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Hair

25 Low-Maintenance Haircuts for Every Hair Type and Texture

 

You get the perfect haircut. You leave the salon feeling—and looking—like a supermodel. Then, you wash and try to style it for the first time... and it looks nothing like it did the day you left the salon (sigh).

The sad fact is that not all haircuts are wash-and-go. So to help you avoid repeating the above scenario, we've rounded up 25 of the best low-maintenance haircuts for a variety of hair types and textures—along with expert input from stylists Holly Dear, Gina Rivera, Leigh Hardges, and Laura Polko. Keep scrolling to find your easiest, breeziest hairstyle yet.

MEET THE EXPERT

Holly Dear is a master hairstylist and founder of House of Dear.

Gina Rivera is a hair artist and founder of Phenix Salon Suites.

Leigh Hardges is a hairstylist and natural hair specialist at Maxine Salon.

Laura Polko is a celebrity hairstylist and NatureLab.Tokyo ambassador.

 

Thick: Blunt Bangs

Since a thick mane can take a long time to dry and style, consider going short to cut down on maintenance time. Lisa's iconic blunt bangs are a great option for those with thick hair since the density will weigh them down and help them naturally drape across the forehead.

Thick: Tiered Layers

Although blunt bangs tend to flatter thick hair, an overall blunt cut doesn't pose as the best option for this particular texture. Choose long layers instead, which will take off some of the weight to speed up styling. "Long seamless layers give internal movement, so you can't tell where one layer starts and/or ends," says Dear.

Thick: Half-Up, Half-Down With Waves

Half-up, half-down hairstyles are a great way for those with thick hair to pull their strands back without a ton of tension (or several hair ties). To create beautiful tendrils, such as these on Ashley Graham, Hardges likes the Dyson Air Wrap ($599): "It totally eliminates the blow-dry and curl steps by making a blowdryer that curls like an iron."

Thick: Choppy Bob

Olivia Wilde's layered bob is edgy-meets-elegance. "A chin-touching bob with choppy layers is a great look that is easy to maintain if you’re blessed with thick locks," says Rivera. "The cut removes bulk, making it easier to manage." To get the most out of this look, she suggests applying a styling cream like the Kristin Ess Weightless Shine Air Dry Crème ($11) to damp hair—no blowdrying required.

Thick: Frace-Framing Layers

Ask for long layers around your face to create movement and a flattering, face-framing shape. Have your stylist tailor your layers to complement your natural texture and face shape. "Find a stylist that takes the time to listen and understand your hair and your lifestyle," says Hardges. "Also, good professional products and tools will make your life a breeze."

Thin: Lob

When it comes to thin or fine hair, you can't go wrong with the ever-versatile and low-maintenance lob. "To really emphasize fullness, add a small amount of mousse, turn the head upside down, and scrunch the hair slightly while drying," instructs Rivera. "To finish, flip hair upwards and use your fingers to tousle the hair from underneath rather than combing it out. Finish with a spritz of Clutch Hairspray ($17) for a fun, edgy look."

Thin: Blunt Shag

The shag is back and better than ever. Although it has traditionally been worn by those who have medium to thick hair, Dear says that fine-haired folks can also rock this cut: "Blunt ends give integrity to this shape, and the shag allows a face-framing and carefree movement for an overall fuller look." To style, "add Living Proof's Texture Volumizer ($30) and Dry Volume Blast ($35) for hold and texture. Dry hair back and forth using your fingers or a paddle brush."

Thin: Blunt Bob

Thin hair has a hard time maintaining volume, so instead of fighting to create fullness with lots of layers and styling products, embrace an easy, one-length cut. Ask your stylist for a blunt cut—blunt ends create the illusion of thickness. For all hair types, but straight hair especially, "a stylist should focus on the problem areas for the client like cowlicks or thinning hair because those can pose bigger problems as they grow out," says Hardges.

Thin: Sleek Blunt Lob

You see where we're going here: If you have thin hair, blunt ends are your friend. Since you aim to enhance body and density, allow a little length to the collarbone because it adds the appearance of fullness.

Thin: The Updated "Rachel"

Hair that falls just below the shoulders weighs itself down just enough so that you won’t have to fuss with a ton of product and heat styling. If you do want to speed up the drying process, Hardges recommends using a blow-dry brush like the Trademark Beauty Easy Blo ($49). "The combination of heat and varied bristle lengths provides the tension needed to really smooth the hair," she says. "Plus, it’s super lightweight, making it very easy to maneuver."

Curly: Mid-Length U-Cut

If you're looking to maintain your length and a style that will allow you to show off your curly texture, a U-shaped haircut is a great option. "Mid-length U-cuts are great for naturally curly hair," Rivera tells us. "The cut allows you to remove some bulk, making the hair easier to tame, and it also [emphasizes] longer loose curls."

Mid-length U-shaped cuts provide a myriad of styling options, like the fashionable and foolproof high ponytail. Dress it up or down by selecting the right elastic or ponytail holder—and don't forget a bit of curl cream to define curls and add bounce.

Curly: Angular Lob

An a-line or angular lob that’s longer in the front and slightly shorter in the back adds shape to curly hair, giving it a built-in style even when you wash and go. "Medium hair is all in the layers," says Polko. "This is what will keep your hair from looking triangular as it grows." Follow Chrissy Teigen's lead and take your long bob to the next level by wearing it "wet."

Curly: Box Braided Bob

If you have textured hair, protective styles are a great way to significantly shorten your morning prep time (even if you'll have to set aside a good chunk of your day for installation). A box braided bob, like Kiki Layne's seen here, will be significantly less heavy on your head than the standard mid-back length. (And they'll dry much faster when you wash them, too.)

Curly: Long and Layered

Opt for curls that fall below your collarbone, and ask for plenty of layers throughout to remove some of the bulk. "For curls, length is important. Curly hair has a more awkward grow-out pattern, so the longer it is, the easier to maintain," comments Polko. To achieve Salma Hayek's effortless waves, Dear says to apply curl cream while the hair is still wet. Scrunch and let dry naturally or diffuse if you're in a hurry.

Curly: Extra-Long Layers

To get Kelly Rowland's super-tight curls, keep your layers extra long in front to avoid fighting with curls in your face. Dear suggests a Deva cut, which is specifically geared toward those with natural curls. "It is a technique used to help your curls be supported and grow out effortlessly," she explains. "A good curly haircut is all about the grow out—how the shape will look and transform once it starts to grow," emphasizes Hardges.

Wavy: Asymmetrical With Deep Side Part

An asymmetrical cut with a deep side part is perfect for wavy hair if you’re looking for easy styling. "Add some styling mousse and a bit of root booster for texture," Rivera advises. "Partially dry the hair, focusing on the roots, and then allow the remainder to air dry. Style with your fingertips for a natural look. If you’re going for sleek, tuck one side behind your ear," à la Keri Russell.

Wavy: Tousled Pixie

If you have wavy hair and aren’t afraid to go short, consider a tousled pixie cut. Waves lend texture to this classic style, which requires little to no upkeep. "Any strong shape in a haircut shouldn't require a ton of styling," says Hardges. "Undercuts and pixie cuts are my faves, though: Just a little finger tousling, maybe a spray wax for texture and hold, and then out the door you go."

Wavy: Shoulder-Length Shag

Lucy Hale's '70s-inspired 'do has the perfect lived-in texture. For longer wavy hair, a shoulder-length shag that you can just scrunch with salt spray (we love the Ouai Wave Spray, $28) is the ultimate in low-maintenance hairstyles. Equally low-maintenance are accessories. "I love using accessories, like snap clips, headbands, or giant scrunchies. They can elevate your style and tie it all together without much work," says Polko.

Wavy: Voluminous Bob

If your hair is thick and wavy, a shorter hairstyle will help you cut styling and drying time. Show off your wave pattern by opting for a layered, voluminous bob. Going slightly shorter in the front will emphasize your facial features.

Wavy: Face-Framing Layers

Ask for lots of face-framing layers (or DIY) to prevent your natural texture from overpowering you. Believe it or not, the right cut—and not just the right products—can help keep your waves effortless, cool, and even frizz-free. Got second-day hair? "You can create an easy slicked-back look by working with your natural oils and even adding a hair mask at the very front to slick your hair down in place of hairspray," says Polko. She recommends NatureLab Tokyo's Perfect Repair Treatment Masque ($19) to get the job done.

Straight: Overgrown Shag

Looking to grow out your shag? Then it may look something like Kristin Cavallari's 'do. A long, overgrown shag works well with a straight mane. Just air-dry and tousle your hair to add a bit of texture. A spritz of Drybar's Triple Sec 3-in-1 ($29) doesn't hurt either.

Straight: Cascading Layers

Cascading layers create the illusion of volume with minimal styling. And since great hair starts in the shower, "focus on hair health by using a treatment masque and a protective leave-in to reduce dry time and [get] a better air-dry result," says Polko. Just keep in mind you'll still need to keep up with the breakage to avoid the tell-tale V-shape in the back, she notes, telling us "it’s better to sacrifice a little length to have a more blunt end than to keep the tail."

Straight: Bedhead Beach Waves

A wispy look that lies somewhere between bedhead and beach waves—featuring face-framing layers—adds movement and a little edge. But don't overdo it with the layers: As counterintuitive as it sounds, too many can actually make your hair look less voluminous.

Straight: Classic Lob

Emma Roberts's lob possesses a timeless elegance that has us mesmerized. "The beauty of a lob is the straight lines and emphasis on the neck, accentuating the lines of your jaw and lips," says Dear. When styling, "utilize smoothing serums for shine and to keep from getting tangled. Dry with a paddle brush."

Straight: Long Layers and Choppy Bangs

When shopping for straight styles, look no further than Heidi Klum. Her long, choppy bangs and longer layers bring out the best in straight tresses, comments Rivera. "The cut looks perfect with highlights, balayage, or a subtle ombré. You can also gain volume with the use of a round brush when drying," she notes. "For straight hair, the most important thing to look out for is the layering," adds Polko. "That’s what makes your cut able to grow out and last. Environment and heat can cause breakage, but layers can camouflage it and make it last longer between cuts."

FAQ

Is a short bob low maintenance?

It depends on your hair texture and how you want to style it. For example, if you have wavy hair and want a straight bob, then that would require styling tools, which would make it more high maintenance. If you embrace your natural texture and let it air dry, then it would be low maintenance.  Keep in mind you will also need to trim your hair every three to six weeks to maintain the style.

Is short hair or long hair more low maintenance?

Many people are divided on this question. Very short hair, such as a pixie cut, is often easy to style—however, it requires frequent haircuts to maintain it. Long, straight hair is low maintenance as it can easily be put in a ponytail or braid and doesn’t require frequent trims, but takes longer to blow-dry and curl. 

Are lobs easy to maintain?

A lob, which is slightly longer in the front versus the back, is considered a low-maintenance haircut as it works with many different hair textures and is easy to style and maintain.