The Ultimate Guide to Styling Short Hair

Styling Tips, Depending on Your Hair Type

• Straight: If you have straight hair, DeMio recommends a short and sleek style. Just make sure that if you style it with a hot tool, you’re using a heat protectant spray. Straight hair typically tends to be finer, and nothing will damage thin strands faster than heat.  If you want to try a hair style that has a bit of texture to it, use a gentle, lightweight hairspray that won’t weigh down your strands. We love the VOIR Rainforest Mist: Waves Texturizing Hairspray for this. You can also try styling with a hair straightener to add a few bends and curls. 

• Wavy: The key to styling wavy hair in a short style is managing frizz. Massage a frizz-fighting spray or serum into your hair while it’s still wet to calm hair before it hits the elements. We love the IGK HAIR Crybaby Smoothing and Finishing Serum to tame flyaways in a flash. 

• Curly: Chopping curly hair into a shorter style will, unfortunately, change the way you manage your curls. For example, those curling gels you used to use before might now weigh hair down since it’s shorter. Instead, pick up a lightweight mousse, like the BUMBLE AND BUMBLE Surf Foam Spray Blow Dry Mousse.

Celeb-Approved Short Hair Styles

1. Piecey Bob

Photo by Steven Ferdman via Getty Images

Kaia Gerber makes any look appear effortless, but styling this one really is. Play up your hair’s natural waves by scrunching a leave-in conditioner into your hair while it’s still damp. We’re obsessed with the OUAI Leave-In Conditioner, which never leaves hair hard or crunchy. Or, if your hair is pin straight, loosely curl the front pieces and hold in place with gentle hair spray.

2. Short and Sleek

A short bob like this is the ultimate chic style. While this style is easiest for naturally straight hair, those with curly or wavy hair can also rock a sleek short bob (albeit with a little more upkeep). The secret to getting a straight, short style without losing body is to use a heat protectant spray with smoothing properties before reaching for the straightener, no matter your hair type. We like to distribute the FOXYBAE HAIR Cool AF Heat Protectant + Biotin throughout damp hair, and then blow it out smooth with a hair-dryer's concentrator nozzle. The heat-activated polymers in this smoothing spray work to seal in hydration and cut drying time, minimizing dryness and damage.

3. Tousled Curls

After cutting off a few inches of curly hair, you might find that the cream- or gel-based products you used before the chop are now weighing you down. Switching to a lighter formula, like foam mousse, can help your curls move and find their shape again. To get this tousled look, spray a generous amount of AMIKA Power Hour Curl Refreshing Spray through soaking-wet hair from root to tip, section by section, and then let it air-dry.

4. Piecey Pixie

Punk up your pixie cut with a product that adds shine and dimension. To get this look, brush or blow-dry your dry hair out smooth, then lightly mist on NATURELAB TOKYO Perfect Shine Oil Mist and style it with your hands, twisting individual strands to add separation. This spray in particular is platinum fiber–infused to enhance your color and reflect the light, making it a great option for damaged or color-treated hair.

5. Slicked Back

A well-played wet look is timeless, but can be time-consuming and product-heavy with long hair going halfway down your back. Less hair on your head = easier to control and smooth the whole look without using half a bottle of gel. For a natural slick back that looks like you stepped out of the water about 10 minutes ago, wait until your hair is halfway dry before twisting strands from your hairline all the way back in small sections with MARC ANTHONY Strictly Curls® Curl Envy Cream. As your hair air-dries, the twists will loosen but stay close to your scalp, keeping your whole look shower-fresh.

6. Blunt Bob With Bangs

This quintessential French girl look is more about hair care than hair styling. For a genuine "I woke up like this" effect, give your hair all the love it needs before reaching for any tools. MARC ANTHONY Coconut & Shea Hydrating Leave-In Conditioner instantly softens and hydrates even the driest, most damaged, color- or chemical-treated hair to give you your shine back. From there you can air-dry, or just use a straightener to smooth out your ends.

7. Textured Beach Waves

Shoulder-length hair looks equal parts lovely and laid back in tousled, beachy waves. To nail the California-cool vibe, grab your hot tools and check out our tutorials on how to curl your hair with a curling iron or flat iron. When you get to the very last step, mist your whole head with AIIR PROFESSIONAL Texture AIIR before you rake out your curls by hand. This technique helps you freeze your waves as soon as you reach just the right amount of undone.

8. Tucked-In Bun

A slight twist on the undone bun seen above, this one is worn at the very base of your skull. Make it look more polished by scrunching a palmful of R+CO COOL WIND pH Perfect Air Dry Crème into towel-dried hair. Or, if you have wavy or curly hair, massage the product in while your hair is still damp from the shower to control frizz. Then you can center part it or make a deep side part, and follow the same steps from the messy bun tutorial. (P.S. Find more tips on how to care for curly hair here.)

9. Sleek Bun

This is the definitive, elegant, easy updo for short hairstyles—no extensions required. To get the look, work a generous amount of PURE BRAZILIAN Daily Anti-Frizz Serum into damp hair and brush it out smooth. Center part your hair, smoothing each side again with the brush, then secure it in a bun at the nape of your neck. And that's it! Add some interest by strategically placing bold hair clips around your ear for a hair-jewelry look.

10. Gatsby Glam

A short, just-undone-enough bob like this one gives us major 21st-century flapper vibes. It’s classic and cool, with edgy layers and slight waves that we think rebellious “Devil-may-care” 1920s partiers would’ve loved. To style this cut to timeless perfection, spritz a few sprays of R+CO Trophy Shine + Texture Spray through towel-dried hair. If your hair is naturally straight, finger-curl as you spray for loose, tousled waves, Or, spritz on top of damp, curly hair to boost any texture you already have. The gentle formula is made with cane sugar, not alcohol, so it will define your strands without feeling stiff or sticky. Bonus: Update this look with some hair accessories to keep it looking fresh and modern in any century.

11. Bleached Chop

Photo by Pascal Le Segretain via Getty Images

While practical for summer, this bleached short cut gives a super edgy look. It’s easy to maintain and take care of. You’ll want to keep your hair super hydrated should you choose to go for this look, as bleaching can take a toll if you plan to keep it up. Alternatively, you could leave your natural color or play with fun demi permanent dyes—like the ones from Hally.

12. Wispy Curtain Bangs

Photo by Tibrina Hobson via Getty Images

Just because you're opting for a shorter hair style, doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy cascading front pieces. Selena’s bangs may be a bit longer than you would like, especially if you’re sporting hair that’s falling at chin level. However, know that as your hair grows out (and your bangs normally do first!) this is the perfect face-framing look for that lived-in effect.

13. Edgy Shag

Photo by Jamie McCarthy via Getty Images

No one does a shag better than Billie. This past year, we’ve seen our hair goals come to life by watching the transition from lime green highlights to Marilyn Monroe blonde to deep, chocolatey brown. We loved this shaggy look she sported with intentionally long bangs and effortless volume. If you try it for yourself, just pick up a great texturing spray.

14. The Wet Look

Photo by John Phillips via Getty Images

The wet look certainly isn’t for everyone, but we’re still seeing it everywhere—on the red carpet and on the girl sitting across from you at the restaurant, whose style you’re envying. It’s undeniably cool and elevated without trying too hard. To get the look, celebrity hairstylist Chris Appleton (he brought Kim K.’s Met Gala wet look to life) recommends the COLOR WOW Pop & Lock High Gloss Finish.

15. Space Buns

Photo by Vittorio Zunino Celotto via Getty Images

A festival favorite that will never go out of style. Of course, with shorter hair, you may find your space bun size varies. We think the smaller they are, the cuter! You can pair these with fun mini claw clips or elevated bobby pins. You’ll want to stock up on tiny clear elastics too. This is a great look for second- or third-day hair.

16. Braided Bangs

Photo by Michael Buckner via Getty Images

Another festival-inspired look everyone is sporting at Coachella. People love the braided bang look because of how practical it is. Not only to sweep your bangs out of your face but if you have fine hair, you might find your front pieces begin to look greasy first. This is a great style to do in tandem with dry shampoo on days when you’re just not yet ready for a wash.

17. Face-Framing Waves

Photo by Amy Sussman via Getty Images

For those with shoulder-length hair, this beachy style is a must (if not your go-to!). The best thing about this style? It doesn’t need to look perfect. You’ll notice one side of Scarlett’s hair is tousled and wavy while the other is purposely a bit looser. With this look, there are no rules! Achieve the style with waves made by a straightener or a small barreled curling wand.

18. Baby Braids

Photo by Pascal Le Segretain via Getty Images

Another winner from actress Margot Robbie. Wear this versatile (it can go from casual to chic) at your weekend brunch, out at a music festival, or on your next date night. Part your hair down the middle and section off even pieces on either side. Have your clear elastics ready or keep ‘em loose and secure with a shot of hairspray.

19. Micro-Bangs

Photo by Jemal Countess via Getty Images

Euphoria star Alexa Demie shocked us all with this post-season two look. She often sports a slicked-back bun with these baby frayed bangs. This trendy look definitely requires some upkeep as your bangs grow out, but if you can commit, it’s well worth it. 

20. Messy Half-Up, Half-Down

Photo by Rodin Eckenroth via Getty Images

It’s time to utilize those hair accessories you have tucked away. A half-up, half down with shorter hair lets a trendy accessory shine—like this simple bow on Lucy Boynton. Pick out a chunky embellished clip and tuck pieces back into it for a casual, quick, French girl hairstyle.

Final Thoughts

The moral of the short hair story is this: You shouldn’t be afraid to style and work with your new chop. There are so many light weight styling creams, mouuses, and gels on the market that will help take your short hair style to new heights. 

If you’re still feeling frustrated, try heading to the salon for a style, where an expert can take you step-by-step through a manageable everyday look. Check out the IPSY Shop for the latest trending short hair styling products and how to use them.