During my third or fourth year of cutting hair, I had a client who stood a tad under five feet and she had been told not to cut her hair because it would make her look younger, and in her words, “Younger in a bad way.” One day, we decided to try a chin-length bob. The way she looked at herself in the mirror changed my understanding of proportion and hair forever. It wasn’t that the cut made her look taller or older or did any of the things the magazines promised. It looked like it belonged to her in a way the long hair never did. The weight was gone, her face was right there, and everything about her seemed more intentional.
When cutting the hair of someone petite, I try to apply the ‘laws of the cut’ to their body. I look at how the cut frames the face, how it sits on the neck and shoulders, and if the volume of the cut is opposed to the direction it is trying to go. I find that the most interesting hair cuts, out of all I’ve done, have been on smaller people because there is nowhere to hide. I have gathered some of these styles because I like them each for different reasons. Some of the styles are very simple and have little details, others are more complicated, and some, while looking more simple than they are, just look really good in the picture.
#1: A Champagne Blonde Half Bob with a Little Ribbon Detail
The small ribbon detail adds something special to the style. Without it, the cut would just be a basic shoulder-length bob in a soft champagne blonde color. Charming? Sure, but nothing special. The brown ribbon detail gives it some character, turning an otherwise plain cut into something more fun. The length is perfect for a polished look that’s low maintenance. Plus, the warm brown ribbon has a lovely candlelit glow that is super flattering to light complexions. If your hair is fine to medium, this cut will hold its shape really well. Just a bit of mousse will give you some light waves and you’ll be good to go!
#2: A Jaw-Length Bob with Wispy Center Fringe and a Nape That Kicks Out
A bob that brushes the jaw and features a subtle flip at the nape is a style that *reads* as casual, however, it is clear that the stylist has experience and knows what they are doing. The fringe that is center-parted and wispy, is just enough to not box the face and the ends that are pointed cut provide the desired effect of an effortless straight to slightly wavy hair look that I really like. For me, I would suggest internal layering to cut out some of the bulk. This will allow that natural crown cowlick of yours to provide some really nice volume. The trade-off with this style is that you will have to blow dry the fringe and clean flip into place every morning and that could involve a round brush and a flat iron. On coarse and curly hair, this style is more difficult to maintain because the shape is not as easily achievable.
#3: Chin-Length Bob with a See-Through Curtain Fringe and Gentle Nape Flip
The example above illustrates that effortless style takes an evident architectural idea. The curtain fringe will make people ask if you rolled out of bed and put your hair up. The crown is left with weightless movement from interior graduation and point cut ends. Fine to medium straight hair dries to a look of fullness and quickly. The fine fringe will grow out into a stringy mess if you don’t come in for shaping, so don’t skip your trims. A little spray will allow you to maintain that weightless, airy look.
#4 A Copper Pixie with Real Texture and a Clean Tapered Nape
I love the color! It’s a single process copper with some lowlights, and demi-gloss. Gives a ton of dimension! Because of the cut, the design does less work than it would with a flat tone. It’s an ear-length textured pixie. Point cut layers and razor texturizing. The micro-tapered nape opens up the neck and really flatters smaller frames. If you have a natural crown cowlick, this cut uses it for volume instead of fighting it. The honest downside is that copper is one of those colors that demands your attention: it fades, it shifts, and you’ll be in for glossy appointments more often than you’d probably like. You also lose the option of pulling your hair up, which for some people is a real consideration.
#5: An Ash-Brown Layered Pixie with Soft Curtain Fringe
Stylish and simple, ear-length pixie cut with a longer curtain fringe and softly stacked nape is designed to show off the neck and earrings. It’s super easy to style and maintain; just a bit of texturising cream, and it will move on its own! Best hair types for this cut are straight, fine to medium hair. If you have a small crown cowlick, this cut will work well to add height. If you have very curly hair this style won’t look the same as the photo. Keep in mind the fringe will need to be trimmed regularly to maintain the proportions.
#6: A Soft Textured Pixie with Side Wing and Tapered Nape
This is one of those soft ear-to-nape length cuts that is just a bit of a winner. The back is tapered and she has soft side-wing fringe. There’s a great deal of balance in this with straight fine to medium. fine hair and oval face. The morning routine is a plus because it really doesn’t ask much. This cut does become more difficult though if you have cowlicks as they require very specific grading to sit right and if you have coarser or curlier hair the shape will just not hold the same way. It will hold quite a different shape.
#7: A Curly Ear-Length Pixie That Actually Works with Your Texture
I love natural curls and I enjoy when customers come in looking to make the big chop. The results with curls are going to be a lot more interesting and versatile than anything you could do on straight hair. This textured ear-length pixie is cut to let the curls do their thing. The nape is scissor over comb, and point cutting on top. The natural cowlick is lifted and shaped to pull the look together. It will air dry beautifully with a good curl defining product, but this only works on medium to thick curly or wavy hair. The nape area tends to show uneven growth first so keep an eye on that.
#8: A Clean Blunt Bob at the Chin with a Soft Side Sweep
A chin length bob can be really impactful and this one is pulled pin straight with a gentle side sweep to finish things off. It has a subtle internal graduation at the nape so it tucks in really nicely without everyone being able to pinpoint why it has that finish. This style really shows off the definition in the jawline and is polished and effortless, which is really nice. The honest truth is that it will take some heat or a smoothing treatment to keep it looking that way and once the hair starts growing, it’ll become really obvious.
#9: Center-Part Chin Bob with Quiet Face Framing
The style is a chin-length bob with a gentle internal graduation and a bit of roundness in the perimeter. This is a go-to style I recommend for my clients with oval shaped faces, with straight medium fine hair and this is a style I find works every time. You could tension blow dry it in about ten minutes. If you have a cowlick at the part, you may need some micro layers or a smoothing step, and very fine hair may benefit from a little root-lift mousse for some extra body at the crown.
#10: An Ear-Length Bob with an S-Shaped Flick and Thin Wispy Fringe
The internal layers create an S shape on the sides that I notice first. It’s subtle, but it gives this whole cut some purpose. The short fringe is so soft and thin that it is virtually non-existent and on a small round to oval face, it opens up the look without adding bulk. This is most appropriate for hair that is fine to medium texture with a slight wave. I would do a blunt base with inner graduation and soft point cutting to create some movement. The fringe will require daily styling and if you have a bit of a crown cowlick, you can actually work with it for some natural lift instead of having to load up on product.
#11: Platinum Buzz with a Soft Taper
I recognize this will be a commitment and thank you for that. I envision an ultra short buzz cut, around 3-6mm, with a soft taper at the nape and just enough length on the crown to keep the shape nicely rounded. The icy platinum will beautifully contrast your dark brows, which is something hard to achieve with longer styles. On an oval face and straight hair with medium to high density, that style really lets the bone structure do the talking. I have to warn you though, with this look you will be doing full bleach maintenance and frequent toning, plus you will need scalp SPF because there’s nothing between you and the sun. I would also want to test your hair’s porosity, and do a bond builder treatment before we start lightening.
#12: A Cropped Pixie with Pointed Fringe and Clean Temples
An ear length cropped pixie with a point cut center fringe and tapered temples. There is nice lift at the crown and the little triangular fringe detail is interesting as it frames the eyes. Good for an oval face with straight to slightly wavy medium fine hair. The thing about this particular shape of fringe is that it can look a little sharp against softer foreheads so this is something you would want to discuss prior to committing. A natural crown will need some precise texturizing and scissor over comb to sit nicely. Lowlights would add some depth to this.
#13: Finger-Wave Pixie with a Temple Taper
This is stunning! This is a cropped finger-wave pixie style, featuring an ultra-short soft temple taper on both sides, with a longer defined and wavy top. It has such a gorgeous shape, especially on very fine 4A/4B types, where it can really elevate and has that sculptural form that is so so unique to that hair type. For this, you could go #1 to #2 on the sides, scissor over the top, and then you’ll want to finish with a light curl cream or pomade to set the mini waves. The daily styling is such a breeze, it’s a true gift. The biggest con is limited versatility and the need for frequent edge touch-ups. To maintain that look you’ll need to keep it super moisturized to avoid shrinkage.
#14: A Micro-Pixie with Feathered Nape and Tiny Fringe
Here’s a description of a haircut that includes point-cut top layers, an asymmetrical mini-fringe, and a tapered nape that’s feathered to hug the head. When styled, this haircut creates an architectural effect, particularly on straight hair that’s fine to medium in density and on oval face shapes. To go with the natural whorl, I used soft point cutting and light razor texturing at the crown to avoid any disruptions. The regrowth on cuts this short show quickly, and balancing the tapered nape with the mini fringe takes precise shaping to keep everything cohesive and proportional. This haircut does require a lot of visits to the salon for maintenance, but styling is super easy and the haircut really doesn’t require a lot of daily styling.
#15: Silver Pixie-Bob with Micro Fringe and Feathered Face Framing
Most of the work here is done by the color. They silver will require heavy lifting to a 9 or 10 level with regular toning and a bond-builder so that is not a casual decision. But on fine straight hair this ear length pixie bob with short internal layers and point cut ends really gets some lift and the micro fringe softens an oval to heart face without competing with the color. I appreciate the slightly elongated sideburns that tuck behind the ear and blend into the tapered perimeter that’s a nice detail that works well with tall collars. It’s less forgiving on very curly or coarse textures though.
#16: Caramel Chin-Length Bob with Warm Babylights and Root Shadow
Warm caramel babylights and a subtle root shadow create a soft, effortless look that, depending on the hair length, can be flattering for practically anyone. It can be easy to add dimension without looking too done with a chin-length bob that has a bit of a tousled look, and also with an overall modern, relaxed appearance from the internal layers and curtain bangs that give a bit of fullness around the chin/ jaws, which is great for petite frames. The best hair textures for this look are fine to medium and naturally wavy hair. If you have a diffuser, air-drying works perfectly to create that S-shaped texture with a bit of salt spray. You can also use a 1-inch curling iron to achieve that look but with the diffuser. A little warning: without a root-smudge technique, the babylights will show root growth and if you have fine hair, some targeted texturizing at the crown will keep it from getting too flat.
#17: Feathered Ear-Length Crop with a Bleached Money Piece
An ear-length feathered crop with a micro mullet and bleached money pieces is definitely a look! The face framing curtain bangs add a nice touch to the overall contrast of the style. Pout cuts, layered cutting and razor texturizing add the elevation and separation and on an oval face with medium density hair that is straight to soft waves, it feels confident without being too aggressive. The honest truth is high contrast looks and bleached pieces come with pre-lightening, bond upkeep, and routine maintenance of the roots. Also, if you have very fine hair, you may need a styling product to hold the body between the feathered pieces.
#18: An Angled Chin-Length Bob with a Deep Side Part
The first detail I noticed was the longer front piece that just touches the jaw. It’s a small detail but with a low necklace can help to personalize the whole shape. This is a slight A-line bob with a deep side part, a blunt perimeter, and a little interior point cutting to reduce weight and create a soft inward bend. With medium density hair that’s straight to slightly wavy, it showcases the clean jawline and that modern asymmetry, which I really like on younger clients. There will be a little bit of a gap, as the cut will take some upkeep and if the hair tends to be frizzy, some smoothing will need to be done each day. Long front pieces tend to show uneven grow out before the rest of the hair.
#19: A Warm Light-Brown Bob with a Gentle Curtain Fringe
The style is a chin-length bob featuring softly parted curtain bangs and a subtle root shadow. The rounded shape comes from interior graduation. This shape can be preserved in straight fine to medium hair with a tension blow-dry, and some glossing at the ends would be great for shine. It’s worth mentioning that fine hair can become flat at the crown during the day, and the bangs will need to be shaped occasionally. I would suggest keeping the perimeter blunt with some light interior layering and point cutting at the ends for a look that’s polished but not overly stiff.
#20: Ash Blonde Pixie-Shag with Micro Fringe
This style features a cropped micro fringe hair cut, point cut tapered edges, short tapered nape, and longer side burns. This can give you the illusion of length and can make a neck look thinner as well. This look is especially effortless for long straight and medium hair. It can also give the “I just woke up like this” vibe. The ash-beige color will need regular toning to avoid looking warm and the micro fringe will require some precision cutting to keep things in place.
#21: Chin-Length Bob with Curtain Framing and Rolled Flicks at the Ends
Flicks on the ends of the hair are a great addition to this hairstyle. They create more lateral volume and add more dimension to the face. Without these, a chin-length bob with soft curtain bangs and light layering looks good as well. The volume from the thermal-set flicks also makes the hairstyle more flattering for oval and heart face shapes. This look works best on medium straight to wavy hair. It also helps maintain a dew and glossy look to the hair without having to do an all-over color. Most of the time, to make the flicks look good, a round brush needs to be used, so this isn’t a simple wash and go. It’s also not ideal for hair that is very tightly curled.
#22: A Rounded Chin-Length Bob with See-Through Fringe
This bob hairstyle features a rounded chin-length cut that reaches the jawline and has graduated layers at the nape to tuck the ends under. The see-through fringe is an excellent way to open up the eye area and is great as it is not too heavy and won’t be a distraction. This style works straight medium-density hair best, along with a blunt perimeter and light point-texturizing. The cut accommodates a small crown cowlick for a little natural lift, which is one of those things you can’t plan for but can definitely take advantage of. It is not the best shape for very coarse or curly hair and the fringe will need daily smoothing.
#23: A Sleek Rounded A-Line Bob with a Stacked Nape
I really like the rounded weight line with the tapered, stacked nape! It gives such an elevated silhouette which is super flattering on smaller frames! The inner graduation and light point texture at the ends give fullness without bulk. On fine to medium straight hair and an oval face, it is almost unfairly stunning!! It does need daily smoothing and round brushing to get that inward curve. If you have a nape cowlick it will probably show when the cut grows out, but those are understandable trade offs for how amazing this style is!
#24: Deep Garnet Bob with an Inverted Nape
What stands out to me first is the color. It is stunning with a deep garnet color and lighter hues for added dimension. The rounded bob that hits the chin with a subtle inverted nape and some precision graduated lengthening will elongate the neck. I always notice this with my shorter clientele. The hair is straight and of medium thickness and therefore holds this shape exceptionally well. There is a tiny face-framing piece at the front that softens the profile in a way that may not be noticeable, but you will certainly sense the difference. The profile is polished and red is one of the colors that require high maintenance to keep it from fading.
#25: Textured Pixie with a Subtle Nape Point and Feathered Sides
Those with neck extensions and cropped sides, having longer pieces at the crown, are textured pixies. Hair of fine to medium texture, straight and with medium density is best. Thanks to the lift from point cutting and texturizing with the razor, it should be simple to style. It nicely frames an oval face and is without much work flattering to petite proportions. The trade off is some updo options as well as needing some matte paste to keep the crown separated during the day.
#26: Shoulder-Length with Flipped-Out Ends and Face-Framing Layers
This hairstyle reaches the collarbone and has face-framing layers to help flip the ends out to add width at the jaw. For smaller women and women with oval faces the additional jaw width is very balanced and natural. The hair is straight and fine to medium density. I would use interior slide cutting at the ends, then do an exterior flip blow-dry using a medium round brush to create the outward ends. The ends will need to be styled with heat products daily in order to keep the flips, and a solid dark color will show the root contrast earlier than expected.
#27: A Rounded A-Line Bob with Deep Center Part
For silky medium or thick hair textures, this chin-length A-line bob features a deep center part that gives a rounded weight line that conveniently tucks under the jaw. The clean edge, combined with graduated layers and precise point cutting, provides a polished, nearly graphic appearance. There’s an easy confidence about it, and it’s suited to heart and oval face shapes. Alternatively, for very curly hair to achieve a similar shape, an entirely different strategy would be necessary, that includes precision cutting with some thermal smoothing for optimum results.
#28: Chin-Length Bob with Curtain Fringe and Natural Movement
What I like is how the rich brown color reflects light and reveals a subtle auburn under sheen. A single-process brown color would make this cut look much more flat. It’s a chin length bob with long curtain bangs and soft interior layers and point cut ends that create an inward flip. This cut works best on medium to thick wavy hair and oval or heart shaped face, as best as I believe. This bob has true movement and lift. The bangs only need a simple round-brush blowout or a heat bend to sit right and if you have fine hair, you may need a lot of texturizing to keep it from collapsing.
#29: A Choppy Micro-Bang Pixie with Feathered Temples
The hairstyle’s description includes having a top cut at about 1 to 2 inches with a softly tapered nape, micro bangs that are point cut, and texturized ends that are razor cut. This hairstyle looks best on straight, slightly wavy, fine to medium hair as it has a lightweight feel with instant movement. It frames the face and defines the cheekbones, which works really well with smaller frames. Using a lightweight paste or salt spray can help separate the choppy layers. The look will expose the temple and nape area, which will showcase the head shape and placement of the ears. This look is not recommended for coarse or tightly curled hair.
#30: A Cool Blonde Blunt Bob at the Chin
Chin-length blunt bob with a cool blonde shade, single length with light point cutting in the interior, and about a centimeter of intentional looking root regrowth. On straight, fine to medium density hair, and with a heart or oval shaped face, it Sharpens the jawline and shows off the neck nicely. Quick and easy styling, modern shape, it does what a good blunt bob should and doesn’t overcomplicate things. A cool blonde does need toning and root upkeep to stay fresh, and blunt edges have a tendency to deflate very fine hair over time.
#31: Short Textured Pixie with Wispy Fringe and Natural Crown Lift
This style works well for ears-length side hair and graduated nape hair. You also need a micro fringe with a point cut crown that is cut. The natural crown cowlick gives some height, which is normally created through styling, adding to the benefits of this style. This works well with straight hair of fine to medium thickness. This style is youthful but in a natural way and not forced. Consider the micro fringe as it pulls a lot of focus to the forehead. Also, don’t forget the matte paste or salt spray along with a targeted blast from the dryer to work the cowlick. This also isn’t great for thick or coarse hair.
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