11 Hottest Short Haircuts For Women

Dare to chop off your lock and make your own style statement with a different look each time.

Reviewed by Nadja Vanterpool, Hairstylist Nadja Vanterpool Nadja VanterpoolHairstylist facebook_iconinsta_icon
Written by Jyotsana Rao, BE Jyotsana Rao BE linkedin_icon Experience: 4 years
Edited by Shatabdi Bhattacharya, BSc Shatabdi Bhattacharya BSc linkedin_icon Experience: 2.5 years
Fact-checked by Manjari Uppal, MSc Manjari Uppal MSc linkedin_icon Experience: 3 years
Last Updated on

While long tresses are many women’s dreams, short haircuts for women are also loved by many because of their versatility and ease of carrying. They are not only easy to maintain but also make you look unimaginably cool, boosting your confidence. To help you experiment with these cute hairstyles, we have curated a list of some amazing short haircuts from edgy pixie cuts to classic bobs that are worth trying. These haircuts will allow you to experiment with your look and offer you a gazillion ways to style your hair. So, without much delay, let us go ahead and explore them all!

protip_icon Before You Get Started
  • In short haircuts, the hair tends to be more bouncy as the weight of the hair is not weighing them down. Therefore, if you have curly or wavy hair, it will be more springy due to its lightness.
  • Short haircuts need to be trimmed about once a month.
  • Be careful with your haircut choices since a disastrous one will be obvious with short hair and take a while to grow back. For example, a short blunt bob is not suitable for a round face as it emphasizes the roundness of the face. Instead, you can opt for a textured pixie to add more depth and dimension to your look.

Short Haircuts For Women

Short haircuts sure look edgy and uber cool, but there’s more to them than just that. Professional hairstylist Nadja Vanterpool says, “Going short can add spice to your hairstyle while also offering a fuller appearance to finer hair textures.”

Excited to check out these styles? Go on then!

Style 1: Sidecut Pixie Short Haircut

Miley Cyrus transformed from the cute long-haired teenager to the fashionable and outrageous adult we all love!

Miley sports a bold platinum-blonde look that stuns. The sidecut with dark roots paired with textured bangs is a sophisticated look you can sport anywhere and for any season. These bangs work well with any face shape, especially round, heart-shaped, and oval faces. If you are a style-savvy woman with a brave mindset, this edgy look offers you a perfect low maintenance style. The haircut is best styled with a lightweight gel or mousse for a sharp finish.

Sidecut Pixie Short Haircut
Image: Shutterstock

Style 2: Quiff Hawk Short Haircut

When it comes to edge, we have to talk about the edgiest singer there is – P!nk!

Two most funky hairstyles for short hair are the quiff and the mohawk. Confused about which one to flaunt so you look badass? Why not try a combination of both, just like P!nk? She’s styled her quiff to look like a mohawk which balances out a round face. Traditional mohawks can make a round face look even rounder, but this combination effortlessly showcases the best features of a round face. The shaved dark-rooted sides and platinum hair color bring out light eyes. Use a blow dryer and volumizing mousse to create height and definition.

Quiff Hawk Short Haircut
Image: Shutterstock

Style 3: Layered Bob Haircut

If you want to go all cool and funky, then this short haircut for women is what you need to call upon! Nadja Vanterpool, professional hair stylist, agrees that the layers give your hair bounce and the bob adds the flare! The style is neat and fun at the same time. This is definitely one layered haircut to try! Style with a curling iron if you want to try beachy waves, or wear it sleek and straight for a polished look.

Layered bob short haircut for women
Image: Getty
protip_icon Quick Tip
If you have a heart-shaped face, opt for a layered bob cut. It helps balance the cheekbones and forehead.

Style 4: Side-Swept Bangs Short Haircut

The purpose of bangs is very simple. It needs to add a new dimension to your face while framing it beautifully. And hence it works miracles on your look if you have a round face! Whether you pick a heavy or light bang, it brings out your eyes kicking up your attraction quotient by more than just a notch. Plus they hide a large forehead with utmost ease.

There you can now have the cake and the icing! Use a flat iron for a sleek finish or a curling iron for some more texture.

Side-swept bangs short haircut for women
Image: Getty

Style 5: Choppy Short Haircut

If different is your aim, then this is the right choice for you!

This is a short layered hairstyle in which the sections are very clearly visible leaving you with a very natural and sporty look. Plus is this one of those hairstyles where you don’t have to worry about adding color will affect it! It will only get better. That’s a promise! It is best styled with a texturizing spray or pomade to enhance the tousled, messy appearance.

Choppy short haircut for women
Image: Getty

Style 6: Soft A-line Bob

This cut is also commonly known as an inverted bob haircut and is extremely popular too!

Hairstylist Nadja Vanterpool says, “These look flattering on all face shapes adding an air of mystery and glamor that any woman will love!”

Soft a-line bob short haircut for women
Image: Getty

Style 7: Wavy Bob Cut With Side Fringe

Take a classic bob and add waves from the mid length along with a side fringe for a dainty yet smart look. This works best for fine to medium hair. Use a curling wand or sea salt spray to create some waves and add movement to your hair.

Side fringe with a wavy bob short haircut for women
Image: Getty

Style 8: Bowl Cut Bob

This is one style that was very popular back in the days not just for simplicity of maintenance but also because it is soooo very easy to do as cut also. The sides and back are cut short to the same length invariably making it seem like someone put a bowl over the head and chopped off the rest! Which is where the name comes from.

This is also quite popularly known as mushroom, beach or put cut.

This is however not recommendable for those of you who have round faces as it ends up giving the face a very roundish look and if you already have a round face then you will end up looking like a ball!

Bowl cut bob short haircut for women
Image: Getty

Style 9: Classic Bob With Straight Fringe

The classic bob is one of the most iconic short hairstyles ever! It started a statement of rebellion by the women when they had just gained the right to vote. And till date it is the mark of the bold ones that lead a busy life!

These chin grazing styles with straight bangs offer a look and comfort that just caught on like fire among women. It has held its place ever since. It highlights the eyes and adds a frame of power to the look. However, if you already have a round face then it would be more suitable if you keep the length below the chin.

Straight fringe with a classic bob short haircut for women
Image: Getty

Style 10: Long Pixie Cut

The long pixie cut is a glamorous and sophisticated way to wear short, straight hairstyles. It may read as an oxymoron, but it is a hairdo that retains the sassiness of the pixie cut with a feminine aura. It has amazing movement, letting you try different silhouettes by varying the length and layers. This is the perfect hairstyle for those who love pixies but do not want to go too short.

A happy woman with a long pixie hairdo.
Image: Shutterstock

Hannah, a blogger, shared her experience of getting a pixie cut in her blog. She wrote “I am already loving having my short hair back. I also feel that this haircut makes me look more mature, polished, and professional, which is exactly the look I’m going for during my job interviews! In conclusion…pixie cuts: 10/10 would recommend (i).”

Style 11: Stacked Bob

Also known as the wedge haircut, this 60s hairstyle has become one of the most popular trends and most requested hairdo. It consists of graduated layers, with longer layers near the face and short layers at the nape of the neck. The overall haircut is characterized by a rounded look at the back. Jazz it up with bangs, layers, and hair coloring, to fit your personal style and aesthetic.

Happy woman with a stacked bob
Image: Shutterstock

Short hairstyles are an excellent way to reinvent your look and boost your confidence. You can experiment with these short hairstyles and find the one that best fits your personality and style. But it’s not just about the look—proper care and maintenance are vital to keeping your short hair healthy and fabulous. Maintaining short haircuts requires specific care to keep them looking fresh and vibrant. Regular trims every 4-6 weeks are essential to maintain the shape and structure of the cut. Because short hair tends to grow out quickly, keeping up with trims will prevent the style from looking uneven.

Additionally, short hair can be more prone to frizz and dryness, so it’s important to use lightweight conditioners that won’t weigh the hair down and moisturizing styling products to maintain softness. You may also consult with your stylist to find the right products for your specific hair type.

Regardless of your hair type, there’s a short haircut that will flatter your natural beauty and simplify styling! Below are tips for styling different hair types. Keep scrolling to understand them better.

Styling Tips For Different Hair Types

Every hair type poses different challenges when working with short hair. Hence, understanding the specific hair texture—fine, thick, curly, or straight—allows you to style your hair properly. Here are some tips for each hair type to ensure your style looks great every time, no matter the time of day.

1. Fine Hair

  • Opt for layered cuts as they can give volume and movement to fine hair, giving your face a soft look.
  • Use lightweight styling products like volumizing mousse or texturizing spray, which won’t weigh your hair down.
  • Blow-dry with a round brush to give a lift to the roots.

2. Thick Hair

  • Getting a Bob cut is the ideal method to make use of the volume and texture of your naturally thick tresses. Try styles like A-line Bob to give shape to your hair.
  • Anti-frizz serums or smoothing creams can help keep hair sleek and manageable.
  • Thick hair requires regular trims to prevent it from becoming unruly or heavy.

3. Curly Hair

  • Opt for styles that actually enhance the natural curls. You may choose from versatile Pixie to layered bangs to accentuate your overall look.
  • Hydrating leave-in conditioners and curl creams will define curls and help fight frizz.
  • Air-dry or use a diffuser attachment on low heat to retain curl shape and texture.

4. Straight Hair

  • A Classic Bob or Side-Swept Bangs are quite suitable for straight hair, as these styles help frame sleek, straight locks well, giving you an angled appearance.
  • Use a flat iron to help keep it proper and straight.
  • Finish with lightweight shine spray to get that cohesive look.
  • On the days you don’t want to wash it, use dry shampoo in between to keep the hair looking fresh and voluminous.

5. Wavy Hair

  • A Choppy Short Haircut or Wavy Bob will draw out the natural wave pattern, making you look stylish.
  • Salt sprays and texturizing products add waves to get a beachy, undone look.
  • Detangle wet hair by detangling your hair using a wide-tooth comb to keep the natural wave texture of your hair intact.

If you know your hair’s unique texture, it will guide you in choosing the best products and styling techniques so that your cut looks sharp and attractive.

When it comes to short hairstyles, there can never be a lack of celebrities to lead the way. Let’s see how some glamorous faces have suited short hair and made it a trend for so long!

Celebrity Inspirations

Among those known for their signature cuts over the years are Michelle Williams, Rihanna, and Anne Hathaway. Each one has given examples of how versatile short hair can be. Take a look at them below:

1. Michelle Williams

Michelle Williams sporting a platinum blonde pixie
Image: Shutterstock

Michelle Williams looks ultrachic in a platinum blonde pixie cut with a soft side-swept fringe. This perfects her dainty features and sends out an elegant and sophisticated vibe. The sleek Pixie cut with sweeping fringe softens the cut while framing her bone structure. It’s a classic look for those who want to look their best while keeping their hair short.

2. Rihanna

Rihanna sporting a short bob haircut
Image: Shutterstock

Rihanna has sported many haircuts, but the chin-length blunt bob is one of the most iconic short dark brown cuts. This bold and edgy hairstyle perfectly complements her fearless fashion sense. The sleek, blunt cut at chin length gives her a sharp, modern look, while the dark tones add intensity and sophistication. This hairstyle frames her face beautifully, accentuating her strong jawline and high cheekbones.

3. Anne Hathaway

Anne Hathaway sporting a short cropped haircut
Image: Shutterstock

Anne Hathaway here, has short, straight dark mocha brunette hair which gives the muted and elegant look. This sleek, straight style needs minimal layering and gives a fine and refined appearance. This is the eternally stylish option that frames her beautiful face by letting her flaunt her beauty. This cut has combined the best of classic chic and modern minimalism.
These celebrities prove that short hair is far from limiting. Whether you opt for sleek and polished as per Michelle Williams, edgy and bold as with Rihanna, or soft and romantic as Anne Hathaway, short haircuts can be customized to suit your taste and style while presenting endless varieties to try.

Infographic: Short Haircuts To Try Based On Your Face Shape

It takes confidence to go for a short hairstyle like a buzz cut or an undercut and stun everyone. But, choosing the right short haircut can be tricky. Choose short hairdos according to your face shapes to bring out the balance between your hairstyle and facial features.

Check out the infographic below to know the best short haircuts to experiment with depending on your face shape.

short haircutsto try based on your face shape (infographic)

Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

protip_icon Quick Tip
The bob cut was a key component of flapper culture and was made popular by Hollywood movie star Mary Thurman in the early 20th century and by actresses Colleen Moore and Louise Brooks in the 1920s.

It can be scary to take the short hair plunge. How do you know which haircut for women will suit you and your face shape? Hopefully, this article will help you! From bobs to pixies, there are many options for you to try out. You want to pick layered cuts if you have wide cheeks or a round face. Try bangs with a short haircut to conceal a wide forehead. If you are not comfortable with extremely short haircuts, you can always play around with the length creating a different variety of lobs or bobs. If you want to customize any of these hairstyles, try asymmetrical, tapered or shaggy hair to find your style. Consult your hairstylist as they will help you pick the best hairdo for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does short hair make a woman look younger or older?

Short hair, when done right, usually makes you look younger. The right hair color also matters.

Why do old ladies cut their hair short?

Usually with age, hair may tend to thin out fast, lose pigment, and need TLC. Nadja Vanterpool, a professional hairstylist, says, “To help maintain a good volume, some women may opt for a short haircut as they age.” Also it could just be a personal style preference if they want to experiment with their looks.

How will I know if short hair suits me?

Take a ruler and place it perpendicularly under your ear. The ruler and pencil will now create a “T region” with each other. If the measurement of where the pencil meets the ruler is lesser than 2.25 inches, then short hair will suit your face. If it is more than 2.25, it is better you stick to longer hair.

Does short hair suit chubby faces?

Yes, short hairstyles like a tapered crop, shag, or asymmetrical bob can suit chubby faces, provided you get the length and angle of the cut right.

Key Takeaways

  • Short haircuts exude a sophisticated charm and suit most face shapes.
  • Short hair is low maintenance, but needs to be trimmed once a month to keep your style fresh.
  • You can experiment with different short hairstyles such as sidecut pixie short haircut, layered bob, choppy short haircut, and bowl cut bob.

Illustration: Hottest Short Haircuts For Women

short haircuts_illustration

Image: Stable Diffusion/StyleCraze Design Team


Learn how to create the perfect short layered bob haircut with this easy tutorial video! Get the best look for your short hair with this simple and stylish cut.

Personal Experience: Source

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Nadja Vanterpool
Nadja VanterpoolHairstylist
Nadja has been doing hair professionally as a full-time stylist for over 10 years now. She has always been passionate about hair and took a leap of faith, eventually switching her 20-year pharmacy career to pursue her dream.

Read full bio of Nadja Vanterpool
Jyotsana Rao
Jyotsana RaoBeauty & Lifestyle Writer
Jyotsana Rao is an engineering graduate from NIT, Nagpur, who discovered her love for writing during her undergraduate days. She is passionate about writing about everything related to beauty - makeup, fashion, hairstyles, skin care, or hair care and has 4 years of experience on writing in these genres.

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Shatabdi Bhattacharya
Shatabdi BhattacharyaAssociate Editor
Shatabdi is an associate editor and an alumnus of Lady Brabourne College, Kolkata, where she honed her skills and developed a deep understanding of the world of literature and expression. She has worked with various organizations and websites operating in different industries, ranging from education to lifestyle, showing her adaptability and drive to learn.

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Manjari Uppal
Manjari Uppal Beauty & Lifestyle Writer
Manjari is a beauty and lifestyle writer with over three years of experience in writing across different niches, including beauty, health, wellness, and technology. She first discovered her passion for writing in school and has since honed her craft to perfection.

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