Long, flowy hair has long been coveted, but 2021 is all about taking chances, going bold, and being more playful with cuts, colors, and styles. If you’re aiming for a big chop—or simply want to switch up your existing very short haircut—we’re here to lend some inspiration. From chin-length bobs to bold undercuts to very short hairstyles for curly hair, thick hair, and thin hair, we’ve rounded up 40 head-turning looks.
What is the best hairstyle for short hair?
Finding the perfect hairstyle is a lot like finding the perfect hair color—the hue that looks best on you might not necessarily work for your BFF. When searching for the best very short hairstyle or cut, always consider your face shape and hair type. Whether you’re wanting a very short haircut for round faces, a square face, or a heart-shaped face, certain cuts can help to accentuate your best features. If you’re unsure what flatters you best, you can always look to your stylist for guidance!
What is a pixie bob haircut?
If you want to edge into a pixie cut without losing all of your precious length, you’ll love the pixie bob. This cut, also known as a long pixie, is typically shorter in the back while the strands at the sides of your face fall just above your chin.
What haircut is best for thin short hair?
If your strands are on the sparse side, you’ll want to avoid haircuts with tons of layers. Too many layers can make thin or fine hair appear even thinner. Instead, opt for a uniform-length cut like a blunt bob, or if you want to add a few layers to your chop, ask your stylist for a stacked bob that creates the illusion of a thicker mane.
Does short hair make you look younger?
This ultimately depends on the style itself, but a very short haircut can definitely help make you appear more youthful. The key is to choose a trendier style that flatters your features. Your stylist can help steer you in the right direction!
What do you call a very short haircut?
A very short haircut goes by many names depending on the style itself. For example, women’s very short haircuts include pixie cuts, bobs, lobs, wedges, undercuts, afros, and even shags.
What are the best short haircuts?
The best very short haircut is the one that makes you excited to wake up and style your hair! It should also flatter your features, work with your hair type (be it curly, thin, thick, coarse, or fine) and meet your needs in terms of maintenance. If you’re looking for inspiration to take to the salon, keep scrolling for 40 of the best very short haircuts and hairstyles for 2021.
The Best Very Short Haircuts to Try
Bowl Cut Pixie
You might get flashbacks to elementary school days when you think of bowl cuts, but this modernized look is nothing like the ones you wore back in the day. The refreshed version of this mushroom hairstyle is one of the trendiest looks of the past few years.
Statement-Making Bob
Looking to take your bob hairstyle to the next level? If you’re interested in testing out a look that really packs a punch, ask your colorist for a statement hue. A gorgeous haircut combined with a bright hair color is just what you need for 2021.
Curly Pixie
If you have curly hair, you’re going to want short hairstyles that still show off your natural texture. Opt for a pixie with just enough length to let your curls shine! For the perfect curly pixie, work with a styling product like the Mizani True Textures Perfect Coil Oil Curl Gel to define and shape your curls.
Modern Mullet
The return of the mullet has been one of the biggest beauty trends of the past few years. Not ready for a complete return to ‘80s hair? With trendy colors and layers that fall a bit longer than those of a traditional mullet, your stylist can customize your look to create a more modern appearance.
Pixie Mullet
Feeling extra daring? Consider trying this combo-package of the pixie and mullet the next time you go to the salon. The fashion color is optional, but will definitely kick it up to another level.
Subtle Undercut
Looking to play around with an edgy hairstyle without losing all of your length? Ask your stylist for an undercut just above the nape of your neck while leaving the hair on top of your head a bit longer. We recommend this as a very short hairstyle for thick hair, especially in the summer months when you don’t want to be bogged down by all that weight.
Edgy Undercut
Thinking of taking your undercut up a notch? Buzz away the back and sides of your hair while leaving a little length at the top for a more dramatic take on the look. An extra deep cut near the border adds a bit of flare, too.
Shaved And Colorful
When it comes to hair, we always say go bold or go home. If you’ve already braved a buzz cut, why not give a daring hair color a try? We can’t take our eyes off of this bold look.
Baby Bangs
Want to try a very short haircut with bangs? Lean into some baby bangs! They were a hit in the ‘90s—and the throwback look is back and better than ever. Ready to commit to bangs? Ask your stylist for a mini fringe look to compliment your blunt cut.
Wispy Bangs
If you’re not into the idea of committing to full-blown bangs (or even baby bangs) then consider this wispy style. It’s flattering on short haircuts and works on all hair textures.
French Girl Bob
Who doesn’t love French girl hair? Just like French fries and pastries, Parisian-inspired short hairstyles are completely irresistible. If you’re ready to say “oui” to a French girl bob, ask your stylist for a chin-length, layered bob with full bangs.
Blunt Bob
Sleek, sophisticated, and razor-sharp, a blunt bob is a classic cut that isn’t leaving the limelight any time soon. Whether you pair your chop with a bold hair color or something a bit more neutral, a blunt bob is sure to make you stand out.
Choppy Lob
If a one-length cut isn’t for you, ask your stylist for a choppy hairstyle. Adding choppy layers to a lob haircut will give your strands instant, effortless texture.
Stacked Bob
If you have fine hair that quickly falls flat, a stacked bob is a must-try to give your mane instant volume and fullness. The cut features a longer front with shorter, stacked layers in the back. Looking to amp up your volume even more? We recommend a volumizing shampoo and conditioner like Matrix Total Results High Amplify Shampoo and Conditioner.
Stacked Bob with Full Fringe
Put an extra twist on your stacked bob by adding full fringe. It’ll require a bit more upkeep, but it’s a bold look that’ll definitely earn you compliments!
Faux-Hawk
Faux-hawks are no longer the domain of middle school boys discovering hair gel for the first time. We like a sophisticated, grown-up version of the faux-hawk, one that plays with texture and length. For an added style statement, consult with a colorist who may be able to add an on-trend hue like copper to your ‘do.
Wedge Cut
The ‘60s-inspired cut is a pleasantly retro look that we’re starting to see on social media for the first time. Instead of clipping your strands in the traditional manner, your stylist will lift sections of hair perpendicular to your face. Then, he or she will cut the sections at an angle. The result? Hair that’s shorter toward the neck, longer at the crown.
Short Shag
We’re all about including effortless layers whenever possible, so that makes a choppy short cut an obvious choice. Shaggy, feathered strands are back in style, creating movement while boosting volume at the crown. If you’re looking for an effortless, ‘70s-inspired style, short layers are the right decision. Just be sure to pick up a pair of bell bottom jeans, too.
A-Line
The A-line cut is one you may remember from ‘00s pop stars. Instead of cutting your hair in a single length all around the head, your stylist will steeply angle the cut toward your face. The cut has two notable advantages over other short haircuts: It creates the illusion of a sharp jawline for those who’d like a little help and makes hair seem thicker than it is.
Bold Undercut
When it comes to short hairstyles, your brain probably jumps directly to your mother’s layered bob. Take a step back and opt for something that feels a little more youthful. The undercut introduces a shaved element to your look, taking short hair from “mom-friendly” to “art school chic.”
Layered Bangs
How about that ‘70s feathered fringe? Layered bangs lend themselves to this sort of styling, or you can keep them sleek. The choice is yours with this versatile haircut.
Choppy Pageboy
We’re digging the lowkey vibes this choppy pageboy hairstyle is giving us. The center part makes it feel extra modern, as does the glossy platinum balayage.
Asymmetrical Curly Bob
If you’re searching for a playful, very short hairstyle for curly hair then consider this asymmetrical bob. For a sleek finish, reach for an anti-frizz hair serum to tame frizz and flyaways. We recommend Matrix Total Results Mega Sleek Mega Varnish Shine Anti-Frizz Serum. This product absorbs into hair and manages frizz and smoothness.
The Best Very Short Hairstyles to Try
Now that you’ve perused some amazing cuts, let’s dive into very short hairstyles for women. From cute accessories to glass hair to spiky styles, there’s something for everyone to try.
Deep Side Parted Bob
We love deep side parts for adding instant volume to your look. If you have natural hair like this model and want to nix potential frizz and flyaways, try Mizani True Textures Perfect Coil Oil Gel.
Spiked Pixie
Short hair and texture go together like bread and butter. If you’re looking to keep your hair out of your face or want to give your short chop a bit of edge, try styling a spiky pixie with tons of texture. To keep your spiky ‘do in place all day long, apply a dime-size amount of the Biolage Styling Gelée All Purpose Styling Gel. This super strong hold hair gel gives a style the power to stay put with lasting control and serious shine.
Delicate Accent Braid
Braids often seem impossible to create with short hair, but there are plenty of plaited hairstyles that work perfectly for shorter strands. If you’re looking for a simple look to put your braiding skills to the test, opt for an accent side braid. This versatile look works as a very short hairstyle for curly hair, fine hair, thick hair, and everything in between.
Multi-Band Side Pony
This modern twist on a favorite ‘90s style is a fun way to spice up your short hair. The monotone colors look extra fresh, too.
Flipped Ends
Here’s another spin on an old-school classic: flipped ends! The side-swept look, double barrette, and extra-glossy hair brings this look into the 21st century. For a similar glossy feel, use Redken Diamond Oil Glow Dry Blow Dry Shine Oil before blowing out your hair with a round brush.
Side Swept Bangs
If full-on fringe isn’t for you, consider side-swept bangs. Side bangs can instantly soften your features and give your ‘do a more feminine look—plus, they’re much easier to style and maintain than full bangs.
Glass Hair
Glass hair has been one of the biggest beauty trends of the past few years, and the sleek hairstyle is still making waves on the internet in 2021!
Short Afro
Not totally ready for a big chop? You don’t need to part with all of your length. Instead, leave enough hair on top to be able to style a mini afro.
Mini Half-Up Top Knot
If you’re at the awkward stage of growing out a short haircut, a half-up top knot is a simple and casual look that’s perfect for concealing uneven hair growth.
Half-Up Space Buns
For a more whimsical take on the half-up top knot, try double space buns. This look works for even shorter hair than what’s pictured. We recommend using a texturizing spray, such as Pureology Style + Protect Texture Finishing Spray, for an extra kick.
Half-Up Pigtails
Instead of buns or a topknot, try simple half-up pigtails.This is a more grown-up take on traditional pigtails, but still feels youthful and fresh.
Dual Texture
Make the most of your short hair by getting creative with the texture. This dual-texture hairstyle is sleek and chic on top, but allows curls to live their best life.
Pompadour Pixie
If your pixie cut has some length at the top, a modern pompadour might be perfect for you. Be sure to lock in your hairstyle with a strong-hold hairspray like the Redken Control Addict 28 Extra High-Hold Hairspray.
Wavy Bob
Who says you need super long hair to wear effortless waves? Use a large barrel curling iron to create soft, piece-y waves, or go heat-free with a texturizing spray like the Redken Triple Dry 15 Dry Texture Finishing Spray for textured, beach waves. This is also one of our top choices for very short hairstyles for fine hair since waves help create more volume and the illusion of thicker hair.
Wet Look
Wet hair, but make it fashion! The wet look might be a go-to look for Fashion Week, but the runway-ready ‘do is also easy to achieve at home. Before you try a wet look hairstyle, be sure to have a hair gel like the Matrix Vavoom Hold My Body Forming Hair Gel on hand to add definition, volume, and gloss.
Accessorize
The hair accessory trend is still going strong! Whether you opt for snap clips, barrettes, or bedazzled bobby pins, there’s no shortage of on-trend ways to embellish your very short hairstyle.
Sculpted
This art-like hairstyle for very short hair isn’t for the faint of heart, but it can definitely make an impact. To help create hold, we recommend using Shu Uemura Art Of Hair Ischi Sculpting Paste. The title means "stone" in Japanese, and the product lends to a medium-hold and a matte finish for any sort of sculpted style you desire.
Interested in more expert styling tips? Use our salon locator to book an appointment at a salon near you.