A standout memory of a haircut I did was for one woman who came to my chair and said, ‘I want to stop thinking about my hair.’ While most people would think that each day, she was tired of the daily negotiations and so called ‘bargaining’ with the flat iron that goes on every morning to try to look like she put an effort into her hair, she just wanted to leave the house feeling good about herself. This resonated with me because many people share similar feelings, but most would keep that to themselves.
It is a common misconception that you can not have hair that looks great and is low maintenance at the same time. Some of my favorite hairstyles that I have done are the ones that style themselves and the women look stunning. The trick is to find the perfect cut that is designed for your hair to work with its natural flow, So, for those that wish to put down the styling tools, I am going to share a bunch of hairstyles that I love. In the end, hair styling leaves you with more time to focus on the important things in life.
#1: Shoulder-Length Texture with Those Perfect Soft Bangs
The more work a hairstyle requires from you, the more fun it is to get. These bangs are just right. Soft enough, do not require daily styling and frame the face. Then we have the layers which give you movement without any effort. If your hair is straight, you can put a little bit of texturizing spray but the cut will fall nicely without it.
#2: That Wavy Bob You Can Actually Pull Off
After you wash this style, all you have to do is scrunch it and go. The waves give the illusion you put in work and do an amazing job. Plus at this length it won’t get tangled or bug you throughout the day. A little sea salt spray will give you some more definition in the waves. But honestly, I’ve seen this work so well with no product. Just make sure to keep up on your trims because bobs get shaggy really quick and you will end up with a completely different haircut.
#3: The Lob That Basically Styles Itself
This length is great because you can wear it pulled back and also looks nice down, so you don’t have to commit to wearing it one way or another. The waves look effortless, like your hair just decided to have a good day. The layers being subtle means it won’t go weird on you between appointments which is nice. I’d say this is the haircut equivalent of an expensive looking white t shirt.
#4: Clean Blunt Cut with Just Enough Softness
If you want to look precise without being too serious, this is an option for you. The blunt line gives a clean and determined look while the face-framing pieces soften it all. The highlights will add to the depth and we will definitely include those. If you want the polished look without the commitment, this is the cut for you. Make sure to keep those ends trimmed because blunt cuts show their age a lot faster.
#5: A Short Crop That Actually Feels Easy
The best feature of this style is how personal it can be. If you are thinking of going a bit shorter, it may be a sign that you could be the one to pull this off! When it comes to concerns about short hair, I think the main one is that it could feel a bit harsh. This is where the fringe will bring warmth to the style! I can see a slight wave which helps bring some interest to the cut. If you have fine hair, even at a slight wave this will really create an illusion of thickness to your hair. Just a heads up, this cut will need to be maintained regularly. In about four to five weeks you will need a touch up, but the best part is there is very minimal styling needed on a daily basis!
#6: A Pixie with Side-Swept Bangs That Actually Works
I’ve had my fair share of experience doing pixie cuts over the years, but the one most folks feel the most comfortable with is the side-swept bang version because it offers some styling choices without the risk of feeling like you’ve taken the plunge and gone full on short. This cut offers tons of movement through the top while keeping the back nice and tight which is lovely. It looks particularly good on fine hair because the texture has a tendency to read as fullness instead of weight. The trims are non negotiable here, a grown out pixie can go from intentional to accidental pretty damn quickly but the daily routine is honestly just your fingers and maybe thirty seconds.
#7: Short Curly Crop with Real Personality
Are you struggling with curly hair? I want to show you a great haircut that has texture! This haircut works with your natural curl so you won’t have to fight with your hair to make it look nice. With these layers, each curl gets its own space so no curls get piled together. The volume at the top of your head is going to look great with this cut. You may not need to use mousse to add any extra volume, but a little bit is okay if you want. The back of your hair will also have nice shape because the shortest layers are cut a little higher than the rest. The less you do to this cut, the better it will look. I know that’s a typical stylist cliche, but this time I’m serious!
#8: Beachy Waves Without the Beach
A great haircut can lead to comments like, “Did you do something different?” All you have to say is, “I got a really good haircut!” The soft waves give a natural look, one that will not be confused for being styled with a curling iron. The layered movement is just enough to avoid any appearance of a flat-style. Even when it looks great, no one needs to know the fine hair might have taken a little bit of assistance in the form of a texturizing product. That happens often on days like that when hair decides to follow the laws of gravity.
#9: Warm Auburn Layers with Soft Bangs
This color deserves attention and praise because it is stunning. The earthy auburn color is incredible against warm skin tones and is a combination that people don’t consider enough. The cut is simple – shoulder length with a few layers and some soft bangs – but the color really brings it all together. Even the slightest wave in your hair will create the illusion that you put effort into your hair, and we know that is not true. I won’t lie and say bangs will require extra trim appointments, but we are talking about minor lifestyle changes – five-minute appointments every few weeks.
#10: A Modern Pixie That Doesn’t Try Too Hard
It’s interesting how layered hair can make even the most boring styles look lively, and in this case we have side swept bangs that add a casual, effortless feel to the style. A little bit of product goes a long way, and this is a great style for getting away with very little styling effort. Overall, I think many people underestimate this cut and how polished it looks. It’s a very low maintenance style.
#11: The Blunt Bob That Keeps Things Simple
I can be a bit on the fence with blunt bobs, they can look very classy, or they can look like someone made a mistake with the scissors. I think it depends on the hair texture. For this hair type (straight and medium density), it looks amazing! The finished blunt bob is classy and the natural texture balances it out. If you are considering getting a balayage, I would recommend it! it adds dimension and a little maintenance (balayages grow out nicely). Overall, that’s what we look for with hair.
#12: Sleek A-Line Lob with Warm Highlights
I like the subtle elegance this cut provides. The A-line shape which is slightly longer in front draws the eye in flattering ways. The highlights are warm and help keep you from having to commit to a color maintenance every six weeks. It is great on finer hair. You may need to use a flat iron to touch up the sleek look. It air dries well and the shape holds its own.
#13: Soft Waves with Layers That Disappear into Each Other
Each layer is blended so well that they can’t be seen individually, which is the goal. Great for a dry or five-min diffuser style. The waves look natural, not like they were styled. An easy balayage or some sunkissed highlights would add nice dimension here without a ton of maintenance. This is as low-maintenance as shoulder-length hair is going to get (apart from a light defining product for humidity).
#14: Blunt Bob with Bangs That Mean Business
This cut has a great vibe! The blunt bob oozes confidence, while the face framing bangs soften the look a bit. This cut is super sleek on straight thin hair with little upkeep, and that’s kind of the point! The length is even adjustable- tuck it behind your ears on a busy day, or let it swing when you want to be a bit more purposeful. The bangs will need to be trimmed, but we both know that’s a commitment you’ve made your peace with.
#15: Mid-Length Bob with Layers That Do the Work
The cut gives movement while drawing attention to the face, and the layers do their job. The style is a nice balance between a bob and a long bob because it is a good length to allow for some styling but not so long that it is a hassle. The wave adds and creates volume where it is desired, and with medium to fine hair, this style gives the look of fullness. My finger and a prayer technique is likely enough to style this and still look good.
#16: Layered Texture with Bangs and a Bit of Attitude
The bangs provide an effortless lightness to the cut, rather than a heavy, blunt finish. Coupled with the layered, textured body of the cut, this style creates a look I find hard to achieve with most other haircuts. The highlights brighten the hair and the subtle balance helps the hairstyle feel more dimensional and seamless with the highlights, and everything looks seamless. When clients request a style easy enough to look nice for a school drop off and school dinner, I steer them towards styles like this as they really do suit both occasions without outfit changes.
#17: Shoulder-Length Waves That Do What You Want
I’ve had haircuts before where I don’t think I will get used to it, or think I will go through an awkward growing out stage before I like it, but this cut is definitely one of those exceptions. Because of how my hair waves to diffuse it off my shoulders, it gives an effortless style while the layers make it look less chunky and more full. It gives off the appearance that you tried more as the days go on, which is great. If you have hair of medium density, I would suggest this cut/styling technique as it gives you a lot of volume without the need for a blow dryer. The best part is, it looks amazing and feels good too. That means this haircut style makes your morning routine a little less stressful, and it makes your reflection more honest.
#18: Shaggy Layers with a Fringe That Keeps Things Interesting
Everyone has their own preference, and of course mine is shaggy cuts, but this one is particularly good. The layers in varying lengths create a more natural feel than sculpted. The fringe ties it all together and is super low maintenance. This cut will accentuate and enhance any natural wave. Straight hair will also achieve a casual, laid-back cool-girl vibe, and that is an equally fabulous outcome.
#19: Blonde Pixie with Volume Where It Counts
The crown volume does it all! It creates not only height and interest but also keeps the whole cut feeling playful rather than childish. Sure the blonde is beautiful but it is a commitment so factor that into your mental maintenance budget. The cut itself is super low effort, it’s literally just a bit of finger tussling and you’re good to go. The layers are made to create the most shape and texture with the least effort, and on fine to medium hair it lasts the best between appointments.
#20: Polished Medium-Length Cut with Smart Highlights
If you have a 10 AM meeting and brunch at 12 and don’t want to style your hair for either, this is the perfect haircut for you. The highlights were added so that no rooting situation occurs, and the blunt ends keep everything looking intentional. Straight hair that is fine is super easy to air dry, so the ease that this cut offers is a luxury many cuts don’t offer. It also strikes a nearly perfect balance between being versatile, and being boring, which is a much more difficult balance to strike than it looks.
#21: Short Textured Bob with Bangs and Depth
The glossy luxury of the colour of this bob is almost as if it’s glowing. Together with the delicate bangs and the soft wavy texture, the overall effect is warm and romantic in a nonchalant manner. It is best suited to medium to thick hair as the waves will hold the shape. The length will streamline your morning routine, and the bangs provide a focal point that makes the whole cut feel intentional. Those with very fine hair may not achieve quite this level of volume, but the shape will still be stunning.
#22: Layered Waves with Bangs That Actually Behave
I enjoy it when a client requests bangs and layers. When it comes to this example, it is just right because the length is enough to hold everything in place, the waves give life to the cut and the bangs provide the finish touch. There’s a lot going on, and while light highlights will add even more dimension to the cut, there is still so much to show off even as a solid color. The layers get rid of the boring triangle look in medium length hair and instead, provide effortless movement that screams confidence.
#23: Medium-Length Waves That Handle Themselves
I could say “set it and forget it” and actually mean it about this cut. It’s got that effortless vibe with waves falling perfectly. The end texture also adds some personality, which is great, because we don’t want it looking like an obvious blunt chop. This cut is also great because it works without a ton of effort or styling. If you’re considering a balayage, this cut is going to be amazing for it! The layered waves will really highlight the color shifts and reflections. And just a note: If you’re in a humid climate you may want to keep an anti-frizz product handy, because that’s pretty standard with a cut like this.
#24: Layers That Move Without Being Asked
About a month ago I did something similar with a client, and the next day she messaged me saying she didn’t understand how her hair looked better doing nothing than how it used to look after she styled it, and that’s really the whole endorsement right there. The layers are subtle enough to not create a shape issue as they grow out, and these are probably the most movement giving and preventing that heavy, flat look layers. If your hair has even a slight wave, those layers are going to wake it up. For thicker hair, they’ll thin things out just enough to make it bounce, and a little texturizing cream through the mid-lengths would be the only product I’d suggest.
#25: Textured Bangs with Layered Movement
The bangs are what really bring this look together. The bangs have a soft and refreshing look to them, which makes the whole style look even better. They are soft and give loads of movement to still be thick enough to frame your face well. The layered texture underneath the cut adds to the movement, but doesn’t go overboard. This style is put together enough for professional settings while still looking great in casual settings. With bangs, there will be a little more upkeep in terms of trimming, but the rest of the cut is pretty low maintenance.
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