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70 Coolest Short Haircuts for Women to Try in 2024

 

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If you’ve found yourself considering one of the coolest short haircuts for women, you’re not alone. Shorter styles are trending particularly hard for 2024, and what better way to change your look than with a fresh cut? Bobs of all kinds—from the chopped bob to the easygoing undone bob—are having a moment, but there are more options than ever when it comes to shorter cuts, from buzz cuts to shoulder-skimming lobs.

Whether you’re in the market for a classic pixie or something a little trendier (how’s a modern Diana bob or shaggy bob sound?), we spoke to top stylists and gathered up the coolest crop of short haircuts for women. Scroll on for options for every style and hair texture, and get ready to screenshot. Something tells us you’re going to want to head to the salon ASAP.

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’90s Chop

For a retro-inspired chop that looks good on everyone, Adam Federico, hairstylist and vice president of technical education at R+Co, recommends the trending ’90s bob. “The lob offers a modern twist on the classic bob and provides more versatility in styling,” he says. “It’s long enough to tie up or tuck behind the ears but still short enough to remain manageable and stylish.”

To get the look, request a cut that falls between the shoulders and collarbone with subtle layers to add movement, and mention that you want a style reminiscent of the ’90s to capture that nostalgic vibe, he advises.

Flipped-Out Lob

According to Amy Abramite, creative director and stylist at Chicago’s Maxine Salon, the flipped-out lob is a different texture option for a smoother look than the popular beach wave. “For the flipped lob to work, the length must be cut above the shoulders and have medium to thick density to support the outward motion,” she says. “Straight, wavy, curly, or coily hair will achieve the style with a blowout and curling iron.”

The lob’s perimeter is above the shoulders, and the medium length layers add lift and movement, she says. “Use a heat-protecting spray and a round brush with a blow-dryer, then style the hair upwards with a curling iron to lock in the flip for the finishing touch.”

Mid-Length Bob

According to Raven Hurtado, a hairstylist at Chicago’s Maxine Salon, the mid-length bob is one of the biggest up-and-coming short hair trends. “It gives natural movement and appears fuller and thicker-looking, and looks great on fine hair whether worn straight or wavy because it gives the illusion of fullness,” she says.

To achieve this look, “have it cut sitting just above the shoulders so that it swings when you move,” she says. “I recommend this haircut for people who have a conservative lifestyle. It’s a very classy look, yet you can also style by adding waves.”

Side-Swept Pixie

Want something even shorter? Maybe it’s time for a pixie. “The pixie cut is versatile and can give a bold, youthful look while still being low-maintenance, making it ideal for those who prefer a quick styling routine,” says Federico. “It also works well with various hair textures and can frame the face beautifully.”

When asking for a pixie cut at the salon, specify that you want short sides and back with slightly longer layers on top. “Mention if you prefer a more classic or modern pixie, as styles can vary from more dramatic, spiky looks to softer, tousled finishes,” Federico says. “When styling at home, towel dry just out of the shower and add R+Co HYPERLINK Fiber Stretch Pomade through the hair, which will add definition, texture, and a satin shine, and style as desired.”

Curly Crop

If you have curly or textured hair, Federico suggests trying a curly crop cut combined with curly fringe. “The curly crop cut features short layers that enhance the natural curl pattern and create a voluminous, playful look,” he says. “It’s ideal for those with naturally curly hair, as it embraces and enhances the curl pattern rather than trying to control it, and it’s a low-maintenance style that requires minimal daily styling.”

To get the look, ask for a short cut with layers that highlights your natural curl pattern and let your stylist know if you want a more defined shape or if you prefer a more relaxed, tousled look. You’ll also want to style this look with R+Co BLEU Super Style Crème, Federico adds. “Work through the crop and fringe with the fingertips, carefully creating separation and movement in your natural curls. Diffuse to dry and set into place, then set with R+Co BLEU Featherlight Hairspray.”

Grown-Out Bixie

“I’m seeing a lot of celebrities opting for shorter, piecey layered and textured shapes,” celebrity hairstylist Kieron Justin tells Glamour. “We’ve seen it happening a lot on the runway, and then it filtered into the mainstream with the return of the iconic pixie and the bixie, which is a combination of the bob and pixie.”

Asymmetrical Bob

“An asymmetrical bob is the perfect edgy style, and it’s a great choice if you’re looking to make a statement,” says Leo Izquierdo, cofounder of IGK Hair Care. “It’s giving Victoria Beckham in the 2000s.”

To get the look, ask your stylist for a bob that’s longer on one side and slightly angled, says Izquierdo. “For styling, keep the hair straight to highlight the asymmetry, using a flatiron and a smoothing serum.”

Bombshell Lob

“This is a longer version of the classic bob, typically falling between the shoulders and collarbone, that often features subtle layers and can be worn straight, wavy, or with a slight bend,” Federico says of the bombshell lob. To make it more bombshell and less Spice Girls, opt for Old Hollywood waves.

“When styling at home, start by applying R+Co BLEU Essential Hair Tonic, which creates soft memory and shine, and tousle dry the hair until 100 percent dry,” he says. “Utilizing your flatiron or blow-dry brush, create soft, gentle bends through the hair.”

French Bob

“The French bob is a chic, classic bob that typically ends around the jawline with a slight curve inward,” says Federico. “It often features a fringe or bangs and is styled to look effortlessly tousled.” This style is both sophisticated and easy to maintain, he adds. “It gives a Parisian vibe that’s timeless and flattering for various face shapes. The French bob can be worn sleek or with soft waves, making it adaptable for different occasions.”

To get the look, request a bob cut that falls just at or slightly below the jawline and a natural-looking fringe or bangs that blend seamlessly with the rest of the hair. “The goal is a soft, rounded shape with a bit of texture for that effortless French look.”

French Lob

If the French bob feels too cropped for you, consider its slightly outgrown cousin: the French lob. Celebrity hairstylist Glenn Ellis especially loves this medium-length haircut for people with a square or rectangle face shape.

“I recommend shoulder-length or shorter,” he says. “A nice lob is great.” And it’s perfect if you have curly or textured hair.

Blunt Bob

“The blunt bob is timeless and chic, offering a polished and professional look,” says Izquierdo. “It works well for both straight and wavy hair and is easy to maintain with regular trims.”

Ask your stylist for a bob cut that falls just below the jawline with a blunt, straight-across end to get the look. “Ensure the cut is sharp and even, with minimal layering for a sleek finish,” he says. “For styling, use a flatiron to smooth the hair, and apply a shine serum like IGK Crybaby Smoothing and Finishing Serum to enhance the sleekness.”

’90s-Supermodel Bob

One of the most popular bob haircuts of this year? The ’90s-supermodel bob. “The cut has the line and length of the bob, but the top layers have much more texture, so it’s lighter on top and easier to flip around,” says celebrity hairstylist Marc Mena, who says that ’90s-supermodel bob is the easiest—and chicest—way to instantly add volume and texture to short hair.

Shaggy Lob

“A shaggy lob is perfect for adding volume and movement to your hair,” says Izquierdo. “It’s a great option for those who want a bit of length while still enjoying the ease of a shorter style.”

When talking to your stylist, ask for a long bob with layers. “For styling, use texture spray or texturizing mousse to enhance the natural waves or curls.”

Curly Chop

“Embracing natural curls with a short crop is a good way to show texture while keeping your hair manageable,” says Izquierdo. “Request a short cut that follows your natural curl pattern, with slightly longer layers on top to give your curls room to form. For styling, use a curl-enhancing cream or gel like Class of ’93 Curl Perfecting Whipped Cream to define the curls and prevent frizz.”

Mid-Length Beach Lob

Equal parts low-maintenance and chic, the mid-length beach bob is the best of both worlds. “It’s such a good in-between length for easy styling,” says Mena, who created the look for Madelyn Cline. “It’s long enough to pull back into a ponytail or low chignon bun, but doesn’t weigh itself down.”

To get the look, Mena suggests requesting a lob with long, layered angles in the front; this isn’t a blunt chop. “You need some angles and long layers to create the shape on your face,” he clarifies. “The top layers and texture will keep it from falling flat.”

Edgy Bob

Short hair can walk a fine line between childish and grown-up, but Simona Tabasco, of White Lotus fame, proves that a bob can be totally cool. The tousled texture and bangs pushed to one side are to thank for this sexy take on the look. Tabasco's cut is a favorite of celebrity hairstylist Laura Polko, who says bangs are the gateway to a total chop, which are clearly both in play here.

Sleek and Chic

Howard McLaren, cofounder and creative director of R+Co, speaks to the versatility of short haircuts and says that it comes down to choosing the right products. “Don't be afraid to ask your hairdresser to show you several looks using various products so you know how versatile short hair can be,” he says. Case in point: Florence Pugh's cut would look totally different if it were not slicked back for the wet look.

Easygoing Bob

It doesn't get more chill than this. Hailey Bieber always has an air about her that she “woke up like this,” but even more so now that she made the cut.

Wolf Cut

If a mullet and a shag had a baby, it would be the wolf cut. It takes some confidence to rock this trendy look, but when cut right, it's super stylish. “This modified style maintains the bob silhouette while adding layers to enhance natural hair texture and frame the face,” says Franck Izquierdo, cofounder of IGK Hair Care.

Cub Cut

The wolf cut's younger sister is—as the name implies—a shorter version of the cut. An important thing to keep in mind for cuts like this is that they require maintenance. Rodney Cutler, founder of Cutler Salons and a Redken brand ambassador, says that you'll need to keep up appointments with your stylist in order to maintain the length and overall shape.

Angled Bob

A fun thing about short hair is how easily you can switch up your look with zero commitment. Pauline Chalamet would look totally different with sleek, shiny strands instead of these soft, easy waves.

Close Crop

We love how effortless Taylor Russell's cut looks with it slicked back behind her ears. She pulls it off seamlessly, but Izquierdo points out that cuts like this can be difficult. “Find photos of others with similar face shapes and hair texture to yours to find what shapes and lengths look best,” he says.

Fun and Flippy

Emma Chamberlain's icy blonde bob was given some major volume by styling the ends to flip out. Polko says deciding which way to style the ends—curling them under or out—is a major element to a short cut. The use of bobby pins really levels up this look too.

Modern Diana 

If Spencer had you thinking about a Diana-inspired chop, you're not alone. Ryan Trygstad, celebrity hairstylist and cofounder of New York's Mark Ryan Salon, says he's been giving his clients a modern take on the princess's iconic haircut. “It's such a fresh look, and exudes confidence and style,” he says. “The cut itself is a mixture of a very short layered bob edging toward a pixie.”

Curtain Bangs 

Curtain bangs and a collar-length bob go together perfectly, and when it comes to bangs, these are about as low-maintenance as they get. “Curtain bangs are the gateway to bangs, because they're super versatile,” says Emily Heser, stylist at Cutler Salon in New York City. “They're long enough to grow out or pin back if you want, but they can also be cut into a shorter look.” If you're on the noncommittal side when it comes to your cuts, consider this your match.

Buzz Cut

For the shortest cut of all, go for a full buzz cut.

Blunt Bangs

Take this photo as a promise that blunt doesn't have to mean stiff. Ask your stylist for straight-across bangs with a bit of feathering and movement for a retro vibe. Add a little salt spray and you're good to go. (You should also read our advice on the best bangs tips, straight from the women whose bangs we obsess over.) 

Strong Bob

The strong bob—also known as a blunt bob—is on the rise. “This cut is a statement,” says Jon Reyman, owner of Spoke & Weal salons. “Cool is more important than sexy right now. Or rather, cool is the new sexy.” The strong bob works for any hair texture, but if yours is dense, ask your stylist to thin it out first.

Boho Bob

Some bright blonde highlights and long, shaggy curtain bangs make for a very modern twist on the classic bob.

Platinum Crop 

Iris Law's super-short crop only looks even cooler in a bright platinum blonde. 

Curly Bob 

The trick for nailing this cut with curls is making sure your stylist specializes in curly hair. (The Swivel app is a great resource for finding curl and coil experts in your area.) A cute pair of bangs also help. 

Classic Pixie 

Zoë Kravitz's cropped pixie looks classic and cool at the same time thanks to the hint of bangs. 

Polished Bob

“Out with the messy texture; in comes the polished structure,” says Riawna Capri, co-owner of Nine Zero One in LA, about the return of sleek cuts. She says that fuzzy, bedhead hair is being traded in for more sleek styles of all lengths, and you can expect to see “more blunt, thick lines in haircuts instead of shattered, piecey texture.”

Tight Crop

“Considering the current climate, a lot of women are doing their hair at home, therefore easy, effortless looks will be the go-to,” says Naeemah LaFond, Amika's global artistic director. “Women may take the opportunity to embrace their natural texture more than ever.” A short, cropped cut like Lupita Nyong’o’s is a beautiful way to embrace your texture.

Curly Lob 

The right haircut can emphasize your natural texture, like this classic lob and face-framing combo. 

Flapper Bob 

A super-cropped bob—we're talking earlobe length, at most—has a cool 1920s feel. Wet-slicked texture like Zazie Beetz's makes it feel even more special.

Rounded Bob

The rounded bob is certainly having a moment—Kim, Khloé, and Kylie have all been spotted in the style. “A rounded bob is fantastic because it flatters nearly every face shape,” says Andrew Fitzsimons, celebrity hairstylist, who loves this cut for its retro look. The best length, he says, depends on which features you want to highlight.

French Bob

The French bob was one of the most-searched haircuts in 2020, and we're still loving it three years later. “A French bob is typically shorter than your typical chin-length bob we’ve been seeing a lot of lately,” says celebrity hairstylist Alex Brown. “It has a bit of a ‘wedge’ look to it, and is so chic and stylish.” When getting the cut, be particular about where you want the length to hit (chin? jawline? cheeks?) and explain to your stylist how you plan on styling it every day. And as always, bring plenty of photos that exemplify your hair type and texture so you’re not disappointed.

Micro Bangs 

Add a vintage touch to your bob or lob with a pair of super-short micro bangs. 

Sharp Bob

Curls also look great in a sharp bob. Here it's all about playing up angles. And don't forget the wispy bangs, which add even more visual interest. 

Classic Lob

If a bob seems too short, dip your toes into a chop with a collarbone-length lob, like this beachy one on Rosie Huntington-Whiteley. (We've got plenty of other ideas in our guide to the best lob haircuts too.)

Shaggy Bob

Shag haircuts are still going strong and it's not hard to see why. “Depending on your hair texture, the shag is a cut that can be worn extremely messy or seamlessly straight,” says stylist Anh Co Tran. The cut looks amazing with just about every length and texture, but as Taylor Swift shows here, it's particularly excellent with a few rough waves that hit right above the collarbone.

Braided Bob

There are endless ways to style a braided bob hairstyle. One of our favorites? Add multicolored beads to the ends to give the overall look a younger, more playful vibe.

Curved Bob

While J.Lo's rounded ends look incredibly cool, they also serve a purpose. “Bobs that lay right on or just past the shoulder are going to be the most work, since it’s tough to prevent your hair from flipping out on your shoulders,” says Brown. “Round-brushing or flatironing your hair under will help fight the flip.”

Cheekbone Bob

Aside from the almost wet texture, the coolest part of this bob on Rihanna is that it brings all the attention straight to her cheekbones. 

Short Slick

See? Bobs can be versatile. By pushing back the front, you can get a cool androgynous look.

Polished Bob

This is the epitome of a classic bob—smooth, sleek, and slightly rounded. Chic.

Retro Curls 

Drop everything you think you know about bowl cuts, and take in the vision that is Ruth Negga's retro curly cut. 

Pink Tips

Charli XCX makes a sharp bob her own with bright pink tips and heavy bangs.

Long Pixie 

Adding a longer bang to a classic pixie will give you a little bit of length to play with if you're getting cold feet about a shorter cut. 

Flipped Bob

A chin-skimming length and subtly flipped-under ends feels so fresh and pretty. 

Full Curls 

Size does matter—and when it comes to curly hair, stylists agree that bigger is better. “Together the length and shape of the cut help to build really stunning volume for natural girls,” says César Deleön Ramirêz, celebrity stylist. Kerry Washington's soft rounded shape sets it apart from your average lob.

Side-Parted Bob 

A soft side part can make a blunt bob seem less harsh than a middle part would.

’90s Crop

Emma Roberts's hairstylist Chris McMillan (and the man behind Jennifer Aniston's iconic Rachel cut) called this short chop a “hairline bob,” probably because it looks so good slicked back. Paired with sunnies and stripes, it's giving us total Winona in Reality Bites vibes.

Side Swoop

An extreme side swoop adds some classic glam to a shorter cut. 

Two-Tone 

Looking to switch up your go-to lob? Take a cue from Dua Lipa and go for a fun two-tone color. 

’70s Lob

Curly bangs make a bob feel super retro. Lean into it with huge sunglasses like Rita Ora’s.

Fulani Braids Bob 

Fulani braids don't have to be long. As Danai Gurira proves, they look incredible when they hit just above your shoulders. Flared ends make the style even cooler.

Short Coils 

This cute coily style shows off Amandla Stenberg’s texture beautifully. Pair the look with caramel-colored highlights to add playfulness.   

Vintage Pixie

This is why Tyra Banks references Rosemary’s Baby in nearly every makeover episode of Top Model. The iconic pixie is just as edgy and flattering in modern times as it was in 1968.

Emo Bob 

Kourtney Kardashian’s razor-sharp bob is the perfect complement to her new edgy style.

Outgrown Bob 

The outgrown bob—or hair that falls somewhere between a bob and a lob—is the perfect length for the indecisive. It’s still short enough to pass as a bob but leaves you with the option to pull your hair back if you please. It’s also the perfect first step to going even shorter.

One-Length Bob

If you want a low-maintenance look, something like Margot Robbie’s cut is your best bet. “Depending on the texture of your hair, I find that a one-length bob just above the shoulders is easiest to style,” Brown says. “The haircut should do the styling for you.”

Mini Curtain Bangs 

Going shorter with your length? That means you can get away with shorter bangs. Have your stylist cut the same shape as a classic curtain bang but ask for them to hit by your brows instead of your cheekbones.

Curly Bangs 

This curly cut on Alia Shawkat has a subtle ’80s feel in the coolest way. 

Sideswept Bangs 

Halle Berry has been rocking some version of a cropped cut for as long as we can remember, but we're particularly into her current style, with sideswept blonde bangs. 

Blunt Bangs 

A blunt bob and blunt bangs is always an incredible pairing. 

Edgy Mullet

Yes, mullets are back. We love this bob-mullet hybrid on Miley Cyrus.  

Cropped Curls 

Curls can still shine in a shorter length—take Samira Wiley's cut as proof. 

Elegant Bob 

The classic length—right at the chin—and softly rounded ends give this cut such a pretty, elegant feel.