. So, to get the most out of your new ‘do, read on. This article will explain exactly how to style short hair in a bunch of different ways.
Bobs
Bobs are one of the most versatile hairstyles for shorter hair and they’re relatively easy to attain. Let’s go over some of the most common varieties (and how to achieve them):
Curly Bob
If your hair is naturally curly, you can’t go wrong with embracing it with a curly bob! Flaunt those curls like Rihanna by applying a curl cream from roots to ends, then separate your hair into sections. Starting at the back of the neck, create twists in your hair with your hands and work your way up, section by section, until you’re at the front of your head and have completed every section.
Feel free to use a blow dryer on low airflow and low heat to accelerate the drying process a little. Those with curly hair should also be extra attentive to keeping their hair moisturised with a hydrating shampoo and conditioner built specifically for the job.
Textured Bob
Lady Whistledown had us all spellbound with her gossip since the first season of Bridgerton. If you have thinner hair and want to add more volume, a textured bob like Nicola Coughlan is an easy way to get the job done. Use a gloss spray to achieve that damp look and have your stylist give your fringe short layers so you can push it to the side, part it in the middle, or curtain it out.
There’s also the option to go for a wet look by applying hair serum (go section by section for an even application). Or look for a light hair oil if you have greasy-prone strands and want a more low-key shine.
Blunt Bob
We’re all here for Kourtney’s blunt bob that perfectly ties in with her new edgy style. Good news is, it’s as simple as it looks to recreate. After a shower and a towel dry, take your heat-protectant of choice (preferably one that also promotes softness and shininess, like our Miracle Hair Elixir) and work some into your hair. For that straight and sleek look, you’re going to want to use a hairbrush and blow dryer with the concentrator nozzle on.
Start by grabbing each section of hair at the root with your brush and pulling the brush down through your hair while following closely behind with your blow dryer.
If your ends need smoothing out, you can use a flat iron on low heat. And, no matter if your strands are healthy, coloured, dry or curly, you'll want to condition your hair on a regular basis before you try to blow-dry or use a flat iron.
Soft-wave Bob
You’ve heard of Hailey Bieber’s nails but have you seen her bob? Nail this more laidback look by applying applying a mousse from your roots to your ends, then blow-drying your hair with a round brush. After you’re done drying (but before your hair has completely cooled off), pull down on each section of your hair as you unravel and release it to elongate the wave.
Finish up by holding each section for a few seconds as it cools and sets. Using a wide-barrel curling iron is another route you can take for wavier hair.
Tip: If your hair is short but not short enough for a bob, a lob can be achieved just as easily using any of the previously mentioned processes. The extra length gives you more to play with and can lend itself to more adventurous styles like the S-wave lob.
Buns
A classic hairstyle for those with short hair and long hair alike, the bun is a tool in almost everyone’s repertoire due to its simplicity, charm, and versatility. Here are a couple of our favourite options for shorter hair:
@alenaavictoriaa Reply to @.daniboi. how I do my messy bun with shorter hair!! #hair #hairstyle #shorthair #messybun #tutorial ♬ Call me - 90sFlav
Messy Bun
Invoke some nostalgia, with the highly sought-after ‘90s messy bun. As messy as it looks, this look is easy to recreate with just a hair tie and some bobby pins. Brush up your hair as high as you can and twist it into a bun before securing it with a hair tie. Some hair may fall out of the bun but all you have to do is trust the process. Gently tug at your bun to create more volume and for those stray hairs, simply clip them up at the back of your head, forming an X shape. To complete the look, pick out some pieces of hair to frame the face and create a more worn-in look.
Sleek Chignon
The sleek, low, middle-parted chignon bun donned by Selena Gomaz is a low-maintenance yet sophisticated hairstyle that’s perfect for those with straight hair (though anyone with hair that isn’t straight can also make it work with a flat iron and shine serum). Simply gather your hair into a low ponytail and separate it into two sections. Next, wrap one section into a bun and wrap the second section around the first section. Finish up by securing the hold with some bobby pins: it’s that easy!
Pixies
Who can forget when Emma Watson cut off her iconic Hermione curls in 2010 and rocked the pixie cut for a few years afterwards. Or maybe you’re a bit older and fell in love with the signature hairstyle of stars like Halle Berry or Michelle Williams.
No matter the muse, many women are drawn to the pixie cut’s charm and defiance of traditional gender norms. Here are a couple of our favourite pixie styles:
Long Pixie
Your hair doesn’t have to be cut right up to the nape of your neck to be a pixie! This style is actually perfect for anyone who got a pixie cut but wants to grow their hair out again.
All you need is a few drops of hair oil to provide that shiny look that works so well with pixie cuts, just take a look at Zoë Kravitz. Work the oil through your hair by combing it to one side with a wide-toothed comb and you’re good to go!
Messy Pixie
Been ordering Negroni Sbagliato lately? If your hair is cut short in the back and short on the sides but slightly less short on the top, you might want to try out Emma D’arcy’s messy pixie too. It might just be the perfect hairstyle for you! All you have to do is work a texturiser into your hair and style a messy look that you like by hand.
Final Thoughts
Now that you know how to style short hair, you might be looking for some more hairstyle inspiration. Lucky for you, that can be found over on the Coco & Eve Blog.
Edited by: Pip Jarvis and Iris
