11 Short Hair Styles That Don’t Require Much Styling

Some people like to spend an hour on short hair styles daily, and others don’t have the time (or effort) to take care of their hair for that long. If you’re in the latter group, you may want to consider a short hairstyle that doesn’t require a lot of styling or maintenance.

The easiest way to avoid styling, whether with long or short hair, is to embrace your natural texture. “The natural makeup and natural hair colour trend is everywhere in the beauty industry right now, and embracing your natural texture is the easiest way to put in minimal styling effort,” says Sassy Medchill, educator. of Covet & Mane and owner of Goldie & Co. salon in Dallas, Texas.

Below, we’ve rounded up the best short hairstyles that don’t require a lot of styling so you can look your best with minimal effort.

1. Textured Pixie Cut

A textured pixie cut is a stylish and versatile short hairstyle that typically involves shorter hair on the sides and back of the head, with slightly longer layers on top. The top layers are usually cut to create texture and movement, giving a tousled or somewhat nervous look.

This style works well for various hair kinds and face shapes. Styling products like texturizing pomades, waxes, or sprays can help enhance the texture and define the layers. Some people opt for a more structured pixie with defined edges, while others prefer a softer, more tousled appearance.

If you’re considering this haircut, it’s a good idea to consult with a skilled hairstylist who can assess your hair type and face shape to tailor the cut to suit you best. And remember, upkeep might involve regular trims to maintain the shape and texture.

2. The Basic Pixie

The basic pixie cut is a classic short hairstyle that usually features short hair around the sides and back of the head, with slightly longer layers on top. It’s a versatile, low-maintenance style that can be customized to suit different expression shapes and hair textures.

Key features of the basic pixie cut include:

1. Short sides and back: The hair on the sides and back is usually cut short, often tapered or faded, depending on personal preference.
2. Longer top layers: The top section of the hair is kept slightly longer, allowing for various styling options. This length variation creates versatility in styling, from sleek to textured looks.
3. Texture and volume: The top layers can be styled for texture and volume using products like styling wax, pomade, or texturizing spray. This adds dimension and movement to the style.

This style works well for individuals seeking a bold and modern look while maintaining a short, manageable haircut. It’s essential to consult with a skilled hairstylist to discuss the desired length, texture, and styling preferences to achieve the perfect basic pixie cut for you.

3. Bob

The bob haircut is a timeless and handy style, typically featuring hair cut straight around the head at jaw-length or slightly longer. It’s a versatile cut that can be customized to outfit different face shapes, hair textures, and personal preferences.

Key characteristics of a classic bob haircut include:

1. Length: The bob typically falls between the chin and shoulders, but there are variations, such as the classic chin-length bob or more extended versions known as the lob (long bob).
2. Straight or angled cut: Bobs can be cut straight around or angled, with the front slightly longer than the back, creating a graduated or stacked effect.
3. Styling options: Bobs offer a range of styling possibilities. They can be sleek and straight, curled for a more glamorous look, or styled with waves for a relaxed, beachy vibe.

Whether you prefer a classic bob, an asymmetrical bob, or a textured, layered bob, it’s vital to consult a hairstylist to determine the most flattering length and style for your hair type and face shape. Bobs can be tailored to fit a wide range of preferences, making them a general choice across different ages and style preferences.

4. Super Short Pixie

The super short pixie is an edgy and daring haircut with concise hair all over the head. It’s a bold and confident style that can make a striking statement.

Key features of a super short pixie cut include:

1. Close-cropped sides and back: The hair on the sides and back of the head is cut very short, often using clippers or scissors for a close, almost shaved look.
2. Minimal length on top: The top section of the hair is also cut extremely short, creating a uniform length across the entire head.
3. A super short pixie can still offer some versatility in styling despite its short length. You can play with texture, adding some spikes or a tousled look with styling products like wax, pomade, or gel.

Before opting for a super short pixie cut, it’s essential to reflect your face shape and personal style preferences, as it’s a dramatic change. Consulting with a skilled hairstylist ensures the cut suits your features and lifestyle. Regular maintenance and trims will also be needed to keep the style looking sharp and well-maintained.

5. Blunt Bob

The blunt bob is a sleek and modern variation of the classic bob haircut. What sets it apart is the sharp, straight-across cut at the ends, creating a clean and precise line. This style is known for its edgy and sophisticated look.

Key characteristics of a blunt bob include:

1. Sharp, even ends: Unlike layered or textured bobs, the blunt bob features a uniform length, with the ends cut straight across.
2. Precision in cut: The hair is cut to create a strong, straight line, often achieving a precise geometric shape.
3. Versatility: Blunt bobs can vary in length, ranging from chin-length to shoulder-length or slightly longer, depending on personal preference.

The blunt bob is a chic and fashion-forward hairstyle that can be tailored to uniform individual preferences. Consulting with a hairstylist can help determine the ideal length and shape to flatter your features and achieve the desired look.

6. Shoulder-Length Cut

A shoulder-length cut is a versatile and popular hairstyle that typically falls around or just below the shoulders. It offers a middle ground between shorter styles and longer hair, providing various styling options and flexibility.

Key features of a shoulder-length cut include:

1. Length: Hair is cut to reach the shoulders or slightly below, allowing for different styling possibilities.
2. Versatility: Shoulder-length hair offers versatility in styling. It can be worn straight, curled, waved, or styled into updos or ponytails.
3. Face-framing: This length allows hair to frame the face, accentuating facial features or softening angles, depending on how it’s styled.

When considering a shoulder-length cut, you must communicate your preferences with your hairstylist regarding the desired length, layers, and styling options. Regular trims are beneficial to maintain the shape and health of the hair, especially if layers are incorporated to avoid them growing out unevenly. This length offers flexibility and can complement many face shapes and lifestyles.

7. French Bob

The French bob is a chic and sophisticated variation of the classic bob haircut. It’s characterized by its timeless and effortless elegance, often incorporating a slightly shorter length and subtle texture.

Key features of the French bob include:

1. Length: The French bob usually falls between the chin and the shoulders, with a length that’s slightly shorter than a traditional bob.
2. Soft, natural texture: This style often involves a more natural and undone texture than a classic bob’s sharp lines. It can incorporate gentle waves, tousled ends, or subtle layers for movement and texture.
3. Effortless appearance: The French bob aims for a relaxed and effortless look, embracing a sense of casual elegance and minimal styling.
4. Face-framing layers: The cut might include gentle, face-framing layers that enhance the features and soften the overall look.

When opting for a French bob, you must communicate your preferences with your hairstylist regarding the length, texture, and layers you desire. This versatile style can complement various face shapes, offering a chic and timeless appearance with a touch of effortless glamour.

8. Sleek Bun

A sleek bun is a sophisticated and versatile hairstyle that involves pulling the hair tightly and securing it into a neat bun at the back or top of the head. It’s a classic and elegant look that can be worn for various occasions, from formal proceedings to everyday wear.

Steps to create a sleek bun:

1. Preparation: Start with smooth, detangled hair. You may want to use a smoothing or anti-frizz serum to tame any flyaways and create a sleeker look.
2. Gather the hair: Brush your hair back and gather it into a ponytail at the favourite stature or location for the bun (at the nape of the neck or higher).
3. Secure the ponytail: Use a hair elastic or a scrunchie to secure the ponytail tightly. Make sure it’s smooth without bumps or loose strands.
4. Twist or wrap: Twist the ponytail about the base, forming a bun shape. You can also wrap the hair around the elastic and secure it with bobby pins.

A sleek bun is an eternal hairstyle that exudes elegance and can be accessorized with hairpins, headbands, or hair scarves for a more personalized touch. It’s versatile enough to complement casual and official outfits, making it a go-to option for various occasions.

9. The Mixie

The “mixie” haircut is a trendy and versatile style combining elements of a pixie cut and a bob, hence the name “mixie.” It’s a unique and edgy hairstyle that offers the best of both worlds, blending the short, cropped look of a fairy with the slightly longer length of a bob.

Key characteristics of the mixie haircut include:

1. Length variation: The mixie typically features shorter hair at the back and sides, reminiscent of a pixie cut. However, it has slightly longer layers on top compared to a traditional fairy, creating a balanced, blended look.
2. Texture and layering: It often incorporates layers to add texture and movement to the style. These layers can be styled for a tousled or textured appearance, giving it a more dynamic and edgy vibe.
3. Styling versatility: The mixie offers versatility in styling. You can play with the texture, opting for a sleek, polished look or styling the layers to create volume and a tousled effect.

The mixie is a stylish and modern haircut that allows for a blend of short and slightly longer lengths, offering a trendy and edgy appearance. Its versatility makes it popular for those seeking a unique yet manageable hairstyle.

10. Short Pixie

The short pixie cut is a bold and daring hairstyle characterized by its short length. It’s a statement look that exudes confidence and can be styled in various habits to suit individual preferences.

Key features of a short pixie cut include:

1. Ultra-short length: This cut involves concise hair all over the head, including the sides, back, and top. The length can range from a closely cropped style to a slightly longer variation.
2. Minimalist and low-maintenance: Short pixie cuts are known for their easy upkeep and minimal styling needs, making them a convenient choice for those looking for a fuss-free haircut.
3. Face-framing: Despite its short length, a pixie cut can be styled to frame and accentuate facial features, providing a bold and striking look.
4. Versatility in styling: While the hair is short, there are various ways to style a pixie cut. It can be sleek and smooth, tousled for a more textured appearance, or spiked up for an edgier look.

Before getting a short pixie cut, consider your face shape, hair texture, and personal style. Consulting with a skilled hairstylist ensures the cut complements your features and aligns with your preferences. Regular trims are necessary to maintain the shape and neatness of the short pixie cut as it grows out.

11. Short Bob

The short bob is a stylish and versatile haircut that offers a modern and chic look while maintaining a shorter length. It’s a variation of the classic bob but with a size that typically falls above the shoulders or around the jawline.

Key characteristics of a short bob include:

1. Shorter length: The defining feature of a short bob is its above-the-shoulder or jaw-length cut. It can vary in exact length, ranging from just below the ears to slightly longer, grazing the shoulders.
2. Straight or angled cut: Short bobs can have a straight-across cut or be angled, where the front is slightly longer than the back, creating a graduated or stacked effect.
3. Versatility in styling: Despite its shorter length, a short bob offers various styling options. It can be worn sleek and conventional for a refined look, curled or waved for texture, or styled with layers for added volume and movement.
4. Face-framing: The shorter length of the bob often frames the face, accentuating facial features and providing a fresh and youthful appearance.

Before opting for a short bob, discussing your desired length, style, and any specific preferences with your hairstylist is essential. They can recommend variations and styles that best suit your face shape and hair texture. Regular trims will help maintain the shape and freshness of the short bob as it grows out.