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27 Short WOC-Friendly Hairstyles for Summer

Because short hair will never go out of style.

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Roy Rochlin//Getty Images

Back in 2009, I chopped off all my hair and never looked back. Sure, I attempted to grow it back out once or twice, but honestly...I never feel like myself with longer styles. There’s simply something so unapologetic about facing life all without any hair covering your face. The long story short? I collected 27 pictures of celebs with short styles that will inspire you cut it all off — or at least try something new.

1

Zoë Kravitz

EE British Academy Film Awards 2020 - Red Carpet Arrivals
Jeff Spicer//Getty Images

The petite actress is equal parts known for her razor-sharp cheekbones (Thanks Lisa and Lenny), acting chops, and super chic pixie cut.

2

Yara Shahidi

51st NAACP Image Awards - Arrivals
Aaron J. Thornton//Getty Images

When it comes to experimenting with her hair, Yara likes to switch it up. This curly bob with a bang is perfect for naturalistas ready to let go of some length.

3

Cynthia Erivo

American Black Film Festival Honors Awards Ceremony - Arrivals
Leon Bennett//Getty Images

Oh hello blonde bombshell! A closely-cropped cut like Cynthia Erivo's is the perfect time to start testing out new colors. Just get ready to spend a bit more time in the salon for upkeep.

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4

Willow Smith

Premiere Of Disney's "Aladdin" - Arrivals
Rich Fury//Getty Images

At the tender age of 12, Willow boldly shaved her head so she is no stranger to the "short hair, don't care" club. Her baby locs look super stylish pulled into a high pony for the red carpet.

5

Jennifer Hudson

"Cats" World Premiere
Roy Rochlin//Getty Images

A blunt cut bob like Jennifer Hudson's is always a good idea. Plus, her color with subtle blonde highlights is a beauty *chef's kiss*.

6

Jada Pinkett-Smith

Paramount Pictures' Premiere Of "Gemini Man" - Arrivals
Gregg DeGuire//Getty Images

Like mother like daughter, Jada's hair transformation history is impressive. We might be biased but Mrs. Smith knows how to slay a short style.

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7

Issa Rae

HERstory presented by Our Stories to Tell
Michael Loccisano//Getty Images

HBO's favorite funny woman has the auburn color game on lock. Her natural texture is also enhanced by this layer bob cut.

8

Tamar Braxton

PrettyLittleThing x Karl Kani - Arrivals
David Livingston//Getty Images

After years of rocking wigs and weaves, singer Tamar Braxton decided it was time for a big change — and a big chop.

9

Marsai Martin

Premiere Of Disney's "Mulan" - Arrivals
Gregg DeGuire//Getty Images

Yes queen! "Black-ish" star Marsai Martin switched it up on all of us with a sleek, Asian-inspired bob for Disney's "Mulan" premiere and we are O-B-S-E-S-S-E-D.

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10

Teyana Taylor

Lanvin : Front Row - Paris Fashion Week Womenswear Fall/Winter 2020/2021
Pascal Le Segretain//Getty Images

It's no secret that Teyana loves her collection of fabulous wigs, but her features really pop when she rocks a closely-cropped style.

11

Amandla Stenberg

2020 Vanity Fair Oscar Party Hosted By Radhika Jones - Arrivals
Frazer Harrison//Getty Images

Want the look of a bob without having to grab the scissors? Try a braided bob with extensions like Amandla. Bonus points for a fierce shade switch-up.

12

Logan Browning

The National Women's History Museum's 8th Annual Women Making History Awards
Jean Baptiste Lacroix//Getty Images

In between rocking protective styles (like faux locs for season three of "Dear White People"), Logan showcases her natural texture in a layered curly cut.

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13

Tika Sumpter

13th Annual Essence Black Women In Hollywood Awards Luncheon
Jon Kopaloff//Getty Images

Don't call it a comeback, Bantu knots are an easy styling option for both shorter and longer styles.

14

Lashana Lynch

2020 Vanity Fair Oscar Party Hosted By Radhika Jones - Arrivals
Frazer Harrison//Getty Images

British actress (and soon to be 007 star) Lashana Lynch credits director Melina Matsoukas for giving her the confidence to cut her hair for a TV role. We think she's never looks better.

15

Jodie Turner-Smith

Academy Of Motion Picture Arts And Sciences' 11th Annual Governors Awards - Arrivals
Steve Granitz//Getty Images

This #TBT look is certainly worth bookmarking. It's an edgy, old-school look that feels fresh and modern on the mom-to-be.

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16

Tia Mowry

Celebrities Visit Build - February 4, 2020
Manny Carabel//Getty Images

After years of shoulder-length styles and longer, actress and entrepreneur Tia Mowry decided "it's time" to go short. And from the looks of her IG page, she seems not to regret it one bit.

17

Kerry Washington

77th Annual Golden Globe Awards - Arrivals
George Pimentel//Getty Images

When Kerry pulls up at the function 8 times out of 10, she's rocking a fresh bob guaranteed to put her on a "Best Beauty Look" list.

18

Anika Noni Rose

"Assassination Nation" New York Screening
Dimitrios Kambouris//Getty Images

Cropped sides with a more voluminous top will elongate your face and help you fake a little height.

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19

Kelela

Mugler : Front Row -  Paris Fashion Week - Womenswear Spring Summer 2020
Peter White//Getty Images

Want to play around with the big chop but not go all the way? Try shaving your sides like Kelela —and accent with a major earring.

20

Lolly Adefope

Virgin Media British Academy Television Awards 2019 - Press Room
Karwai Tang//Getty Images

Simple, chic, and straightforward, it doesn't get better than a classic 'fro like stand-up comedian, Lolly Adefope's natural look.

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