37 Best Short Haircuts For Women (2021 Update)

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There are thousands of different short haircuts for women, and these range from the low-maintenance buzz cuts to the flirty fringed pixie. It’s a common misconception that short cuts are inherently harder to style; in fact, many are incredibly easy to style at home.

Whether you’re looking for the best short haircuts to modify your short hairstyle or you’re thinking of trying something completely new, consider all the benefits of short hair, the various options available, and the different ways to style these cuts at home.

Contents

1 Benefits of Short Hair
2 Different Types of Short Hairstyles
3 Bob
4 Pixie Cut
5 Buzz Cut
6 Layered Locks
7 Styling Of Short Hairstyles
8 Short Haircut + Hairstyle Ideas

Benefits of Short Hair

If you’ve had long or medium-length hair all your life, the prospect of a short cut may be unnerving. Fortunately, there are numerous benefits associated with short haircuts.

Super Low-Maintenance

Though you’ve probably heard the exact opposite, the truth is that shorter hair requires less work. It’s easier to keep your locks healthy when you aren’t constantly concerned about split ends.

Simple Bob Haircut For Fine Hair

It Dries Faster

It may not seem like a big deal, but if you aren’t keen on spending an hour blow-drying, or if it seems to take eons for your long hair to dry naturally, you’ll be pleasantly surprised with short haircuts that dry in no time.

Simple Styling

With long hair, you might need several different styling tools to achieve your favorite look before heading out the door. Conversely, there are many cute short haircuts that you can style in 30 seconds with a bit of pomade.

Pink Undercut Bob

It Saves Money

Investing in high-quality hair products (including shampoos, conditioners, and styling products) is a good idea, but it isn’t cheap. When your hair is shorter, those products – and ultimately your budget – last longer.

Short Hair Adds Volume

Finally, if your hair is thinning, or if you have naturally fine hair and you’re constantly trying to add volume, short haircuts may be the solution. The shorter you go, the less weight to your hair, and the more natural volume you’ll see.

Wavy Bob Haircut

Different Types of Short Hairstyles

Many women mistakenly believe that short cuts offer little to no versatility, but this simply isn’t the case at all. There are hundreds (if not thousands) of amazingly cute, sexy, playful, and professional short haircut styles for women. Consider the following categories to help you narrow down your options.

Bob

Of all the different short hairstyles, there’s little denying that the bob is one of the most popular. The classic variation is all one length – typically either jaw- or chin-length – along with straight-edge bangs.

Balayage Classic Bob

You might choose a side part or something a little more classic with a center-part (think Uma Thurman in Pulp Fiction), but either way, it’s hard to go wrong with this look.

Classic Bob Haircut + Bangs

Women with naturally straight hair will have the best luck with this option. It’s also one of the best short haircuts for older women to maintain length and provide different styling options.

Short Haircut – Blonde Bob Hairstyle

Silver Bob haircut

Pixie Cut

The pixie cut is another popular short haircut for women, and for good reason. It works well with straight and wavy hair, and it can be as flirty, sexy, or as professional as you want it to be.

Playful Purple Pixie Cut

The pixie is one of the best short haircuts for black women, as well; it provides ample room for styling, whether you want a slicked-down look or something with more texture. Pixies are excellent short haircuts for older women, too, because they can be playful or elegant.

Classic Pixie Cut

Long Pixie Haircut

Short Spiky Pixie Cut

Buzz Cut

The buzz cut is often viewed as more masculine, but if you’re interested in a no-nonsense, maintenance-free style, this one may be for you. It’s one of a handful of very short haircuts for women that’s edgy, bold and doesn’t require styling products. Short spiky haircuts for women are making a comeback because they are the embodiment of strength and power.

Edgy Buzz Cut Hairstyle For Women

Sexy Pink Short Buzz Cut Hairstyle

If you’re feeling really brave, you might even opt for a full-on shave. Arguably, this look is not for everyone, but there have been a few celebs throughout the years (Demi Moore and Sinead O’Connor, to name a couple) who have managed to pull it off and make it look sexy.

Sexy Shaved Haircut

A modified version of a buzz cut might include a faux hawk, which involves buzzing the sides of your head and leaving a “mohawk” on top. You might also choose a chin-length bob with a buzz underneath, which allows you to exude elegance when it’s down or show off some bravado with a ponytail.

Bold Faux Hawk For Women

Undercut Side Bob Short Haircut

Layered Locks

There are hundreds layered short haircuts, and these can be tailored to fit your unique hair texture and type. For example, the tapered bowl cut, which is a variation of a pixie, involves long layers on the top of your head and a fade to a buzz on the sides and nape of your neck. It’s tousled and cute, and it’s gaining tons of popularity.

Tapered Bowl Cut For Women

Sassy Layered Short Haircut + Bangs

You might also consider the A-line bob, which is chin-length in the front, several inches shorter in the back, and tousled to add some beachy waves.

A-Line Bob Short Hairstyle

Other options for layered short haircuts include the silver balayage bob, which is one of the most glamorous short hairstyles for older women, and the stacked pixie, which is not only low-maintenance, but also offers plenty of lift at the back. By creating some wispy layers in the front and perhaps a hint of bangs, it’s one of the most ideal short haircuts for women with thin hair.

Silver Balayage Bob

Adorable Layered Short Haircut

Styling Of Short Hairstyles

When it comes to styling short hairstyles, the difficulty and time involved varies. It’s important to consider the amount of time you’ll need – as well as the products you should use – to recreate your look of choice at home. For example, if you go with a simple buzz cut, there’s no styling involved at all, but you’ll need frequent cuts to keep it short.

Simple Buzz Cut + Fade

On the other hand, a somewhat longer style like the balayage or ombre bob may take a little work, especially if you’re starting with naturally wavy hair and you want a sleek, straight, glamorous look.

Ombre Lob Haircut

To rock a faux hawk, all you need is some gel or pomade and a few minutes to apply. All you need for a tousled chin-length shag is mousse or texturizing pomade. If you want a beachy shag, but your hair is naturally straight, you may need to spend some time with a curling iron and some setting spray to recreate the look at home.