We do not get as much value as we should from haircuts. The self-image boost from a good haircut can not be overestimated. I have a client who made a big leap and cut her long layers into a textured bob. After our appointment I saw her in the parking lot making her first dinner reservation in months. You may think this is an exaggeration, but it is true in this case. A good haircut can be transformative and really help to show the individual who has been hiding behind the socially acceptable version of a young person. Hopefully this can be applicable to you.
This is a collection of photos I show to my clients and this is not a trend list. I have specially chosen each of these photos to avoid them making a choice they will quickly regret. Of course, the best choices will always depend on your your hair, your face, your personality, and your life, so give this some thought before choosing. There will never be a list that can take the place of a good consultation with a professional, but this list can serve as a good starting point for you.
#1: Warm Caramel Pixie with a Clean Taper
This is the type of cut that does most of the work for you. The taper on the sides keeps it intentional but not too harsh, and the caramel color really warms up the skin particularly if you’ve noticed a flat complexion in the last few years. I like this on women who want to draw focus to their face, not their hair because the proportions here are really uplifting. The downsides is growth. If you have fast-growing hair, you’re looking at a trim every 4-5 weeks to maintain shape, and unfortunately, there’s not really a way to fake it in the meantime.
#2 Copper Pixie with Choppy Texture
Copper on a pixie is one of those combos that photographs beautifully and feels even better in person. The layered texture adds a lot of volume, making it a great choice if your hair has become finer over the years. The length is right at the cheekbones which creates nice lift in the mid face area. I will say this shade of copper is quite a commitment as it fades faster than people expect and if you go too long between appointments it starts to look more peach than copper. But when it is fresh, it is gorgeous!
#3 Layered Bob in a Rich Sunset Copper
Lately, this has been the style I have been recommending the most. It feels a bit new and there has been enough done to create a visible change. The side layers are clever here; they remove weight from the jawline and create movement without looking too over sculpted, which can age a look. The copper is a statement color without looking too costume-y and the way it reflects the light gives warmth to the color that just works. If your face is a bit more round than others, this will be especially good on you. If you want to maintain that richness, expect to be in the chair every five to six weeks, along with a color depositing shampoo, as it makes a noticeable difference.
#4 Copper Feathered Bob with Wispy Bangs
This bob has just the right amount of feathering to give the appearance of thickness without the added puffiness that blunt layers tend to create on fine hair. The soft bangs finish off the look beautifully, and they are especially nice if you try to hide your forehead, because they soften the look without concealing everything. What I like best here is the colour graduation from root to tip. It’s subtle enough that the regrowth won’t be noticeable right away, so it buys you some time between appointments. With chin length bobs, if there isn’t enough internal texture, they can end up looking a bit helmet-y, but this one doesn’t have that problem.
#5 Flowing Copper Layers with Soft Waves
The reference will help your stylist if you’re considering copper and have medium to thick hair. The layers are long enough for a wave to hold and that makes it look fluffy. It will look more structured than it is. You can even just scrunch your hair to avoid using a curling iron and let it air dry. As long as your hair isn’t pin straight, that should create some good bends. This type of copper is high maintenance. Out of all the hair colors, it is likely to fade the fastest. If you’re not able to come in frequently for touch-up appointments, then this color is probably not a good choice. It will look washed out in about 3 weeks. For many people, that is quite a trade-off.
#6 Auburn Layers with a Side-Swept Fringe
Auburn is a color that works for most skin tones, and the depth of this shade offers more sophistication to this look than lighter reds would. The side-swept bangs are a classic choice- for a good reason. They draw attention away, and if your face has changed shape over the years, they can be really forgiving. The amount of layering is awesome, and the good thing is that you can just rough dry it and it will look like you did a lot more, which is one of the main things I look for when recommending a style. Most people underestimate the potential of a hair cut that can carry a daytime look through to an evening look without needing to be restyled.
#7 Copper Textured Bob with Flipped Ends
The flipped ends give this style a unique personality that a typical bob just doesn’t have. A touch of retro vibes, plus the inner choppy layers maintain volume control at the crown rather than creating a bell-shaped effect at the bottom. This works optimally with hair that has a natural body to it. If your hair tends to be fine, limp, and lacking volume, you’d need to put in more work with a volumizing mousse and round brush. At that point, something that works more easily with your hair’s natural texture may be more to your liking. However, this cut is very low maintenance on the right hair.
#8 Feathered Copper Layers with a Soft Fringe
There is charm in the simplicity of this cut — it doesn’t ask much in the mornings from you. The faint layers that frame the face add softness which is great if you have a stronger jawline as it distracts from that and doesn’t lose anything in the process. Most days, all that is needed is a quick brush and a touch of lightweight styling cream through the ends. The copper color is lovely, but as it fades, you will notice some contrast. If the color looks uneven over time, be prepared for some touch-up color appointments. What I appreciate about this length is that you can still easily pull it up for an updo, which you can’t do with so many shorter hair lengths.
#9 Tousled Layered Bob with Warm Caramel Highlights
This cut sits directly on the jaw line which is a length many women overlook. A lot of women tend to be either fully committed to short hair or fully committed to long hair. That said, this length is very flattering for a bob and is perfect for showcasing the jaw without pulling too much focus to the neck. The warm highlights give a beautiful, subtle bounce and the tousled finish adds to the effortless vibe. If you tend to go flat in the afternoon, a texturizing spray is definitely recommended to maintain that lived-in look. The way the cut is done is professional enough for a meeting and casual enough for brunch which is actually a lot more difficult to accomplish than most people realize.
#10 Chestnut Curls with a Soft Fringe
Women getting haircuts that work with, not against, their natural hair is a rare thing. If you have a natural curl or wave , this is something you should do. The tone of the hair is chestnut and seamlessly blends with silvers as they come through. So you won’t have to battle with your roots. The fringe is nice in an along the eye kind of way. This is for someone who is willing to take a few minutes in the morning to scrunch and diffuse, because curls like this need a bit of coaxing to look this deliberate. Once the routine is established, it is actually very easy to keep up in between cuts.
#11 Caramel Shag with Curtain Bangs
Shag haircuts are popular for a reason. They are long enough in the back not to feel extreme and curtain bangs give you that effortless look people envy. The goal with this chop is that tousled texture so if you like sleek and polished hair you probably won’t love this look. If you have fine hair that you want to have more fullness, this cut is going to give you everything you need. You’ll definitely want something like sea salt spray or texture spray to maintain this look.
#12 Deep Brunette Lob with a Soft Fringe
For people who want to look polished without spending too much time on hair, I would recommend this style. The look is very complimentary and works for all hair types. A lob that’s just above the collarbone is very versatile, and is perfect for those who want something forgiving that will hold its shape for a few appointment gaps. The soft fringe adds some extra interest without the long-term commitment, as it grows out nicely and is easy to get rid of. It can be hard to find hair like this, as it means the style is done for you, and all that is left to do is some regular upkeep. A look like this is only tidy if the ends aren’t split and the fringe isn’t too long. The longer the fringe is, the more split ends there are, and a look like this loses all of its appeal.
#13 Mahogany Waves with a Rooted Transition
I really like the hair colour. The warmer mahogany tips and darker base blend nicely and give a nice natural appearance to the hair as if the hair colour lightened in the sun. The good balayage aims for a sun-kissed look. The soft waves give a good balance and length allows for even more versatility. This colour and layering will create lots of movement while keeping the hair nice and full which is great for fine to medium hair. The colour will need to be maintained every two months to keep the grown out look intentional.
#14 Chocolate Waves with Relaxed Volume
I would say this haircut is simple but I don’t think it’s that easy. The pattern is unfinished, but that’s a good thing because it gives the hairstyle a daily wearability. The chocolate brown hair color isn’t too warm. This is quite versatile and will suit more skin tones than most warm brunette shades. The front waves look wider, but the rest of the waves are slimmer and turned in so they don’t look too obvious. This is best on medium to thick hair. With very fine hair, you’ll likely lose the volume by midday unless you put a lot of effort in.
#15 Short Auburn Curls with Natural Dimension
This haircut is for those who already have some curl and are ready to embrace it. The burnt auburn highlights in the front offer a bit of dimension to the natural base color as opposed to one flat solid color. Pair that with short length and you’re not going to feel it weighing you down. I also appreciate that it isn’t super styled. It really looks like someone with brilliant curls who just leaves them alone, which is a talent. If you live in a tropical climate, humidity will do what humidity does with curls so keep that in mind. This cut runs itself for the right person with the right texture.
#16 Brunette Pixie with Soft Contouring Layers
There are so many layers giving the cut a lot of texture. The sides are tapered so you have higher cheekbones. The brown color is subtle which lets the cut do the talking. Not everyone can pull a cut like this. If you like to hide behind your hair, you might feel exposed as this particular cut is quite short. At least you won’t have to do much upkeep – a trim every 4-5 weeks and it’s good to go. If your hair is thin to medium, the pixie will give you some unexpected texture that is really great.
#17 Layered Brown Bob with a Side-Swept Fringe
One of the many reasons this haircut trend continues to resurface is because it is such a timeless look. The side swept bangs and the soft layers create a lot of movement. However, with this cut comes the “bob risk” of your hair looking a little round at the ends if the layers are not textured. This hairstyle will most benefit those with fine to medium hair types, as the soft layers will create a lot of volume and movement without sacrificing too much weight. This is a low maintenance, easy hairstyle, which is the highest praise I can give a cut. The outline will require a little upkeep. Once the haircut begins to grow out, it becomes less structured and will lose all of the nice shape of the bob.
#18 Tousled Pixie with Height Through the Crown
This pixie keeps volume where it counts most, through the crown and up top, elongating the face and stopping the cut from looking too close to the head. For hair that is more on the thinning side, that kind of layered texture on top can really change how full it looks For styling, just a bit of matte paste can be worked through the hair to look really effortless and you can be out the door. I would say to steer clear of this if someone has very round features and very fine hair, because it can lose its proportions without enough texture to work with. But on the right person, it can be one of the most practical styles done.
#19 Auburn Waves with Face-Framing Highlights
This cut works due to the focus highlights. The lighter pieces around your face brighten your complexion and create some contrast. This is something I started paying more attention to with clients in their 40s as skin tone changes affect how the hair reads. The waves give some fullness to thin hair and the light layers stop everything from going limp. This cut is really good for oval and heart shaped faces. Just a heads up, the waves will require some styling each day, whether that’s a quick pass with the iron or a little curl spray.
#20 Walnut Waves with Soft Curtain Bangs
Curtain bangs are a popular trend, but that doesn’t mean they work for everyone. Here, the bangs are doing what they are supposed to do – frame the face without being overwhelming. The mid-length cut feels like an actual style rather than just a cut that is growing out, and it is practical and stylish. The tapered layers of the cut promote movement and will amplify your hair’s natural waves if it has a slight wave. This style is best for medium to thick hair. If your hair is very fine, keep in mind that the curtain bangs may fall flat, and in that case, they could look separated and instead of wispy, look thin.
#21 Cinnamon Waves with Long Subtle Layers
What I like about this cinnamon shade is how warm and polished it is. It won’t make you look like you’re trying to be twenty-five again. The layers are long and subtle, so they won’t create the step-y layered look that can cheapen a cut. This looks effortless on medium to thick hair. With fine hair, though, you may have to put in some effort to create and hold these waves with a round brush or curling iron. The color is rich, and you’ll want to use a color protecting conditioner to keep it from fading before your next appointment.
#22 From Mid-Length to a Textured Bob, a Smart Transition
I love making transformations like this in the salon. I love moving hair that had been boring and lifeless, to hair with movement and shape to create something beautiful. This textured bob from the after photo is perfect. It’s working with the shape of her face, and the new front layers add some texture to the hair and really accentuate her cheekbones, which the longer hair was hiding. I know that if your hair is fine and you’ve been hanging onto the length for security it’s scary to make this kind of change, but I promise that the shorter length will feel like a relief instead of a loss. It will need trims more often to keep it from growing out shapeless, but the daily styling time drops significantly. Most people are really happy to make that trade.
#23 Chestnut Bob with Gentle Waves
This style falls just below the jaw line, giving you more length and versatility than a true bob, while still keeping the overall look in balance. I added a gentle wave to the style to soften the look. I think this is especially important at this length since some people can find a straight bob that hits at the jaw to be a little too severe. The chestnut color is classic and looks good as it grows out, which is a practical consideration that doesn’t get enough attention. This will hold its shape nicely if your hair is at a medium to dense thickness. If it’s very fine, you may find the waves drop out by the afternoon, in which case you would be better off adding a bend at the ends with a quick touch-up using a flat iron instead of trying to force a full wave.
#24 Midnight Blue Angled Bob
I don’t normally recommend fashion colors, but some people might find a deep blue-black like this to be really nice on some skin tones. More than a fashionable design, the angled shape also has the effect of elongating the neck, which is a nice touch and flattering most face shapes. The color looks deeper than a plain black, and has a nice light reflection that will prevent it from looking flat. You’re going to be doing glossing appointments often to keep it looking blue, since the blue tone will fade. It will help in between glossing treatments. If you like the style, the maintenance is worth it, though this isn’t a low-maintenance style. If you want the hair to be curling tightly, keep that in mind, because you probably will need some honest heat styling.
#25 Espresso Shag with a Soft Fringe
The shag cut works well for shorter hair as each layer has room to move and not get weighed down by longer pieces. The soft fringe finish gives a natural and effortless look that draws attention to the eyes and softens the forehead. The rich espresso color is well balanced in depth and is not too dark, which is a hard balance to find in brown shades. For fine hair, this look offers some of the best mid-length fullness available and, morning styling of the hair texture will most likely be required. A quick scrunch in your hands should create the volume needed to hold the shag. If a shag is left to air dry, it will have lost the shag look completely.
#26 Soft Curls in a Deep Black with Shoulder-Grazing Length
The slight asymmetry gives this cut a trendy clean finish, but not too clean where it’ll scream out you just got a haircut off a trend report. The soft curls will read more romantic than structured and will beautifully frame the shoulders on medium density hair. The deep black color is a bold choice and I believe it is best suited for warmer or olive skin tones as it will create a nice contrast. However, this will require the most commitment as it will be tough to maintain curls like this unless you’re using a curling wand or hoping a natural curl pattern will cooperate. With that being said, if you have a naturally straight texture, you need to be honest with yourself about whether you will style this everyday because if that’s the case, you probably shouldn’t get the chop.
#27 Polished Espresso Bob with Curved Ends
With this cut you can achieve that ‘set it and forget’ style, assuming your hair is naturally straight. If not, that’s not a problem. The slight bend at the tips provides an appearance that is more refined than what a blunt cut could offer. The espresso balayage is a rich and natural color that flatters all skin tones and works with hair lengths above the shoulders. This length allows you the versatility to tuck hair behind your ears, pull it back into a low ponytail, or just let it be as it is long enough to give the hair some shape. If your hair is generally frizzy, you may consider using a smoothing serum to keep the outline clean. This is a polished cut that has a lot of upkeep to maintain its good appearance.
#28 Brunette Waves with Soft Sun-Kissed Highlights
The reason the technique used on this hair cut works is because it creates that effortless look. The ends are lightened using a mixture of slicing and point cutting so that there are no harsh lines. This allows the hair to move freely without looking stiff, stacked, and structured. This hair color is a more clever way of introducing brightness to the hair without making a drastic difference. Instead of highlights that cover the entire head to create dimension, the colorist placed highlights where the hair would look lighter naturally. The texture and movement of the color disguise the hair making the look more finished while making the most of the hair. While the waves do require some upkeep, it’s more of a five-minute chore than a whole production.
#29 Chestnut Bob with a Deep Side Part
Simplicity often wins, and this style is a great example. One advantage of this one is that the deep side part offers asymmetry, which is especially flattering for round and oval shaped faces, and all this is done without any crazy intricate cutting techniques. The chestnut shade is natural enough for it to not be super obvious as it grows out, and overall, it takes little effort to achieve that polished look. If your hair tends to frizz, you’ll just have to keep a smoothing product nearby. Otherwise, there is no doubt that flyaways will stick out. All in all, this style is great if you want something elegant that won’t take up a lot of your time.
#30 Tousled Brunette Bob with a Light Fringe
Unlike other styles that are dictated by the customer, this is more adaptable to them, which is why it is unique. Cutting the hair into more layers helps medium density hair to look fuller instead of heavier. The length is cut to a smart place, allowing it enough length for movement, yet short enough to maintain structure. Also for mid density hair light internal layers help to avoid looking bulky. The fringe is light enough that it doesn’t feel overly committal either. Adding a bit of tousled texture means your hairstyle will look less precious and more casual which is a plus. Most likely you will have to put in a good amount of work to get the right amount of body, especially if your hair is straight. To do this, when you dry your hair, use a round brush to help your hair achieve body and volume instead of allowing it to sit flat. Naturally, much of this body should stay styled instead of you having to do a lot of work to maintain this.
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