The Best Short Haircuts for Every Hair Type

Short hair is more than just a trend; it’s a bold statement of confidence and style. At RUSH, we believe the perfect short haircut can transform not only your look but your entire attitude. Our expert stylists are experts at crafting short styles that suit every face shape, hair texture, and lifestyle.

Blog author: Georgina Cosgrove
In This Article

In This Article

Short hair is more than just a trend; it’s a bold statement of confidence and style. At RUSH, we believe the perfect short haircut can transform not only your look but your entire attitude. Our expert stylists are experts at crafting short styles that suit every face shape, hair texture, and lifestyle. Whether you’re dreaming of a chic pixie cut, a daring undercut, or a textured bob, we’ll guide you to a look that’s effortlessly cool and easy to maintain. With RUSH, you’ll discover the freedom and versatility of short hair, waking up every day to a style that’s uniquely you and takes just minutes to perfect. 

Fine Hair

Fine Hair: Short and Sleek

 

This sleek, short cut is ideal for fine hair, creating the illusion of thickness and fullness. The blunt ends and subtle layers add dimension, while the shorter length prevents the hair from being weighed down. This chic style is perfect for those seeking a low-maintenance yet sophisticated look. 

Expert Tip: For fine hair, opt for lightweight volumising products. Apply a small amount of mousse to the roots before blow-drying to add lift without weighing the hair down.

Fine Hair: Fluffy Pixie 

The fluffy pixie is a playful and versatile option for fine hair. The textured layers create the appearance of fullness, while the short length allows for easy styling and maintenance. This cut is perfect for those wanting to add personality to their look. 

Expert Tip: To achieve that fluffy texture, use a dry texturising spray. Apply it to the roots and gently tousle with your fingers for instant volume and body. This technique works well for second-day hair too.

Fine Hair: Pixie with Bangs 

A pixie with bangs adds a soft, feminine touch to the classic short cut. The bangs can be customised to flatter different face shapes, while the short length at the back and sides keeps the style low-maintenance for fine hair. 

Expert Tip: When styling bangs on fine hair, use a small round brush while blow-drying to create lift at the roots. This prevents the bangs from looking flat and helps maintain their shape throughout the day.

Fine Hair: Tousled Lob

The tousled lob is a versatile option for those not ready to go too short. The subtle layers and textured ends create movement and volume, making fine hair appear thicker and more dynamic. 

Expert Tip: For a perfectly tousled look, use a sea salt spray on damp hair and scrunch while air-drying. This enhances natural texture and adds volume without the need for heat styling.

Fine Hair: Cropped Pixie 

The cropped pixie is a bold, edgy choice that works wonders for fine hair. By keeping the hair very short, it creates the illusion of thickness and allows for easy, wash-and-go styling. 

Expert Tip: To maintain the shape of a cropped pixie, use a small amount of lightweight pomade. Warm it between your palms and apply to dry hair, focusing on defining individual pieces for a textured look. Less is more with fine hair, so start with a tiny amount and build as needed.

While you’re enjoying the ease of your new short and sleek hairstyle, consider exploring more ways to enhance your look. Learn about the Differences Between Babylights vs Highlights to decide which could better complement your fine hair.

Thick Hair

Thick Hair: Textured Crop 

This textured crop is perfect for thick hair, as it removes bulk while maintaining volume where desired. The varied lengths create movement and reduce styling time, making it an ideal low-maintenance option for those with dense locks.

Expert Tip: Use a matte clay or paste to style. Work a small amount through dry hair, focusing on creating piece-y texture. This enhances the cut’s natural movement without adding unwanted shine or weight.

Thick Hair: Classic Hollywood Bob

The Classic Hollywood Bob works well for thick hair by incorporating layers that remove weight while maintaining a glamorous silhouette. This timeless style offers versatility and can be dressed up or down.

Expert Tip: To achieve smooth, polished waves, use a large barrel curling iron and finish with a light hold hairspray. Brush out the curls gently for that classic Hollywood look.

Thick Hair: Tousled and Textured

This style embraces the natural texture of thick hair, using layers to create a deliberately “undone” look. It’s perfect for those who want a low-maintenance style that still looks effortlessly chic.

Expert Tip: Enhance natural texture by applying a salt spray to damp hair and scrunching while air-drying. This technique brings out waves and curls without the need for heat styling.

Thick Hair: Pompadour 

The Pompadour makes the most of thick hair’s natural volume, creating a bold, statement look. The contrast between the short sides and full top offers a modern, edgy aesthetic.

Expert Tip: To maintain the pompadour shape, use a strong-hold mousse on damp hair, blow-dry while brushing the hair back, and finish with a texturising powder at the roots for added lift.

Thick Hair: Blown-out Lob

The Blown-out Lob is a versatile choice for thick hair, offering a polished look that can be styled in various ways. The length helps to weigh down excessive volume while still allowing for movement.

Expert Tip: For a smooth, voluminous blowout, use a round brush and concentrate on creating tension as you dry. Finish with a light serum on the ends to tame any frizz and add shine.

Thick Hair: 1990s Bob 

This revival of the 90s bob works well for thick hair by incorporating invisible layers that remove bulk without sacrificing the strong, geometric shape. It’s a great option for those wanting a retro-inspired look with modern styling.

Expert Tip: To achieve the signature 90s flip, use a flat iron to slightly curl the ends inward. Finish with a lightweight shine spray for that sleek, polished look characteristic of the era.

Curly Hair

Curly Hair: Tapered Curls

This tapered cut showcases natural curl patterns while providing a structured shape. It’s ideal for those wanting to embrace their curls while maintaining a polished, low-maintenance look.

Expert Tip: Define curls by applying a leave-in conditioner to damp hair, then use the “praying hands” method to distribute a curl cream evenly. Diffuse on low heat or air dry for best results.

Curly Hair: Tight Curls 

This style celebrates tight curl patterns, creating a bold, voluminous look. The rounded shape helps to maintain curl definition while providing a balanced silhouette.

Expert tip: Enhance curl definition by using the “rake and shake” method with a curl-defining gel. Gently separate curls with your fingers once dry to add volume without disturbing the curl pattern.

Curly Hair: Asymmetric Bob

The Asymmetric Bob adds a modern edge to curly hair, creating visual interest through varied lengths. This cut works well for those wanting to play with shape while embracing their natural texture.

Expert Tip: To maintain the asymmetric shape, use a curl-enhancing mousse on damp hair and scrunch upwards. Diffuse with the head tilted to encourage volume on the longer side.

Curly Hair: Buzz Cut 

A buzz cut for curly hair creates a bold, low-maintenance look that highlights facial features. It’s perfect for those wanting to start fresh or embrace a minimalist style.

Expert Tip: Keep the scalp and short curls moisturised with a light hair oil. Massage it gently to promote healthy hair growth and prevent dryness.

Curly Hair: Fringed Bob 

This playful style combines the classic bob with curly bangs, creating a frame for the face. It’s ideal for those wanting to maintain length while adding a fun, youthful element to their look. 

Expert Tip: To style curly bangs, use a small amount of curl cream and twist small sections around your finger. Let them air dry or diffuse on low heat to maintain definition without frizz.

Curly hair can be magnificent with the right care. After you’ve got your tapered curls, why not enhance your routine by reading our Beginner’s Guide To Building A Hair Care Routine.

Wavy Hair

Wavy Hair: Asymmetrical Bob

This cut enhances wavy hair’s natural texture while adding a modern, edgy twist. The asymmetry creates visual interest and movement, perfect for those wanting a stylish, low-maintenance look. 

Expert Tip: Enhance waves by applying a sea salt spray to damp hair and scrunching gently. Air dry or diffuse on low heat to maintain the natural wave pattern and asymmetric shape.

Wavy Hair: Textured Bob

The Textured Bob is ideal for wavy hair, as it uses layers to remove bulk and enhance natural movement. This versatile cut can be styled sleek or tousled, offering flexibility for different occasions.

Expert Tip: For a tousled look, apply a lightweight mousse to damp hair and twist sections away from the face. Let it air dry or use a diffuser for added volume and definition.

Wavy Hair: Lengthy Lob

The Lengthy Lob capitalises on wavy hair’s natural texture, offering a balance between short and long styles. It’s perfect for those who want versatility and the option to wear their hair both wavy and straight.

Expert Tip: Enhance natural waves by braiding damp hair into two loose braids before bed. In the morning, undo the braids and run your fingers through for effortless, beachy waves.

Wavy Hair: Wet Look 

The Wet Look is a bold, editorial-inspired style that works beautifully with wavy hair. It offers a sleek, sophisticated appearance while still hinting at the hair’s natural texture.

Expert Tip: To achieve the wet look without crunchiness, mix a small amount of hair gel with a leave-in conditioner. Apply to damp hair, combing through from roots to ends. Use hair clips to create desired waves or slick-back effects while drying.

Straight Hair: Angular Fringe

This edgy style adds dimension to straight hair, creating a bold, modern look. The angular fringe provides versatility and can be styled in various ways for different occasions.

Expert Tip: To maintain the angular shape, use a flat iron to smooth the fringe and create a slight bend at the ends. Finish with a light-hold hairspray to keep the style in place without stiffness.

Straight Hair: Box Bob

The Box Bob is perfect for showcasing the sleekness of straight hair. Its sharp lines and precise cut create a striking, architectural look that’s both classic and contemporary.

Expert Tip: Achieve a super-sleek finish by applying a heat protectant and using a flat iron. Follow with a shine serum, focusing on the ends to enhance the blunt cut and add polish.

Straight Hair: Off-Centered Part

This simple yet effective style adds interest to straight hair without requiring complex cutting or styling. It’s versatile and can refresh your look instantly.

Expert Tip: For added volume at the roots, use a volumising powder on the side with more hair. Gently massage it in at the roots to create lift and texture.

Straight Hair: Blunt Lob

Blunt Lob maximises the impact of straight hair, creating a strong, sophisticated silhouette. This versatile length works well for various face shapes and hair textures.

Expert Tip: Maintain the blunt ends by using a smoothing cream before blow-drying. Use a large round brush to create a slight inward curve at the ends for a polished finish.

Straight Hair: One-Length Bob 

This timeless style showcases the natural shine and smoothness of straight hair. Its simplicity makes it easy to maintain and style, perfect for those seeking a chic, low-maintenance look.  

Expert Tip: Keep the one-length bob looking fresh by using a dry shampoo at the roots on second-day hair. This adds volume and extends the time between washes.

Straight Hair: Razored Pixie

The Razored Pixie adds edgy texture to straight hair, creating movement and dimension in a short cut. It’s ideal for those wanting a bold, low-maintenance style with a bit of attitude.

Expert Tip: Enhance the razored texture by working a small amount of texturising paste through dry hair. Focus on the ends and crown to create piece-y definition and control.

Book Your Hair Appointment Now

Ready to transform your look with a stunning short haircut? Find your nearest hair salon and book your hair appointment now to embark on your hair journey. Our expert stylists at RUSH are here to help you find the perfect style that suits your face shape, hair texture, and lifestyle. Whether you’re dreaming of a chic pixie, an edgy undercut, or a versatile bob, we have the skills and expertise to bring your vision to life.

FAQ's

How do you tell if I should cut my hair short?

Consider your face shape, hair texture, and lifestyle. Short hair can be flattering for many, but it’s important to choose a style that complements your features and fits your daily routine. Consult with one of our professional stylists who can assess these factors and recommend suitable short styles.

How do you know if you look good with short hair?

Try the “2.25 inch rule”: Hold a pencil horizontally under your chin, then place a ruler vertically from the bottom of your ear to the pencil. If the distance is less than 2.25 inches, short hair is likely to suit you. However, this is just a guide – confidence and personal style play a big role too.

What are the best products for styling short hair?

For short hair, lightweight products are key. Texturising sprays, volumising mousses, and matte pomades work well for most styles. For curly or wavy short hair, leave-in conditioners and curl creams are essential. Always choose products suitable for your hair type and desired style.

How often should I get my short haircut trimmed?

Generally, short haircuts need more frequent trims to maintain their shape. Aim for a trim every 4-6 weeks. However, this can vary depending on how fast your hair grows and the specific style you’re maintaining.

Can short hair be versatile in styling?

Absolutely! Short hair can be styled in numerous ways. From sleek and polished to tousled and textured, short hair offers plenty of versatility. Accessories like headbands, clips, and even temporary colour can also help change up your look.

What are the benefits of short haircuts for different hair types?

For fine hair, short cuts can add volume and thickness. For thick hair, they can reduce bulk and styling time. Curly hair can benefit from enhanced definition in short styles. Straight hair can showcase precision cuts and sleek lines.

Is short or long hair more attractive?

Attractiveness is subjective and depends on individual preferences. Both short and long hair can be attractive when styled well and suited to the individual. The most important factor is how confident you feel with your hairstyle.

When should you not cut your hair short?

Consider avoiding a short cut if you’re not prepared for the maintenance, if your hair is very thick and prone to frizz (which can be harder to manage in short styles), or if you’re attached to your long hair and not emotionally ready for a big change.