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50 Gorgeous Short Hairstyles for Women to Wear in 2021

 

Browse these stunning celebrity bobs, lobs, and more flattering cuts.

With 2021 just around the corner, you might be looking for a fresh look to kick off the new year. Consider cutting your hair short, which celebrities like Jenna Dewan, Sandra Bullock, and Jada Pinkett Smith have been rocking recently. And according to pro hairstylists, the trend is here to stay.

Not only do short hairstyles add volume to your strands, but the haircut is also so low maintenance, giving you a red carpet look with half the time and effort. Whether you have thick, fine, curly, or straight hair, there's a short haircut that works best for you. Make a bold change this year with a pixie cut or blunt bangs, or try a subtle yet gorgeous look such as an angled bob or beachy waves. You can even elevate your short haircut with a trendy headband, braids, clips, and other cute hair accessories.

Because they're so versatile, short haircuts offer endless options for cutting and styling, including elegant bobs, choppy layers, edgy pixies, and loose curls. So, if 2021 is the year that you finally decide to go short, here's all of the inspiration you need.

Short Bob

A chin-length bob frames the face, showing off your jawline and facial features. This low maintenance look worn by Cicely Tyson is so easy to style, and it works whether you have straight, fine, curly, or thick hair. You can also rock it with a middle part to add sleekness or a side part to add volume.

Subtle Flip

Transport back in time with this flipped hairstyle seen on Margot Robbie. "I’m obsessed with '60s-inspired flipped out dos," says Joseph Maine, celebrity hair stylist and co-founder of Trademark Beauty. "It's easy to achieve and a great way to mix up your everyday bob." All you need to do is blow dry your strands and then run it through a flat iron while flipping the ends upward.

Half Up

"Half up styles are here to stay, especially for short haired girls," Maine says of Mindy Kaling's look. "It's a great way to get a nice fox eye pull on your eyes and makes it easy to show off your winged liner." You can rock this style as straight or with curls, your choice!

French Bob

Channel your inner Emily in Paris with a French bob like Lucy Boynton. "A short blunt bob with a length best worn at the lips with a bang," says Amy Abramite, creative director, salon educator, and stylist at Maxine Salon in Chicago. "It opens the eyes, highlights the lips, and creates a stronger jawline."

Triple Top Knot

"I love a triple bun because it allows girls with short hair to get all of their hair up without compromising style," Maine says or Taraji P. Henson's short hairstyle. "Everyone can create a simple bun and by assembling three in a row." The result? "You get a flirty style," he says.

Side-Parted Bob

A side-parted bob, like Irina Shayk's, is timeless. To achieve the sleek look, as for your hairstylist to cut your strands just below the chin, without adding in layers. Blow dry your hair and part it deeply to the side. Then, run a flat iron through your strands while pulling the ends inward.

Short and Shaved

"It's been fun to see more women experiment with taking their hair ultra-short with a buzz cut," Maine says. The hairstylist says this short hairstyle worn by Amber Rose can really make a statement, especially when colored a non-natural tone. "It's a look that exudes confidence."

Bob with Side-Swept Bangs

If you have fine hair like Cameron Diaz, a bob with side-swept bangs can definitely add some extra volume. Adding some loose curls with a curling iron can really elevate the look, adding thickness and body to this bob with side-swept bangs.

Cropped Curls

Cropped curls are an ageless look that only get more elegant with time. Thanks to its short length and limited manageability, this look rocked by Vanessa Bell Calloway is practical and effortless for those who want to look red carpet ready, without the effort.

Bob Box Braids

A short, blunt cut with bob box braids hangs just below the chin, Abramite says. "The design line has no angle, so it sits parallel to the horizon," she explains of Amandla Stenberg's short hairstyle. "This creates weight at the bottom for a strong bob with swing that elongates the neck."

The Classic Ear Tuck

Invite some volume into your short hairstyle with a deep side part paired with an ear tuck. To recreate Meghan King's look, side part your hair and loosely curl your strands. Then, tuck one side behind your ear and finish with hairspray. You can even add a clip for an extra elegant touch.

Short Shag

Kerry Washington's short shag is another low-maintenance hairstyle. This light and airy layered haircut with short bangs draws attention to the eyes, Abramite says. "The sides of the shag are shorter by the ears to highlight the cheekbones and the back sits at the nape of the neck."

Mini Fringe

"This à la carte bang can be added to any short style for a reboot," Abramite says of Penelope Cruz's cute look. "It sits well above the eyebrows and has a curved concave design line that is shorter in the middle and longer toward the sides." This, she adds, opens up the brow bone and eyebrows, while making the eyes pop.

Choppy Layers

If you have naturally fine hair, easily add some volume with choppy layers, like Luann de Lesseps's chic cut. Choppy layers can add breadth to your face, especially for those who have a naturally long or angular face.

The Orb

Be as bold as Kate Hudson with an orb haircut. This hairstyle includes short, layered pieces with an undercut for maximum reduction weight, says Abramite. "The hair at the ears and the nape are closely tapered so the top lays smooth over the shorter pieces," she says. "It's great for thick curly hair to lighten and remove bulk for a slender style."

Disconnected Bob

A disconnected bob is timeless and flattering for every face shape, says Martino Cartier of Martino Cartier Salon. This cut involves using layers and graduation to create volume. Lisa Rinna has been rocking it for years!

Long Mohawk-Inspired Cut

There are plenty of ways to rock a mohawk in 2021, but Cartier recommends a long mohawk-inspired cut, as worn by Rihanna. "This short look contrasts with the demure bob as it adds a more masculine touch and is more versatile," he says. To style, blow dry the top section of your hair back, and finish with hairspray.

Inverted Bob

An inverted bob is back in style for 2021, Cartier says. Julianne Hough's classy short hairstyle features a shorter back that extends longer in the front, framing the chin. Plus, it's so low maintenance and can be easily styled with a flat iron or curling iron for cute day and night looks.

Modern Curly Flicks

"This modern cutesy cut is ideal for a low-maintenance look that keeps you looking youthful at any age," Cartier says of Alfre Woodard's curls. "Adding in some lighter highlights can enhance this and add depth to the haircut."

Blunt Collarbone Bob

If you want to go short but not too short, consider Natalie Portman's blunt collarbone bob, which is a perfect everyday cut. "It's a super low-maintenance cut in which the hair is all one length and only slightly waved," Cartier says. "It's very wearable."

Pixie with a Long Side Bang

Kris Jenner is the queen of the pixie cut, but she's evolved her pixie over the years to keep up with modern trends. To spice up a traditional pixie, try this long version with a side-swept bang. It's perfect for most hair types, including fine, straight, curly, or thick.

Lob with a Chunky Bang

Spice up your longer bob with a chunky bang like Ciara's cute cut. Whether you style your lob curly, straight, or naturally, a chunky bang instantly adds an element of elegance while simultaneously being so low maintenance to style.

Wavy Bob

Cut your hair chin length to achieve Naomi Watts's wavy bob. Then, part your hair to the side and add in some loose curls using a curling wand. Tuck one section behind the ear, and finish with hairspray.

Textured Pixie

With textured layers, Jada Pinkett Smith's versatile haircut has enough length to create a bunch of different looks, all while providing you with easy upkeep. Just add some pomade to style your strands to lock in your look.

Edgy Pixie

With so many forms of pixies, it's so hard to pick just one! Consider an extra bold look in 2021 with Charlize Theron's edgy pixie. Choppy bangs allow you to style this short hairstyle many different ways, but for an edgier look, use pomade to pull back your strands, showing off your face.

Natural Curls

Embrace your natural strands like Naomi Campbell. Let your texture stand out with natural curls, and brighten up your look with some caramel highlights.

Slicked Down Side Part

Playful yet edgy, a slicked down side part adds instant elegance. Slick your straightened hair down with some hair gel like Cate Blanchett, and you'll be ready for any event.

Slicked Back Bun

Lily Collins' slicked back bun is the ultimate no-effort short hairstyle, without compromising style and elegance. Just pull your blow dried hair into a bun, and add a small amount of hair gel to your crown. Comb out any bumps and creases to create a slicked look. Tuck away any remaining strands from your bun with bobby pins.

Ombré Lob

Freshen up your new year with some bright ombré highlights, like Chrissy Teigen. An ombré really elevates your lob, and paired with loose beachy waves, you'll be ready for warm weather in no time. To get perfect beachy waves, add some texture spray.

Loose Curls

Loose curls look so elegant paired with a bob that falls right below the ears. To recreate Viola Davis' look, part your hair in a deep side part and curl using a curling iron. Finish with hairspray.

Trendy Headband

Headbands have been a solid trend in 2020, and they're definitely here to stay through the new year. Pair your short haircut with a trendy padded headband like Dorit Kemsley, and you'll elevate any basic look.

Cornrows

Alicia Keys's cornrows and baby hair look pairs perfectly with any outfit. The star's hairstylist Nai’vasha Johnson did not blow out her hair prior to styling, which shows off some of her natural texture, Hollywood Life reported. Gorgeous!

Side Bangs

Make a statement like Emily Blunt with side bangs in 2021. Unlike the boldness of straight bangs, side bangs are more subtle, but still stand out. You can pair them with a gorgeous low bun, like Emily Blunt.

Asymmetrical Parted Bob

Swap your traditional part with an asymmetrical one for a fun twist on your classic bob, like January Jones. The actress pairs hers with some soft beachy waves, which you can recreate with a curling iron and some texture spray.

Wet Look

Take a page from Kim Kardashian's book and try this ocean-inspired short hairstyle. All you have to do is grab some hair gel and scrunch your strands to achieve this gorgeous wet look.

Beachy Waves

Whether it's summer or winter, you can never go wrong with beachy waves! There are many different ways to create beachy waves, but a popular way is to loosely curl air-dried hair, and then tousle the curls with your hands for a messy look. Ashley Benson wears them effortlessly.

Tight Pixie Hairstyle

If you're looking for a low-maintenance look for the new year, try Zoe Kravitz-inspired tight pixie. This bold look is so easy to style: Once trimmed tight to the scalp, blow dry clean hair and part it deeply to the side. Then, finish with hairspray.

Sleek Straight

Sleek straight hair instantly transforms a casual look to effortless elegance, and Sandra Bullock proves it. Blow dry clean hair using a brush. Then, take a hair straightener and pull it through your strands until they're pin straight. Something to keep in mind: This short hairstyle looks best if your ends are cleanly trimmed!

Curly Lob Hairstyle

Lobs, a.k.a. long bobs, are an easy way to get rid of length without going too extreme. To recreate Kerry Washington's look, cut your hair to collar-bone length and blow dry clean hair. Then, part your hair to the side and curl your hair away from the face using a curling iron. Finish with hairspray.

Angled Bob Hairstyle

If you find that a classic bob is just too boring, shake things up with an angled bob. This short hairstyle is shorter in the back and gradually gets longer in the front. There are countless ways to style angled bobs, but Jenna Dewan looks stunning with a deep side parted bob and lose waves. Blow dry clean hair and part it deeply to one side. Then, separate thick sections of hair and curl using an iron. Finish with hairspray.

Finger Waves

Travel back in time with Michelle Weaver's fun variation of a pixie. To create, part your dry hair to one side. Separate into 2-inch sections. Curl each section using a rod, and secure in place with a clip. Once complete, remove the clips and brush through the curls. Take one curl and hold the crease towards the top of the curl with your finger. Press down hard, then nudge the rest of the curl forward to create the finger wave. Remove your finger and replace with the clip. Repeat in a zig-zag until the section is curled. Apply hairspray, then remove the clips.

Short and Sleek Hairstyle

Margot Robbie's simple hairstyle is elegant and effortless. Part your clean, wet hair down the middle and blow dry. Then, run through with a straighter to remove any creases. Finally, take all of the strands on either side and tuck them behind your ears. Finish with shine spray.

Deep Side-Parted Lob

Whether you have a lob or a bob, a deep sided part will instantly add volume, Vanessa Hudgens proves. Blow dry your clean hair, then separate it deeply to one side. Take thick sections and add soft waves, finishing with hairspray.

Faux Ballerina Bun

Fake long hair for a formal event by pulling it back and wrapping it around a small donut bun like Sandra Oh. Use a comb to ensure there are no creases and pull your hair into a tight ponytail. Take your hair in sections and wrap each carefully around the bun, securing in place with bobby pins.

Bluntly Cut Hair

Those with short hair will definitely benefit from having a blunt hair cut. Straight, clean ends add dimension and create the illusion of thickness. Add some bangs to really make a statement, like Winnie Harlow.

Low Mini Bun

Although she's the queen of the high ponytail, model Hailey Baldwin shows that a low bun can be the way to go—especially when you're running low on time. To create, blow dry clean hair and part it straight down the middle. Comb out any creases, and pull into a low bun using a hair tie. Finish with hairspray to keep any strangling ends at bay.

Textured Bangs

Constance Wu shows how textured bangs can save a shoulder-length bob from looking plain. Have your hairstylist cut them just below the eyebrow and reduce thickness towards the sides, which softens the look.

Natural Twists

Sanaa Lathan proves that there's nothing more effortless then letting your hair go natural, even with a tight pixie cut. Try this cute twisted look that enhances your facial features and lets your beautiful skin shine.

Half Bun

Diane Kruger's boho-inspired hairstyle is so easy, and you can dress it up or down. To create, curl your hair loosely and separate the top half from the bottom half. Pull the top section into a high bun, and secure with a hair tie. Then, shake your hands through the bottom half for a beachy look.

Classic Bob

Though their are so many different variations of a bob hair cut, there's really nothing like the original. Have your hairstylist cut your strands to chin length, and part and style any way that you desire. Jennifer Lopez chose a middle part, and she looks as stunning as ever.