There are so many incredible short hairstyles around at the moment that most of us have toyed with the idea of going for the chop—in fact, short hair is reigning supreme in 2023 hair trends. But going for that dramatic length-change can be a daunting prospect, especially if you're an established member of the long-haired club.
Often when people think about short hair, they assume that there aren’t as many hairstyles available as there are to those with long hair. We’re here to tell you that that’s absolutely not the case. There are actually so many different ways to style short hair so that you’ll never be bored. “Short hair cuts are some of my favourites as the cut is short, they grow out super quick and then you can mix it up again,” says hairstylist Lewis Pallett.
Why do we find it so risky?
So why is it so hard for us to take the plunge? “I think sometimes people can't picture themselves with a short haircut if they have had long hair for a long time”, says celebrity hair stylist, Orlando Pita. Plus, you might be struggling to pin down one idea with so many to choose from.
“There are hundreds of options,” says Pallett. We’re talking: buzzcut, pixie crop, boy crop, baby bobs, cropped mullet, blunt bob, layered textured cut, shag cut, angled micro bob… you get the picture.
Short hair and your face shape
The good news? Any face shape can pull off a shorter hairstyle. “Face shape isn’t key for short hair, but by creating layering, you ultimately affect the shape”, says Sam Burnett, owner of Hare and Bone. “For example, round faces should opt for square layers and vice versa for square face shapes,” he adds.
When it comes to inspiration, “I would suggest looking at celebrities for inspiration, but be realistic,” advises Pallett. “Look at celebrities within your similar age bracket and take references with you to your appointment so your hairdresser can get a sense of what you're thinking; your stylist as they have a wealth of knowledge and can help you figure out what works best,” he adds.
Styling short hair
Once you've settled on a cut, it's time to talk styling. This is something that your hairdresser can also help you with. "While short hair is easier to blow dry, it needs product to make the cut come alive. I like to create texture and lift with dry texture sprays and pomades," says Eugene Smith, senior stylist at John Frieda Salons in Mayfair.
Final words of advice from Pallett? “Whatever happens, remember: it grows back!”
Ready to have the chop? Take a look at the best short hairstyles 2023 has to offer—looking back at the old classics and taking inspo from new favourites.
The best short hairstyles for 2023
1. Dua Lipa's blunt bob
The blunt bob isn't going anywhere in 2023, and we cannot get enough of this look from Dua Lipa from 2021.
2. Gabrielle Union's asymmetric bob
A choppy, chin length, asymmetric bob looks great on a round or oval face, much like Gabrielle Union's hair here. Either wear it full and bouncy or slick it back.
3. Hailey Bieber's wavy crop
Can't decide between blunt and wavy? Do both. Take inspo from this look of Hailey Bieber's from 2020 that features blunt ends styled with beachy waves.
4. Viola Davies's blunt bob
There's nothing quite as stylish as a super blunt cut — fringe and all! Viola Davis starts 2023 off with a chin-length angled bob and blunt bangs.
5. Zoë Kravitz's pixie crop
Zoë Kravitz's sharp jawline and cheekbones are perfectly accentuated by her mega short crop styled with an angled fringe.
6. Florence Pugh's flicked ends
Florence Pugh had many (many!) great beauty moments last year, but this style has to be a favourite. Featuring a deep side part (one of 2023's biggest hair trends), slicked back roots and a dramatic flick on the ends.
7. Jennifer Hudson's layered crop
Layered crops can be styled for any face shape, and we love Jennifer Hudson's version when she grew hers out into a flattering '60s style rounded bob, which perfectly complements her square face shape.
8. Samira Wiley's buzzcut
In 2023 why not try and buzzcut and a new hair colour? Take inspiration from Samira Wiley who, in November 2022, debuted an incredible bright blonde buzzcut.
9. Janelle Monáe's waved fringe
Turn your fringe into the main event by styling it in curls as Janelle Monáe did here. Next, add a larger-than-life accessory to make your hair the standout of any outfit.
10. Duckie Thot's curved bob
Duckie Thot proves that you can have the bluntest of bobs but style it in a slightly curved way to switch things up. She wore her in a middle part with the body of the cut slightly curved to give it more volume. You can do this at home with a hair of hair straighteners and some smoothing cream.
11. Jennifer Lawrence's side part bob
This cut might be from 2013 (yes, really!) but it still such an epic cut we're not yet over it. Jennifer Lawrence rocked short hair with this wavy bob styled tucked behind one ear with plenty of volume.
12. Evan Rachel Wood's short and coiffed crop
Evan Rachel Wood's is known for pulling off a her short hairstyles with aplomb—and her slick blonde quiff is no different. So. Cool.
13. Taraji P. Henson's natural micro bob
Taraji P. Henson stunned with this look from 2021 featuring her natural curls styled in a middle part micro bob. We simply cannot get enough of it!
14. Gina Rodriguez's layered lob
For a vintage look, style your lob with tonged waves and a side parting à la Gina Rodriguez.
15. Lupita Nyong'o's short sides and volume on top
Short hairstyles don't come cooler than Lupita Nyong'o's super-styled locks. The actress has rocked a series of crops since stepping into the limelight, with her stylist Ted Gibson creating short hair hit after hit. Our favourite? Her MTV Movie Awards quiff.
16. Michelle Williams's platinum blonde pixie crop
Her signature style for a few years now, Michelle Williams's blonde super-short crop has gradually got lighter, progressing into a cool (quite literally) icy platinum blonde.
17. Kerry Washington's blunt bob and bangs
Kerry Washington is always convincing us to try a blunt bob and sharp bangs, this look is no different.
18. Gemma Arterton's angled boy crop
Gemma showed us how to go super short with this boy crop, finished off with an angled fringe and we cannot get enough of it.
The best products for short hair
There are a few products that are especially helpful to have in your haircare arsenal, especially if you're new to styling a crop.
To make sure your hair doesn't fall flat (quite literally), Smith likes this styling paste for a "polished, piece-y look."
Need help with texture? Pop a small bit of the Arkive Scene Setting pommade into your lengths, not being too precious about application and you'll have added volume, lift and messy-chic texture in minutes.
If you're a little lazy on your styling, allow JVN's Air Dry Cream to do all the work for you. Simply work through damp hair, go about your day and marvel at the frizz-free, naturally-enhanced texture of your hair—all with zero crunchiness.
Through any heat styling, it's important to protect those ends, especially if you have curly hair. This alcohol-free formula defends against thermal styling and keeps hair hydrated and healthy.
For instant volume in any style, a spritz of this through your roots will work wonders — even if you're rushed for time.