27 Trendy Short Layered Hairstyles

Short, layered hairstyles are the ultimate choice for those who want to add texture, volume and movement to shorter haircuts. These styles offer a versatile, easy to maintain look with options ranging from sleek pixie cuts to voluminous bobs. Short, layered cuts work for various hair types and are a great option for those with straight, wavy and curly hair and can be tailored to suit all face shapes and personal styles.

Origins of Short Layered Hairstyles

Short, layered haircuts have a rich history and have been iconic for decades. The 1920’s saw the rise of the bob, while the 1950’s brought the pixie cut, seen on the likes of Audrey Hepburn and have influenced many variations throughout the years. This style began to evolve in the 1960’s and 1970’s, with the shag haircut and feathered layers representing the free-spirited nature of those decades. Modern influences such as Rihanna and other pop culture names have brought a fresh, edgy twist to these classic cuts, with updated textures and layering techniques that fit today’s style preference.

Key Considerations for Short Layered Hairstyles

Hair Type

Choosing a layered cut that compliments your hair texture will have the best results. Straight hair benefits from sleek, layered bobs, whereas curly hair can embrace layers that add volume and definition. Layers can enhance the movement of your hair, add natural bounce to fine hair and can reduce the bulk in thick hair.

Face Shape

Pairing the right short, layered cut to your face shape will help give you the most flattering result. A layered bob with soft waves works well for round faces, whereas sharp angles in a pixie cut can help balance a square face shape. Adding layers can create the illusion of longer, more defined features, especially when styled around the cheekbones or jawline.

Maintenance Level

Short, layered hairstyles are relatively easy to maintain in comparison to longer styles but still require regular trims to keep the layers fresh. Using styling products such as texturising and sea salt sprays will help enhance layers and maintain structure.

Top 27 Short Layered Hairstyles

1. Beachy Lob

The beachy lob is a textured, shoulder length style with a relaxed, wavy look. It typically falls between the chin and collarbone, making it a versatile length for various styling options. This low maintenance style requires minimal effort when styling. Seen on celebrities such as Alexa Chung.

Best for – a beachy lob can elongate a round face and create the appearance of a more oval face shape.

Styling Tip – to achieve the beachy look, allow your hair to air dry, using a sea salt spray when damp to add texture and define curls with a curling wand. 

2. Textured Mop Top

This versatile style, often categorised by its layered, textured look features longer hair on top that’s often styled with a parted fringe and shorter sides and back. A fringe or bangs is a key element to creating a soft, face framing look. Seen on celebrities such as Winona Ryder. 

Best for – works best for those who are seeking volume and movement as it creates a sense of fullness.

Styling Tip – rough drying with a focus on lifting the roots can help add volume to this style.

3. Pixie With Long Fringe

A pixie cut with a long fringe is a short haircut that combines the classic short layers of a pixie with longer, face framing pieces or bangs. The fringe can be swept to the side and styled straight or textured. Seen on celebrities such as Tyra Banks. 

Best for – this style is best for those with angular facial features. The longer fringe can soften the face and highlight the cheekbones.

Styling Tip – finish off with a smoothing serum as this will help achieve a sleeker, more polished style. 

4. Soft Layers with Wispy Bangs

Adding soft layers and wispy bangs to a shorter haircut will help combine a delicate textured look with face-framing softness. The soft layers add movement and volume while the bangs create a light, airy feel. Seen on celebrities such as Blake Lively.

Best for – this style is extremely versatile and works well with all hair types. It can also be adapted for different face shapes.

Styling Tip – use a round brush when blowdrying and lift hair at the roots to add volume to this style.

5. Tapered Curly Pixie

The tapered, curly pixie combines the boldness of a pixie cut with the texture of naturally curly or permed hair. It usually features tapered sides and back sections with longer, textured curls on top. This style emphasises the natural texture of curls and creates a voluminous, defined look. Seen on celebrities such as Zendaya.

Best for – this is a great choice for those who are seeking a more creative look, especially those with naturally curly hair.

Styling Tip – using a diffuser attachment on a hairdryer can help maintain curl definition and reduce frizz.

6. Asymmetrical Curly

An asymmetrical curly style features different lengths on each side of the head creating an uneven look, one side is often distinctly longer than the other. This cut can be designed to enhance or soften features depending on how they are styled. Seen on celebrities such as Halle Berry. 

Best for – this style is best for those with curly hair as it can be tailored to the texture of the curls to maximise their volume and movement.

Styling Tip – regular cuts are required for this style to ensure the style keeps its shape and balance.

7. Classic Bob With Layers

The classic bob with layers is a versatile hairstyle which combines the structured look of a bob with added texture and movement of layers. These layers are usually shorter in the back, gradually increasing in length towards the front. Seen on celebrities such as Lily Collins. 

Best for – longer layers can help soften a square jawline, whilst shorter layers can add volume to short hair.

Styling Tip – for a more polished style, opt for a sleek and straight blow-dry ensuring the ends are not overly tucked in, yet more soft and straight.

8. Mohawk Mullet

This bold, edgy hairstyle combines the characteristics of both a mohawk and a mullet. This statement style features a strip of longer hair running down the centre of the head, styled in a mohawk shape, with the sides either shaved or kept short, similar to a traditional mullet. Seen on celebrities such as Miley Cyrus. 

Best for – this style demands attention and confidence, it is great for those who are looking to make a statement. 

Styling Tip – introducing an undercut will help emphasise this style further.

9. Jaw Length Bob

The jaw length bob is a style that is typically cut straight across, reaching the jawline or slightly below. It can be styled in a number of ways from sleek and straight to textured and wavy and is a balance between short and long hair. Seen on celebrities such as Jennifer Lawrence. 

Best for – for those with a round or oval face shape.

Styling Tip – using a straightener to round the ends as this will give a chic look. 

10. Layered Curly Mullet

The layered, curly mullet features shorter layers in the front and sides, transitioning into longer layers in the back, whilst embracing the natural curl pattern of the hair. The layers can be customised to suit different curl types and desired styles. Seen on celebrities such as Billie Eilish. 

Best for – this look is best for those with curly hair, especially those who are looking to add some edge to their look. 

Styling Tip – using curl enhancing products such as mousse or a gel will help define and hold the curls.

11. Tapered Cut with Face Framing Pieces

A tapered cut with face framing pieces is a style that gradually gets longer towards the front, creating a tapered like effect. Face framing layers are often shorter and cut around the face to create a soft, flattering look. They can be adjusted for different face shapes and can be styled wispy or blunt. Seen on celebrities such as Jennifer Aniston.

Best for – face framing layers are great for anyone who is looking to add volume and movement to their hair. They also help balance and flatter facial features. 

Styling Tip – when blowdrying, use a round brush to enhance the face framing effect. 

12. Curly Shag

The curly shag is characterised by choppy, face-framing layers that create a messy, undone look. The style features lots of texture and volume, designed to enhance natural curls and waves. The layering technique adds volume and movement to the hair and can benefit those with finer, flatter curls. Seen on celebrities such as Jenna Ortega.

Best for – this style is great for those with curly, coily hair especially if the goal is to add volume and texture. 

Styling Tip – using a diffuser to dry your curls will help enhance the curl pattern.

13. Layered Side Part Bob

Much like the bob, this style features layers throughout, creating texture and adding volume. By incorporating the side part, it adds asymmetry which can soften the overall style. This style is extremely versatile and the side part can be customised to flatter different face shapes. Seen on celebrities such as Laura Harrier. 

Best for – the layered side part bob is especially flattering on oval and heart shaped faces as the angular layers elongate and create definition. 

Styling Tip – to enhance layers, use a texturising spray and finish with hairspray for a voluminous finish.

14. Feathered Bob

A feathered bob features light, airy layers with a wispy, flowing finish. The layers are strategically cut to create movement and texture within the hair. This is a super versatile style and can be adapted to different face shapes and hair types. Seen on celebrities such as Gigi Hadid. 

Best for – the feathered bob works best for those with straight hair as curlier hair can be more difficult to manage. 

Styling Tip – focus on creating texture and movement during blow-drying by using a medium sized round brush.

15. Angled Lob

The angled lob is typically shorter in the back and gradually gets longer towards the front which creates a slope like effect. It generally falls between the chin and collarbone and can be styled in a number of ways including sleek and straight or wavy and textured. Seen on celebrities such as Emma Stone. 

Best for – this style is best for those with oval, round or square face shapes as the angled features can be customised to soften features. 

Styling Tip – using straighteners, focus on angling the end slightly under to create a smooth and sleek look. 

16. Stacked Chin Bob

This style is often described as an inverted bob, where the back is shorter than the front. The hair is typically cut to chin length and the stacked layers are precisely cut to create a rounded voluminous shape. Seen on celebrities such as Hailey Bieber.

Best for – the stacked chin bob is best for those with fine or thin hair as the layers help add volume which makes the hair appear thicker. 

Styling Tip – regular trims are key for a stacked chin bob, especially in the back to maintain its shape and stop it from becoming bulky. 

17. Curly Cut with Bangs

A curly cut with bangs styles naturally curly hair into a chin length bob with bangs cut in that blend into the overall shape. The bangs option is super versatile and can be blunt, wispy or swept to the side, depending on the desired look. Seen with celebrities such as Yara Shahidi. 

Best for – this style is best for those with naturally curly hair as the style can be adapted to different curl patterns offering an effortless look. 

Styling Tip – for a more defined look, use a curl cream or mousse to enhance curls. Scrunching your hair and allowing it to air dry will allow curls to fall naturally.

18. Frenchie Fringe Bob

The Frenchie fringe bob is a modern take on the classic French bob, it is usually cut to chin length with a blunt fringe for a more undone and messy look. This look is very easy to manage and requires minimum styling due to its more relaxed and contemporary feel. Seen on celebrities such as Sofia Richie. 

Best for – the Frenchie fringe bob is great for anyone with finer hair. Having it cut shorter will create the illusion of volume and texture. 

Styling Tip – when styling, aim for a textured, tousled look to embody the effortless vibe of the Parisian style. 

19. Bixie Cut

This stylish hybrid haircut blends the choppy layers of a pixie cut with the longer, more rounded shape of a bob. Shorter layers are featured at the nape of the neck getting longer towards the front to create softness which frames the face. Seen on celebrities such as Florence Pugh. 

Best for – this style is a great option for those with square or angular faces as it can soften harsh lines. 

Styling Tip – use a texturising spray or light hold pomade to enhance layers and add definition without weighing the hair down. 

20. Old Money Bob

The old money bob is a timeless classic that evokes a sense of quiet luxury and sophistication. This style features minimal layering and focuses on a bouncy and polished finish. The fullness of an old money bob helps frame the face and enhance features. Seen on celebrities such as Selena Gomez. 

Best for – the old money bob looks great on everyone and is about individual style preferences. It is best for those wanting to add chic-ness to their personal aesthetic. 

Styling Tip – blowdrying the hair with a round brush and introducing rollers into your routine will add extra volume. 

21. Razored Pixie Bob

This edgy style combines the characteristics of a pixie cut and a bob and incorporates a razor cutting technique for a textured finish. The razor technique helps break up the hair’s bluntness and can be customised to flatter different face shapes and hair types. Seen on celebrities such as Zoe Kravitz. 

Best for – this style is best for those looking to add some edge to their hair. 

Styling Tip – use your fingers to tousle and shape the hair, consider using a texturising spray for added texture and hold.

22. Boyish Crop Cut

The boyish crop cut typically features longer hair on top and shorter hair at the back and sides, alongside a fringe. The sides and back of the hair are normally faded or tapered for a clean, modern look which emphasises the hair on top. Seen on celebrities such as Cara Delivigne. 

Best for – this is great for those with heart shaped faces as the cut can balance a wider forehead and narrower chin. Those with finer hair may opt for this style to add volume and body. 

Styling Tip – to achieve definition and lift, opt for a pre-styler like a sea salt spray and finish with a wax to hold in place. 

23. Pixie with Choppy Bangs

By introducing uneven and jagged bangs to the classic pixie cut, it creates a playful, edgy and low maintenance look. This look is designed to look slightly disheveled and not too precise. It can be styled in a number of ways depending on the desired look. Seen on celebrities such as Kristen Stewart. 

Best for – oval face shapes are extremely versatile and can typically pull off shorter hair styles such as the pixie. Textured bangs help soften strong jawlines, making this a good option for those with squarer faces too. 

Styling Tip – regular trims are key for this style to maintain the shape and take off any bulk.

24. Crop Cut with Bangs

The crop cut with bangs is a short, stylish haircut which features shorter hair on the sides and back with longer hair on the top and bangs that sweep over the forehead. The longer hair on the top creates a strong contrast against the shorter hair on the sides which are often faded or tapered. Seen on celebrities such as Emma Watson.

Best for – this look is ideal for those with straight hair as it offers a clean and uniform look. It can also be effective in adding structure to those with thicker hair. 

Styling Tip – choosing the right bangs for you will help emphasise your look. Blunt bangs can create a statement, whereas lighter, wispier bangs will soften features. 

25. Textured Pixie Cut

By adding texture to this classic style, it creates a modern and edgy look that can be styled in numerous ways. The ends are often cut with a choppy or jagged effect rather than a blunt line, to enhance texture. This style incorporates layers of varying length, which gives it its distinctive texture. Seen on celebrities such as Cara Delevingne. 

Best for – the textured pixie cut is great for anyone after a modern and edgy cut that is low maintenance. It can also add volume and movement to those with finer hair.

Styling Tip – working some root booster into the hair will give your pixie cut more volume. 

26. Layered French Bob

The French layered bob is a modern take on the classic French bob and is often paired with blunt or textured bangs. The layers are strategically placed to enhance the hair’s natural shape and movement. The style generally sits slightly above the chin and the overall shape is structured and relaxed. Seen on celebrities such as Kendall Jenner. 

Best for – this style is great for most hair types and can be customised to suit you. It is very low maintenance therefore is good for someone looking for an effortlessly chic look.

Styling Tip – style sleek with straighteners and finish with a smoothing serum for a refined look. 

27. Chopped Undercut Pixie

A chopped undercut pixie is a modern and edgy take on the classic pixie cut. It features choppy layers and an undercut either on the back or sides which creates a bold contrast that is shaved, whereas the longer section on top is styled with choppy, uneven layers. Seen on celebrities such as Charlize Theron. 

Best for – those with strong features such as high cheekbones and a defined jawline will look great with this style as it accentuates angles. 

Styling Tip – blow-dry the hair upwards to create height and movement, finishing off with a wax or paste to define ends.

Tips for Maintaining Short Layered Hairstyles

Regular Trims

Regular trims are vital for maintaining the shape of the cut and preventing split ends, it can also help layers retain their intended shape as they grow out. Booking in for a trim every 6-8 weeks will ensure split ends are removed making it easier to manage and style.

Use the Right Styling Products

Texturising sprays and mousses can be used to enhance and define layers without weighing them down. Using products such as pomades and waxes on shorter styles will help add height and volume. When styling, use a heat protector when using hot tools to preserve the health of your hair.

Add Volume When Needed

Layers are often added to create a natural lift to the hair, however styling products can help enhance volume. Products such as dry shampoo and root-lifting sprays will add volume and texture to layered cuts. Applying a mousse or curl cream to curly and wavy hair will add definition to curls, looking more voluminous.

Book Your Short Layered Hairstyle Appointment at Rush

If you are looking to add some definition to your shorter style or are looking for a change, book in to your closest Rush salon and our experts can help tailor the perfect short, layered hairstyle to your needs.