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  1. Southern Living
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  4. Short Hairstyles
  5. 27 Short Hairstyles To Try in 2021

27 Short Hairstyles To Try in 2021

By Kaitlyn Yarborough
Updated December 28, 2020
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Credit: @lucyhale

No matter the season, there's always a case to make for short hair. During the winter, short hair works better when you're rocking chunky turtlenecks and trying to avoid accidentally catching rogue long strands in your jacket zipper. (Ouch.) But come summertime, that sweaty neck isn't going to cool itself off, especially when the mercury just keeps rising. Luckily, there are more than enough trendy short hairstyles to try in 2021 that you won't be getting bored with anytime soon.

This year, why not step a touch outside of your comfort zone? We've got the ultra-shiny, smooth, and silky straight cuts on the table; and we're seeing all types of fringe-fabulous bangs take off, too. From layered lobs to blunt bobs, classic crops to perfect pixies, these hairstyles for short hair will have you ready to grab those shears. Well, maybe leave that part to your stylist.

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Blunt Collarbone Bob

Credit: @anhcotran

This might be the most low-maintenance cut in the bunch. All one length and only slightly waved, it's wearable as all get-out.

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Cropped Bob

Credit: @bobbyeliot

Take your long bob up a few notches—er, inches! This not-your-basic bob cut majorly delivers in the volume department.

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Glass Hair Lob

Credit: @chrisjones_hair

We'll never get tired of a cut that makes you instantly look put-together, and this sharp and glossy lob by Texas-based stylist Chris Jones definitely does the trick.

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Fringed Lob

Credit: Instagram/@salsalhair

A lob always feels right for those who want short, but not too short. Add wispy bangs to make it feel extra interesting. 

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Windswept Crop Cut

Credit: @matthewstylist

Put some extra zing into that pixie cut by styling it up and away from your face. You have nothing to hide, anyway.

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Rooty Stacked Bob

Credit: @styled_by_carolynn

This is one of the most flattering bob cuts out there. Tousle it from one shadow-rooted part to the next per your fancy.

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Short 'n Wild Shag

Credit: @salsalhair

This is definitely the cool girl cut of the year, and nothing flatters a mane of curls like getting shaggy. 

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Subtle Stacked Bob

Credit: @clevelandhairboss

You can feign so much extra volume with the flick of a magic wand—kidding! Stacked layers do a whole lot of magic on their own. 

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Blunt Chin Bob

Credit: @lucyhale

Want super thick-looking ends? Leave the layers at the door. A blunt bob is always in style. 

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Curly Shag

Credit: @salsalhair

This curly girl take on a classic shag has us wanting all the layers and bangs this year. 

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Fringed Long Bob

Credit: @bobbyeliot

We can't think of a reason that you shouldn't totally rock this signature fringed long bob this year. Really. We can't.

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Choppy Pixie

Credit: @zinoveva_elena

One super stylish pixie cut, coming right up. You can keep the top long to ensure you have plenty of styling potential. 

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Tousled Chin Bob

Credit: hairby_chrissy

If you're trying to update your current bob, ask for layers and take the length up to your chin. It makes for a cut that's chock-full of personality.

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Layered Shoulder Cut

Credit: @matthewjones_hairstylist

When it doubt, do the layers. It's a surefire way to freshen up any length. 

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Textured Medium Cut

Credit: @beckym_hair

If you think dry texturizing spray is life, this cut is on your team. The length is perfect for those afraid to make the chop all at once.

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Shaggy Chin Bob

Credit: @mizzchoi

Blunt bobs have been all the rage, but we're also into a shaggier way of shearing this year. Add wispy bangs, and you're set with a statement-making cut.

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Relaxed Shoulder Cut

Credit: @chrisgreenehair

All the low-maintenance ladies out there will appreciate this super easy shoulder-grazing look with subtle balayage color for an extra pop.  

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Razor Sharp Bob

Credit: @chrisjones_hair

You can almost never go wrong with a sleek bob with minimal layering, especially those who have naturally thin or fine hair.

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Sculpted Crop Cut

Credit: @gustavoblesa

Play up your natural texture—whatever it may be—with a cropped pixie cut that styles itself. Keep it longer on top to major versatility.

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Soft Curved Bob

Credit: @lucyhale

We're taking this retro short style all the way to the salon. It curves into the jawline and collarbone in a most flattering way. 

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Layered Curls

Credit: @natalieannehair

Just because you're going short doesn't mean you have to go small. Let those curls go big or go home with a shoulder-grazing cut with all the layers and volume.

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Piecey Pixie

Credit: @timduenashair

Make a bold statement by cutting your locks into a perfect ultra-short pixie. Throw some styling gel or pomade into the mix for an added edge.

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Subtle Straight Shag

Credit: @salsalhair

We've all seen our share of curly shags and long textured shags in the past year or two. This take by stylist Sal Salcedo is perfect for straight-haired gals who want to give their mane a dose of cool.

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Shoulder-Grazing Layered Cut

Credit: @evanjosephcurls

We'd give anything to have an ounce of that volume. Invest in a layered cut that makes the most out of every ringlet.

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Razor Sharp Bob

Credit: @daisy_goord

Bring on the sharp-as-a-tack bobs, please. A slight undercut gives blunt ends a less heavy appearance.

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Pumped-Up Curly Pixie

Credit: @shaiamiel

Those spirals are made for a cropped cut, and that's that. Get gravity-defying height by shaping your curly mane longer on top.

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Peter Pan Pixie

Credit: @curlmaestro

Something about this cut by stylist Rebecca Haehnle feels very Peter Pan—or circa-2010 boy band material. And we're here for it. It makes getting a pixie cut feel a little less daunting.

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By Kaitlyn Yarborough

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Skip slide summaries

Everything in This Slideshow

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1 of 27 Blunt Collarbone Bob
2 of 27 Cropped Bob
3 of 27 Glass Hair Lob
4 of 27 Fringed Lob
5 of 27 Windswept Crop Cut
6 of 27 Rooty Stacked Bob
7 of 27 Short 'n Wild Shag
8 of 27 Subtle Stacked Bob
9 of 27 Blunt Chin Bob
10 of 27 Curly Shag
11 of 27 Fringed Long Bob
12 of 27 Choppy Pixie
13 of 27 Tousled Chin Bob
14 of 27 Layered Shoulder Cut
15 of 27 Textured Medium Cut
16 of 27 Shaggy Chin Bob
17 of 27 Relaxed Shoulder Cut
18 of 27 Razor Sharp Bob
19 of 27 Sculpted Crop Cut
20 of 27 Soft Curved Bob
21 of 27 Layered Curls
22 of 27 Piecey Pixie
23 of 27 Subtle Straight Shag
24 of 27 Shoulder-Grazing Layered Cut
25 of 27 Razor Sharp Bob
26 of 27 Pumped-Up Curly Pixie
27 of 27 Peter Pan Pixie

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27 Short Hairstyles To Try in 2021
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