You’ve heard about the infamous “Mom Cut.” But there’s nothing cliché about going short for style’s sake. Bonus points, of course, for the fact that a short ‘do makes getting ready a simpler, quicker process. Goodness knows you’ll take any extra minutes you can in the morning.
Bottom line: Short hair isn’t always about falling prey to some sort of mom underworld where dowdy is the preferred look and simply trying falls by the wayside. If anything, these short styles make life easier in multiple ways—they’re chic, effortless, and classic all at once. Here, twenty short hairstyles that may even tempt you to chop off those long locks.
More Hairstyles for Moms:
- 31 Easy Ways to Put Your Hair Up That Aren’t a Ponytail
- 6 Chic & Easy Braids You Can Do Yourself
- 20 Medium Length Haircuts That Are Easy to Maintain
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Short Easy Haircuts
You’ve heard about the infamous “Mom Cut,” of course. But there’s nothing cliché about going short for style’s sake.
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Side Braid
A style like this is a chic reminder that a little creativity goes a long way. Instead of simply tucking your hair behind your ear, add a small braid along the side—and don’t be afraid to show off a bold earring!
Image credit and full tutorial: Brit + Co.
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Gentle Waves
A large barrel curling iron will help you achieve this ethereal look that’s punctuated by light, airy waves. This is such a soft, effortless style that you won’t even need much product—a spritz of light hold hairspray will lock it in without any stickiness.
Image credit: Instagram/@caitfin
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Half Bun
Maybe you’re in that awkward growing out stage—your hair is still short, but long enough to play with a bit more. Enter the half bun, which is purely playful, great for errand runs, and a little more pulled together than a ponytail.
Image credit and full tutorial: YouTube
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Half Up
Bobby pins and volume are all you need to achieve this charming style that evokes a hint of retro appeal, yet also offers a fresh approach to the usual half up/half down hairstyle. Feel free to dress it up with a sparkling clip.
Image credit and full tutorial: YouTube
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Headband Braid
Forget the actual accessories—you have everything you need right there. This is a great way to conceal growing-out bangs or give your short hair a refreshed look. Begin on one side and plait your braid to the other, finishing behind your ear.
Image credit: Instagram/@shorthairphotos
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Messy Bun
The long revered messy bun has a reputation for being both classy and casual—it’s one of the few styles you can rock at the office and on date night. And believe it or not, you can make it happen even if you have a short bob.
Image credit and full tutorial: YouTube
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Messy Curls
It just doesn’t get simpler than this—and who said you can’t rock curls with short hair, anyway? Even with hair that falls just above the shoulder, you can go glamorous with a little help from a curling wand, hairbrush, and texturing hairspray.
Image credit and full tutorial: Girl Loves Glam
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Messy Waves
Grab your flat iron, ladies—that’s the only tool you need to achieve this effortless hairstyle. A few simple twists and turns, a little product, and voila: You’ve got yourself a go-to everyday look.
Image credit and full tutorial: YouTube
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Perfect Pixie
Pixie cuts are inherently charming. There’s something coy, girlish, and chic about them, and yet they also look undeniably sexy. Here’s an easy way to give your pixie a little update, courtesy of some dry shampoo, a flat iron, and some styling wax.
Image credit and full tutorial: A Beautiful Mess
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Relaxed Chignon
You always hear about this mysteriously chic chignon that only the world’s most glamorous women somehow pull off with ease. Throw yourself into that crowd, too—even bob-length hair like this pulls back easily. Secure with bobby pins and go.
Image credit: Instagram/@zanitazanita
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Rolled Bun
Ideal for hair that’s on the longer side of short, the rolled bun is one of the quickest and simplest styles to achieve. All you need to do is tease your roots a bit, toss it into a low ponytail, and twist the tail over and above. It’s cute and speedy—perfect!
Image credit and full tutorial: YouTube
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Simple Wrap
There’s so much a wrap can do, not the least of which is conceal a bad hair day. But this particular take on the look is all about style. Grab your favorite statement-making scarf and give your short ‘do a little fashion makeover.
Image credit and full tutorial: A Beautiful Mess
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Textured Bob
If you request a textured bob from your stylist, hopefully you’ll end up with something very similar to this amazing look. To score this look, apply mousse to damp hair, scrunch, and go on with your day. Easy, indeed.
Image credit: Instagram/@emilywweiss
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Back Comb
Perhaps the easiest style technique for short hair of all, back combing is an age-old tradition that’s still very much relevant today. And whether you’re aiming for a seriously old-school bouffant or something a bit more subdued, you’ll love the end result.
Image credit and full tutorial: Brit + Co.
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Beachy Waves
Who doesn’t love beachy waves? This is the ideal vacation look—and it’s so relaxed and carefree, you’ll automatically smile every time you catch a glimpse of yourself in the mirror.
Image credit and full tutorial: YouTube
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Brilliant Bouffant
The retro-inspired bouffant is typically associated with longer hair, but this look is surprisingly easy to pull off even on those with shorter manes. All you need is a headband and bobby pins.
Image credit and full tutorial: Brit + Co.
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Chic Bob
Light, face-framing bangs and layers make this the perfect summery hairstyle. It’s simple to style, quick to dry, and perfect for those crazy mornings. And the fact that you can add a headband to the look only amplifies its appeal.
Image credit: Instagram/@tannisha
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Classic Bangs
If you want to shake things up a bit, give your short cut a little extra dimension with bangs. This choppy look is so fresh and youthful, yet also exudes a certain posh quality. It’s at once simple and elegant.
Image credit: Instagram/@seaofshoes
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Edgy Casual
A look that’s at once relaxed and a little dramatic is perfect for everyday. This style is easily achieved with a flat iron and some wax to give sections a piecey, slightly roughed up appearance.
Image credit: Instagram/@shorthairphotos
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French Twist
A French twist…with short hair? Oh, yes, you can. In just a few swift moves, you can achieve a look that’s typically reserved for much longer hair. It’s amazing how simple it is to make this style your own.
Image credit and full tutorial: YouTube
