OUR FAVOURITE SHORT HAIRCUTS FOR WOMEN

Short haircuts for women have steadily been gaining popularity over the last few years. Spurred on by red carpet looks and their easygoing, chic appeal, these low-maintenance hairstyles are definitely having their heyday.

Whether you're looking to make a bold statement or simply want a fresh, easy-to-manage style, there's a short haircut out there that’s perfect for you.

Short haircuts are also ideal if you’re trying to manage fine or thinning hair, or if you’re regrowing your hair after chemo - discuss your options with your stylist to find the best cut for your hair type and length.

Pixie cut

The pixie cut is a timeless short hairstyle characterised by its close-cropped length, typically shorter on the sides and back with slightly longer layers on top. It’s reminiscent of 1960s films with big-eyed starlets - Mia Farrow and Edie Sedgwick both revolutionised this style.

Pixie cuts can be tailored to suit any face shape or hair texture - they need minimal styling, but you’ll need to book in frequent trims to maintain your pixie cut’s shape.

How to style a pixie cut:

• Start with clean, damp hair and apply a palmful of volumising mousse or texturising spray to your lengths
• Use your fingers to tousle and lift the hair while blow-drying for added volume
• Finish with a light spritz of hairspray to keep your style in place

Classic bob

Bobs are back - and better than ever. The classic bob is an ever-popular cut that falls anywhere between the ears and shoulders, often with a blunt or slightly angled finish.

It’s suitable for all ages, and can be worn sleek and straight, or with waves for a more casual look. Bobs can also subtly enhance your best facial features, making it a flattering choice for many women who want to lose the length.

How to style a classic bob:

• For a sleek look, blow-dry your bob using a round brush to create volume at the roots and smoothness at the ends
• For soft waves, use a straightener or a curling wand for a wavy finish
• Finish with a smoothing serum for shine and to stop frizz - you can also lightly-mist with hairspray to set the look

The shag

Easy now - this relaxed, modern short hairstyle has been a firm favourite with celebs since 2022. It’s a modern, lived-in look which doesn’t take a huge amount of maintenance, and can be styled in minutes.

The shag haircut features textured, choppy layers, often with a fringe, giving it a carefree, tousled appearance. Shag haircuts naturally look easygoing and stylish with minimal effort - and the layers add texture and body, so it’s a perfect hairstyle for fine hair.

How to style a shag haircut:

• Shag styles can be styled better on day-old hair - if your hair’s freshly-washed, apply a texturising spray before styling
• If you’re working with day-one hair, start with dry shampoo to add texture and lift to your roots
• Blow-dry your hair using your fingers for a messy, undone look
• Add mousse to your mid-lengths and ends to enhance the layers

Undercut hairstyle

Undercut hairstyles feature shaved or very short hair on the sides and back, with longer hair on top. This daring look is a bold, fashion-forward choice that can vary in extremity from subtle to dramatic - so get your stylist’s advice before taking the plunge.

Undercuts are low-maintenance - the shaved sections need less frequent washing and styling, but you’ll still need to maintain a healthy scalp to carry this look off.

How to style an undercut

• Start with clean, damp hair
• Blow-dry the top and/or longer sections of your style, lifting at the roots for volume
• Use a light styling cream to slick back or define the top section
• Maintain your undercut by trimming it regularly or visiting your stylist for touch-ups

Asymmetrical hairstyle

The age-old advice ‘Don’t get mad, get even’ definitely doesn’t apply here. This standout style features uneven lengths on either side of the head, creating a striking, modern look.

Asymmetrical cuts can be customised to accentuate your favourite facial features, and the varying lengths create visual interest and movement. It’s also super-simple to style - and if you change your mind, it’s easy to revert back to a symmetrical bob to even out your layers.

How to style an asymmetrical hairstyle

• To blow dry smooth, use a rounded brush to smooth out any kinks and add volume
• Straighten the longer sections to emphasise the asymmetry
• Add texturising spray to shorter sections and tousle for contrast
• Use a lightweight styling creme to separate, add texture and highlight the different lengths
• Set your style with hairspray