Style Short Hair in These Fun and Chic Ways

If you’ve ever chopped your hair short or thought about doing it, you know it can be both exciting and a little intimidating. There’s something freeing about short hair—it’s bold, fresh, and can totally change your look. But once the scissors do their magic, a lot of people wonder: “How do I style it now?” That’s totally normal. While short hair is easier to manage in many ways, it can also feel like there aren’t as many styling options. But the truth is, short hair is super versatile—you just have to get a little creative.

Whether you’ve got a pixie, a bob, or something in between, there are tons of fun and chic ways to style your short hair for everyday wear or special occasions. From textured waves to sleek side parts, you can change up your look without needing a ton of tools or time. In this guide, we’ll walk through some of the best short hair styles you can try, using simple techniques and a few go-to products. These looks are easy, trendy, and totally doable—no salon visit required.

Embrace the Natural Texture

One of the easiest ways to style short hair is to let it do its thing. Everyone’s hair has some natural texture, whether that’s wavy, curly, or straight. Embracing your natural look can actually be one of the most flattering styles, and it’s incredibly low-maintenance.

Start by washing your hair with a texture-friendly shampoo and conditioner. Then, towel dry gently and work in a lightweight styling cream or curl-defining product while it’s still damp. Let your hair air-dry, or use a diffuser on low heat if you’re in a rush. The key is to avoid brushing too much so you don’t lose the texture. Once it’s dry, you can add a bit of texture spray or a dab of pomade to give it definition.

This style is great because it feels relaxed but still put-together. It’s also the best way to avoid heat damage and save time in the morning.

Add Some Volume With a Blowout

Just because your hair is short doesn’t mean you can’t get that full, bouncy look you’d see in a shampoo commercial. A simple blowout can give your style volume and shape without being stiff or overly done.

Start with damp hair and apply a volumizing mousse or root-lifting spray. Then, use a round brush and a blow dryer with a concentrator nozzle. Pull sections of hair up and back as you dry to lift the roots. Focus on the crown and top of your head for the most volume.

Once it’s dry, you can flip your hair over and give it a quick shake to break up any stiffness. Use a bit of hairspray to hold the style in place if you want it to last all day.

This look is especially good for bob cuts, as it adds height and movement, making your hair look thicker and more dynamic.

Sleek and Straight

If you want something that feels polished and elegant, go for a sleek, straight style. This look works great for everything from a job interview to a night out and shows off the shape of your haircut.

Start by using a heat protectant spray to avoid damage. Then flat iron your hair in small sections, pulling straight from root to tip. Make sure your iron isn’t too hot—just enough to smooth things out. Once you’ve finished straightening, run a little shine serum or smoothing cream through the ends for a sleek finish.

If you want to make the style extra chic, try tucking one side behind your ear and adding a cute hair clip or statement earring. Clean, simple, and totally stylish.

Play With the Part

Sometimes, all it takes to change up your look is moving your part. It might sound too easy, but parting your hair differently can totally change how your face looks and add a fresh twist to your style.

If you usually part your hair in the middle, try a deep side part for a little drama. A side part can also add volume and make your hairstyle look more styled even when you didn’t do much at all. If you’re feeling adventurous, try zig-zagging your part for a fun, edgy effect.

All you need is a comb and a bit of styling product to keep the part in place. Try it out and see how just one small change can make a big difference.

Soft Waves for Texture

Soft waves are perfect for adding texture and a laid-back feel to short hair. You don’t need long beachy waves to get that cool-girl vibe—short hair looks just as good, if not better, with some tousled texture.

To get the look, use a small-barrel curling iron or a flat iron. Wrap small sections of hair around the barrel, leaving the ends out for a more relaxed finish. Alternate the direction of the curls to keep things natural-looking. Once you’re done curling, use your fingers (not a brush) to separate the waves and add a spritz of sea salt spray or dry texture spray for that beachy finish.

This style works great for chin-length bobs or longer pixie cuts and is perfect for both casual days and more dressed-up occasions.

The Slicked-Back Look

Want to go for something a little bold and fashion-forward? The slicked-back look is a statement style that’s both fierce and surprisingly easy to do. It’s great for a night out or when you want your makeup or outfit to take center stage.

Start with damp hair and apply a strong-hold gel or styling cream from the roots to the mid-lengths. Use a fine-tooth comb to slick the hair straight back away from your face. You can go fully slicked or leave a bit of volume at the crown for a more wearable version.

Finish with a blast of hairspray to lock everything in place. This style shows off your facial features and gives serious confidence vibes.

Accessorize It

When in doubt, accessorize! Hair accessories can turn a basic short haircut into a full-on look with zero effort. The best part? There are so many to choose from.

Try cute headbands for a playful vibe, or go for clips and barrettes to pin back sections of hair while adding sparkle or color. You can also use mini claw clips for a trendy, 90s-inspired feel. If your hair is long enough, tiny braids or twists secured with small elastics can add texture and interest.

Accessories are also perfect for those in-between hair days when your style isn’t cooperating. Just pop one on, and you’re good to go.

Messy Pixie with Edge

If you’ve got a pixie cut, don’t feel like you’re limited to just one look. A messy, tousled pixie can give you a fun, edgy style that’s full of personality.

To get this look, use a small amount of texturizing cream or pomade. Rub it between your palms and then run your hands through your hair, spiking and separating sections as you go. You can push the top forward, to the side, or even up, depending on what you’re going for.

This look is super low-maintenance and has a relaxed, rocker-chic vibe. Plus, it’s fast—perfect for busy mornings.