15 hairstyles for short hair that’ll inspire you to go for the chop
Who better to look to for inspiration than the stars of the red carpet?
There are so many chic short hairstyles around at the moment that most of us have toyed with the idea of going for the chop. But going for that dramatic length-change can be a daunting prospect, especially if you’re an established member of the long-haired club.
‘If you feel nervous about going for a dramatic change, you’re not alone’, says celebrity hair stylist Orlando Pita. ‘I had been trying to get Karlie Kloss to cut her hair for ages and when she finally did do it, she loved it!’
So why is it so hard for us to choose from hairstyles for short hair and find the right one? ‘I think sometimes women can’t picture themselves with a short hair cut if they have had long hair for a long time’, says Orlando. ‘It’s good for people to cut their hair. I get bored with long hair and I like showing alternative styles.’
The good news? Any face shape can pull off a shorter hairstyle. ‘Face shape isn’t key for this style but by creating layering, you ultimately affect the shape, says Sam Burnett, owner of Hare and Bone and KMS Style Council member. ‘For example, round faces should opt for square layers and vice versa for square face shapes.’
Keep reading for the coolest hairstyles for short hair 2019 has to offer – and get ready to go for the chop next year.
Short hairstyles for fine hair
A layered bob or crop helps to add the appearance of volume to finer short hairstyles – actresses like Jennifer Lawrence and Gemma Arterton have both had layers added to the tops of their hairstyles for a fuller look.
Celebrity inspiration: Gemma Arterton and Jennifer Lawrence
Short hairstyles for thick hair
Thicker hair looks great in a blunt cut, because there’s already so much volume, but also works with tapered layers towards the ends. Jenna Coleman circa 2015 is the ultimate muse for the perfect blunt lob.
Celebrity inspiration: Chrissy Teigen and Jenna Coleman
Hairstyles for short hair with curls
Naturally curly hair looks great in a bob or lob, as does wavy hair that’s heat styled for added texture. Square faces can be softened by tucking hair behind one ear, while round faces are defined with blunt edged curls that sit just underneath the chin (see our round up of the best curly hairstyles for more hairspo.). Curly, coily and kinky hair all work really well in shorter styles, including pixie crops – your hairdresser will be able to cut according to your texture.
Celebrity inspiraton: Kerry Washington,Gina Rodriguez and Lupita Nyong’o
Hairstyles for short hair on round faces
Broadimage/REX/Shutterstock
Blunt-edged, square bobs really suit a round face, as they give spherical face shapes more structure. ‘If a bob is your choice of style, go a few inches longer than a traditional bob to balance the roundness of the face,’ advises Sam. But if you want to go shorter, pick choppier straight layers to complement your face structure. Need more inspiration? Check out our guide to the best hairstyles for round faces to help you pick a style.
Celebrity inspiration: Michelle Williams and Jennifer Lawrence
Hairstyles for short hair on oval faces
Luckily for you, this is the most versatile face shape, so the world is your oyster when it comes to hairstyles for oval faces. ‘The most important consideration to take into account is the individuals’ natural texture,’ advises Sam. ‘This will determine the style, shape and length.’ Whether you’d like a pixie crop, chin-length bob or lob, your hairdresser won’t find it difficult to make it work on your face shape.
Celebrity inspiration: Gabrielle Union and Gina Rodriguez
Hairstyles for short hair on square faces
action press/REX/Shutterstock
The angular jawline that characterises square faces is softened with a rounder short hairstyle – whether a full 60s cut like Jennifer Hudson, above, or a pixie crop with feathered layering. Meanwhile longer bobs with graduated round layers below the jawline also soften your angles. For more tips and tricks on hairstyles for square faces, see our round up of the best.
Celebrity inspiraton: Jennifer Hudson and Evan Rachel Wood
Hairstyles for short hair with bangs
David Fisher/REX/Shutterstock
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No doubt about it, fringes are back with a, err, bang. The short, fringed style of the moment is feathered full bangs with a crop; less harsh than a full fringe but with a similar overall effect.
Celebrity inspiration: Jennifer Hudson, Gemma Arterton and Jennifer Lawrence
Scroll through our round up as we chart some of the best A-list hairstyles for short hair below.
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Dua Lipa
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Gabrielle Union, Chin-Length Bob
A choppy, chin length 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 as above.
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Zoe Kravitz, Super Short Pixie Crop
Zoe Kravitz's sharp jawline and cheekbones are perfectly accentuated by her mega short crop.
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Jennifer Hudson, Layered Crop
Layered crops can be styled for any face shape, and Jennifer Hudson has since grown hers out into a flattering '60s style rounded bob, which perfectly complements her square face shape.
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Evan Rachel Wood, Short and Coiffed
Evan Rachel Wood's known for pulling off a her short hairstyles with aplomb - and her slick blonde quiff is no different. So. Cool.
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Gina Rodriguez, Layered Lob
For a vintage look, style your lob with tonged waves and a side parting à la Gina Rodriguez.
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Lupita Nyong’o, 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.
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Michelle Williams, Platinum Blonde Pixie Crop
Her signature style for a few years now, Michelle Williams' blonde super-short crop has gradually got lighter – now icy platinum blonde.
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Kerry Washington, Blunt Bob with Bangs
Kerry Washington recently upgraded her blunt bob to one with sharp bangs, and we love how it complements her heart-shaped face.
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Gemma Arterton
Gemma debuted her new pixie crop at the British Independent Film Awards in London
