If you spent last summer with your hair stuck up in a ponytail, you might want to rethink your style. Short hair can instantly update any look and totally transform you.
If you aren’t totally committed to the idea, play around with your hair for awhile by clipping it up to get an idea of what it would look like shorter. There are also tons of great resources online that will show you exactly what you’d look like with different hairstyles. So we made something just for you! Think about is your face shape, and check out our infographic.
The Ultimate Short Hairstyle: Pixie Cuts
If you are really ready for a bold look, there is nothing better than a pixie cut. After years of having long hair, a pixie cut is so liberating. It literally takes the weight off of your shoulders and lets you try new styles that you can only get with a pixie.
Pixie cuts are great for pretty much any face shape. They are especially good if you have a round face because they will help elongate it. Because all of the body and texture is on the top of your head, it’s going to automatically make your face look longer.
Pixie cuts will give you instant cheekbones and make your eyes pop! You really don’t need to worry about looking too matronly with ultra short hair. If you’re wondering why super short is so popular among older women it’s because it pulls all of the facial features up. Longer hair can make your face look a bit droopy, especially as you age, but super short hair with do just the opposite.
Pixie Cuts for Curly Hair: Yes, It’s Possible!
While pixie cuts are almost universally flattering, they are best for women with straight or wavy hair. If your hair is ultra-curly, you might end up with more of a ‘fro than a sleek pixie look. If you have curly hair and regularly straighten it, however, this can definitely be a great cut for you.
If you are straightening your hair a few times a week or regularly relaxing it, you already know how much damage these processes cause to your hair. If you love the straightened look, you might want to consider losing the length. The longer your hair is, the more damage that you are carrying around. When you keep your hair short, you can straighten it as much as you want then just chop off the damaged ends.
Remember, you’ll need at least a few inches of hair so you can clamp your flat iron onto it easily. This only takes a few months worth of growth so you can keep straightening and cutting off the ends as they get too fried.
If you have a long face, you should also think twice before you get a pixie cut. This super short style is going to elongate your face, so make an honest assessment of your face shape before you take the plunge.
Styling Your Pixie Cut
A pixie cut can be a bit high maintenance. When you hair is only a couple inches long, it can double in length in a really short period. You will want to plan on regular haircuts and have a lot of style options on hand for various lengths.
Pixie cuts come with built-in bangs. You can brush them down or keep a deep side part to create totally different looks. These are both super easy solutions for everyday styling.
When you are in the mood for a more dramatic look, spike it up. Use some mouse and hairspray to create something like a pompadour. Slick the sides down and pull the top up.
You can create an edgier style by spiking the top with hair paste or go for a more glamorous look by pulling the top up then lightly slicking it back. If you want to dress up your look, try using a flat iron so that you can create a very subtle curl that will angle backward.
The Updated Pixie: Undercutting
If you want to spice up your style, try an undercut pixie. It’s easy to pull off an edgy look a la Rihanna with with an undercut pixie. Search for some photos of Rihanna and Michelle Williams with this cut. They both pull off the look in totally different and you are sure to find more than a few inspirational pics.
Texture is super important to undercut pixie. You can totally change your look by changing your product. For a slept-in look, use cream wax which will give it a matte finish. If you want a high gloss shine, pomade is your best bet.
Texture paste is great when you want a messier look. All you need to do is run it throw your hair and muss it a bit. Play with it until you perfect it. It’s a fast way to get a casual look. Try spiking some pieces up and pulling others down to frame your face.
If you want to try it up, use hair gel to slick it all back. If you hair is thin, blow dry it and use a round brush to create body as you curl it away from your face. After you have some lift then slick it back.
The Bob: Short But Not Too Short
If you aren’t ready for a pixie cut or just don’t think it would suit your face, a bob is another great option. They are versatile and easy to style. As a bonus, they don’t have the same awkward growing out phases as a pixie cut.
There are a ton of variations on the classic bob and it seems like there is always one version du jour. There is a style for everyone so let your hair type and face shape dictate your bob style.
Bob Types
So, first things first. If you are considering a bob, you should learn the different types of styles. An A-line bob means that the hair is shorter in back and angles down in the front. An A-line bob shouldn’t have any layers.
A graduated bob is the same shape as the A-line but the layers are stacked in back. Typically, graduated bobs are a bit shorter than A-lines. In the very back, they can resemble a pixie cut and in the front they will look more like an A-line cut. You might also hear graduated bobs called inverted bobs- it’s the same thing!
Asymmetrical bobs have also gotten really popular over the past few years. Some versions are stacked in the back and some aren’t. The main characteristic of asymmetrical bobs is that one side is longer than the other.
This can look high fashion or sloppy. You’ll definitely want a good stylist to create this looks so it doesn’t look like you cut your own hair.
Choosing the Bob for You
If you have a long face, a chin-length bob with bangs can be ideal. Bangs are an obvious choice for anyone with a wide forehead. With an oblong face, you need to be careful of having your hair too long or too short. A cut that falls at your chin will easily be the most flattering.
If you have a round face, you will want to avoid creating too much body on the sides. Keep your hair sleek and keep the cut below chin-length. You should also stay away from the center part and bangs that are popular with a lot of bob styles. For a wide face, stick with a dramatic side part. If you sweep your hair over your face, it will visually slim down your face.
If you have thin hair, a graduated bob is truly the perfect cut for you. It will create a ton of body and texture in the back and at your crown.
If your hair is wavy, go with a blunt cut. You can straighten it and get a sleek look whenever you want but the best style will always work with your natural shape and texture. Keeping it all one length will give your hair tons of body and make it super easy to style.
If your hair is curly, stick with a longer bob. You will actually want to weigh down your hair a bit so it isn’t too puffy. Keep some length at the end for the added weight and mix in subtle layers.
Styling Your Bob
A great cut shouldn’t require much or any styling. If you want to change it up, play with your part. Try side swept bangs or backcomb a few pieces to add oomph to your crown.
If you hair is looking drab, use a flat iron on the ends. Experiment with curling pieces under and out as well as pulling them straight down. Just a few minutes with a flat iron can add a lot of style.
If you hair is falling flat, use a blow dry and a round brush. After you wash your hair, brush it upward. As you are blow drying, brush one side up so that all of your hair is flowing in one direction. When that half is dry, switch sides.
It won’t look pretty as you are doing it but, by pulling your roots up as you dry your hair, you’ll create a ton of body. Once you’ve made a volumized mess of your hair, use your brush to flatten it down then move of it styling as usual.
Cover photo: hotwallpaper2013.com
Iv got thick ish curly hair which I wear straight do u think I could av a graduated bob? Or wouldn’t it work?