Here’s the thing with short hair: it’s not as easy as “chop it all off and hope for the best.” It’s actually more detailed than that. The shorter you go, the more creativity you can put into it, and the more detail you can add! This means that you can change the overall style more with a well-placed detail than you could with longer hair. I really think it’s a lot more fun to work with shorter hair! I had a client who came in a month ago who had been growing her hair for three years because someone told her she “didn’t have the face for short hair.” I wanted to scream into a pillow. We cut her hair into a textured little bob and she cried when she saw it!
The years of cutting short hair have taught me that almost anyone can pull off short hair in some form. Almost everyone that is unsure about it just needs a little frame, a not-so-structured nape line, and most importantly someone to say YES DO IT! These are the types of looks that I save in my phone to show my clients when they say “I want something different.” I have some strong opinions about these looks.
#1: That Perfect Little Black Bob with the Clip and the Bangs
This hairstyle looks easy and effortless which it is, and it is easy to replicate as well. The bangs soften the whole look and make it more approachable. No one wants a haircut that is harsh. The clip is a fun way to show personality and is also lightweight and easy to move. If your hair is medium density, you’ll appreciate how lightweight this cut is and you will not feel like you are fighting your hair all day. With some light mousse and a quick pass of the flat iron you will be good to go. I recommend this cut to someone looking to put in the least amount of effort.
#2 That Warm Copper Bob That Makes Your Skin Glow
Copper tones like this one add a beautiful warmth to anyone’s face and feel amazing when you switch up from a darker color. The bob has a nice delicate shape that front is a little longer than the back which provides texture enough to move without any styling effort from you. I love suggesting this option to clients that are nervous to go shorter because it still has that elongated feel and the option to tuck behind your ears. I think it also has a nice mix of being secured and fresh. The only downside is if you have a lot of natural curl or volume we may need to have a more focused conversation about keeping that shape.
#3 Warm Caramel Pixie Bob with That Little Asymmetrical Thing Going On
I can’t even explain how happy this makes me! The length is NOT SCARY short! It’s perfect because you will still be able to style your hair however you want, but also, you will get the freedom that comes with a pixie bob. The caramel highlights look great for a fair to medium skin tone because they warm everything up without looking like you tried. Here’s what I really love, there’s a subtle asymmetry that gives it a modern touch but it’s not that uneven to the point that your mom’s gonna ask if they messed up. If your hair is straight or wavy, this is going to be perfect for you! You will need to put in a bit of extra work on the texture, like with a texturizing paste worked through your hair, but we’re talking two minutes, not twenty.
#4 This Blonde Bob with the Side Bangs That I Cannot Stop Recommending
I have to say, this cut has worked on every single client I’ve done it on. The side-swept bangs create a youthful look that I love, and the angled back keeps some volume where most short bobs lose it. Those face-framing blonde pieces lift and glow your face and are flattering without being too much. This is especially good for fine hair because it actually looks thick, which is the opposite of the truth. The only thing, and I tell clients this all the time, is that bangs need a little love. They will need some styling to keep them to the side and that does sound more difficult than it is. Once you get the hang of it, it will take you about 30 seconds.
#5 Tousled Bob with Wispy Fringes That Basically Styles Itself
I think this is the best example of a “messy on purpose” cut and I hope it gets a laugh. It does also look awesome. There’s body in the tousle. And those thin little wispies up above the eyebrows? UGH. It’s THAT kind of cut where you can shower, put in some product, and let it air dry. No one will know you actually planned on it. You WILL want some product to keep the wispies in check though. A light styling cream, and a tiny bit of hairspray on your fingers will do. This is as close as short hair gets to being wash and go, plus it looks put together.
#6 Beige Balayage Bob with Those Soft Wispy Layers I Love
You guys, the LAYERS! Even with thin hair, the layers are so lightweight and wispy, and they create amazing movement. My personal favorites are soft beige balayages because they add depth and dimension but don’t create a harsh line at the regrowth. This means it won’t be obvious when you need to come back to the salon, and it won’t be a high maintenance look. It also provides a seamless transition from shorter pieces in the back to longer pieces in the front. This really helps to frame the face, especially if you have an oval or round shape. I’ll be real with you though, if you live in a humid area, this hairdo can take a little bit more work. The blonde pieces are going to do whatever they want in the humidity.
#7 That Burnished Copper Pixie That Makes Me Want to Go Short Again
I always change my mind about my hair length when I see this cut. The texture looks amazing for fine hair and gives the hair more fullness and thickness without looking unnatural. The color is warm and looks nice with the eyes and cheeks. Copper is a very daring color but it is worth the risk. The color does require some upkeep, which is the only downside. It will need salon visits and color shampoo, but it is worth it.
#8 Brunette Textured Lob with Just a Whisper of Highlights
For my clients who are not quite ready to go any shorter, I like to call this style the “gateway short haircut.” It’s still technically a lob, so it’s not as scary, but it carries a lot of short haircut energy, especially with that texture and movement! The highlights are doing exactly what highlights are supposed to do; add dimension and catch the light without screaming “I GOT HIGHLIGHTS!” Super subtle and super pretty. I love this length because it works on basically everyone, and if you have straight to wavy hair it’s going to fall beautifully with no effort at all! For my finer haired clients, this cut can really visually bulk things up because the layers create that fullness you are looking for. Other than some scrunching, or round brushing, you may have to style it a little to keep it looking fresh, but this is definitely an ‘easy’ haircut.
#9 Chestnut Bob Kissing the Jawline with Those Little Wispy Bangs
The length is jaw-droppingly perfect. Jawline bobs are the most flattering for me. That soft chestnut color is warm and the bangs are wispy enough to not be way too heavy or overwhelming. They frame your eyes and peek right over your forehead. The feathering at the ends gives you movement and a little bit of volume, which is great if your hair is flat like that. Here’s my real talk moment. Short bobs like this one need trims more than you’d think because of how much growth can change the shape. If you like to stretch time between appointments, this one is going to ask more of you in that department.
#10 Sunkissed Tawny Tousled Bob That Looks Like Vacation Hair
This haircut gives off that polished yet carefree look. The warm, vivid, sun-kissed layers, and tawny color liven up the whole look. You will love how this cut complements your natural waves and helps them come alive! The color will really help accent your waves. The cut helps to balance heart and oval face shapes. The shorter the hair is, the more often you will need to come in to maintain the style, but the good news is that it will take you about twenty minutes to upkeep that maintenance!
#11 Golden Layered Bob with Grown-Out Roots That Actually Look Good
It’s wonderful that grown-out roots are no longer seen as a negative thing! With hairstyles like this golden bob, even grown-out roots can be a good thing! The way the ends are dark and light gives a beautiful low-maintenance balayage effect so you can go longer between color appointments! This cut is longer in the front and shorter in the back, and it helps to frame the jawline beautifully. Plus, the slight wave adds to the effortlessness of the style! For my fine-haired friends, this will be an everyday look, and a bit of volume spray will do the trick to keep the shape. Other than that, this look is super easy and attainable!
#12 Wavy Blonde Bob with That Natural Depth Underneath
This cut captures movement so beautifully that you will see people stop and walk by think, ‘Wait pause, what’s going on with her hair?’ The waves give a boost of volume and movement that looks natural and pretty, and paired with the subtle highlights, there’s depth that they will not be able to pinpoint. It really is sneaky beautiful. Short lengths also mean you will spend less time styling your hair because it will be one less hot tool you will have to use every morning. That said, prep for some less defined waves after a few days, but a quick refresh is all it takes. I mean a quick spritz and scrunch.
#13 Auburn Tousled Bob with Bangs That I Am Currently Texting My Clients About
I sent this stunning image of a fresh auburn color to three clients this week, and I’m not exaggerating. This color with tousled chin-length bob is absolutely stunning. This color also compliments warm skin tones beautifully. The added texture gives the look more volume, which is great if your hair is fine. If you are looking for a hairstyle with personality, these bangs are perfect for that. These bangs are soft enough so that if you are not feeling it, you can push them off to the side. If you are an oval or round face shape this length will be great on you. The only drawback with a vibrant auburn color is that it fades. This is the reality with red tones, so expect to come in for color touch-ups every four to six weeks. If you want to keep your hair looking THIS vivid, you’ll have to buy a good sulfate-free shampoo and come in for touch-ups.
#14 Curved Copper Bob with Soft Bangs That Hugs Your Jaw Perfectly
I love the bob haircut that hits the jaw with a slight inward curve at the jaw. And that warm copper color? That’s a whole new level of gorgeous. The cut really does a great job of softening your features. It bangs (or whatever that is), diverts all attention to your eyes. So cute! This is ideal for heart-shaped faces. It beautifully accentuates the cheekbones and jawline. The most shape with this cut should be if you have thick hair. It’ll hold the curve perfectly. The color requires maintenance, but if you are up for it, you won’t regret the maintenance and it will be worth it for how happy you will be with the results. It’s such a pretty warm, bright color that you are going to catch so many reflections it.
#15 Flirty Wavy Bob with Bangs That Gives You That “Main Character” Energy
The waves in this cut and style creates volume and gives the illusion that the hair is thick and bouncy, but it’s really not that thick. It’s all in the cut. The bangs help to frame the face and with the added waves, it pulls together a cute look that suits oval and heart shaped faces. This is the type of hairstyle that has people wondering, “did you do something different?” When all you need to do is flick your hair and say, “oh this?” The bangs do need a bit of maintenance, but it’s really not that hard to achieve the look. I know it sounds contradictory, but trust me. Just a few passes with a round brush along with some fingers while blow drying, and you’re good.
#16 Blonde Asymmetrical Pixie with Dark Contrast That I Am VERY Into Right Now
This one is for my clients who want to make a statement without getting too punk. The asymmetry gives an edgy feel. The blonde keeps it bright and youthful, and those darker contrast highlights underneath add depth and dimension which makes it look more expensive. The clean lines are most flattering on oval and heart-shaped faces. This cut will make fine to medium hair look so much fuller. I won’t lie, there is a bit of maintenance with this in the morning but a texturizing spray will be your best friend. It simplifies the whole process because it enhances those layers without needing to touch each one individually.
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