Short hairstyles that will stun you

A beautiful short hairstyle can say a million different things — it can say confident and sexy, or smart and chic, or laid back and playful. No matter what it is you’re going for, a short hairstyle can be seriously stunning if it’s done right. Which is why I spoke with four stylists on how to find the best short style for you and what you need to know. See what they have to say along with a little celebrity style inspiration along the way.

If you’re looking to achieve a flawless choppy lob, it’s all about communication with the stylist before diving into the cut. “It can be worn by mostly any face shape because you can vary the length of the layers or the bottom length that’s right for each client and still achieve the choppy look,” explains celebrity stylist Vigi. She suggests bringing in a picture and discussing with your stylist based on the texture and face shape you’re working with before fully committing to the cut.

Celebrity stylist Toth explains that choppy lobs are great for women with heart-shaped faces because it can add balance with a pointier chin. It is important to note that this cut can be pretty high maintenance, requiring more salon visits “in order to prevent their cool choppy ends from becoming shapeless split end,” Toth claims. But if that doesn’t bother you, this cut can be a perfect entryway to short hairstyles. “A woman who is flirting with going short but doesn’t want to fully commit — this cut gives you an elegant shape,” explains KMS California Global Style Council member Simon Miller.

This casual, carefree look, as Vigi explains it, works best for women with round, oval, square and heart-shaped faces. “The cut typically comes down to about an inch under the chin and is ideal for someone who wants to balance their slightly wide or round face shape,” Toth further explains. Texture-wise, thicker hair is better to work with for this look. The more hair, the more dimension that can be created with the layers. Add a little undone volume, add Nexxus Exxpand Volumizing Whip and run your fingers through.

This fun, abnormal cut is a great option for women with long or oval-shaped faces, but not ideal for round faces. “The shorter side of the bob can sometimes make a round face look even wider.” Explains Toth. This style is perfect for a woman who is looking for a statement cut, but wants to keep a it more playful than a sleek, blunt bob. “I think the asymmetry in a bob provides the same amount of appeal and drama as a deep side part does for a red carpet event and can actually add a very feminine touch to the style,” says celeb stylist Toth. Blowdry the ends curled under just slightly like Rosamund Pike’s to frame the face and emphasis the different lengths on each side.

“Bangs are a great addition to a bob when you have a long face shape,” explains celeb stylist Toth. “They will literally shorten your face.” stylist Miller notes that if you’ve never had bangs before, it takes some time to for your hair to adjust and get used to the style. So don’t get frustrated if your hair doesn’t immediately look as flawless as Katie Holmes. Also, do not put product in your bangs. “They will absorb the natural oils from your face throughout the day,” explains Miller. So if you need, dry shampoo would be the only product to use on them. Even then, use sparingly.

To really nail this edgy, undercut, razed style, hair color is actually more important that the face shape. “When the color of the pompadour is similar to the color of your skin tone, the hair becomes a visual extension of your face and actually elongates it — which can be very flattering,” stylist Toth explains. “When the color of the pompadour is completely different from the color of your skin tone, the hair style looks like it was just plopped on top of your head and appears kind of silly instead of chic.” Also, the close cut will show any roots that grow out immediately. So you’ll want to stay on top of your color. This cool look also is the hardest to grow out. So if you’re looking to make this dramatic change, just make note of the work that goes in to making it as flawless as Scarlett Johansson’s.

“Oval faces with strong features are best suited for a pixie cut,” explains Mascolo, creative director of TONI&GUY — and all the other stylists I spoke to agreed. According to Mascolo, the women who chose to go with this style “are a little more daring with their style.” Multiple stylists also note that just because it’s less hair, doesn’t mean it’s less work. “It may seem more low- maintenance than a long or mid-length hair cut,” says Mascolo. “But it still requires work to make it look exactly the way you want it.” And Toth tells clients “while they might be spending less time styling their hair, they will probably end up spending a smidge more time on their makeup because a pixie brings out all your facial features.” With this type of Kaley Cuoco style, wax and/or pomade are your best friends. Just make sure rub into the palm of your hands to loosen up before styling to avoid crunchy strands.

Once again, baby bangs prove a gorgeous style on short hair. Ones like these worn by Mara Rooney are incredibly easy to style. Fletcher recommends a BB crème such as Pantene Pro-V Ultimate 10 BB Crème Beauty Balm for Hair. “It will give your baby bangs a smooth pliable finish,” she explains. Also, like most bangs, it’s important to keep up with the cut and get them trimmed every week or two to keep them looking fresh and sleek.

“This will bring instant edge to any look,” says Fletcher. She further explains that if you’re daring enough, it’s incredibly versatile and easy to style. For a messy look, turn to a texture spray. For a smoother more sleek look, use an oil like the Kerastase Elixie Ultime Nourishing Hair Oil. Although it is easy to style, you do have to keep up regular hair cuts to maintain the clean, desired style.

“This works best for someone who is daring and risk-taking,” Toth tells me. “Especially if there is some rainbow color added to them.” However, before you dive in, it’s important to know that it’s an incredibly high- maintenance cut. Toth explains that the lines need to be created at least once a week or else they’ll grow out. “In other words it’s a very dramatic look that will either grow out or need upkeep within a week.”