A slick short hairstyle can say a million different things — it can display confidence
and sexiness, chicness and smarts, and it can be laidback and playful, depending on
the cut and wearer.
No matter what it is you're going for, a short hairstyle can be seriously stunning if it's
done right.
We turned to some expert stylists for tips on how you can pick the best shear style for
your desired look, along with a little celeb inspiration to match.
Here are some short haircuts that stun.
Shag
This style was a hit in the early aughts and has been a long-time go-to for Real Housewives
of Beverly Hills star Lisa Rinna.
According to Zak Mascolo, creative director for TONI&GUY, "this cut works for a wide range
of face shapes" and "is one of the most versatile cuts with lots of layers to frame and flatter
most face shapes."
According to Nexxus celebrity stylist Lona Vigi, the look tends to fit with a range of
different natural hairstyles, from thick to thin, curly or straight, because it adds volume
but can be thinned where needed.
However, Devin Toth, celebrity hair stylist with Salon SCK, points out that this style
completely opens up the face and brings attention to the jaw bone.
So if you're trying to hide or minimize your jaw, this isn't the cut for you.
But if you're okay with this attention, a shag is such a playful, fun style.
To get the right texture and shine, simply use a little sea salt spray and rough-up the
ends with your fingers.
Choppy lob
If you're looking to achieve a flawless choppy lob, it's all about communication with the
stylist before diving into the cut.
As Lona Vigi told us, "It can be worn by mostly any face shape because you can vary the length
of the layers or the bottom length that's right for each client and still achieve the
choppy look."
She suggests bringing in a picture and discussing with your stylist based on the texture and
face shape you're working with before fully committing to the cut.
Devin Toth added that choppy lobs are great for women with heart-shaped faces because
it can add balance with a pointier chin.
It's important to note that this cut can be pretty high maintenance, requiring more salon
visits "in order to prevent their cool choppy ends from becoming a shapeless split end."
But if that doesn't bother you, this cut can be a perfect entryway to short hairstyles.
Shoulder length and sleek
This super-elegant cut is perfect for women with round faces because the straight sleekness
will help elongate the face and provide a professional posture.
Those who already have long narrow face-shapes should probably steer clear of this one, though,
and if you want to keep it sleek, you have to maintain its polished finish.
And if you don't have naturally straight hair, the maintenance on this cut will take a substantial
amount of time.
A textured bob
This casual, carefree look works best for women with round, oval, square and heart-shaped
faces.
Texture-wise, thicker hair is also better to work with for this look because the more
hair, the more dimension that can be created with the layers, and volumizing whip can help
give it that extra oomph.
Blunt bob
A sleek, blunt bob like this tends to work well with a heart-shaped face, but keeping
the length right at your chin requires frequent cuts.
Just like the lob, this bob's also going to take some daily styling to stay in place,
so prepare to commit to keeping your locks in check.
The point of this style is to make a statement, so be 100 percent ready to make that commitment.
The results can be stunning.
Asymmetrical bob
This fun, unique cut is a great option for women with long or oval-shaped faces, but
it's definitely not ideal for round faces because it can be a bit widening.
Otherwise, the style is perfect for a woman who is looking for a statement cut, but wants
to keep it more playful and dramatic than a sleek, blunt bob.
To achieve the look, blow dry the ends curled under just slightly to frame the face and
emphasize the different lengths on each side.
Pixie
Do you have the style and personality to rock a severe pixie?
If so, this could be the look you've been missing.
For that air of edge and confidence, this side-swept style shapes the face beautifully
and extends the cheekbones.
It's perfect for those who have an oval face and makes for a daring and beautiful combo
that's a cinch to style with just a touch of product.
The catch is that those who wear this look will probably need to spend a little more
time perfecting the makeup rituals because the face will be on full display with this
'do.
Bangs
As a lot of celebs have discovered lately, bangs can be a great addition to a cut because
they literally shorten your face.
If you've never had bangs before, though, it may take some time to for your hair to
adjust and get used to the style, so don't get too frustrated if your hair doesn't immediately
look flawless.
It's also important not to put much product in your bangs because your face will give
them all the oil they need.
Also, if you're opting for a lob, it's probably best to keep your bangs side-swept for maximum
effect.
Pompadour
To really nail this edgy, undercut, razed style, hair color is actually more important
that the face shape.
Going with something wild and funky can be divine, but even neutral tones that match
your skin can have a beautiful, elongating effect.
On the downside, such a close cut will show any roots that grow out immediately.
So you'll want to stay on top of your color.
This cool look also is the hardest to grow out.
So if you're looking to make this dramatic change, just make note of the work that goes
into making it sing.
Bowl cut
Believe it or not, this type of pixie has started to make a comeback since your awkward
'90s school pictures, but there's a twist.
Instead of the actual mom-puts-a-bowl-on-your-head-and-goes-to-scissor-town, the new take has an undercut on the sides
with overlapping strands that fall into blunt bangs.
This can work for a variety of different face shapes, from an oval outline to the more heart-shaped
facial structure.
This style may still not be for everyone, but when it works, it works.
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