These Short Hairstyles Are Actually Really Low-Maintenance

2 min read

There are short hairstyles and then there are short hairstyles that are low-maintenance—and there’s a big difference between the two. “The biggest misconception is that every short haircut is easy to style,” Redken artistic ambassador Bradley Leake tells ELLE. “In reality, the right cut is one that’s tailored to your hair’s density, growth pattern, and daily routine.”

Leake makes a point, and a really good one at that. Not all hair is equal. While the right haircut is different for all types of hair, there’s one common denominator: “A great low-maintenance short hairstyle should complement your natural hair texture rather than fight against it.”

Just as “the wand chooses the wizard,” your individual hair texture and face shape will help dictate the hairstyle. “When a haircut is designed around your natural texture, face shape, and lifestyle, styling becomes significantly easier and the hair continues to look great as it grows out,” Leake explains.

What to Consider Before Getting a Short Haircut

This last point Leake makes is key in determining your haircut: You need to think about how your hair is going to grow out. “When I’m designing a short haircut, I’m thinking about how it will look not only on the day you leave the salon, but also six to eight weeks later,” Leake says. He also emphasizes that you need to be honest about how much time you want to spend on styling your hair every single morning. “The best haircut is one that works with your lifestyle, not against it.”

With a little more help from Leake, we identified the best short and low-maintenance hairstyles that are going to make your life a lot easier.

Bixie

First and foremost, the “bixie.” It’s part bob, part pixie cut, and it’s the hybrid gift that keeps on giving. “It’s modern, textured, and grows out beautifully, making it a great option for someone who wants shorter hair without committing to frequent reshaping,” Leake says.

French Bob

First popularized in the 1920s, it’s clear that the French bob is a style that’s truly timeless. While it was initially a symbol of women’s rebellion and liberation, it now is a mainstay in female hairstyle regimens around the world. Leake also notes that the French bob looks good both air-dried and styled, which basically means it does double duty.

Textured Lob

If you don’t want to go super short, a textured lob is the perfect in-between. According to Leake, “It’s one of the most universally flattering cuts, works across a variety of hair types, and offers the flexibility to wear it polished, beachy, or pulled back when needed.” It’s the Goldilocks of short haircuts.