One of the most common misconceptions about short hair is how time-consuming the styling and upkeep can be. Turns out it’s a myth as old as time, and we’re here to put an end to it. Just like some long hairstyles can look lifeless when not styled, so too can shorter hair. But opting for a shorter style doesn’t mean you’ll be glued to your stylist’s chair every week. In fact, the right short haircut for you will depend a lot on your texture, the condition of your hair and your lifestyle. For instance, if you have very curly hair, then opting for a sleek bob will require a lot of heat and therefore way more in-salon treatments to repair and restore your strands.
"Every head of hair is different, so it’s important to have a thorough consultation with your stylist on the easiest upkeep for you," advises Adam Reed, UK editorial ambassador for L’Oréal Professionnel. "There are many considerations for a low-maintenance look and techniques that your stylist can achieve for any length you desire." Keep scrolling for the best low-maintenance short haircuts. You'll be itching to chop off your hair in no time.
The Best Low-Maintenance Short Haircuts
1. The Lob
Of all the short haircuts to consider, the easiest to maintain is actually a textured long bob—also known as a lob. As the style grows out, the long layers won’t fall awkwardly and will naturally shift into a mid-length look. You can also flip it into a side parting for extra volume, as Zendaya shows here.
"Adding in layers is an easy way to keep a look fresh," says Reed. "A bob can be very versatile, as there are so many variations as it grows out, and it is easy to add in texture to the shape to reduce any weight as the look grows."
2. Pixie Crop
Want to go for something even shorter? "The laid-back pixie cut is the perfect cut for those who are looking for something different after lockdown. Think soft, air-dried, alluring, effortless and super cool for this cut," says Sam Ashcroft, stylist at Brooks and Brooks London. "The laid-back pixie is a sister style of the shag cut; it’s layered and structured, but at the same time, minimal product and styling are used, and it relies entirely on the natural texture. The cut will evolve over time as it grows out, and you should enjoy the different phases that come with it."
3. Bob Haircut
Product-wise, it's all about keeping hair healthy to ensure your cut stays looking fresh without too much intervention. "My biggest piece of advice in keeping hair looking fresh is to use products as a preventative and to continuously nourish and maintain hair health," says Reed. "I love a deeply hydrating and protecting mask, like the L’Oréal Professionnel Absolut Repair Mask (£26), which is packed with quinoa for a boost of protein and protection for damaged hair."
4. Tapered Haircut
A tapered haircut keeps the length on the top of the head, while gradually tapering in length down the sides of the head. This shorter cut gives you volume with barely any upkeep. Use a curl defining cream to keep this style looking fresh.
5. Curly Bob
If you have curls, play with the natural texture of your hair and experiment with a curly bob. When it comes to styling, there are endless ways to add variety to this shorter style. again, a curl defining cream or gel will be your best friend.
6. Straight Bob
One-length bob for the win. For this style to be low-maintenance, it suits straighter textures. Plus, there are plenty of ways to style your bob if you don't want to wear it straight and sleek every day.
7. Sleek Bob
A sleek, chin-length bob is always a classic look. I love this wet-look bob on Rochelle Humes. These days there are plenty of wet-look effect products to help you achieve this style easily.
8. Mid-Length Bob
With this mid-length style, there's no awkward growing-out phase. Whether you wear your hair up or down, there are plenty of styles to experiment with when your bob has a few extra inches to it.
9. Centre-Parted Bob
Centre-parted hair is majorly on trend right now, and it looks good no matter what your hair length is. One thing to note—with a bob this short, opting out of layers is best to avoid having to hide any tricky regrowth.
10. Layered Bob
If you have naturally thick hair, then cutting in hidden layers will remove weight from the ends and make your short style look tapered. Plus, it can add shape and volume if your hair is prone to falling flat. Chic.
11. Shag Haircut
The shag haircut is still a huge trend for 2024, and a shag fringe is the easiest kind to grow out. It's also easy to style—just add texture spray. Choppy, undone, and textured, this is the ultimate 'cool girl' bob.
12. Side-Parted Bob
A short cut with a defined side-parting has a laid-back feel. Plus, flipping your hair over into a side-part is a great hack for creating immediate volume. This style looks best in longer, layered cuts.
13. Bob With Fringe
An easy way to update your short hairstyle? Go for a cool-girl fringe. This classic style is always on trend.
14. Micro Ponytail
Looking for a practical style? If you need any more convincing that a longer, one-length bob is for you, here you go: It's also so stylish when pulled back into a ponytail.
15. Sleek Lob Haircut
If you have finer hair, then keeping the ends of your short cut blunt will help your hair look fuller and thicker. For further volume, create some sleek face-framing waves.
16. Centre-Parted Lob
Keeping the hair that frames your face slightly longer helps to extend the lifespan of a short cut. Plus, if your hair is long enough to tie up or clip back, it's so much more practical. If you're considering a bob for the first time, this is a great beginner-friendly style.
17. Textured Bob
Who doesn't love a wash-and-go style? If you're growing out a TWA—that's a teeny-weeny afro—then there's no awkward in-between stage when your kinks and coils are healthy and hydrated.
18. Wavy Side-Parted Lob
Embracing your wavy texture will give your short style a laid-back yet luxurious feel. Use straighteners to create a soft natural wave and set it in place with a lightweight hairspray to maintain movement and softness. The best thing about this style is that it will last you right through to your next wash day.
19. Short Slicked-Back Hair
If in doubt, sleek it out—an easy option for playing with any difficult short layers. Oh, and for concealing greasy roots. A firm-hold hairspray or gel is essential to ensure this style lasts in place all day long.
20. Mid-Length Layered Bob
Bored of your bob? There are plenty of tricks and hacks to keep your style looking fresh as you grow it out. Tuck and pin back the front section of your hair to hide any layers or fringes that are growing out.
21. Side-Parted Chin-Length Bob
Fringe not playing ball? No sweat. Just sweep it over for a relaxed, deep side parting. Use a flexible hair spray to hold it in place.
22. Short Hair With Shaggy Fringe
Blunt cut with a shaggy fringe? A winning combo. Keep texture and volume in your hair with a dry shampoo to the roots, or by tousling some styling cream into the ends.
23. Curly Layered Bob
Keep curls hydrated for springy curl definition in this shorter style. Water-based gels will help curls to stay tight and fresh, while also keeping hair healthy.
24. Short Wolf Haircut
Short hair doesn't have to mean a classic bob. The layered wolf haircut is a chic choice and looks especially good on curly hair. Add a fringe if you're really feeling particularly experimental.
25. Shoulder-Length Wavy Bob
If you have easy hair or like to wear glamorous waves in your hair, then this haircut can be easily dressed up or down. Plus, the best thing about having short hair is how quick it is to style.
26. Cropped Pageboy Haircut
This haircut is particularly elegant and makes a stylish statement. It's also refreshingly low-maintenance, and perfect for summer. The only downside? You'll need frequent trips to the salon to keep it looking sharp.
27. Cropped Pixie
We're screenshooting this cropped pixie with layers for our next haircut. It's an especially flattering style for those with oval or heart-shaped faces—and, of course, is very low maintenance.
28. Flicked-Out Bob
Flicky ends look chic on a jaw-length bob. Simply run straightening irons through the lengths before twisting upwards and outwards at the bottom to create the flicks. This style is majorly on trend for 2024.
Shop the best products for short hairstyles:
A win for shorter hair is that your hair will take less time to dry. Make the most of air-drying hair to reduce heat damage, and use an air-dry product to keep lengths soft.
This versatile styling tool helps you create salon-worthy looks in a flash.
Keep curls springy and shiny with a regular hair mask.
Keep ends and mid-lengths conditioned with hair oil. This one is great if you have thicker hair.
If you have finer hair, this blow-dry mist conditions hair and leaves a glass-like sheen.
Just a tint dot of this cream is all you need to add volume and definition to tousled ends, or to create a sleek, smooth finish to combed-back styles.
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