Pretty, polished hairstyles have reigned supreme for about as long as we can remember. A decade ago, having a single strand out of place was all anyone needed to declare it a bad hair day. These days, however, some of the most popular hair trends are all about lived-in looks with lots of movement and texture—and nothing embraces those trends more than choppy hairstyles!
Whether you have tons of curls or pin-straight hair, a choppy hairstyle lends itself to an effortless, breezy style that exudes confidence, edge, and a carefree spirit. Don't believe us? We've rounded up 28 choppy hairstyles below that are bound to change your mind (and your 'do).
What is a choppy layered haircut?
A choppy layered haircut is a bold, voluminous chop in which a stylist cuts your hair in asymmetrical, layered portions to create a blunt, edgy texture. Much like asymmetrical haircuts, choppy layered hairstyles require regular salon visits to stay in tip-top shape, but those willing to take on the challenge will be rewarded with a head-turning style that will rake in the compliments.
Style Link Over Achiever 3-In-1 Cream Paste Wax
A cream-paste-wax hybrid that makes styling hair a cinch.
Wata Wave Texture Spray
A texturizing finishing spray that provides buildable texture
How do you style choppy hair?
There are endless ways to style a choppy haircut, but if you're new to choppy styles, meet your new best friend: Matrix Style Link Over Achiever Hair Cream + Paste + Wax. Whether sculpting a polished style or completely embracing your choppy texture, this paste-cream-wax hybrid is the only styling product your choppy haircut needs. The product spreads like a cream, texturizes like a paste, and holds like a wax. Never tacky, never sticky, this formula is a reworkable wonder.
If you’re looking for more of an apply-and-run situation, you can also try a texturizing spray like Shu Uemura Art of Hair Wata Wave Texture Spray. This product gives a hair a touchable, lived-in look.
Nendo Definer Matte Clay
A defining clay pomade that defines strands
How do I make my hair look choppy?
If you're not ready to commit to the piece-y life yet but are curious how your hair would look, use a pomade to separate one-inch sections of hair from just above your ears to the ends to create a faux choppy effect. Pro tip: Work the pomade between your fingers to warm it up before applying it to hair to help it spread more easily. Shu Uemura Art of Hair Nendo Definer Matte Clay is one of our favorites for achieving this look.
Good hair day by @sunniebrook
How do you cut a choppy layer?
As much as we’d love to get into the ins and outs of hair cutting, the truth is that haircuts—choppy, layered, or anything in between—are best left to the professionals. There is no one-size-fits-all choppy haircut, so what works for you may not work for your friend. If you’re interested in a choppy layered cut but want to know more about the process before you commit, schedule a consultation with a trusted stylist.
Good hair day by @joiewallacehair
What is a choppy bob style?
A choppy bob simply takes your traditional short bob—which typically hits between your jawline and ear—and infuses it with some glorious texture. Not only is this one of the best choppy short hairstyles for thick hair, but it also works well for wavy, and curly hair. It can add dimension to pin-straight hair, as well.
Hydra Source Deep Treatment Pack Multi Use Hair Mask
A vegan, moisturizing deep treatment hair mask for dry, dull or damaged hair.
Absolut Repair Instant Resurfacing Masque
A hydrating mask to deeply nourish damaged and weakened hair.
Total Results Instacure Anti-Breakage Porosity Spray
Anti-breakage spray that fills in porosity, smooths cuticle and controls frizz in dry, damaged, brittle hair.
How do you get rid of choppy layers?
No sense in walking into a commitment unless you know how to get yourself out, right? Getting rid of choppy layers is a matter of allowing your hair to grow out. Your stylist can help you do this in an expedited way that’s still flattering, which usually means micro-trimming the layers while cutting the rest of your hair as usual until all of your hair is the same length again. Depending on your hairstyle, dusting cuts that focus more on creating shape and cleaning up dry ends might also be a good option.
Since you won’t be cutting your hair as aggressively, it’s important to make sure you’re routinely moisturizing your ends with a deep conditioner to keep them shiny and healthy-looking. Try the Biolage Professional Hydra Source Deep Treatment Pack Multi Use Hair Mask or L'Oréal Professionnel Absolut Repair Instant Resurfacing Masque, both of which infuse deep hydration to help nourish damaged or weakened hair. A split end healing product such as Matrix Total Results Instacure Anti-Breakage Porosity Spray can help, too. This leave-in treatment visibly smooths damaged ends.
Ready to try a choppy hairstyle? Keep scrolling for 28 ideas you’re going to be obsessed with.
The Best Choppy Hairstyles to Try Now
Good hair day by @dvglam
Choppy A-Line Bob
A-line bobs already have tons of movement, but if you want to take your style to the next level, opt for a choppy A-line bob. The choppy ends will add more texture and movement than you ever thought possible and give your run-of-the-mill bob some real cool-girl edge.
Good hair day by @dvglam
Choppy Asymmetrical Bob
Your hairstyle is often an expression of who you are, and if you’re someone who likes to live (and think!) out of the box, you need an equally unique hairstyle. This choppy asymmetrical bob combines some of the most outrageous and artistic hairstyles into one out-of-this-world style.
Good hair day by @dy_belovedhairstudio
Choppy Inverted Bob
The inverted bob takes your typical graduated bob and flips it backward, keeping long hair in the front while the back is shorter. It looks even chicer with those tousled chops added in.
Good hair day by @sorayahstyles
Choppy Wavy Pixie
We love pixie hairstyles, but with such little length, it can be hard to create and maintain any meaningful texture. Ask your stylist for a choppy pixie if you want to shake up your pixie with a textured style.
Good hair day by @bottleblonde76
Choppy Spiked Pixie
Keep the layers in this look piled high by working L’Oréal Professionnel Tecni.Art Volume Envy Extra Mousse through damp hair before styling. It not only adds volume and strong hold, but it also protects hair from sun damage using its UV filter.
Good hair day by @bulli_e_pupe_2004
Choppy Bixie
A bixie cut is a cross between a pixie and a bob and looks great when infused with choppy spiky layers. Pair it with striking silver, and the look is a home run.
Good hair day by @max_rokitskiy_stylist
Choppy Pageboy
The pageboy haircut really hit its stride in the '50s and '60s and has since made a comeback—only with a much edgier twist.
Good hair day by @bottleblonde76
Choppy Modern Mohawk
You definitely need to be bold to pull this off, but if that describes you, then go for it. This textured, modern take on the mohawk is one of the coolest messy short choppy hairstyles out there.
Good hair day by @doug_theo
Choppy Undercut
We argue this is one of the best choppy short hairstyles for thick hair since people with this hair type have excess to spare! It also takes some weight off your head and helps you keep cool. Not to mention: it looks super edgy and cool.
Good hair day by @petermazilu
Choppy Modern Mullet
Mullets are, without a doubt, one of the most polarizing hairstyles around. Luckily, for those not willing to give up the heydays of the '80s, there are a few ways to modernize this haircut. The modern mullet is all about texture—and what better way to embrace texture than with a choppy style? Business in the front, party in the back is old news because this style is a party all over!
Good hair day by @hairbymarcandre
Choppy Shag
Shags are one of our favorite choppy hairstyles and one of the year's biggest hair trends, so there's no time like the present to schedule an appointment. Don't worry; you will be just as obsessed with your style as we are!
Good hair day by @jessc.northwillowbeautybar
Medium Choppy Hairstyle
Looking for choppy medium length hairstyles for thick hair? Medium-length hair is a sweet spot for choppy hairstyles. It helps release some of the weight of thicker hair for a featherlight feel. Ask your stylist to ribbon your highlights to enhance the piece-y look further.
Good hair day by @lamajbackwards
Choppy Ends
You don't have to opt for a short haircut to embrace a choppy hairstyle fully. If you're into long choppy hairstyles, ask your stylist to maintain your length but cut slightly choppy ends. This will give your style extra texture and edginess without compromising your signature length.
Good hair day by @lifetime_beautysalon
Choppy and Sleek
Choppy, flipped-in ends give a bit of depth and movement to a sleek style. Recreate this look by first applying Redken Oil For All Multi Benefit Hair Oil Heat Protectant Spray to your strands before blow-drying. The formula guards against heat damage, tames flyaways, and reduces dry time. Then use a flat iron, like L’Oréal Professionnel Steampod Hair Straightener + Curling Iron, to gently turn the ends of hair in toward the face.
Good hair day by @colorwithgrace
Choppy Long Layers
Here’s another way to keep your length while satisfying your choppy hair desires. With this style, you’ll still be able to pull your hair up into a ponytail whenever you want.
Good hair day by @bewitchedcolor
Choppy V-Cut
A v-shaped cut also maintains length while creating some beautiful dimension. When choppy layers are incorporated, it allows for more movement—a major plus.
Good hair day by @giannadoll13
Choppy Sideburns
You may think there’s not much you can do with a buzz cut, but that’s a myth! Besides dyeing it all the colors of the rainbow, ask your stylist to taper your sideburns for a very subtle choppy effect.
Good hair day by @lexiesciortino
Choppy Rainbow Layered Bangs
If drawing attention to your facial features is your end goal, look no further than this set of ruffled rainbow bangs and choppy, face-framing layers. Get the wet look by spritzing a leave-in conditioner like Mizani 25 Miracle Milk all over strands. The liquid formula will dampen your hair while ensuring that it feels hydrated.
Good hair day by @_paulina.anna_
Choppy Bangs
Love the texture and movement choppy hairstyles afford but aren't ready to completely commit to a choppy 'do? Opt for choppy bangs. Your textured fringe will give some much-needed edge to your otherwise polished style.
Good hair day by @hairdreambytiffany and @craftedhairstudio
Choppy Pin Up Girl Bangs
Take your cue from American pinup queens via short, thick fringe. The choppy spin makes it feel fresh and modern.
Good hair day by @tiarrapearson
Choppy Long Bangs
Consider some long choppy bangs if you're looking to edge into bangs length but aren't ready to go full-out. Allowing your fringe to grow out will give you more length to play around with styles and colors, and the choppy cut will take your look to the next level.
Good hair day by @sabinasocol
Choppy Curtain Bangs
Are you looking to take your fringe to the next level? Give them some texture with a choppy cut. Curtain bangs are one of our favorite ways to frame your face and add some much-needed movement to your style. These bangs are the perfect blend of femininity and edge.
Good hair day by @salsalhair
Choppy & Feathered
This modern take on '70s feathered hair feels ultra-fresh. It's a bit rock and roll, and a bit modern babe rolled into one.
Good hair day by @gumdrophairdressing
Choppy Punk Haircut
This style is proof you can take choppy hair into full-blown punk status. The key is to go extra bold, so add an unexpected color into the mix like electric blue, inky black, banana yellow, or platinum.
Choppy Curly Hair
Naturally curly hair lends itself to a choppy style. Your stylist will let the twists and turns of your strands guide them as they create the perfect cut for you. To help define them at home, consider picking up Matrix A Curl Can Dream Light-Hold Gel For Curly And Coily Hair. This light-hold defining gel for curls and coils is flake and crunch-free.
Good hair day by @hairbyatellez
Subtle Choppy Lob
If you love the look of choppy haircuts but aren’t sure if you’re ready for such a drastic change, take a subtle choppy lob for a spin. It instantly infuses movement, dimension, and texture to elevate an otherwise usual ‘do and is one of the most coveted choppy medium length hairstyles for thick hair.
Good hair day by @weddinghair.tx
Choppy Textured Ponytail
Wondering what your choppy haircut will look like in one of your go-to styles? This choppy, textured ponytail is perfect for any occasion.
Good hair day by @lilianahairstylist
Choppy Wolf Cut
Shortening your wolf cut into a shag or mullet with choppy layers and neck-grazing length can take the trending cut to the next level.
Interested in trying a choppy hairstyle? Shop Hair.com for all the products professionals use in the salon to make the unique cut stand out.
Style Link Over Achiever 3-In-1 Cream Paste Wax
A cream-paste-wax hybrid that makes styling hair a cinch.
Wata Wave Texture Spray
A texturizing finishing spray that provides buildable texture
Nendo Definer Matte Clay
A defining clay pomade that defines strands
Hydra Source Deep Treatment Pack Multi Use Hair Mask
A vegan, moisturizing deep treatment hair mask for dry, dull or damaged hair.
Absolut Repair Instant Resurfacing Masque
A hydrating mask to deeply nourish damaged and weakened hair.
Total Results Instacure Anti-Breakage Porosity Spray
Anti-breakage spray that fills in porosity, smooths cuticle and controls frizz in dry, damaged, brittle hair.
Tecni.Art Volume Envy Extra Mousse
A volumizing mousse that gives a natural, full hair look.
Oil for All Multi Benefit Hair Oil Heat Protectant Spray
A multi benefit hair oil for all hair types and hair textures.
Steampod Hair Straightener + Curling Iron
A flat iron for fast, smooth styling on all hair types.
A Curl Can Dream Light-Hold Gel for Curly and Coily Hair
Flake- and crunch-free Manuka honey extract-infused light-hold defining gel for curls and coils.
25 Miracle Milk Leave-In Conditioner
A lightweight leave-in conditioner with heat protection that detangles, calms frizz, and treats damage and dryness.
