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50 Gorgeous Short Hairstyles for Women to Wear in 2021

Browse these stunning celebrity bobs, lobs, and more flattering cuts.

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With 2021 just around the corner, you might be looking for a fresh look to kick off the new year. Consider cutting your hair short, which celebrities like Jenna Dewan, Sandra Bullock, and Jada Pinkett Smith have been rocking recently. And according to pro hairstylists, the trend is here to stay.

Not only do short hairstyles add volume to your strands, but the haircut is also so low maintenance, giving you a red carpet look with half the time and effort. Whether you have thick, fine, curly, or straight hair, there's a short haircut that works best for you. Make a bold change this year with a pixie cut or blunt bangs, or try a subtle yet gorgeous look such as an angled bob or beachy waves. You can even elevate your short haircut with a trendy headband, braids, clips, and other cute hair accessories.

Because they're so versatile, short haircuts offer endless options for cutting and styling, including elegant bobs, choppy layers, edgy pixies, and loose curls. So, if 2021 is the year that you finally decide to go short, here's all of the inspiration you need.

1

Short Bob

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A chin-length bob frames the face, showing off your jawline and facial features. This low maintenance look worn by Cicely Tyson is so easy to style, and it works whether you have straight, fine, curly, or thick hair. You can also rock it with a middle part to add sleekness or a side part to add volume.

2

Subtle Flip

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Transport back in time with this flipped hairstyle seen on Margot Robbie. "I’m obsessed with '60s-inspired flipped out dos," says Joseph Maine, celebrity hair stylist and co-founder of Trademark Beauty. "It's easy to achieve and a great way to mix up your everyday bob." All you need to do is blow dry your strands and then run it through a flat iron while flipping the ends upward.

3

Half Up

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"Half up styles are here to stay, especially for short haired girls," Maine says of Mindy Kaling's look. "It's a great way to get a nice fox eye pull on your eyes and makes it easy to show off your winged liner." You can rock this style as straight or with curls, your choice!

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4

French Bob

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Channel your inner Emily in Paris with a French bob like Lucy Boynton. "A short blunt bob with a length best worn at the lips with a bang," says Amy Abramite, creative director, salon educator, and stylist at Maxine Salon in Chicago. "It opens the eyes, highlights the lips, and creates a stronger jawline."

5

Triple Top Knot

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"I love a triple bun because it allows girls with short hair to get all of their hair up without compromising style," Maine says or Taraji P. Henson's short hairstyle. "Everyone can create a simple bun and by assembling three in a row." The result? "You get a flirty style," he says.

6

Side-Parted Bob

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A side-parted bob, like Irina Shayk's, is timeless. To achieve the sleek look, as for your hairstylist to cut your strands just below the chin, without adding in layers. Blow dry your hair and part it deeply to the side. Then, run a flat iron through your strands while pulling the ends inward.

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7

Short and Shaved

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"It's been fun to see more women experiment with taking their hair ultra-short with a buzz cut," Maine says. The hairstylist says this short hairstyle worn by Amber Rose can really make a statement, especially when colored a non-natural tone. "It's a look that exudes confidence."

8

Bob with Side-Swept Bangs

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If you have fine hair like Cameron Diaz, a bob with side-swept bangs can definitely add some extra volume. Adding some loose curls with a curling iron can really elevate the look, adding thickness and body to this bob with side-swept bangs.

9

Cropped Curls

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Cropped curls are an ageless look that only get more elegant with time. Thanks to its short length and limited manageability, this look rocked by Vanessa Bell Calloway is practical and effortless for those who want to look red carpet ready, without the effort.

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10

Bob Box Braids

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A short, blunt cut with bob box braids hangs just below the chin, Abramite says. "The design line has no angle, so it sits parallel to the horizon," she explains of Amandla Stenberg's short hairstyle. "This creates weight at the bottom for a strong bob with swing that elongates the neck."

11

The Classic Ear Tuck

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Invite some volume into your short hairstyle with a deep side part paired with an ear tuck. To recreate Meghan King's look, side part your hair and loosely curl your strands. Then, tuck one side behind your ear and finish with hairspray. You can even add a clip for an extra elegant touch.

12

Short Shag

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Kerry Washington's short shag is another low-maintenance hairstyle. This light and airy layered haircut with short bangs draws attention to the eyes, Abramite says. "The sides of the shag are shorter by the ears to highlight the cheekbones and the back sits at the nape of the neck."

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13

Mini Fringe

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"This à la carte bang can be added to any short style for a reboot," Abramite says of Penelope Cruz's cute look. "It sits well above the eyebrows and has a curved concave design line that is shorter in the middle and longer toward the sides." This, she adds, opens up the brow bone and eyebrows, while making the eyes pop.

14

Choppy Layers

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If you have naturally fine hair, easily add some volume with choppy layers, like Luann de Lesseps's chic cut. Choppy layers can add breadth to your face, especially for those who have a naturally long or angular face.

15

The Orb

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Be as bold as Kate Hudson with an orb haircut. This hairstyle includes short, layered pieces with an undercut for maximum reduction weight, says Abramite. "The hair at the ears and the nape are closely tapered so the top lays smooth over the shorter pieces," she says. "It's great for thick curly hair to lighten and remove bulk for a slender style."

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16

Disconnected Bob

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A disconnected bob is timeless and flattering for every face shape, says Martino Cartier of Martino Cartier Salon. This cut involves using layers and graduation to create volume. Lisa Rinna has been rocking it for years!

17

Long Mohawk-Inspired Cut

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There are plenty of ways to rock a mohawk in 2021, but Cartier recommends a long mohawk-inspired cut, as worn by Rihanna. "This short look contrasts with the demure bob as it adds a more masculine touch and is more versatile," he says. To style, blow dry the top section of your hair back, and finish with hairspray.

18

Inverted Bob

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An inverted bob is back in style for 2021, Cartier says. Julianne Hough's classy short hairstyle features a shorter back that extends longer in the front, framing the chin. Plus, it's so low maintenance and can be easily styled with a flat iron or curling iron for cute day and night looks.

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19

Modern Curly Flicks

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"This modern cutesy cut is ideal for a low-maintenance look that keeps you looking youthful at any age," Cartier says of Alfre Woodard's curls. "Adding in some lighter highlights can enhance this and add depth to the haircut."

20

Blunt Collarbone Bob

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If you want to go short but not too short, consider Natalie Portman's blunt collarbone bob, which is a perfect everyday cut. "It's a super low-maintenance cut in which the hair is all one length and only slightly waved," Cartier says. "It's very wearable."

Headshot of Nicol Natale
Nicol Natale
Associate Editor

Currently an assistant editor at Prevention.com, Nicol is a Manhattan-based journalist who specializes in health, wellness, beauty, fashion, business, and lifestyle. Her work has appeared in Women’s Health, Good Housekeeping, Woman’s Day, Houston Chronicle, Business Insider, INSIDER, Everyday Health, and more. When Nicol isn't writing, she loves trying new workout classes, testing out the latest face mask, and traveling. Follow her on Instagram for the latest on health, wellness, and lifestyle.

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