40 Bold and Trendy Short Hair Ideas for 2024

Is short hair in style for 2022?

Oh yeah! Short hairstyles have been trending all of 2022 so far, and there are no signs of slowing down. We’ve seen big-name celebrities, models, and everyday people on the street rocking cropped locks. Whether you’re flipping through a glossy mag, thumbing through Instagram, or grabbing brunch with your besties, you’re bound to see people sporting short hair.

Good hair day by @hairbychloehutchinson.

What are the best short haircuts for 2022?

In addition to classic bobs, pixies, and lobs, we’ve seen a throwback to retro hairstyles. Think modern mullet, shags, pinup style looks, and even cropped versions of the wolf cut. If you’re keen on trying one of these looks out but aren’t sure you’re ready to commit, let us remind you that hair grows back! (But seriously—we have no doubt you can pull it off). 

Good hair day by @gerilynghaisarzadeh.

What is the most popular short haircut?

You're right on the money if your mind immediately drifts to a classic pixie cut when you think of short hair. A classic pixie is one of the most popular short haircuts. Pixie cuts are shorter on the sides and back with longer layers on top, and they often feature wispy, side-swept bangs. While they’re a flattering way to release the weight of your hair, the face-framing fringe softens the cut so it won’t look too severe or drastic. Plus, the styling options are endless!

Good hair day by @bluntvicki.

What is the best hairstyle for short hair?

Just like medium and long hair, you’ll have plenty of options when it comes to styling your short hair. From loose waves to pin-straight to retro-inspired, how you style your short hair depends on your mood, the vibe you’re going for, and even the occasion. The exception would be a straight-up buzz cut, of course, but see below for fun the new patterns and colors making waves in this formerly-limited hairdo.

The Best Short Hair Ideas To Try Now

Below we’ve rounded up 40 of the best short hair ideas for women (including very short hair ideas) that’ll make you want to book an appointment with your stylist ASAP. 

Good hair day by @mr_alexandrycosta.

Classic Bob

A classic blunt bob is always chic and on-trend. Whether you go with a sharp jawline cut or let your locks just graze your shoulders, you’ll wish you went short years ago.

Good hair day by @mlmstyling.

Classic Pixie

As noted above, a pixie is the quintessential short hair idea for women. If you take the plunge, we guarantee you’ll end up wondering why you ever coveted princess-length locks in the first place.

Good hair day by @mariactmtx.

Classic Lob

Not ready to go super short just yet? Don’t worry, the lob (also known as the long bob) is still in high demand since it gives you a versatile happy medium.

Good hair day by @joiewallacehair.

Voluminous Bixie

The bixie is a cross between the chic cropped length of a pixie but with extra length and layers characteristic of a bob. To ensure the ‘do keeps its ample volume and texture throughout the day, apply a few pumps of Pureology Style + Protect On The Rise Root Lifting Mousse directly onto the roots of towel-dried hair. The mousse effortlessly plumps flat hair with weightless body from root to tip.

Good hair day by @jesseniaspallet.

Short Curly Lob

Curly haired babes can also rock the lob. To keep your ringlets looking gorgeous, add  Mizani Curl Define Pudding to damp hair and then either air dry or use a diffuser.

Good hair day by @folliclefatale.

Shaggy Lob

The shag is back, and it’s here to stay. Ask your stylist to use a razor to create a perfectly textured lob that will give you a flawless, chic bed head every day.

Good hair day by @soomahair.

Asymmetrical Shaved Side

If you’re hoping to completely change up your look this year, consider an asymmetrical shaved haircut. Shaving just one side of your head automatically ups your edge but still leaves you plenty of hair to play with.

Good hair day by @msnataliejean.

Blunt Bangs

Whether you settle on side-swept or blunt cut, bangs are the perfect way to spruce up an already incredible short haircut. 

Since we understand that brow-skimming fringe can sometimes crowd our vision, we love switching it up by slicking them back from time to time. Beginning with wet hair, work a styling gel through hair and comb hair straight back from the face using a paddle brush. Then, use an extra-firm hold hairspray like Matrix Vavoom Freezing Finishing Anti-Frizz Hairspray to seal the deal.

Good hair day by @sorayahstyles.

Finger Waves

For this vintage look, you’ll need a lot of firm hold gel, a fine-tooth comb, and a little bit of patience. Begin by parting your hair to the left or the right and applying a liberal amount of gel to the larger section of hair. We recommend Biolage Professional Styling Gelée All Purpose Styling Gel which delivers high hold. Comb the gel through your hair until it is completely saturated and evenly distributed.

Starting in the middle of your head, brush a one-inch section up towards your forehead. Using your comb and a little help from your fingers, create a S-shaped wave. Continue to the next section, creating another S-shaped wave until you’ve completed the entire side. Tuck any extra pieces behind your ear before repeating the process on the opposite side. Allow the gel to completely dry to set your look.

Good hair day by @xcellent_kevin.

Straight and Sleek

Score this look with the help of a flat iron, a comb, and a good heat protectant. Begin at the back of your head, working with two-inch sections of clean, dry hair. Spray each piece with a heat protectant and slowly pass over it with your flat iron followed by a comb. If necessary, do an additional pass with the flat iron to get your hair as straight and sleek as possible. Continue flat ironing until you’ve completed your entire head. For a high-shine finishing touch, spritz on Redken’s Shine Flash Hair Spray. 

Good hair day by @staygold31.

Undercut

An undercut doesn’t just look cool—it’ll help keep your head feeling cool, too. Add a fashion color like teal and you’re bound to turn heads. 

Good hair day by @kycutwilson.

Slicked-Back Wet Look 

Short hair really lends itself to a slicked-back wet look. To recreate it, add a healthy dollop of high hold cream or gel—such as Shu Uemura Art Of Hair’s Umou Hold Cream—to damp hair and comb backward. You can use a blow dryer on low heat and low pressure to expedite the drying process. 

Good hair day by @dvglam.

Asymmetrical Bob

A bit of asymmetry puts a little twist on an otherwise classic bob. This look also incorporates a choppy effect thanks to some razor cutting action. 

Good hair day by @lamajbackwards.

Deep Side Part Curly Lob 

Who said the side part was a thing of the past? Think again. A deep side part adds major drama and volume to any lob.

Half-Up Short Hair Updo 

If you thought updos were reserved for long hair, you’re in for a happy surprise. With the help of a few bobby pins and a small barrel curling iron—or a texturizing spray like Pureology Style + Protect Texture Finishing Spray—anyone can rock a cute updo style. This half updo incorporates a braid that stretches across the back of the head. 

Good hair day by @shear_envytupelo.

Space Buns

Another half-updo we love on short hair is space buns. Cute as they are functional, these mini top knots come in handy when you’re looking for ways to switch up an awkward-length bob, or when you want to conceal unwashed hair.

Good hair day by @hairbyravenc.

Short Modern Mullet

The short modern mullet is a short hair idea for anyone with a punky edge. It’s a definite throwback to that classic ‘80s style, but the razor cut technique and clean lines help make it feel more modern. 

Good hair day by @harlotofhair.

Pixie Mullet

For another spin on both the pixie and the mullet, combine both styles in one go. It’s a sculptural-like style with a lot of edge that’s perfect for the boldest of the bold. 

Good hair day by @hairbychloehutchinson.

Short Wavy Lob

A slight wave added to a lob adds depth and dimension to the look. It’s also a bit more forgiving and easier to style than, say, a pin-straight look. Before grabbing your curling iron to create the waves, apply a bit of heat protectant. Biolage Thermal Active Heat Protectant Spray doesn't just protect your hair from heat damage, but also helps strengthen and condition your hair while delivering a soft, medium-hold finish.

Good hair day by @ellendevinehair.

Pixie Bob

Also referred to as a long pixie, the pixie bob sits right between a true pixie cut and a lob. You can style it however you like—straight, wavy, curly, tousled, or shaggy.

Good hair day by @skylermcdonald.

Pompadour Pixie

The pompadour pixie is a short haircut that has just a bit more length reserved at the top. This lends itself to all sorts of looks, making it perfect for people who want short hair but love experimenting with styles in front of the mirror. Pinching small sections of hair together with a styling paste like Shu Uemura Art of Hair Ischi Sculpting Paste gives a pompadour that coveted piecey look.

Good hair day by @realericvaughn.

Soft Waves

A curling wand, a heat protectant spray, and a flexible hold hairspray—such as Matrix Total Results High Amplify Proforma Frizz Control Hairspray—are all you need for this laid-back ‘do. Start at the back of your head, working with two-inch sections of clean, dry hair. Spray each one with a heat protectant before wrapping around the curling wand. Hold each section of hair to the wand until it’s just heated through (approximately 30-60 seconds depending on the thickness of your hair).

Continue curling two-inch sections of hair until you’ve waved your entire head. After you’ve finished with your curling wand, rake your fingers through the hair to loosen up your curls. Set the style with the Matrix hairspray.

Good hair day by @violetgrace_.

French Girl Lob 

The French girl lob is effortlessly cool. This Parisian-inspired look is traditionally chin-length, layered, and comes with a full set of fringe. 

Good hair day by @lamajbackwards.

Stacked Bob

A stacked bob keeps more length at the front and builds volume in the back. For sleek and smooth hair, apply Mizani Thermasmooth Smoothguard Serum after flat ironing. 

Good hair day by @sal_mc_hair.

Graduated Lob 

A graduated lob is a bit longer in the front than the back. This short hair idea allows you to have the best of both worlds: a slightly longer look but without excess bulk in the back.

Good hair day by @iamdrbeauty.

Twist-Out Faux Hawk 

This is a more mild version of a faux hawk, and you can take it as extreme as you want.The key is to focus on volume at the top while keeping the sides much shorter, which allows you to keep some length while still going for the chop. 

Good hair day by @karessthestylist.

Ultra Short Curly Hair

Here’s a daring look for those seeking an ultra short hairstyle with natural curly hair. For extra boldness, make it platinum or champagne and keep it bright with the help of a brass-banishing shampoo, like Shu Uemura Art of Hair Yubi Blonde Anti-Brass Purple Shampoo.

Good hair day by @cajsawessberg.

Completely Buzzed

Ready to feel like a free spirit? The buzzcut is one of the fastest ways to get there. And let’s talk about how much time and money you’ll save in the process. 

Good hair day by @billyporges.

Buzzed with Design

Craving a buzz but still want an extra pop? Ask your stylist to create a design, such as this asymmetrical design placed just above the nape.

Good hair day by @vanessastylesyou.

Buzzed With Color

A buzzed haircut lends itself to plenty of fun. Painted buzz cuts ranging from simple to ornate designs are currently trending.

Good hair day by @arielmunz.

Razor Bob

The razor bob gets its name from those razor-sharp ends and sleek style. It requires a bit more maintenance, but the impact it makes is totally worth the effort. To keep your hair smooth and sleek, use a flat iron and an anti-frizz spray such as Kérastase Discipline Fluidissime Anti Frizz Spray.

Good hair day by @jaye_edwards.

Short Curly Lob with Full Fringe 

For a little extra something, consider adding full bangs to your curly lob. It creates more of a sculptural “hair as art” effect. 

Good hair day by @max_rokitskiy_stylist.

Feathery, ‘70s-Inspired Lob

Yep, you can have your short hairstyle and nod to the ‘70s, too. This lob is parted in the middle and incorporates that iconic full, feathered, “away from the face” look. To get that enviable body, use a volumizing product such as Redken Guts 10 Root-Volumizing Foam Hairspray.

Good hair day by @jaymz.marsters.

Lob With Colorful Roots

Add a bold pop to your lob by dyeing your roots a fashion color, like bright blue, pink, purple, or green. This works for all hair colors!

Good hair day by @leletny.

Bejeweled Short Hair

Whether we’re talking wedding guest hair or a special night out, accessories are an easy way to take very short hair from casual to dressed up. Pro tip: Spray a bit of dry shampoo—like Redken Invisible Dry Shampoo—onto the backs of clips and barrettes before slipping them into hair. Dry shampoo adds a bit of grit to accessories to ensure they stay-put in strands, especially if you’ll be cutting up the dance floor.

Good hair day by @madisonsullivanhair.

Lob with Curtain Bangs 

Curtain bangs are totally trending, and we love the idea of pairing them with a cute lob. 

Good hair day by @thephairmacist.

Bowl Pixie With Undercut

This short hair idea is definitely for the edgier types and will make a statement wherever you wander. For little pops, consider having your stylist strategically paint in some fashion colors, or opt for a design in your buzz. 

Good hair day by @lilianahairstylist.

Cropped Wolf Cut

Take your wolf cut to a new level by shortening it into a shag or mullet, complete with choppy layers and neck-grazing length. Bonus points for adding your own unique spin to the trend by shaving your temples or dyeing locks a fantasy hue.

Good hair day by @keratin_umidik.

Inverted Layered Bob

An inverted bob with long layers results in a gently angled cut with tons of natural movement. Plus, layers upon layers will help your hair appear thicker and fuller overall.

Good hair day by @Biolage.

Lob With Flipped Ends

Gently flicking the ends of hair outward off the shoulder is one of our favorite ways to breathe new life into an overgrown bob. Luckily, achieving the look is easy with the help of a flat iron like L'Oréal Professionnel Steampod Hair Straightener + Curling Iron. Just apply heat protectant to hair, then tilt the flat iron away from your face once you reach the ends.

The above short haircuts are just a starting point, of course. Use any of them for inspiration, or take one of these pictures straight to your stylist and say, “I want this one!”

Interested in trying one of these looks? Find the salon-worthy products you’ll need to achieve your short hair styling goals at hair.com.