The Best Short Haircuts for Every Texture

Solange Knowles

Scott Barbour / Stringer / Getty Images

If the gaggle of celebrities who can’t stop cutting their hair is making you consider going for a dramatic chop too, then you’re in the right place. There’s a short haircut for everyone; you just have to find the one that’s right for your hair type—or you could let us take care of that for you. We collected 25 of the most popular short haircuts across a variety of textures. We even included photos as inspiration so you can take them straight to the salon. Plus, we rounded up some styling tips from the experts.

Meet the Expert

• Tonya Thompson and Sharie Wilson are sisters and the cofounders of DreamGirls, a natural hair company and salon.

• Benjamin Mohapi is a hairstylist and the founder of Benjamin Salon, with locations in California and New York.

Below, find 25 of the best short haircuts for every type and texture, and the reasons you'll love them.

01 of 25

Classic Pixie

ginnifer goodwin

 Frazer Harrison/Staff/Getty

Ginnifer Goodwin's classic pixie works best on thick hair because the hair naturally has body. If your hair is super fine, the style falls too close to the scalp. "I recommend short pixies with a texture powder or spray to add extra dimension and volume," Mohapi says. Try IGK Beach Club Volume Texture Spray ($32).

02 of 25

Shaggy Pixie

Halle Berry

Jason Merritt / TERM / Getty Images

The shaggy pixie varies in length, which gives the hair extra volume and movement at the top. It looks best on hair that has some texture. On hair that’s too thin or straight, it can come across as a little harsh.

03 of 25

Grown-Out Pixie

Zoe Kravitz

 Dia Dipasupil / Getty Images

This classic cut is slightly longer than its super-short cousin, but it’s still just as soft on straight hair. Just be sure to keep the ends wispy—sharp angles will read too spiky.

04 of 25

Natural Curls

Solange Knowles

Scott Barbour / Stringer / Getty Images

The best way to maintain natural curls like Solange is to moisturize often. Curls thrive in naturally oily environments and don't need to be shampooed and conditioned every day. Instead, try a product like Tropic Isle Living Jamaican Black Castor Oil ($11) to keep hair moist and healthy.

Curly hair is more susceptible to heat damage, so try heat-free styling methods if you can.

05 of 25

Bob With Choppy Ends

Elizabeth Moss

Stuart C. Wilson / Stringer / Getty Images

Slightly shorter in the back with ends that are a little choppy, the graduated bob on Elizabeth Moss plays up her wavy hair’s natural texture beautifully. You get lift at the crown and a soft shape at the bottom, without the mushroom effect.

06 of 25

Nearly Buzzed

Jodie Turner Smith

Rich Fury / Staff / Getty Images

Jodie Turner-Smith's super-short 'do is ideal for showing off natural texture and a bold color, and requires nothing in terms of styling. Just be sure to go to the salon for regular trims, as this is a look that does require upkeep.

07 of 25

Layered Bob

Emma Stone bright red bob haircut in 2015.

Jeff Vespa / Getty Images

 

If you have thin hair, you can still rock a bob—just make sure it has plenty of layers to keep the style from falling flat. And avoid blunt ends, which can make bobs look a little too sweet.

08 of 25

Asymmetrical Crop

Jennifer Lawrence - Pixie Haircut

Getty Images/Frederick M. Brown 

The asymmetrical crop is basically a layered pixie cut that leaves length at the front to create long, side-sweeping bangs. It requires a bit more confidence, but for thick hair and straight hair, it definitely pays off.

09 of 25

Layered Afro

Yara Shahidi natural curly afro

Steve Granitz / WireImage / Getty Images 

For tight curls, a layered afro never fails. The layers remove weight that can make the style droop.

10 of 25

Wavy Lob

Kerry Washington

Tibrina Hobson / Getty Images 

Ah, the lob—the magical haircut that works on virtually every texture and face shape. It is a go-to style for anyone looking for a celeb-worthy mane. "We love this hairstyle because it still gives a little length and will help your hair achieve a full look," Thompson says.

For a style similar to Kerry Washington's, part hair to one side and brush out loose curls.

A lob haircut gets its name because it is similar to a bob, but longer—it is a "long bob." A bob hits between your ear and chin, while a lob haircut hits between your chin and collarbone.

11 of 25

Asymmetric Bob

Issa Rae

 

Michael Loccisano/Getty Images

Issa Rae's curly bob looks fresh, thanks to a deep side part, which lends an almost asymmetric quality to the look. Keep hair nourished with a treatment such as Adwoa Beauty Baomint Deep Conditioning Treatment ($36).

12 of 25

Rounded Bob With Bangs

Taylor Swift at the 2016 Grammy Awards
John Shearer/Getty Images

For rounded bangs and ends like Taylor Swift, spray heat protector all over hair and let it dry (we like Forcefield Heat Shield, $26). Then, use a straightener to curve both ends and bangs in. 

13 of 25

Retro Side-Parted Bob

Vanessa Hudgens

Getty Images / Gregg DeGuire

Vanessa Hudgens' retro, side-parted bob is pure romance, thanks to loose curls and ends that swoop outward. "This cut helps to shape and structure the face and is an easy style to manage daily," says Wilson.

14 of 25

Short With Bangs

Ruby Rose pixie

Gabriel Olsen / WireImage / Getty Images 

This modern take on the bowl cut adds layers and texture and looks great with extra volume. On days when your locks are looking extra oily, refresh them with a dry shampoo, which will double as a styling product. We like L'Oréal Paris Elvive Extraordinary Clay Dry Shampoo ($10).

15 of 25

Choppy Bangs With Texture

Emilia Clarke

Tommaso Boddi/Getty Images

Emilia Clarke's bangs are quite long, which adds interest to the short style. For this look, use a straightener and separate hair into sections, mussing with the fingers to finish the look off.

16 of 25

Short Ringlets

Ruth Negga - Pixie Haircut

 Getty Images/Steve Granitz

Ruth Negga's 1920s-style ringlets are sophisticated and easy enough to replicate at home. Before drying and curling, apply Aveda's Brilliant Anti-Humectant Pomade ($28) to protect from heat damage.

17 of 25

Layered and Textured

Kristen Stewart

J. Countess / Getty Images

Kristen Stewart's short hair is defined by multiple layers and a side part, which makes the style look effortless. Create a similar piecey texture by air-drying before applying a product such as Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray ($49).

18 of 25

Ultra-Short and Curly

China McClain

Joe Scarnici / Contributor / Getty Images

China McClain's short 'do came about first by shaving her head. But as it's grown out, it's taken on a new look. As it's a protective style, this is a great option for those with damaged locks. Just be sure to keep tresses well-moisturized and oiled, in order to promote healthy growth.

19 of 25

Short With Baby Bangs

Keke Palmer pixie with baby bangs

Maury Phillips / Getty Images

Choppy micro-bangs like Keke Palmer's can be air-dried, as they're meant to look a tad disheveled. Use a boar bristle brush to smooth the hair and be sure to spritz hairspray over bangs to keep flyaways in place.

20 of 25

Blunt Bob

Lucy Hale beautiful eyebrows

Rich Fury / Getty Images

Lucy Hale's blunt ends and sleek strands define this look. For those with naturally straight hair, this look is easy to achieve and requires little more than running over the hair with a flat iron. For protection and sheen, first, spray strands with a product like L'Oréal Paris Advanced Hairstyle SLEEK IT Iron Straight Heatspray ($5).

21 of 25

Rounded Afro

Zendaya

Stefanie Keenan / Getty Images

Zendaya channeled the '70s rounded afro look to perfection at the InStyle Awards. This short look is perfect for those who have curly hair and want to play up their texture.

22 of 25

Short, Soft Waves

Charlize Theron

Steve Granitz / Getty Images

Charlize Theron embraced her wavy texture with this short and romantic haircut with face-framing waves. If you have straight hair and want to copy this look, use a 1-inch curling iron to create soft waves.

23 of 25

Slicked Back

Miley Cyrus

Jon Kopaloff / Getty Images

Miley Cyrus gives her short haircut a rock star edge with this slicked-back look. She brushes the sides straight back and gives the top a little lift before slicking the rest back. To create this style, look for a strong hold hair gel, such as Bumble and bumble Sumogel ($31).

24 of 25

Asymmetrical

Rita Ora

Jon Kopaloff / Getty Images

Rita Ora's cool, asymmetrical haircut is edgy, fun, and flattering. She keeps the back short, with long and layered bangs that surround her face. The platinum hue complements her fun and funky look perfectly.

25 of 25

Flipped Out Bob

Lucy Liu

Stephen Lovekin / Getty Images

Lucy Liu flipped the script on a typical bob, by curling the ends flipped out instead of under for a fun and playful look. Ask your stylist for a chin-length bob with blunt ends. After curling the ends out, spray on L'Oreal Paris Elnett Satin Extra Strong Hold Hair Spray ($35) to hold your style in place.

FAQ
  • What is the best short haircut for thin hair?

    A blunt bob is one great choice for those who have thin hair, as this stylish haircut will flatter your face and give the appearance of volume. If you do get layers, keep them minimal as too many layers can make hair look thinner. If you want to go shorter, a pixie cut with bangs (see picture #14 above) is another great choice to make your hair look full.

  • What is the best short haircut for a round face?

    A lob–which is a longer bob that hits below your chin–is one great choice to best flatter a round face. Add in light layers for added texture or a side part to create volume on top, which elongates a fuller face. If you go shorter, make sure to keep the volume at the crown, as this is most flattering on a round face shape. 

  • What is the best short haircut for thick hair?

    Short haircuts work well with thick hair–especially if you are looking for a low-maintenance haircut. A textured pixie cut is one great choice, as you can play up your volume and it requires little styling (however, you will need regular trims). You can also pull off a bob with side-swept bangs or curtain bangs to play up your texture. Lastly, a layered lob is an easy and no-fuss look that is versatile and flattering on thicker hair. 

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