Have you noticed how Instagram is covered with images of long, wavy, usually balayaged hair these days….? But what if you don’t want long hair? What if you don’t have time to wash, dry, and style it, or your hair just Never. Gets. Past. A. Certain. Length, no matter how hard you try?
Short, cropped hair can not only look stunning but also emphasize the most beautiful of faces, instead of drowning features in long, long hair. If you’ve ever considered the big chop, let me introduce you to the best options to consider.
Ideas of Short Haircuts for Women in 2023
It’s true that short hairstyles are more high maintenance and in the long run, more expensive, as you will need to visit your hair stylist around every 6-8weeks to ensure your cut is looking fresh. However, they do wonders adding the illusion of fullness to your locks and make an excellent tool to contour your face and highlight your best features. These are some of the main reasons to cut long hair short, by the way. Check out some of the best cropped hairstyles to find a winning idea to try in 2023.
1. Short Layered Pixie
A pixie cut is a short, cropped hairstyle which is short on the back and sides of the head and slightly longer on the top. The name is derived from the mythological pixie (think Tinkerbelle). A pixie cut tends to have a lot of texture and wax is your best friend if this is your chosen style.
Instagram / @jeanclaudeelmoughayar
2. Asymmetrical Crop
Asymmetrical cuts are edgy and cool and are definitely a head turner. They are basically an uneven (or wonky if you will) haircut with one side longer than the other. A great style for someone with style!
Instagram / @salsalhair
3. Shaved Undercut Pixie
Any hairstyle that involves an undercut receives a round of applause from me. Why? Because it shows bravery and sassiness. However, having an undercut actually makes your hairstyles much more low maintenance.
Instagram / @joeltorresstyle
4. Disconnected Pixie Cut
This style is the definition of style. Suitable for any hair type or density, you just need to add the right amount of root lifting product and texturizing pomade and you are ready for anything.
Instagram / @prettypeople_bykatie
5. Buzz Cut
Not for the faint hearted, but wow what a statement this cut can make! So many celebrities have shocked and stunned us with this cut and once we’ve got over the initial shock are obsessed! Even better still, if you scalp bleach and add a bespoke color – the world is your oyster.
Instagram / @bleachedandblown
6. Pixie Shag
The perfect hairstyle for someone with short lifeless hair. Will you wake up in the morning with it looking amazing? No. But with the right use of product, you can make that fine lank hair look fab. You can also get away with this fab cut whether you are a tom boy, or a girly girl.
Instagram / @julepdoeshair
7. Micro Bangs
Bangs (or a fringe as they are also known) can really define a style. Gone are the years of people wanting their bangs eyebrow level, so it doesn’t look like their mum cut their hair. Today, think your face shape first and don’t be afraid to add short bangs to a classic or modern crop.
Instagram / @leahbillingsbyhair
8. Elfin
Remember when Posh Spice cut her hair mega short and her beautiful facial features instantly oozed out of her face?! Or when Kylie was growing her hair back after her cancer treatment and had her locks shaped into a fabulous Elfin cut? They both looked amazing. With the hair only being around 1.5”- 2” long all over, this style speaks sophistication in volumes.
Instagram / @hirohair
9. Polished Quiff
Although this style was born in the 1950’s and was a staple for Teddy Boys – it has made a huge comeback, and this time for classy, elegant women who want to show they mean business. It’s clipped at the back and sides, but left long and usually disconnected on top (but not always). To style the quiff, blow dry it with a large round brush and spray with your favorite hairspray to ensure no hairs go out of place.
Instagram / @hairbymarselie
10. Textured Crop
This crop is a short and textured haircut that can be worn in a various ways. Often paired with a fade on the back and sides which can be worn with a blunt fringe, the crop top can work with anywhere from a short fringe cut towards the hairline or a longer fringe down on the forehead.
Instagram / @bleachedandblown
11. Choppy Pixie
This pixie cut is a short women’s haircut with short choppy layers at the back and the sides and a longer section at the top. Pixie hairstyles first came into fashion in the 1920s when women experimented with bob haircuts and other short hairstyles. Picture the stunning Audrey Hepburn in Roman Holiday… this helped the choppy pixie become more popular in the 1950s. In more recent years, we’ve seen Emma Watson, Katy Perry and Charlize Theron sporting this style.
Instagram / @hairabee
12. Messy Textured Pixie
This is more of a classic style. Classy and elegant but with a bit of edginess brought on by ‘shattering’ the ends of the hair with texturizing techniques. This is a style suitable for almost anyone.
Instagram / @ruteboazhair
13. Quiff
Think Emma Willis… We all know she went from being a beautiful, blue eyed girl next door TV presenter to edgy we-all-want-to-be-her superstar after taking on her bleach blonde quaffed crop. Yes, it helps if you have the sapphire eyes, but this is one hot style.
Instagram / @donadocabelocurto
14. Curly Pixie
If you’re lucky enough to have a natural wave in your hair, then a pixie cut should be your go-to! Your hair will always look disheveled, therefore always look on trend! A bit of curl cream or a spritz of salt spray and you will always look fabulous!
Instagram / @charlesjuniorlouw
15. Bed Hair
You know how some people can rock a ‘messy bun’ but when you try to replicate it, you just fail miserably? This is kinda the short version of that. Ideal for thicker hair, the idea is exactly as it sounds – to look like you have just got out of bed! Respect for all those gals who can pull this style off.
Instagram / @zwannepoel
16. Side Slicked Parting
This sophisticated look oozes Hollywood glamour. Picture Anne Hathaway on the red carpet. Matched with red lippy, this shows true style.
Instagram / @kurzehaare
17. Fade
This severe haircut involves gradually tapering the hair on the back and sides and fading it in to your neck. Although this trend began in barber shops, women have begun to venture out to this style, and we think it looks fab.
Instagram / @kurzehaare
18. Bowl Cut
Also known as a ‘Mushroom’ cut, bowl cut style is pure vintage. Picture Vidal Sassoon (and not Lloyd from Dumb & Dumber).
Instagram / @tyler_the_hairstylist
19. Baby Afro
This style shouts 70’s glamour, bought into the 21st century. The modern version of the classic ‘Fro looks so classy and can be changed up with color to make you stand out from the crowd even more. I just love that women of color are embracing their natural hair these days.
Instagram / @hairbylaquitaburnett
20. Cropped Mullet
The fabulous Miley Cyrus has to be referenced here! This girl went from frumpy Hannah Montana to the hottest hair style icon around in a flash! When you think of a mullet, you think of a time that fashion forgot… but it’s back and in a big way. Even the Tiger King himself rocks this fabulous style. Miley gave the mullet a 21st century style overhaul by adding micro bangs, perfectly bleached highlights, and the charisma to bring it back from the past.
Instagram / @hairbyashleyfillip
Getting a short crop is one of the best ways to change your image! Need more hairstyle inspiration? Follow my amazing salon on Instagram at @emmarose_hairdesign to see our fabulous creations.
