The Ultimate Guide to Short Hairstyles

Short hair is in vogue this year, as it has been since 2013. Hence, a lot of women are daring to chop off their locks in the hopes of keeping up with the hottest hairstyle trend. 
But there is more to styling short hair than cutting your hair short. There is a lot of versatility with opting for short hair that a lot of women have been unable to harness just yet.
So, we’ve put together this detailed guide on short hairstyles to not only help you figure out if this is the right approach for your next look – but which of the different hairstyles for short hair will look best for you!
You’ll also gain tips on caring for your short hair and bringing out its full potential. Pulling off this look is easy when you have the right insights and the best haircare products on the market, available right here at My Haircare & Beauty.

What is Considered “Short” Hair?

Let’s start by clarifying what constitutes hairstyles for short hair. This will typically be a length that falls between the earlobe and the chin, though it can vary slightly based on texture and cut.
A classic bob that grazes the jawline or a pixie cut close to the scalp are quintessential short hairstyles. Short hair often includes layered cuts, crops, and shags that bring out volume and structure while staying above the shoulders.
Short haircuts are becoming more and more popular for their low-maintenance appeal and their versatility. Short hair also provides a canvas for creative detailing like undercuts, textured fringes, or edgy layers that add personality and flair to the overall look.
But, are hairstyles for short hair right for you?

Is Short Hair Right For You?

It is important to ask yourself this question before opting to cut your hair short. Short hairstyles might look chic on your favorite celebrities but it does not mean that you can hop on any trend without evaluating whether they would suit you or not. 
The same goes with hairstyles. Short hair is a big step but if you can take the right amount of consideration, it can improve your overall style tremendously! It starts with analysing your face shape. Your face shape will have a huge impact on the type of short haircut to go for.
For instance, if you have a round face, the best short haircuts for you are an asymmetrical pixie cut. This will create the illusion of having a narrower face. 
Meanwhile, an undone bob will flatter an angular face shape. The layers from the bob will soften up the angles on your face, particularly around the chin area. You can also add fringe to your look to camouflage a wide forehead.
A woman with a heart-shaped face will look great in a bob that comes with stylised waves that are directed outward from your face. Women with oval face shapes are the luckiest of the bunch. They can wear any short hairstyle they want.

The Best Short Hairstyles Heading into 2025

If you’ve reached this far, then it means you have passed the first test and is actually ready to cut your hair short. The next inevitable question is this: what type of hairstyle to go for?
There are plenty of options to choose from, and we really suggest meeting with a stylist you trust to weigh your options for short hairstyles. Otherwise, here are some of the best hairstyles for short hair you can choose from.

Textured Bob

Those looking for a playful spin on the classic bob can try this textured alternative for movement and dimension. It incorporates subtle layering and light waves, giving hair a more voluminous, tousled look. 
It’s great for those with fine hair, as the texture can create the illusion of thickness. Adding waves or curls makes the bob feel lighter and bouncier, creating a laid-back, beachy vibe that’s easy to style and maintain. It’s perfect for anyone seeking a style with a modern, carefree edge.

Chin-Length Bob with Bangs

This versatile and face-flattering style brings softness to any look. It frames the face, drawing attention to the jawline while the bangs help balance out facial proportions. It’s an excellent choice for those with oval or heart-shaped faces, adding a touch of classic elegance. 
Style it with soft waves to create an effortlessly romantic vibe, or you can opt for a straight, sleek look for a more refined effect. This bob offers the versatility to wear hair down or sweep it back for a change.

Classic Pixie

A bold, iconic choice with a long-standing reputation as a style that exudes confidence. Originating in the 1950s and made famous by stars like Audrey Hepburn, the pixie cut is short all over, with slightly longer layers on top. 
This style suits a variety of face shapes, especially heart and oval faces, as it highlights bone structure and adds volume at the crown. Perfect for a “wash-and-go” approach, the classic pixie is incredibly low-maintenance and brings a modern, edgy feel to any look.

Textured Pixie

The textured pixie cut takes the traditional pixie and adds layers of movement and dimension. This modern twist is especially flattering on those with naturally wavy or curly hair, as it enhances texture and volume. 
Celebrities like Charlize Theron and Miley Cyrus have embraced the textured pixie for its daring and playful vibe. It’s also adaptable. You can style it with a bit of product to create lift and definition or leave it soft for a more understated, relaxed look.

Long Pixie with Undercut

If you crave a bolder edge, this take on the pixie combines length with contrast. It features longer layers on top, which can be styled in multiple ways, with shorter sides and back for a defined, statement-making look. 
It’s ideal for thicker hair since the undercut helps reduce bulk while adding a sharp contrast. This style allows for versatile looks: wear it slicked back for sophistication or tousle the top for a more relaxed vibe.

Short Shag Cut

Add texture and movement to shorter hair with this trendy, laid-back option. The short shag cut uses layers throughout to add volume, especially at the crown, creating an effortlessly undone look. 
The shag’s origins trace back to the ’70s, lending a retro feel that’s been revived with a modern touch, perfect for those wanting an “unstyled” yet stylish appearance. It’s ideal for those with fine to medium hair textures who want a style that’s easy to maintain and has a bit of an edge.

Layered Crop

The layered crop is a soft, face-framing option that incorporates subtle layers throughout. This versatile cut works well for different hair textures, providing volume for fine hair and structure for thicker hair. 
You can add a hint of wave or leave the layered crop sleek depending on your desired look. It’s perfect for creating a fuller look and framing the face in a soft, flattering way, adding dimension without requiring intensive styling.

Pageboy Cut

This retro-inspired look brings a touch of vintage elegance to short hairstyles. It features a rounded, chin-length cut with a deep side part and a sleek, smooth finish. Ideal for straight hair, it’s easy to maintain and style while providing a unique look. 
The pageboy’s signature side part and swooping fringe give it a playful, feminine quality. It’s a fantastic option for anyone seeking a structured cut with a unique character that stands out in a crowd.

Short Curly Crop

A short curly crop celebrates natural curls with a structured yet free-spirited look. By keeping the length short and defined, this cut frames the face beautifully and enhances the curl’s natural shape. Perfect for those with curly or coily textures, this style keeps hair manageable while letting natural curls take the spotlight. With a bit of curl enhancer, this crop can add bounce and volume, making it an effortless yet stylish option.

Micro Fringe With Short Cut

Last but certainly not least on our list of popular hairstyles for short hair is the micro fringe cut. It brings an edgy twist to traditional short haircuts. 
The fringe, cut just above the eyebrows, frames the face and adds a bold, modern edge to any short style. It’s often paired with a bob or pixie and works really well on oval/heart-shaped faces. 
This style allows for creative styling, letting you wear it sleek or add texture for a more playful vibe. It’s a perfect choice for those who want to add a unique touch to their look with minimal styling effort.

Tips on Maintaining Hairstyles for Short Hair

Hopefully you have a better understanding of which of these short haircuts will bring out the best possible look based on your face shape and hair type.
But choosing among the different hairstyles for short hair is actually just the first step. Then, you need to make sure you’re giving it the care it needs to look beautiful day in, day out.

Daily Care Tips for Short Hair

While short hair is often praised for being low-maintenance, it still requires the right care to keep it looking fresh and stylish. Here are some of the most essential maintenance techniques to remember:

• Wash Less, Condition More: You don’t need to wash as often with short hair – 2-3 times a week should suffice. Overwashing can strip hair of natural oils, leaving strands dry and brittle. Instead, focus on conditioning to keep hair hydrated and manageable.
• Add Volume Without Heavy Products: Use lightweight volumising sprays or mousse to avoid weighing your hair down too much. Apply to damp hair before styling to add lift at the roots without leaving residue.
• Handle Gently: All hair benefits from gentle handling. Use a wide-tooth comb or your fingers to detangle and style after washing, especially if your cut has layers or texture. You can also use a hair detangling brush and detangling spray. 
• Protect Against Heat: Even shorter hair needs heat protection. Apply a heat protectant spray before using any hot tools, and keep the temperature low to medium to avoid damaging the hair’s cuticle.
• Scalp care: The scalp is often more exposed with short hairstyles, so make sure you’re implementing scalp care through scalp scrubs and scalp massage brushes.

Styling Products and Tools

So, what sort of products and tools do you need on hand to keep hairstyles for short hair looking their best? Of course, the basics like a quality shampoo and conditioner are essential – but what else? Here are some recommendations based on the short haircuts we’ve listed above:

• Texturising Spray: Ideal for pixies, shags, and bobs, a good texturising spray can add definition and hold. Spray lightly from mid-lengths to ends, scrunching as you go for a natural finish.
• Hair Wax: These products are perfect for adding definition to shorter styles like pixies and layered crops. Pomades give a sleek, polished look, while waxes offer a more textured, matte effect. Use sparingly to avoid weighing down the hair.
• Flat Iron or Mini Styling Tool: A flat iron, especially a mini version, is handy for adding waves or curls to short bobs or crops. Choose ceramic plates to avoid overheating, and work in small sections to control the style.
• Root-Lifting Spray: For bobs or layered styles that need a bit of extra lift, a root-lifting powder can be transformative. Sprinkle it lightly at the roots and massage in to create instant volume.

You might even want to start doing deep conditioning treatments or protein treatments every so often to help restore moisture and elasticity, keeping hair soft and manageable. This becomes even more important with colour-treated short hair.

Professional Maintenance

Even with the best products and haircare routine it’s worth getting routine touch-ups from an expert. Unlike long hair, short hairstyles need regular trimming to maintain their structure. Every 4-6 weeks is a good rule of thumb to avoid split ends. Maintenance becomes extra important if you have short hair with highlights, lowlights, or vibrant colours. Colour-treated hair care at a professional salon every 6-8 weeks is worth the cost.

Find All the Short Hair Products You Need at My Haircare & Beauty!

Whether you choose one of the short hairstyles on this list or go with something else entirely, My Haircare & Beauty has all the products you need to keep it looking its best. We’re the #1 choice in Australia and have been since 2008 as we stock more than 200 leading brands, including:

From shampoo and conditioner to hair accessories, products for thinning hair, hair styling products, pomade, hair colour, and everything in between – you can trust that we have the tools necessary to make the most of any hairstyle, be it short hair or down to your hips. 
We have a world-class customer service team on standby to answer any questions you have and help you pick the perfect products for your unique hair goals, too. So, don’t hesitate to reach out!

Wrapping Up Our Short Haircuts Guide

Short haircuts offer endless versatility, from classic bobs and chic pixies to textured shags and layered crops. With the right cut, short hair can highlight your best features, add volume, and simplify your styling routine. 
Learn about shampoo vs conditioner, permanent vs semi permanent hair dye, hair dye cost, how to wash curly hair, how to style wet hair, what hair colour suits me, best shampoo for coloured hair, and more in our blog.
Otherwise, the only thing left to do is figure out which of these short haircuts aligns with your face shape and style preferences and find a salon that can help make your vision a reality. Don’t forget to set yourself up for success with the best products here at My Haircare & Beauty before you go. From all the different types of shampoo and conditioner to the best products for thinning hair, the best hair straighteners, and more – we mean it when we say we have it all!

Mel

Mel is a former Hair Stylist with over a decade of industry experience.
She enjoys writing about all aspects of the hair & beauty world including, trends, new products & best-sellers.