33 Cute Hairstyles For Short Hair For Women, Kids And Teens With Bangs And Updos
Looking for inspiration for cute hairstyles for short hair? Our guide explores 33 versatile and trendy options that suit every occasion, from school to formal events. Discover styles that are easy and quick to create, perfect for kids, women, and teens, including easy updos, braided looks, and styles with bangs. Embrace your unique look with these simple and chic ideas tailored for all hair textures and face shapes.
Pixie Cut with Side-Swept Bangs
The pixie cut with side-swept bangs is a modern classic that offers a playful and sophisticated look. This hairstyle is perfect for casual outings, office settings, or even formal events. 
The side-swept bangs add a soft, feminine touch, while the short layers bring dimension and movement. Best suited for oval and heart-shaped faces, this style can also highlight striking eye colors like green or blue, creating a captivating contrast.
To achieve this look, you’ll need a quality texturizing spray and a flat iron for precise styling. Begin by blow-drying your hair and brushing the bangs to one side. Use a lightweight hairspray to maintain the structure throughout the day. Regular trims and a hydrating shampoo like Redken All Soft will keep this style looking fresh and sleek.
Textured Bob with Soft Waves
The textured bob with soft waves is a go-to hairstyle for those who love a blend of casual chic and effortless beauty. Its wavy texture is ideal for school, work, or weekend brunches. This style suits round and square face shapes, softening the jawline and enhancing natural curly or wavy hair textures. Pair it with natural makeup for a polished, youthful vibe.
Creating this look is easy. Apply a heat protectant and use a curling wand to form loose waves. Tousle your hair with your fingers and finish with a sea salt spray for added texture. For maintenance, opt for shampoos that enhance curls, like DevaCurl No-Poo Original, to keep the waves bouncy and defined.
Sleek Straight Bob
For a polished and professional vibe, the sleek straight bob is the epitome of simplicity and elegance. This hairstyle works well for formal events, presentations, or date nights. Its sharp, clean lines accentuate symmetrical face shapes and draw attention to bold eye makeup or statement earrings. The super straight texture ensures a timeless, chic appeal.
To achieve this look, you’ll need a flat iron and a smoothing serum. Begin by blow-drying your hair with a round brush for a smooth finish, then straighten small sections with a flat iron. Use a product like Moroccanoil Treatment to maintain the sleekness and add shine. Regular trims are crucial to keep the ends sharp and precise.
Easy Braided Crown
The easy braided crown is a versatile and romantic style perfect for weddings, garden parties, or picnics. This hairstyle is particularly flattering on oval and diamond-shaped faces, framing the features beautifully. Its intricate design belies how simple it is to create, making it a favorite among those seeking an easy updo for special occasions.
Start by parting your hair down the middle and creating two small braids on each side. Cross the braids over the crown and pin them securely with bobby pins. For a soft finish, pull out a few strands to frame your face. Use a setting spray to hold the look in place, and consider products like Amika Perk Up Dry Shampoo to keep your hair fresh.
Curly Faux Hawk
The curly faux hawk is a bold and edgy choice that celebrates natural texture. This hairstyle is perfect for black ppl with 4c hair or anyone looking to embrace their curly locks. Ideal for music festivals or night outs, this style accentuates round and oval faces by adding height and volume to the crown.
To create this look, section the sides of your hair and secure them with bobby pins or small clips. Use a curling cream like SheaMoisture Curl Enhancing Smoothie to define your curls, and fluff them at the crown for maximum volume. Regular deep conditioning treatments will keep your curls hydrated and frizz-free.
Classic Finger Waves
The classic finger waves bring a touch of vintage glam to short hair. This hairstyle is an elegant choice for formal events, such as galas or black-tie weddings. It pairs beautifully with heart-shaped or oval faces, accentuating their natural curves. The soft, sculpted waves exude timeless sophistication.
To achieve finger waves, apply a styling gel and use a comb to create defined ridges. Secure the waves with clips and let them set under a hooded dryer or overnight. Finish with a shine spray for a glossy effect. Maintenance involves regular use of moisturizing products, such as Ouidad Advanced Climate Control Featherlight Styling Cream, to prevent dryness.
Tousled Pixie with Layers
The tousled pixie with layers offers a carefree and youthful vibe, perfect for casual settings or school events. The layers add dimension and volume, making it an excellent choice for thin or fine hair. This style complements square and round face shapes, giving a playful edge to your overall look.
To style, apply a volumizing mousse like Living Proof Full Thickening Mousse and use your fingers to tousle the layers while blow-drying. Finish with a lightweight texturizing spray for a messy yet intentional finish. Regular trims will keep the layers defined and maintain the shape.
Easy Half-Up Knot
The easy half-up knot is a versatile option for both casual and semi-formal occasions. This hairstyle is quick to create and works well with straight or slightly wavy hair.
It’s a flattering choice for oval and heart-shaped faces, adding a touch of elegance without being overly formal.
To create this look, gather the top section of your hair and twist it into a small knot at the crown. Secure it with an elastic band or bobby pins. For a polished finish, smooth down flyaways with a bit of styling cream. Products like Garnier Fructis Sleek & Shine Serum can add a glossy touch.
Updo with Bangs
The updo with bangs is a chic and contemporary style that suits both formal and casual settings. This hairstyle is particularly flattering on oval and square faces, as the bangs soften the features while the updo adds height and elegance. It’s an ideal choice for weddings or professional events.
Start by curling the lengths of your hair and gathering them into a loose bun at the back. Let the bangs fall naturally, and use a flat iron to add a slight curve if needed. Finish with a firm-hold hairspray like TRESemmé Compressed Micro Mist for all-day staying power.
Super Short Pixie
The super short pixie is a bold, minimalist choice that highlights facial features and offers a striking silhouette. This hairstyle is perfect for women with angular or oval faces, as it draws attention to the eyes and cheekbones. Its simplicity makes it ideal for hot summer days or low-maintenance routines.
To maintain this look, visit your stylist regularly for trims to keep the shape clean. Use a lightweight styling cream to add texture and control. For a polished finish, a product like Bumble and Bumble Sumotech works wonders, offering just the right amount of hold and shine.
Short Hair with Curtain Bangs
Short hair paired with curtain bangs is a trendsetting look that adds a retro-inspired vibe. This hairstyle frames the face beautifully, making it ideal for round or square face shapes. It’s perfect for casual outings, coffee dates, or a stylish day at work. The parted bangs give it a soft, laid-back appeal while keeping it modern.
To style, blow-dry your hair with a round brush to set the bangs in place. Use a lightweight mousse to enhance texture and volume. Products like Tresemme’s Blow-Dry Balm can keep the look polished and frizz-free.
Mini Afro with Defined Curls
The mini afro is a bold and iconic choice for black ppl and anyone embracing natural texture. Defined curls give this hairstyle a structured yet voluminous look, making it perfect for casual or formal occasions. Best suited for oval and heart-shaped faces, it highlights natural beauty with minimal effort.
Use a curl-enhancing cream like Aunt Jackie’s Curl La La and a diffuser to define and shape your curls. Regular conditioning with moisturizing products like Cantu Shea Butter Leave-In Conditioner ensures the curls stay hydrated and bouncy.
Side-Shaved Short Cut
The side-shaved short cut is a daring style that mixes edge with sophistication. It’s perfect for music festivals, bold fashion statements, or casual wear. The shaved side adds an element of surprise, while the longer top allows for versatility. This hairstyle complements angular and oval face shapes.
To achieve this look, visit a stylist to ensure clean, even shaving on one side. Style the longer section with a lightweight wax or pomade, such as Gatsby Moving Rubber, for texture and hold.
French Twist for Short Hair
The French twist isn’t just for long hair—short-haired beauties can rock it too! This hairstyle exudes elegance and is ideal for weddings, formal events, or romantic dinners. It suits oval and heart-shaped faces, elongating the neck and enhancing overall poise.
Gather your hair at the back and twist it upwards, securing with bobby pins. Use a firm-hold hairspray to keep it in place, and add a decorative pin for flair. For smooth, glossy hair, consider using L’Oréal’s Elnett Satin Hairspray.
Retro Pinned Waves
Channel old Hollywood glamour with retro pinned waves. This hairstyle is perfect for gala events, themed parties, or even prom. The structured waves flatter heart and oval face shapes and add a vintage charm to any look.
Apply a heat protectant and curl your hair into tight waves. Pin the waves in place and let them set. Finish with a shine spray for a polished finish. Products like CHI Shine Infusion can add a luxurious gloss.
Messy Top Knot for Short Hair
The messy top knot is an easy and carefree style perfect for weekends, workouts, or casual meetups. It’s ideal for oval and square face shapes, giving an effortless vibe. This hairstyle pairs wonderfully with minimal makeup and a casual outfit.
Pull your hair into a high ponytail and twist it into a bun. Secure with bobby pins and let a few strands fall out for a relaxed look. Spritz with texturizing spray to maintain the undone feel. Try Not Your Mother’s Beach Babe Texturizing Spray for added texture.
Short Hair with Bold Streaks
Add personality to your short hair with bold streaks of color. This hairstyle is perfect for concerts, festivals, or simply making a statement. The pops of color flatter angular face shapes and work with any base hair color.
Visit a stylist for precision highlights or use temporary hair chalk for DIY streaks. Use color-safe shampoo, like Joico Color Balance, to maintain vibrancy and shine.
Braided Updo for Short Hair
The braided updo offers a sophisticated twist on short hair. It’s perfect for formal events or date nights. This hairstyle complements oval and diamond face shapes, adding a refined edge to your look.
Create small braids at the crown and pin them into a bun or twist. Finish with a lightweight hairspray for hold. Products like Kenra Volume Spray can keep the updo intact all evening.
