One of the most common misconceptions about short hair is how time-consuming styling and upkeep can be. Turns out it’s a myth as old as time, and we’re here to put an end to it. Just like some long hairstyles can look lifeless when not styled, so too can shorter hair. But opting for a shorter style doesn’t mean you’ll be glued to your stylist’s chair every week. In fact, the right low-maintenance short haircut for you will depend a lot on your texture, the condition of your hair, and your lifestyle. For instance, if you have very curly hair, then opting for a sleek bob will require a lot of heat and therefore way more in-salon treatments to repair and restore your strands.
"Every head of hair is different, so it’s important to have a thorough consultation with your stylist on the easiest upkeep for you," advises Adam Reed, UK editorial ambassador for L’Oréal Professionnel. "There are many considerations for a low-maintenance look and techniques that your stylist can achieve for any length you desire."
Of all the short haircuts to consider, the easiest to maintain is actually a textured long bob—also known as a lob. As the style grows out, the long layers won’t fall awkwardly and will naturally shift into a mid-length look. "Adding in layers is an easy way to keep a look fresh," says Reed. "A bob can be very versatile, as there are so many variations as it grows out, and it is easy to add in texture to the shape to reduce any weight as the look grows."
Want to go for something even shorter? "The laid-back pixie cut is the perfect cut for those who are looking for something different after lockdown. Think soft, air-dried, alluring, effortless, and super cool for this cut," says Sam Ashcroft stylist at Brooks and Brooks London. "The laid-back pixie is a sister style of the shag cut; it’s layered and structured, but at the same time, minimal product and styling are used, and it relies entirely on the natural texture. The cut will evolve over time as it grows out, and you should enjoy the different phases that come with it."
Product-wise, it's all about keeping hair healthy to ensure your cut stays looking fresh without too much intervention. "My biggest piece of advice in keeping hair looking fresh is to use products as a preventative and to continuously nourish and maintain hair health," says Reed. "I love a deeply hydrating and protecting mask, like the L’Oréal Professionnel Absolut Repair Mask, which is packed with quinoa for a boost of protein and protection for damaged hair."
Ahead, keep scrolling for the best low-maintenance short haircuts. You'll be itching to chop your hair off in no time.
If you have curls, play with the natural texture of your hair to add endless variety to your shorter style.
One-length bob for the win. For this style to be low-maintenance, it suits straighter textures.
A sleek, chin-length bob is always a classic look.
With this mid-length style, there's no awkward growing-out phase.
With a bob this short, opting out of layers is best to avoid having to hide any tricky regrowth.
If you have naturally thick hair, then cutting in hidden layers will remove weight from the ends and make your short style look tapered. Chic.
We're calling—the shag haircut is still going to be a huge trend in 2023, and a shag fringe is the easiest kind to grow out.
A short cut without a defined parting has a laid-back feel.
A shoulder-skimming bob will grow out into a great mid-length look if you keep your layers longer.
If you need any more convincing that a one-length bob is for you, here you go. It's also so stylish when pulled back into a ponytail.
If you have finer hair, then keeping the ends of your short cut blunt will help your hair look fuller and thicker.
Keeping the hair that frames your face slightly longer helps to extend the lifespan of a short cut.
Who doesn't love a wash-and-go style? If you're growing out a TWA—that's a teeny-weeny afro—then there's no awkward in-between stage when your kinks and coils are healthy and hydrated.
Embracing your wavy texture will give your short style a laid-back yet luxurious feel.
If in doubt, sleek it out. An easy option for playing with any difficult short layers.
Fringe not playing ball? No sweat. Just sweep it over for a relaxed, deep side parting. Use a flexible hair spray to hold it in place.
Tuck and pin back the front section of your hair to hide any layers or fringes that are growing out.
A blunt cut with a shaggy fringe is always a winning combo.
Keep curls hydrated for springy curl definition in this shorter style.
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