How To Do Short Hairstyles? - Hair Style Inspirations

So, you’ve finally decided to try a short hairstyle? Bravo! Cutting your hair short is like breaking up with your comfort zone and let’s be honest, some of us really needed that breakup. But figuring out how to do short hairstyles without looking like you lost a dare? That’s a whole different ball game.

I’ve been there, standing in front of the mirror with scissors in hand, thinking, “How hard can this be?” (Spoiler: Harder than it looks.) So today, I’m going to walk you through the how-to of short hairstyles in a way that’s fun, easy, and doesn’t sound like a lecture from a hair school professor. Sounds good? Cool. Let’s chop it up.

Know Your Short Hair Goals

Before you start snipping or styling, you need to know what kind of short hairstyle you’re going for. Not all shortcuts are created equal, and trust me, you don’t want to end up with a “grandma bob” when you were aiming for “edgy pixie queen.”

Popular Short Hair Looks to Consider:

Pixie Cut – Bold, low-maintenance, and FYI, not just for celebrities.
Bob – From blunt to asymmetrical, there’s a version for every face shape.
Lob (Long Bob) – Still short, but you can tuck it behind your ears without crying.
Shaggy Cut – Perfect for that “I woke up like this” vibe.
Buzz Cut – If you’re feeling fearless (and maybe over hair in general).

Tip: If you’re not sure, try a virtual hairstyle app first. No regrets that way.

Prepping for Short Hair Success

Alright, before you start playing hairstylist, let’s talk prep. You wouldn’t paint a wall without primer, right? (Okay, bad example some of us would. But don’t do it with your hair.)

Things You’ll Need:

A good pair of haircutting scissors (NOT kitchen scissors, Karen).
A spray bottle filled with water to dampen your hair.
Clips to section things off like a pro.
A mirror setup where you can see the back of your head. No surprises, please.

Pro Move: Always cut a little less than you think. You can take more off later, but you can’t glue it back on. Unless you’re into wigs.

How To Actually Do the Hairstyle (Without Screaming)

Now we’re getting to the good part. Here’s how to create short hairstyles at home whether you’re cutting or styling, this section has your back.

Cutting a Simple Bob or Lob

Step-by-Step:

Dampen your hair lightly, don’t soak it.
Part your hair in the middle, then section it into 4 parts.
Decide how short you want it. Then cut half an inch longer than that.
Work from the back to the front, trimming in straight lines.
Check the sides for even length. No one wants the “oops, my left side is longer” look.

Bold Tip: If you’re a newbie, start with a lob. It’s way more forgiving than a jawline-length bob.

H2: Styling a Pixie Cut

Don’t worry you don’t need a salon blowout to rock a pixie.

Tools You’ll Love:

Texturizing spray for volume
Pomade or wax for separation and hold
Flat iron (mini) for edge control

How-To:

Towel dry your hair and run a bit of wax through the roots.
Scrunch and lift the top for a messy, fun texture.
Use a mini flat iron to tame stubborn strands.

Ever wondered why pixies look so dang cool? It’s because they’re all about attitude. Own it.

Add Layers, Texture & Volume (The Fun Stuff)

If your short hair feels a little meh, it might be begging for some texture. No, you don’t need to become a layering wizard, but a little zhuzh never hurt anyone.

Easy Tricks:

Use a razor (gently!) to add texture at the ends.
Curl just the tips of your bob with a flat iron for bounce.
Try dry shampoo even on clean hair—hello, instant volume.

IMO, the best short hairstyles always have a bit of “I didn’t try too hard” energy. Even if you totally did.

Short Hair Maintenance: AKA, Keep It Cute

Okay, real talk: short hair is not maintenance-free. Whoever started that rumor clearly didn’t deal with awkward grow-out stages.

Keep Your Style Sharp:

Trim every 4–6 weeks to avoid shapeless chaos.
Use a color-protecting shampoo if you dye your hair.
Dry with a round brush to keep volume without frizz.

And yes, sometimes you wake up with a hedgehog head. That’s normal. Wet it, style it, move on with your day.

Common Mistakes (So You Can Avoid Them)

Let me save you some heartbreak. Been there, chopped that.

Rookie Mistakes:

Cutting your hair while it’s soaking wet it dries shorter. A lot shorter.
Using cheap scissors. They’ll leave you with choppy, uneven edges.
Skipping the mirror check for the back. Always check the back. Always.

And don’t let a YouTube tutorial convince you you’re an instant pro. They edit out the panic moments. Just saying.

Final Thoughts: You Got This (No Really, You Do)

So, that’s the lowdown on how to do short hairstyles without losing your mind or your style. Whether you’re going full pixie or rocking a chic bob, just remember: confidence is your best product.

Short hair can be fierce, soft, edgy, sweet or all of the above, depending on how you style it. Try new looks, play with texture, and don’t be afraid to mess up. Hair grows back (thankfully), and you’ll learn more with every attempt.

Now grab those scissors, styling tools, or just your brave energy—and get to it. You’re gonna slay.