Short hair gets a bad rap for being boring. According to stylists, though, there are plenty of trendy cuts that are both stylish and fun. Here, find the best hair trends for short hair.

Hot tip: Tousled layers look fab on all lengths.

Short hair often gets a bad rap for being boring. The idea is that the less hair you have, the less you can do with it. While that may be true in some instances (hello, waist-length waves), celebrity hairstylists assure us that there are plenty of trends for short hair, too. Think: pixie cuts, textured lobs, perky ponytails, and every kind of bob in the book.

Meet the expert

• Andrew Fitzsimons is a celebrity hairstylist and the founder of his namesake hair-care brand, Andrew Fitzsimons.
• Barb Thompson is a celebrity hairstylist. She’s worked with A-listers like Mandy Moore, Olivia Wilde, and Sarah Michelle Gellar.
• Jerome Lordet is a celebrity hairstylist and the owner of Jerome Lordet Salon.

So, if you’ve been looking for a way to refresh your hair for summer 2024 and beyond, keep reading for the year’s hottest hair trends for short hair.

Blunt Bob

If you’re looking for a bit more length, celebrity hairstylist Andrew Fitzsimons suggests a blunt bob. The beauty of this sharp cut is that it can be worn straight for a chic geometric appearance or blown out (like Bella Hadid’s bob, above) for a softer ‘do. “A blunt bob is all about sharp, clean lines that make a bold statement,” Fitzsimons says. “This cut falls at or just below the jawline and looks stunning on oval, square, and heart-shaped faces. It’s perfect for those who want a sleek, polished look.” 

To get the look, Fitzsimons says to ask your stylist for a “straight-across cut with no layers.” Then, keep it looking sharp with a flat iron and a little flip at the end. Just be sure to use a heat protectant in the process. 

Pixie Cut

If you have super short hair or are feeling inspired to make the cut, Fitzsimons recommends rocking a pixie. “The pixie cut is a timeless look; it's all about a short length and can range from ultra-short to slightly longer layers,” he says. “This cut works beautifully on oval, heart-shaped, and square faces.” 

To get the look, he says to ask for choppy layers and longer bangs for “a softer edge.” Once the cut is completed, style your pixie to perfection with a pomade or texture spray for “touchable hold and a chic finish,” he suggests.

Bob With Bangs

There’s no denying that bangs have re-remerged as a hairstyle staple in 2024, regardless of length. With that in mind, celebrity hairstylist Barb Thompson suggests elevating the classic bob with a flirty fringe. “People are wanting to switch up the classic shape with some fringe and I’m here for it,” she says. “This will help open up the face and depending on the length of bangs, it will lift you up around the cheek bones.”

Just keep in mind that bangs require extra styling, so they’re not as low maintenance as some other hair trends for short hair. That said, with round brushes and a blow dryer, or tools like the T3 Aire 360, styling is a breeze.

Textured Lob

Adding a bit more length, we have the lob. Specifically, one that’s textured. “The textured lob is a versatile and trendy choice for those who want a bit more length,” Fitzsimons says. “It usually falls between the chin and shoulders and features soft, choppy layers. This cut suits all face shapes and is great for adding movement and volume to the hair.” 

When styling, Fitzsimons says to use a curling wand to add breezy, beautiful movement to the layers of your lob. Then, finish with a texture spray to amp up the body and lock in the look.

Perky High Ponytail

Ponytails are a summer fave and if you have a lob or slightly longer short cut, a perky high pony is totally achievable. “A high ponytail for short hair is polished and chic, perfect for oval and heart-shaped faces,” Fitzsimons says. 

To get the look, start by smoothing your hair with a boar bristle brush. Then, use gel or hairspray to perfect the smooth style. “Gather it at the crown, and secure it with an elastic,” Fitzsimons instructs. “Use hair pins for shorter sections and wrap a strand of hair around the base for a polished finish.” 

French Bob

Another short cut that’s dominating our social feeds? The French bob. “French bobs—usually marked by bangs, a chin-grazing length, and choppy ends that are meant to air dry—are usually the most popular for warmer weather as they wear well unstyled,” says celebrity hairstylist Jerome Lordet. As for who they look best on, Fitzsimons calls out oval, square, and heart-shaped faces. “The French bob provides a flattering frame that highlights the cheekbones,” he explains.

To get the look, Fitzsimons says to ask for a blunt chin-length cut with slightly undercut ends. “If you opt for bangs, keep them slightly blunt,” he adds. “Style with a round brush for a smooth look, or let it air dry to embrace your natural texture.”

Curly Bangs

Speaking of bangs, Lordet says that curly bangs are trending, especially when paired with shorter styles. Even for people with lobs, pixies, super close crops, or other short styles that aren’t necessarily a French bob, letting natural texture show through bangs is popular come summer,” he says. “Sweaty foreheads or increased humidity don’t always allow bangs to stay blown out straight for those who typically style them that way, so adding a little curl cream into bangs and twisting them into the desired shape is an on-trend way to embrace natural texture.”

Tousled Layers

For a beachier, effortless short hairstyle, Lordet recommends taking a tousled, layered approach. “This is a good way to add natural movement and keep hair in an intentional shape if you got a bob in the spring and are starting to let it grow back out,” he says. “When hair is starting to hit an awkward in-between length, adding in choppy layers will get rid of some weight towards the bottom and give hair a cool, effortless effect.”

To perfect the tousled look, he says to use a wave spray throughout, with shine serum on the ends. Meanwhile, if you want to amp up the shape, you can use a curling wand.

Baroque Bob

This summer, we’re seeing retro style ricochet back into fashion, popping up in the form of Italian summer head scarves, 1950s shift mini dresses, and the old Hollywood baroque bob. This trend for short hair is more about how you style it and less about the cut itself. “It’s another way to style a bob if you already have one but want to make it feel special or done for a night out or occasion,” Lordet says.

To get the voluminous look, he says to divide your hair into a side part and use a large round brush to lift your roots and add shape throughout. To lock in the look, he says to set the curls with large rollers. Once cooled, remove the rollers and finish with a flexible-hold hairspray.

Bold Color Change

So often, we see gorgeous blonde, bronde, and brunette short hairstyles, with the occasional natural red thrown in for good measure. This summer, though, Lordet says to pull out all the stops and opt for a bold color change. “If you already have a short cut and you’re satisfied with the length but looking to make a change, a big color change can have that impact,” he says. “Making a dramatic change with short hair is often easier on you and the stylist as there is less hair to color and shorter hair can be healthier, especially when well taken care of, as the length and ends of longer hair are typically where we find the most damage. Take advantage of these benefits to try a color you wouldn’t normally—it feels like anything goes in the summer.”

Bleach Blonde

Of course, platinum, bleach blonde is always an option, too. While it’s not a bold hue, it’s a bright tress choice, making it an instant head-turner, no matter the length it’s on. “Lots have been chopping it all off and going lighter,” says Thompson. Just note: “This is a very high-maintenance look," she adds. “Be ready to see your colorist every four to six weeks.”