20 Gorgeous Haircuts That Will Make You Want to Chop All Your Hair Off
After nearly a year of social distancing that's lead to some unexpectedly long and scraggly lengths, the urge to chop all your hair off might be stronger than ever. While this sentiment might normally be met with blank stares and reminders to exercise caution, it just so happens that short hair is majorly trending right now. And not just the ever-popular bob haircut either. Celebrities, fashion girls, and hairstylists agree that all varieties of short hair are in. Rejoice!
So what does that mean for your short-hair aspirations in 2021? Good things, we think! From cuts to colours and all sorts of styles, all things short hair are gaining some well-deserved renewed interest. Ahead, check out the short-hair trends set to dominate this year. And be sure you scroll to the end to see the trendiest and most controversial look we can't believe is still going strong. Just you wait.
1. Extra-Short Bobs
The bob is poised to be the top hair trend of the decade, and the sleek chops just keep getting shorter and shorter. January's Parisian-inspired, chin-grazing look is so chic.
No matter how short your bob is, there's always room for some beachy waves.
Get the look:
Whether you're going for a sleek look or looking to achieve those famous tousled waves, a good straightener is the tool for the job.
2. Fringe and Bangs
Bangs and fringe aren't new, but we're loving how they're being embraced by those with shorter hair lately. Take Jasmine's wispy corkscrew fringes for example. Just beautiful.
Chloe's heavy curtain bangs are so cute paired with her short haircut.
3. Short Shags
The quintessential shag haircut tends to run a little longer in length, but that doesn't mean short-haired queens can't get in on the action, too. Just look at Alyssa's perfect and short shag.
Gabi's tumbling curls further prove that short hair of any texture is can be turned into a shag.
Get the look:
Frizz is the enemy of the shag haircut, especially if your hair is short. Keep it at bay with a nourishing leave-in conditioner like this one that imparts smoothing hydration and protection against humidity.
4. Retro Vibes
Celebrity hairstylists already predicted that '90s hair vibes would be big in 2021, and Millie's vintage flip is the most prominent example so far. She's giving us Clueless, and we have no choice but to stan.
Halsey's Old Hollywood volume is making us want to throw it back a few more decades.
5. Hair Accessories
There's really no hair length that's not suitable for hair accessories, but there's something about adding decorative accents to short hair that feels extra special. Kerry's oversized pearl clips are just one option that looks so cool.
These tiny accents are so cute paired with a low bun.
Get the look:
6. Swept-Back Looks
Whether you're rocking a bob, a shag, or even a pixie haircut, there's nothing chicer than slicking it all back à la Kaia's sleek look. It's so editorial and so low effort.
Here, Zoë's smoothed tresses are a bit more sculpted.
7. Natural Textures
Natural hair texture is no trend, but there's no denying the recent shift toward curl and coil acceptance that's taken over the hair conversation. We're all for it, especially where shorter strands are concerned. Dana's perfectly puffed tresses are likely way longer than they appear, but this cropped style is so beautiful.
Renia's amped-up bob is a beautiful cut to accentuate her soft ringlets.
Get the look:
Whether you're working with wavy, curly, or coily hair, this weightless curling cream will accentuate any texture.
8. Braids
Braids are timeless, but they've been gaining renewed momentum as one of the most popular hairstyles over the last couple of years. Braided accents, like Ruby's edgy French braids, are an unexpected but pretty addition to her signature pixie cut.
Cleopatra's box-braided bob is almost too cool for words. And that colour? Yes.
9. Colour Play
There's nothing like a pop of colour to take any short haircut from regular to remarkable. Brittany's stark, face-framing streaks show just how much of a difference a little colour makes on an otherwise standard haircut.
If vibrant colors are more your speed, take note of Ryan's bold all-over colour.
Get the look:
This pre-shampoo treatment helps to balance the hair's pH level and seal the cuticle to protect deposited colour against fading as you wash.
10. Mullets
Mullets have been popping off ever since Miley Cyrus debuted hers early last year, and by the looks of it, the controversial hairstyle is back for round two. Maisie Williams is among the flock of stars dedicating themselves to the grunge-inspired cut, and we have to say that we've never been more tempted to commit to such a wild look.
Zendaya's temporary mullet was such a moment.
Next up, the biggest spring/summer hair trends for 2021
Courtney Higgs is a Cancer sun, Libra rising beauty enthusiast with about six years of experience in the editorial space. She was previously Who What Wear's associate beauty editor after spending many years working on the West Coast edit team at InStyle Magazine. She graduated from California State University, Northridge, with a BA in communication studies and pivoted to editorial after spending her college years working in the legal field. Her beauty philosophy is simple: She believes there are no wrong answers and that discovering our favorite beauty products and rituals is a journey, not a sprint. When she's not geeking out over products, she can be found adventuring around L.A. with her fiancé; watching reality TV with their French bulldog, Bernie Mac; or relating way too hard to astrology memes.
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