The Best Short Hair Styles Of 2021 - The List (2023)

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ByLouisa Marshall/March 15, 2021 11:56 am EDT

What are the best short hair styles of 2021? Raise your hand if you've thought about the arduous task of washing your hair, only to say to yourself, "I'm just going to cut all of it off." We've all been there, when we just can't look at a curling wand one more time. So why not take the plunge and get a short hair cut?

With short hair comes a little bit of fear — is it going to look good with my face shape? Do I have the texture for short hair? What if I absolutely hate it? These are genuinely good questions to ask, because not every short hair style should be treated equally. Some people just know that a bob haircut would make them look like Lord Farquaad, others know that a mullet style would just be bad on every level.

If you're feeling a bit lost when it comes to short hair, don't worry: weuncovered every stone to figure out what the best short hair styles of 2021 are. So get ready to show inspiration photos next time you're in the salon chair, because one of these best short hair styles of the year is for you.

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You heard it here: the mullet is the look for 2021. We're not kidding, the Billy Ray Cyrus look is making a huge comeback thanks in part to his daughter — we're looking at you, Miley Cyrus — and the versatility of the look. "The modern mullet is only going to get bigger in 2021," said Tony Copeland, British Master Barbers Alliance's co-founder (via The Guardian) and he's right. The mullet has been popping up everywhere, with pop culture icons and musicians adopting the look. Figures like Rihanna, Troye Sivan, Maisie Williams, and Billie Eilish have all rocked the mullet lately. In fact, the Google search "how to cut a mullet" grew by 1,124 percent during the coronavirus lockdown.

So what is it about this look that's garnering so much positive attention? Hair stylist Sally Hershberger told Allure that the look is really flattering to the face, since the style creates face framing locks. Fellow stylist Bryce Scarlett echoed the sentiment, saying that a "less severe version" of the mullet is a great way to evoke the '80s without going full David Bowie.

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We all wish that traveling was an option, and if we could choose one place to go to, it would be Paris. The lights, the Eiffel Tower, the fashion, the food — Paris screams magic, there's no doubt about it. But with travel still limited in 2021, the closest thing you can get to Paris is a short haircut inspired by the city — and it won't disappoint.

As noted by Who What Wear, the extra short bob hair style will absolutely take over in 2021. It's sleek, sophisticated, easy to maintain, and just has that element of Parisian chic that we all want. The extra short bob is very versatile, too. You can opt for a straightener and give it that polished look, or you can leave it to air dry so your locks look soft and casual.

French hair stylist Rudy Martins told Who What Wear that most French girls had this exact hair cut when they were young, and it's making a major comeback. "While the cut has a sweet and innocent touch, it's also innately cool without trying too hard," Martins explained.

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The pixie cut is timeless — and it just so happens to be one of the best short hair style options for 2021. As noted by Allure, the trendy pixie cut for the year exists somewhere in between super short and grown out; the "brow-grazing length" is taking the world by storm and it's really not hard to understand why. "The pixie is forever a classic because there are so many variations," hair stylist Jasmine Ashley shared. "Most clients are going less 'bangy' and more flirty short cuts with a flare."

Fellow stylist Glenn Ellis said that the low-maintenance aspect of the pixie cut is another reason for its soaring popularity, because where there's a pixie, there's no blow dryer."All my clients call this the 'wash and go' haircut because you can leave the house with it wet and it dries perfectly on its own," Ellis said. Sign us up. But be forewarned, the pixie could have lasting impacts on your makeup and earring selection, because according toHarper's Bazaar, the pixie cut demands to be shown off.

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Sometimes you need a short hair style that's in between shoulder length and pixie cut; not everyone is ready to take a pair of clippers to the back of their neck so quickly, so if you're feeling a bit hesitant about short hair, this is the look for you. According toWho What Wear,old school '50s hair is making a huge comeback in 2021. It's trendy, it's timeless, and it's evocative of Old Hollywood. Who doesn't want that?

This short hair style does come with a little more maintenance than others, but that's ok if you're willing to go for the look. And don't be overwhelmed either, because while you'll have to bust out your curling wand, the look is easier to create than you think. As noted by Refinery29, you'll want to start by sectioning off your hair before using a one inch barrel curling iron. Curl your hair towards your face, spray it with some hairspray, then let it fall into place. Once you've made your way around the entire head, brush out the curls and style accordingly. Don't worry, you got this.

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Not all bobs are created equal — it's the rule of thumb when opting for a cropped look. As noted by Elle, the blunt, choppy style bob is in, and although it got its start on the hair style scene in 1909, it's still just as relevant as ever. If you think that a bob is for you — but the Parisian look isn't your vibe — opt for the "blunt and bouncy" bob that features a "deep sweep." We'll explain.

This style "can hit at the jaw or longest mid-neck depending on how brave you are and the texture and density of your hair," hair stylist Sunnie Brook Jones told Allure. The crop look also will give you that flirty energy only a bob can, while also not making you look like Johnny Depp's Willy Wonka. Stylist Clariss Rubenstein also told Allure that people going for this look should go for a "heavy weight line" at the ends of the hair. "It should be nice and blunt at the bottom," she revealed. Elevate this look with some bangs or even just your natural hair texture, and you'll be set for 2021.

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This short hair style really takes some guts, but we think everyone should give it a go at least once. As noted by Glamour, the buzz cut is in for 2021 because of its ability to highlight gorgeous bone structures that are often hidden away by a ton of hair. Celebrities like Halsey, Tiffany Haddish, and Ruby Rose have all opted for the look, and they all look stunning. Hair stylist Derick Monroe told Allure that opting for the buzz cut is a great way to bring an edginess to your look "without having to worry about the maintenance that comes with color and blowouts."

But with this ultra-short look comes with some necessary maintenance. Monroe said that even though you have super, super short hair, your scalp and roots still need attention. "Condition the hair and scalp as though you have a full head of tresses so that as your hair grows out, it will be well-nourished," he continued. So don't think that luxurious hair products are only for those with a ton of locks. Every scalp needs nourishment and care.

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When it comes to short hair, the slightest centimeter of hair or change in layering can make all the difference. There are a couple different options: the Parisian bob, the blunt cut, the buzz cut. But if you're wanting to switch things up for your hair, while still keeping it on the longer side of short, go for a chin length look in 2021.

According toRefinery29, celebrities like Nicole Scherzinger and Yara Shahidi have rocked the look — often known as a "lob" — and it's not hard to understand why: chin length hair has a lot of versatility. It can be super structured and neat, or it can highlight the hair's natural texture. Philippe Depeyrot, the co-founder of Salon Bisoux in Washington, D.C., told Allure that the look is one of his favorites because it not only works for people with a lot of hair, but that it's a great go-to if your hair's volume is thin."It's great if you have fine hair because it gives the illusion of fuller hair," he explained. "It's also very versatile because you can make it edgy or classic and it works with a fringe."

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Here's where things get really interesting when it comes to what particular bob you choose for 2021. If you really want to shake things up and go for a look that's daring and new, go for the asymmetrical bob.As seen on celebrities like Kerry Washington and Taraji P. Henson, the asymmetrical bob is a great twist on a classic look, and it's sure to make you and your hair stand out from the crowd."This cut works for all face types," hair stylist Philippe Depeyrot told Allure. "It has been a really popular cut. I did two different versions of this cut today alone."

Fellow hair stylist Andrew Fitzsimons echoed the sentiment, saying that the asymmetrical bob is not only popular because of its cut, but because of its versatility. "The great thing about bobs ... is that they look good on a variety of hair types and textures," he shared. "The asymmetrical bob is cut shorter in length in the back and longer in the front — or, for an edgier look, longer on one side than the other." So if edge is your thing, this is the look for you.

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If you really want to switch things up for your hair in 2021, go for a short hair cut with bangs. Bangs are not like they were when we were '90s kids wearing turtlenecks and ill-fitting jeans, but are the perfect addition to any short hair cut.

According toGlamour, celebrities like Ciara have opted for the look, and actresses including Kat Graham have pulled the style off effortlessly. And we promise you that bangs won't do you dirty, nor will they look like you cut them yourself with a pair of scissors. All you have to do is go to a stylist.

According to celebrity hair stylist Marcus Francis and Virtue brand ambassador and stylist Nicola Clarke, a short hair cut and bangs "go together like coffee and oat milk." They told Byrdie that the look "works great if you've got thick hair — wavy or straight — since it will remove some weight and add movement." They also said that they are very into "how both bob and bangs work together to frame the face gorgeously." So you heard it here. Get bangs.

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This was a term that we weren't even familiar with, but now we feel enlightened. If you're wanting to get rid of your hair but just can't seem to pull the trigger, then the "big chop" is for you. "The one thing that many folks are looking forward to doing is cutting off some hair," hair stylist Christin Brown told Allure. "Whether it's going from long lengths to a shag or even a pixie, people are ready to let it go."

And how are they doing that? By getting the "big chop," a look that's longer on the top and tapered down on the sides and back.It's a perfect in-between look if you're not ready to commit to a pixie or a buzzcut, and according to Brown, it looks great on everyone. "A nice amount of my clients this year went with big chopping their hair to either a pixie or a tapered look," she added. "Both look incredible ... and [are] so liberating." Brown's warning? Work with a stylist to create the best look for your face shape.

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When you flip through fashion magazines or scroll through Vogue's Instagram, it's likely that you've come across a slicked back short hair look. Described as "editorial," the slicked back look is daring, bold, and very expository — nothing highlights your face or bone structure quite like short hair that's perfectly glued down to your head (don't use Gorilla Glue, though).

As noted by Who What Wear, the slicked back short hair look — that's been seen on a number of celebrities, including Halsey — is in for 2021, and it's really not hard to understand why. The look is not only "so low effort," but it's both edgy and sophisticated. There's certainly an air of "don't mess with me" with slicked back hair, and we love the look, to be honest.

Thinking that this is the short style for you? Then opt for a couple products suggested by Vogue. The matte pomade from Ouai has been used by the likes of Bella Hadid to create the slicked back look, and the Oribe gel serum is another good go-to.

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The rest of 2021 is looking like it's going to be the year for short hair. Whether you want to go for the blunt cut — whichGlamourcalls the effortless look that's perfect if you want to tuck your hair behind your ears — or the messy, curly shag look, there are a lot of short hair options. We personally love the curly, messy shag that's taking 2021 by storm. The style is perfect on a lot of levels — the effortless vibe, the volume, the bangs — it's a win.

Hair artist Kari Bennett told Byrdie that celebrities including Alanna Arrington and Zendaya have pulled this look off so well, and it's sure to make a splash in 2021. "I've seen some amazing curly hair shags that are very soft and wispy," Bennett said. Her trick? "Make sure you dry it thoroughly — to keep volume at the scalp — and use your styling product to show off the texture."

If you're not convinced that short hair is for you, just remember: no more dry shampoo.