Over the past few years, the beauty industry has been inundated by both short and long bob haircuts—or as some would lovingly say, the lob. What began as the Karlie Kloss cut quickly was spotted on every other starlet shortly there. Short hairstyles aren’t just having a moment; They’ve basically cemented themselves into our hair repertoire and it’s about time we came up with some fun, yet easy ways to style the length.
Be it braids, half-up hairstyles, beach waves or protective styles, there are countless ways to style short hair. We’ve pulled short hairstyle ideas from the runway to give you all the inspo for your next salon appointment. It doesn’t matter if your hair is blonde and fine, brown and thick or kinky and textured—there’s a chic short haircut for you. This season, we especially love all the pixie cuts and curly lobs we’re seeing, especially with curly bangs. There’s nothing cooler.
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Image: ImaxTree.
Short Afro
The 16Arlington Fall/Winter 2020 show sent models down the runway in chic short afros. This style is easy to maintain, though you’ll want to make sure you have hydrating scalp products and a good hair oil. The natural hairstyle allows you to show off your features with shimmery eyeshadow and a pop of color on the lip.
Image: ImaxTree.
Asymmetrical Bob
Models at the Gaultier Spring/Summer 2015 show wore these asymmetrical bobs we haven’t been able to stop thinking about. The late-80s/early-90s style feels fresh all over again thanks to a deep side part and sleek texture. Tuck your hair behind one ear to ensure your face is visable—as well as a killer pair of earrings.
Image: ImaxTree.
Curly Shag
Ensure your curly lob is ultra-2020 with a modern take on the mullet. Models at the Fendi Fall/Winter 2017 show wore their hair shorter in the front and longer in the back, giving the whole look cool-girl swagger. The style here is all about embracing your natural hair so skip the frizz-reducers and go for the volume and texture you were born with.
Image: ImaxTree.
Pinned-Back Bob
It used to be that hair clips like these were only used for getting your hair done—not to wear IRL. But all of that is changed and they feel of-the-moment. Pull back your bob like the models at the Dior Spring/Summer 2018 either on the sides, the top of both. Let your waves hang out the bottom for an even fresher feel.
Image: ImaxTree.
Blunt Bob
Feeling a bit more badass? This sleek, straight, blunt bob never goes out of style. Models at the Creatures of Comfort Spring/Summer 2017 show wore the style with a middle part and frizz-free strands. Blow dry your hair straight with a leave-in conditioner and add a hair oil on top to reduce volume.
Image: ImaxTree.
French Bob
Karlie Kloss helped bring the French bob into style. Here she is backstage at the Burberry Fall/Winter 2013 show with her signature haircut. When you hit the salon, ask for a chin-length style with long bangs that can be side-swept if needed. It’ll grow out into a chic bob and lob.
Image: ImaxTree.
Modern Bowl Cut
You might have PTSD from getting a bowl but from your mom as a child but this one is different. Those with straight hair can try a pixie-length with long bangs. The longer sides make it resemble a more modern version of a bowl cut. We love this look on a model backstage at the Awake Spring/Summer 2019 show.
Image: ImaxTree.
Afro
It’s not a trend—short, curly cuts will never go out of style. But we can’t help but drool over the voluminous curls backstage at the Area Spring/Summer 2017 show. Choose a hydrating curl cream or gel to get these smooth ringlets and don’t skip out on hair masks with loads of moisture.
Image: ImaxTree.
Pixie Cut
Feeling like going for a big chop? A pixie is always a good idea. Models at the APC Fall/Winter 2019 show rocked the short cut with micro bangs. Ask your hairstylist for a length that best suits your hair and features, such as these longer sideburns or even longer bangs.
Image: ImaxTree.
Curly Bob
Those with ringlets know the right cut is just half the battle. Using the right curl-friendly products ensures your lob has defined curls that others drool over. This model backstage at the Adam Lippes Spring/Summer 2018 show has hydrated, bouncy curls with just the right amount of layers.
Image: ImaxTree.
Curly Pixie
Yes, you can rock a pixie with curls! Go even shorter than your basic bob with a cut that’s short in the back, longer on the sides and includes trendy curly bangs. We’re obsessed with this style on a model at the Act N°1 Spring/Summer 2019 show. Use a volumizing—but hydrating—mousse to ensure bouncy curls.
Image: ImaxTree.
Blunt Bangs and Bob
Eyebrow-grazing bangs go so well with a chin-length bob. A model backstage at the Acne Spring/Summer 2017 show rocked the style without a hair out of place. No matter what your hair texture, you’ll want to invest in a good flat iron so keep every hair smooth and straight all day long.
Image: ImaxTree.
Shaggy Lob
Those who want a look but don’t want to do the most will love this easy-to-wear style. It’s all about embracing your natural texture, regardless of your curl type. Ask for a cut right around the collarbone with or without bangs. We love the shorter fringe on the models at the Aalto Spring/Summer 2018 show.
Image: ImaxTree.
Vintage-Inspired Bob
You don’t have to wear your bob straight and parted in the middle like everyone else. Try this side-swopped style like the models at the Armani Prive Fall/Winter 2013 show. A blow dryer and round brush will be your BFF here for all the volume.
