I’ve created plenty of narratives in my chair. To say this customer has just had a long day and is bored of drying her hair is an understatement. Everybody knows this is an unhealthy situation because eventually the hair will either be gone. Perhaps this haircut is a strong enough cue to the people around her that a new hairstyle is needed. **This type of creativity in the design is especially unique to women over 60. She truly is the last in the salon and the first to assert her self-esteem.**
In my experience, it is the wait times that others have while they get their hair cut that are always the longest. Years ago I worked with a woman who could be seen coming into the office with hair cut into ’80s style shoulder length layers. On one occasion, she came in for a trim, and midway through, she stated, ‘Just take it all.’ That was, what I can only describe as an instantaneous improvement of her posture, to the extent that her husband had to double take to identify her in the parking lot. These are the instances that bring so much joy to me in this profession. Here are a few pictures of shorter haircuts to inspire you.
#1: Silver Pixie with Soft, Lived-In Layers
The bright and shiny strands of silver add a vivacious touch without being too heavy. This is something I always consider when cutting pixie on finer hair. The finish is nice and soft around the face and lets the cheekbones shine without any distractions. This clean bright silver shows that your colorist is good with toner and will require a bit of upkeep. The good thing is the cut itself will be fairly high maintenance. All you need is a little bit of texturising paste through the hair and you’re good to go!
#2 Textured Pixie with Subtle Dimension
This is one of those styles that seems like nothing until it is on the right person, and then it looks like everything. From the sides and back, it’s nice and tight, and just long enough on top to play with. Plus, the layering give it that piece-y quality which helps it from being too severe. I would reach for this with someone who wants short, but doesn’t want to feel like they lost all their hair. A natural texture will look even better. A trim every five weeks or so will keep it from looking shaggy in the wrong places.
#3 Natural Grey Curly Crop with Beautiful Definition
I’m extremely happy with this. Every curl is doing exactly what it is supposed to do. The grey makes the entire style look intentional and striking. Allowing the natural curl pattern to guide the style instead of going against it is very classy and this is a prime example of it. The way it is shaped draws everything up and that is undeniably flattering. The volume at the top is what gives it life. The most important part with this type of style is to keep the curls moisturized. A good leave in conditioner is a must and if you deep condition regularly your curls will be bouncy and defined instead of dry and frizzy.
#4 Lavender Silver Bob with a Hidden Undercut
It’s great that this client had such confidence and clarity on what she wanted from the beginning. The lavender-silver sheen is really beautiful and ethereal. The undercut is a great choice because it removes bulk while keeping the overall shape the same from the outside. For thick hair, bobs often look really heavy, and this is the type of technique that will really open up new options. I love this color but I will say it will be a maintenance commitment. Be prepared for it to shift to some colors that you probably won’t love, so stay on top of your toning appointments. When the color is new, and the fades look good, it is really beautiful.
#5 Auburn Bob with a Rounded Finish
Auburn is such a lovely color and really brightens up a face. This bob is simple and nice. The hair is just above the shoulders and has a slight curve at the ends so that it doesn’t look all one length and boxy. I would recommend this cut to someone whose hair has thinned over the years since the shape will give the illusion of more hair. This style is more on the subtle side, but the classic color and the haircut done very well really makes the complexion pop. Auburn is a color that fades quickly so she’ll have to do a touch up often, but the haircut is low maintenance.
#6 Ice-Blonde Textured Shag at Nape Length
This style has great energy! The choppy ends and icy blonde color definitely gives it a modern editorial vibe. I can see this working well on someone who likes to take risks. Nape length is a great decision. It will keep the weight manageable (especially for fine hair) and will allow all that texture to move. Here’s the thing though, this kind of tousled look does not happen on its own. It’ll probably take some sea salt spray or light mousse, and a few minutes with a diffuser (or your fingers) to achieve the same look. Ice blonde hair will always need some maintenance, especially if you want to avoid those warm undertones, so plan on getting it toned regularly!
#7 Silver A-Line Bob with Wispy Bangs
The A-line style that grazes her jaw is doing something really wonderful here; it’s all very clean and structured, but it’s not stiff. The wispy bangs change the whole vibe from what could have been a very severe cut, they soften everything across the forehead and really draw focus to her eyes. I think this works particularly well on finer hair because the precision of the cut offers a weight and refinement that a blunter look really cannot achieve. The silver is very bold, and quite modern which I love, but I will also be honest with you about the upkeep; maintaining silver this bright and even is going to require regular toning.
#8 Ash Blonde Tousled Pixie
I appreciate the design and how the imperfections would normally be a bad thing and here they fit the style. The soft lived in look the varying lengths create really helps take years off. Choosing ash blonde is an intelligent choice as it sits right in between blonde and grey which means nothing looks grown out or looks like an accidental color. I feel this could work with a lot of hair densities as the texture does the heavy lifting as far as creating volume and interest. Heads up, ash tones can drift a bit brassy if you aren’t using a purple shampoo at home in between appointments.
#9 Chestnut Tousled Waves with Lift at the Crown
I can picture her flipping her hair after drying so it falls perfectly in place. The Chestnut shade is nice and pairs well with warmer skin tones. The top layer is cut to create volume where women want it most, and the loose waves add an effortless vibe. Those with natural waves will find this style even better. The color will require upkeep but the style will need to be low maintenance.
#10 Shoulder-Grazing Silver Waves with Shag Layers
Shaggy hairstyles are great. With this style, I think hair will look good even when transitioning gray. This style has some edge to it and with the layers in a shag cut, it looks really trendy. I love that the length is at the shoulders. It gives versatility and works great up or down. The natural mix of grey shows casual and makes the roots blend in. This is one of the fun and liberating parts of going grey! To maintain this style on a day to day basis, a lightweight cream will work best to keep the frizz down. Overall it is a really low-maintenance style.
#11 Sunny Blonde Layered Bob
This blonde is spot on, it’s warm, but not brassy, and on the right skin tones it really glows. The face-framing layers are a nice touch. The ends are layered to create movement without losing any thickness, which is ideal with finer hair. The shoulder-length cut keeps the style young and fresh. I will say that keeping a blonde this warm and clean will require regular color appointments, there’s no way around it. But if you like the salon ritual, and want a color that brightens your face every time you look in the mirror, then it’s worth it.
#12 Silver Steel Straight Bob
This shade of grey just goes with everything. It’s almost like it was made for her. The cut strikes a great balance of being simple while still giving off an elegant feel. The clean line just above the shoulders gives off an effortless vibe. Hair that is smoother and more fine or naturally straight falls perfectly. You won’t have to deal with a round brush or products to get this to sit right. However, if you have naturally wavy or curly hair, this will require effort to achieve the desired result. The overall clean look is ideal for straight hair as it is a wash-and-go effort to maintain.
#13 Golden Layers with Side-Swept Bangs
The side-swept bangs really make the look pop. They do a good job softening the forehead and changing the vibe of the cut, while also blending nicely with the golden layers around the face. This is great for finer hair since the layers add volume without cutting too much hair, which is ideal when the hair isn’t as dense. If you have a rounder face, the extra framing from the cut is a nice addition and adds contour if the bone structure doesn’t have as much. Be sure to come back for a trim to keep these layers looking fresh and intentional instead of just grown out.
#14 Silver Textured Pixie with Root Depth
I really like the mix of dark roots with silver tips, Dark roots help break up the contrast as a whole and keep it from looking flat like an all over silver. The texture on top adds volume to the areas where fine hair needs it most and the longer pieces throughout the crown break up the uniformity. It’s a really nice low maintenance style where you can just finger comb and go. The root contrast works in your favor as it means you won’t be chasing the ideal grow out every few weeks.
#15 Golden Blonde Textured Crop with a Subtle Undercut
I really appreciate how polished this looks, but how understated it is. The crop style stops right at the ears, which gives some volume at the top and is also undercut enough to have a modern feel without being too loud. On fine hair, this type of shaping gives the illusion of fullness, that a one-length cut just can’t achieve. The golden blonde shade is warm enough to lift the face and also keeps the color from being a cooler, more platinum demanding shade. It will take a few minutes to style this daily to keep the texture looking intentional. A little product and some finger-styling should be enough, but it’s not a lot.
#16 Sleek Silver Bob with Textured Ends
This is what I would call a ‘quiet statement’ haircut. The color is great, and the line of the bob is nice and clean, and the texture on the ends keeps it from being too serious or too polished. For this length, it is perfect. Not so short that you lose versatility, and not so long that it becomes a project. Those textured ends are extremely important for finer hair, because they create the illusion of movement and fullness. Keeping this color maintained and as bright as possible does mean regular toning appointments, but with how low maintenance the styling is on a daily basis, it is well worth it.
#17 Light Blonde Bob with Delicate Layers and Straight Bangs
I love how the bangs are straight and give a French vibe. I enjoy how they are soft and not heavy or blunt. I enjoy how they show some forehead. I like how they create a frame around the face, especially around the eyes. The light blonde color looks really nice against pale skin tones and really glows and pops. Some subtle layering will prevent the bob from looking blocky. The cut gives a nice structural and visual weight for finer textured hair to feel good. The blonde will require regular touch ups as the grey comes in, but if you are already committed to a color, this one is worth the effort.
#18 Silver Layered Bob with a Soft Fringe
The way the whole style is finished is with the fringe. It’s not a full-on bang just enough to break up the forehead and draw the eye. It flows in with the layers so that it doesn’t feel like a separate piece. The silver has icy highlights running through it which give it dimension, and the layering at the crown gives the lift where most women want it most. It’s quiet sophistication. Those with hair that tends toward frizz, will want to use some kind of smoothing product and perhaps a quick pass with a flat iron. Cooperative hair textures will find it beautifully manageable.
#19 Feathered Peach Pixie
Not everyone can pull off a peachy color, and some people might even think that’s it too light, but in this situation, it actually works. It’s toned down enough to look classy and not like a costume, and the warm tones match her skin. The light layers soften the whole look, especially near the cheeks, and prevent the style from looking too bulky. For the leaner hair types, this makes the most sense because each strand is doing something instead of just hanging. The only downside to this style is that you’ll have to get trims very consistently, probably every four to five weeks max, otherwise it will lose its shape.
#20 Silver Pixie with Natural Wave
Going this short, natural waves show a texture that would never be possible on straight hair — and I think that is something to celebrate! The silver color really emphasizes every single ripple and curve and gives the hair an almost sculptural effect. This type of close crop shows off the bone structure in such a flattering way, and it’s one of those cuts that looks intentional from all angles. This style really works with the thickness, rather than against it, if you have thick, dense, wavy hair. Just keep in mind that such a clean and bright silver is going to require frequent salon visits to keep it from yellowing.
#21 Natural Grey Pixie with Understated Texture
Sometimes you get a haircut and it stands out among your friends and peers. Compliments randomly fly out from every side but the people giving the compliments can’t figure out the details of what it is that is making it standout. This one is short and clean and keeps the natural grey untouched. A buzz cut wouldn’t suit you. You actually have enough natural texture in the hair to avoid that problem. Short hair like this will mean you won’t have to deal with as much weight pulling things down. To keep the style this good though, you will have to come back for regular shape ups to maintain the sharpness. Initially a cut like this is going to look a bit different as the hair grows out a few weeks. Ultimately though, it will result in a very short morning routine.
#22 Light Ash Blonde Feathered Pixie
This cut is so appreciated for its color and feel that is so light. Movement is created with the feathered layers without adding bulk, and that shade of ash blonde is just cool enough to blend with any grey root color. For those hesitant to get short hair, this is recommended as the feathering keeps it soft and layered on top provide substance to work with. In terms of styling, the upkeep will require quick appointments every four to five weeks to clean the neck and ears to look sharp. But this really is very easy.
#23 Vibrant Auburn Tousled Pixie
This auburn hair has such wonderful texture and volume. With the layers giving an illusion of movement and texture, the effort looks like a quick ‘do on the go. Any natural waves will definitely enhance the style. The volume is really nice without the sides poofing out to create a good shape. A good styling matte wax will also be required along with a trim to keep the auburn looking fresh as warm tones do tend to fade quicker than cool tones, but the color is so fun.
#24 Silver Waves with a Voluminous Crown
The shape at the crown is doing something really special, it elevates the entire face and creates an incredibly flattering sense of proportion. The waves soften and curve in towards the face just enough to accentuate the cheekbones and the shorter length keeps everything looking fresh and modern. This is a great style for someone who wants the ease of short hair but isn’t quite ready for a pixie, it’s that ideal in-between. For finer hair, building that crown volume with a root-lifting spray and a little blow-dry to direct the roots is essential but the effort really is minimal for the result.
#25 Copper Pixie with Tapered Edges
Copper is a color that adds warmth and liveliness to the complexion. Especially with styles that are shorter in length like this one. The tapered edges soften everything, especially around the temple and sideburns area which is great if you want to balance out more angular features. The layered texturing creates volume in areas where finer hair is needed most, where it is clean and structured. Over time, as vibrant copper fades, you will want to discuss with your colorist about a schedule to maintain the fade if you love this brightness.
#26 Platinum Blonde Bob with Soft Bangs
With bangs like those that are sweeping over the eyes, the look really comes together. I love the platinum, and it really is eye-catching. A straight bob like this is super sleek. On finer hair, a blunt cut actually gives the illusion of more thickness. Insane, right? But it’s true. The way the ends align creates a strong contrast which gives the illusion of greater density. Platinum is a very high-maintenance color to be honest. If you are starting from a shade darker than a light blonde, it takes several appointments to reach the desired color, and you have to maintain it every few weeks. But if you’re willing to invest the time, the result is stunning!
#27 Rich Chestnut Rounded Bob
I appreciate the craftsmanship that has gone into this piece. The rounded structure seems to mirror the contours of the jaw and neck, and the chestnut color is so warm and rich that it brings a touch of elegance and health to hers. The soft highlights keep it just interesting enough. You may want to hold off on recommending this to someone with very fine hair, as the rounded form will need a fair amount of density to retain its shape. A volumizing mousse, applied before blow drying, will help with that; however, make sure that the shape can be maintained throughout the day as you’ve indicated.
#28 Softly Layered Silver Crop
I must say that the most positive feedback I could give regarding the cut is that it appears to have been made specifically for the individual. The softness and subtlety of the layering allow for movement without the spikiness, while the bangs sit softly on the forehead and are flattering instead of heavy. For those with fine or thinning hair, the required length and layering give the required illusion of more hair. The silver is stunning and no color appointments are required, which is a major benefit of embracing the grey. Just keep those trims coming every few weeks, and this will always look fresh.
#29 Textured Lob with Soft Side Bangs
This works wonders on the face and hits the jawline perfectly. The side bangs are sweet and shy. They soften the forehead a little and bring in a bit of elegance. The layered texture gives the overall shape flattering fullness from every angle. The beauty of a lob like this is its short enough for it to feel like a change, but long enough that you don’t feel too exposed. If you have super curly hair you might get a different look than what’s shown here, but it could be great, just something to know going in.
#30 Short Bob with Face-Framing Layers and Highlights
Face framing layers have been skillfully placed to accentuate the eye region and add an overall lightness to the style, making it feel airy and more youthful. Highlights also add to this effect by creating dimension in the hair and avoiding the overall color from looking flat. The airy styling works to your benefit as it creates an illusion of volume through movement instead of actual density. For this cut, an adjustable finishing spray would be best to keep the lift and movement unhindered. This style requires little effort to maintain and will attract a lot of compliments.
#31 Textured Bob with Volume at the Jaw
This volume at the jawline shapes the face beautifully and is very complimentary. The layers are also wonderful and provide a lot of dimension and depth to the haircut. There is a nice effortlessness to this haircut that really works. Some of the hair might have to be thinned out. Some people may need to have their hair thinned to create that same sort of movement. It won’t be too bulky and it will give you that great flow. The length is also versatile, being short enough to make it interesting while still being to tuck it behind the ear or style a nice little curl with a curling iron if you’ve got a fancy event coming up!
#32 Platinum Pixie with Soft, Tapered Edges
The platinum shade brings some daringness and a contemporary look, and the clear sides paired with the longer, textured top provide some interesting contrast. For fine hair, this would be the perfect cut, as the top looks a lot fuller and softer without the severe. One of the main benefits is that it doesn’t attempt to be edgy; it’s a good benefit that it’s a bit edgy naturally. The cut combined with the platinum shade is easy as the cut requires little maintenance and the color will need to be done every three to four weeks.
#33 Softly Textured Grey Pixie
I like the simplicity of the style on this cut. The layers are done just enough to frame the face without creating too much drama, which is great. The cut also beautifully presents the clients natural and uncolored grey hair. This style will be easier to maintain due to the absence of a color service. Soft texturing like this does work better with fine hair as they just suggest volume without the need for lots of product to achieve that look. I can imagine you washing this cut, giving it a quick ruffle, and looking polished. That kind of effort is so rare in a haircut, and I appreciate it when a cut offers that.
#34 Warm-Toned Layered Bob with Soft Face-Framing
The shorter pieces around the eyes and jaw and create a softness that make this face framing lovely without making the cut feel fussy. The warm color is rich, and it looks lovely in person and photographs beautifully. It has just enough variation in tone to keep it interesting. The length just below the chin is one of my favorite spots for a bob. It’s short enough to feel modern but long enough to have swing to it. The layers add gentle movement to the hair so it looks like it’s always having a good day, which is really all any of us want.
#35 Grey Bob with Feathered Edges and Subtle Volume
The soft, feathery ends create a delicate look around the face, offering more interest than a straight-across finish, and really helps in adding movement. The greys can create what they do best – blend and shift and this gives so much style to the cut that is really effortless. I think this works really well on finer hair as the feathering adds a bit of fullness at the ends where the thinner textures tend to taper off more. It is a nice simple cut that is elegant and will not demand you to change your whole morning routine.
#36 Soft Grey Bob at the Jawline
The bob is a timeless classic that hits right at the jawline, offering a unique framing effect for the face, like no other length can. The soft texture here means it won’t look too structured or helmety, and the grey tones are soft, subtle, and natural. A cut like this is going to want a light styling cream to do the trick, just enough to define texture without weighing it down. Make sure you get a trim every 6 weeks to keep the shape from getting muddled, but aside from the maintenance, this is a low-effort style to live with.
#37 Smooth A-Line Bob with Highlights
The A-line cut gives a clean and polished look from front to back. It also elongates the neck and draws attention to the face. The highlights create dimension so the hair doesn’t look flat while the sleek finish still has movement. This cut looks good when it is dry, and I will always remember that for clients who don’t want to be married to their styling tools. If you want to change it up on the weekends, you can add a few loose curls. That way, you can have a sleeker look during the week.
#38 Short Textured Crop with Soft Bangs and Warm Color
The bangs really make a difference with the style. This would usually be a good short crop, and with the added bangs, it changes the overall look. Bangs also make a haircut look much younger. The warm color is also great with the cut and layers. This is the perfect style for someone ready to go for a big change from long hair but still wants to feel safe with the length. The bangs also create a place to hide your face, and that makes it feel like a big change.
#39 Softly Stacked Short Cut with Subtle Highlights
The stacking at the back creates a great rounded shape at the nape which gives the cut a lot of structure. The subtle highlights add great visual interest without competing with the overall shape. I like the how the front length finishes at the jawline, as it is really flattering and functional. On finer hair, the stacking is really great as it gives even more of the illusion of fullness at the back where finer textures tend to fall flat. This cut does a great job of looking polished with very little effort. It’s the kind of cut that you blow-dry smooth once and it looks great for days with little effort.
#40 Textured Curly Bob with Natural Bounce
I always enjoy seeing someone with curly hair get a nice short style. Just take a look at how magic happens. The curls get to spring and move. The whole style is full of personality; alive. When it comes to curly bobs, that sweet spot is just above the shoulders, because it’s short enough that the weight of the hair doesn’t pull the curls. To keep the look, it’s important to keep the curls moisturized, using a good curl cream on wet hair and letting it air dry. The less you mess with it, the better it behaves!
#41 Warm Chestnut Bob with Soft Layers
The chestnut color is gorgeous and looks completely real. It’s also great how well it all comes together with the natural look. The soft framing layers are definetly movement enough so that the bob doesn’t go into the solid and heavy category,. I find that length that sits just above the shoudlers is most flattering on square and oval face shapes. For this look, I do suggest highlights. For this warm, cohesive color I would recommend a tone that is only half a shade lighter because it will give more dimension. Keeping the layers defined will require lots of upkeep in trims.
#42 Textured Short Crop with Highlights and Movement
I love how fun this haircut is! The playful layers and movement are fun and the highlights add a sun-kissed dimension that brightens the face. This haircut is medium density hair that has just the right amount of hair to give that textured fullness without looking overdone. To really enhance that texture, I would recommend a light mousse scrunched in while the hair is damp. I would let it air dry with this cut, but in this case a blast from the blow dryer is perfect! It will give you that finished look!
#43 Chestnut Textured Short Bob with Warmth
The combination of rich chestnut color with the skin tone has a beautiful warmth which brightens everything up and makes it come alive. The soft layers create dimension without making the hair look chunky, perfect for finer hair. This cut really knows what it’s doing, designed to liven up the hair without giving too much away. This style requires very little maintenance. A little bit of product for a textured look and rough dry is all it takes. The final look is polished and deceptively simple.
#44 Frosted Pixie with Layered Tips and Soft Bangs
The tipped ends brighten the hairstyle and create light reflection to give the hairstyle a multi-dimensional look instead of the flat look that a single color would give. With the forehead bangs it seems more friendly and younger, and the layered length on top means there is even more volume where it counts, and good fine hair looks as every layer builds up on the last one to create the appearance of much more hair. Bangs will probably need more frequent trimming than the rest of the hair so that means a quick trip to the hair stylist which keeps the entire hairstyle looking very deliberate.
#45 Short Shag with Soft Waves at the Jaw
I really appreciate the ease of this style. The soft waves framing the jaw give it a romantic and slightly undone look, while the shaggy layers add movement and body without having to style it too much. This is the kind of hair that looks better on days 2 and 3 as the waves loosen and the texture looks more natural. The style works especially well on finer hair as the layers create the appearance of more volume. The length at the jawline keeps everything youthful and fresh. All you would need is a little bit of product to define those waves.
#46 Softly Feathered Short Crop
I appreciate how the feathering gives softness in the nape, around the ears and crown. Everything looks so light and easy. With finer hair, that feathered quality is perfect because it softens the line between where the hair ends and air begins making those areas that look a little more sparse less noticeable. The nape length helps to elongate the neck which is flattering. Overall shape is exquisite. This is the epitome of low maintenance looks as you can just wash it, put some product in and you’re done!
#47 Short Blonde Shag with Effortless Texture
The shaggy layers add personality while the soft blonde highlights evoke a sense brightness. Together they create the perfect combination for a deliberate yet casual style. The hair sits just above the shoulder which is a perfect length for the hair to move and swing. The length is also just right so it doesn’t become a project. The right amount of texture goes a long way and looks best when you don’t think about it too much. The ideal look is a rough blow dry using your fingers. Hair dry if your hair is well behaved so the layers fall into place. This style particularly best for oval and square face shapes. The layers soften the outline and jaw by providing soft breaks around the face.
#48 Curly Short Crop with Natural Definition
Each curl has great definition and is very bouncy, and their shorter length means they won’t be weighed down, resulting in the curls having even more lift. They’re stunning. I’ve found that there is something very pleasing about a curly cut that utilizes the natural pattern of the hair rather than imposing a new one and this is one of those cases. The jaw length is quite flattering and keeps the style feeling fresh and youthful. With medium density curly hair, the main thing to keep in mind is that it is crucial to keep the curls hydrated and try to avoid touching the hair after styling and this is where a good diffuser, paired with a hands off approach, comes in.
#49 Curly Bob with Soft Bangs
Soft bangs paired with a curly texture is beautiful and radiates a warm and inviting energy! The bangs compliment the curls and work with the hair texture which, believe it or not, means that a great stylist is necessary because badly cut curly bangs can go horribly wrong. The length also prevents the curls from tangling and getting weighed down. I hope you have a solid plan to keep the curls held and defined because the real beauty of the cut lies in the curl pattern. If it is not maintained, the shape of the entire style will completely alter.
#50 Silver Pixie with Playful Spikes
This is so fun. The spikes give a lot of different energy, and on silver hair it looks modern and playful instead of trying too hard. For fine hair, the layering here gives the illusion of a lot more volume, which is always the goal. Keeping the length above the ears is nice and neat, and the whole shape will be especially flattering on longer face shapes. You’ll need a strong-hold styling paste to keep those spikes in place, but once they’re set, they’ll stay like that all day. An energetic cut that takes about three minutes to style!
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