I remember one time I was trying to explain to someone my idea of southern hairstyles. She was sitting in my chair and scrolling on her phone and said, “I want to look like I could belong at a garden party, but also like I could run into my ex at the grocery store and feel good about myself.” Honestly, that is the energy of the cut. There is a way southern women do their hair that I don’t see done by women in other regions. It is not minimal just for the sake of being minimal like some other trends, but it is not super extra either. There is a good middle ground where it looks like the style took some time, but it doesn’t look like it took a lot of time.
I really like styles that have a lot of movement and look soft, that way they don’t look too structured. Because of this, styles like that tend to age the best. They look just as intentional weeks after leaving the salon. Many of the styles I have, I tend to go back to after some time. I made a list of 25 different styles that I provide to clients for inspiration. Whether you want a complete makeover or just a little trim, these styles will make sure you get the look you’re after.
#1: Long Layers That Actually Move
About a month ago, I did something incredibly similar to a client who described her hair as “dead.” When in fact, her hair was pretty healthy. The concern wasn’t about the health of the hair, it was about the hair sitting at one length. After she got those long, framy layers added along with a round brush blowout, she started moving her head back and forth. This is the type of cut that doesn’t change who you are, but boy does it change everything. The layers are meant to create that mid-length lift so the hair doesn’t sit on your shoulders, especially if your hair is fine. Like this model’s hair, that’s a game changer.
#2 A Soft Lob with Just Enough Highlight to Catch Light
I would consider this a ‘quietly flattering’ cut, and that is a compliment! It does a lot without being too loud. The collarbone length is great because it is adjustable without constant fuss and those highlights! So well placed they appear to just enhance the natural depth to your hair. I would show this to someone looking for a change but is too scared of really short hair. It is a really good length but still feels new. The layers are soft enough so you won’t get weird flips as it grows out, and that is half the battle with a lob.
#3 Beachy Texture Without Trying Too Hard
This haircut is ideal for you if you have natural waves in your hair since it styles itself! The most work is done by the layers which are created to encourage a teased separation, not a curl. I like this length since it’s long enough to tie back if necessary, but short enough to be fun when it’s down. All you need is a little salt spray and scrunch it in. The soft bits around your face will stop you from looking like you just got out of bed, which is the fine line this haircut is walking.
#4 Sun-Kissed Layers That Feel Like Late Summer
I like the overall look here. It looks warm, like golden hour but for hair. Those highlights aren’t a blocky strip on the top of the hair, they are placed throughout the layers so when the hair moves, the color moves too. This is really good balayage. This kind of layering is the solution for anyone with medium to thick hair. If you think your hair length just turns into a heavy curtain, this will open everything up without losing the fullness you probably love. It will look intentional and not frizzy, especially in summer. A little bit of styling cream at the ends will do the trick.
#5 Curly Bob That Knows What It’s Doing
I know I said I have a soft spot for curly bobs, but I really love them because they can achieve an unmatchable look compared to straight hair. The layers in this bob work with the curl pattern to create a great shape without a lot of bunched up curls at the bottom. I always have to remind my curly clients to think about shrinkage when we talk about how long their hair is. A cut that looks like it is at collarbone length when it is wet can actually spring up to chin length when it is dry. This model has the perfect balance of length. She is short enough to feel nice and fresh, and long enough that the curls have space to form.
#6 A Modern Bob with Some Weekend Energy
This bob haircut makes it look like you’ve been invited to some pretty fun events! Its texture is casual and makes it less likely to cross into the “I’d like to speak to the manager” territory that many chin length hair cuts can go into. This haircut is also great for fine hair as it can give the illusion of having more hair because of the hair’s natural movement. This style will have a little bit of upkeep required in the morning, but it’s really just going to take a few minutes to touch the ends with a flatiron to bend them. We are talking about five minutes to finish getting ready. Not too crazy!
#7 Textured Bob with a Bit of Bounce
This one has a feel similar to the last one but a bit different. The highlights are nice and break up what could be a flat canvas. I find bobs like this tend to photograph better than they feel in real life. A client’s expectation of the waves just happening every single morning is just not the case. But a cut like this is what I’d recommend to someone who wants to look together but not too much. If you are prepared to spend a few minutes with just a 1.25 inch iron or even twist sections while you blow dry, it is totally achievable.
#8 Big, Beautiful Face-Framing Curls
This is such a great style, looks like a great example that can be used for the people with thick and naturally wavy hair that sit in the salon chair and say, ‘I want volume.’ These layers are clever because they remove weight from just the right spots so that the curls can expand and grow out to the sides as opposed to collapsing down. I love the face framing pieces because they soften the look around the mid to low cheekbone areas. With this hairstyle, you have to be okay with your hair taking up a lot of space visually, and I think more people should think that way. It’s a full, bold look.
#9 A Little Texture Goes a Long Way
I can tell how many times I’ve done this cut, and that’s because it’s such a great option for people who want something low-maintenance, but still stylish and not boring. The length is just above the shoulders where it still moves and sways when you do, but isn’t annoying enough to require constant ear-tucking. If you want this to feel a little more current, it’s all about the ends. We want to avoid that blunt line and looks so soft, so it doesn’t feel too helmet-y. If you’re open to color, a light balayage would take this to really special territory!
#10 Warm Waves That Don’t Need Much Fussing
It is always great to see warm highlights and gentle waves together. It is the perfect way to show someone who loves effortless hairstyles but still enjoys how they look. Shoulder length styles are usually the length I recommend to my clients who are super busy because it works with however they are spending their time. You can bun it, pony it, or wear it down, and it looks like you made a style choice. The sun- kissed highlights will give a refreshing brightness around the face than an overall color which is nice without being obvious.
#11 Warm Copper on Long Layers
I am loving what this color is doing for the look. The warm copper color on the long layers is attracting all the light and making even the finest hair look so thick and full. The soft waves are also the perfect amount of undone to allow the color to be the star of the show. I really do love copper tones, but they tend to fade faster than just about any other color, so if this is a look you want, get ready to make a color depositing shampoo your new best friend. The cut is classic with minimal excitement which is just what you want when you’re letting the color do the talking.
#12 Defined Curls on a Short Bob
My curls are adorable and I love that they each have their own personality. I think great hair cuts and good curl control can make an amazing look. I really like how this length is for defined curls because it’s smart. It’s going to keep the weight from stretching at the roots. If you have this texture and are considering it, just know the styling routine will probably be very enjoyable. Defined curls are so fun to have, and you will likely need a few products and a diffuser, but it will be so worth it!
#13 Textured Bob with Wispy Bangs That Actually Work
When bangs are not cut correctly, they have a tendency to blend sideways. However, these bangs are executed extremely well. The bangs are light and not overly dense to the point where they cover the face. The bob under is textured nicely, has a good amount of movement, and that warm brown color is one of those shades that anybody can wear, which is why it’s so popular. In my opinion, the combination of the bangs and that slightly undone texture is what gives this particular version a youthful feel. It looks easygoing rather than fussy. If you are considering getting bangs and have a few reservations, this is an extremely low risk way to try bangs.
#14 Long, Rich Waves with Real Body
When a client comes in with thick and wavy hair, I can easily envision what their hair is capable of. I know the structure I can implement for movement and definition so that their hair can achieve its fullest potential. When I see rich colors that reflect great depth and shine, I know the health of the hair is optimal, which is important. In fact, it even outweighs what a good cut or style can do. Layers that are cut mid-lengths and bottom create a stacking effect for the waves, which gives so much volume without the need for teasing and excessive product. If you have thick and wavy hair, you’re probably closer to achieving this style than you think!
#15 A Clean Bob That Feels Easy
I appreciate a bob that is uncomplicated and this one is simple and nice color and cut. The layers that frame the face give a softer shape and aren’t too overly layered in the dated early 2000s style. The slight wave adds some liveliness to the hair and keeps it from being too serious. This cut offers a great option for medium density hair with minimal styling needed. The cut is so that you can just get out of the shower, blow dry for a few minutes and that’s it.
#16 Elegant Length with Soft, Shiny Layers
I love how fine hair shines when cut perfectly. The light reflection from finely layered hair creates an astonishing visual that is equally fantastic when all of the hair is in good condition. Here, you have truly demonstrated this. The layering seems to be placed perfectly and evenly. The problem fine hair can have with layering is that the hair can become too thinned out, and the movement can look stagnant or disconnected. Your subtle highlights are just enough to keep the hair interesting and to give it some good dimension. For a look like this, a lightweight shining serum is going to be your best bet. I would recommend a tiny amount on the ends, because it will look better the glossier it becomes.
#17 Shoulder-Length with Soft Bangs and a Relaxed Wave
I love how soft the bangs are here, just sitting across the forehead, without being too heavy of a fringe so when they grow out they’ll blend in again. Together with the loose wave through the lengths, it gives off a nice relaxed kind of vibe, but still looks intentional. Great example of a cut that works for someone who likes to air dry, but wants to polish it up with some curling. The versatility is definitely the selling point especially since it’s a cut that can match your energy for the day.
#18 Textured Shoulder Waves with a Little Lift
I enjoy the relaxed vibe of this outfit, it looks as if the wearer has so much going on that they don’t need to bother with their hair. Still, the hair really looks nice. It almost looks like it’s putting in effort to be so effortless. The defined strands, the relaxed volume, and the messy style all contribute to making fine hair look thick. The highlights also add contrast and help to give some dimension from other angles. If you want to create a look like this at home, I’d recommend a texturizing spray as your best option. Just spray, scrunch, and leave it be.
#19 Medium-Length Curls That Feel Natural and Full
I tell my curly-haired clients that the right haircut gives your curls that expensive look, while the wrong one makes it look like you’re fighting your hair every single day. This cut is the right one. The layers work with her curl pattern and create a beautiful cascading effect where the curls are stacked and supported instead of all falling into the same place and creating a triangle. The highlights woven throughout the hair also add depth without disrupting curl definition, which is super hard to achieve and is really well done here. If your curls look like this, bring this photo because there is so much good info here for your stylist.
#20 A Clean Blunt Bob with Quiet Confidence
A good haircut can be a clean line without layers or any movement. This bob may be the greatest of all time. The weight line shows at most a millimeter of variation if any at all and it doesn’t look stiff. Personally, I think it’s best when hair has a bit of texture to it and provides a lived in look and not overly clean or shiny either. A bob is not modern and refined in a vintage way, it is just a vintage bob. A cut like raw design is going to require upkeep, and regular maintenance is needed. This means that unevenly grown hair and even an eighth of a quarter inch will be visible.
#21 Soft Bouncy Curls Just Below the Shoulders
People with straight hair probably envy the volume you have, and I can see why considering how great it looks! Soft curls have that amazing bounce that’s naturally thick and wavy enough to keep the shape without needing a ton of product. The face framing strands are gorgeous, and I find that soft, cheekbone-cupping look universally flattering. If your hair does these things with a bit of help from a diffuser consider yourself lucky and own it. Don’t get it straightened; that would be a crime.
#22 A Lob with Bangs That Frame Everything Nicely
When it comes to bangs with a lob, it can go two ways, they can either fit the style nicely, or feel like they belong to a whole different haircut. These ones do finish it off quite nice. They sit at the cheekbone, which is a length I love because it gives this curtain effect. You can push em aside or let em fall forward \ just depends on your mood. The lob has a decent amount of texture, just enough that it isn’t over choppy, and the length is quite forgiving if you have hair that grows at different rates on different sides, trust me that is far more common than people realize. The only real commitment here is getting those bangs trimmed every three weeks or so, but if you get into the rhythm of it, it becomes second nature.
#23 A Bob with Soft Bangs and Effortless Texture
It appears to be a variation of the bob with bangs and a bit of texture. The waves are probably styled to appear tousled, but here they look actually natural and effortless, just like hair should. The separated soft bangs are more forgiving than a thick blunt fringe and are more graceful when grown out. For fine hair that desires more texture, this combination of bangs and highlights in a few well-placed spots is a winner. It creates the look of fullness from movement rather than from added density.
#24 Dark Layered Waves with a Beautiful Shine
I love how simple this look is! There aren’t any color tricks, nor are there any dramatic layers. She has healthy dark hair, soft waves that move so beautifully because of the right cut and the right amount of layers. What makes this look special is of course, that shine, and you can’t fake that with product. That social media sparkle is the result of hair that’s being taken care of. If you’ve got natural dark hair and have been thinking about color or highlights, let me tell you that a fabulous cut, great hair care, and letting your hair’s natural color shine is sometimes the best way to go. This look is proof of that!
#25 A Textured Lob with Soft Waves and Easy Movement
What a way to finish up! This type of cut is super easy to wear. Almost everyone can pull off the lob; soft waves like this can be done by wrapping a piece around a big barrel iron or by clean braid, sleeping in it, and shaking it out in the morning. This version is my favorite because the highlights are perfect; they add a litter dimension so the color does not look flat and makes it “done.” For finer hair, this length and this much texture is a sweet spot because you get movement without it looking stringy or thin at the ends. This style will get a lot of compliments, but not because it’s over the top or dramatic. People will compliment it because it simply looks really nice.
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