Style Hair These Short Layered Haircuts Are Perfect For A Fresh Start By Kaitlyn Yarborough Kaitlyn Yarborough Part of the Southern Living team since 2017, Kaitlyn Yarborough is a Georgia native living in Austin, Texas, who covers a wide variety of topics for both the magazine and website, focusing on culture and lifestyle content, as well as travel in the South. Southern Living's editorial guidelines Updated on May 23, 2023 Share Tweet Pin Email Trending Videos Photo: @justinandersoncolor As far as we're concerned, there is no wrong time to get a short haircut. However, we can't help but find it even more tempting to make a drastic cut at the change of the seasons, whether ahead of a steamy Southern summer or to celebrate the coming of fall. That is, after all, when the trees shed their leaves to start over. It seems only fitting to start fresh ourselves, but with a sassy new bob, textured shoulder cut, or ultra-cropped pixie. For all of those hairstyles, you might want to get acquainted with short haircuts that have layers upon layers to take off extra hair that may be weighing you down and to make any haircut more personalized. 01 of 13 Stacked Chin Bob @clevelandhairboss Layers can go a long way when paired with a short cut on naturally straight hair. Ask for face-framing side-swept layers that hit right at the chin, with shorter layers in the back. 02 of 13 Angled Lob @styledby_carolynn You can also use layers to add versatility and flair to any basic long bob, like this super angled cut by stylist Carolynn Judd. Request an A-line cut that hits the nape of the neck and gradually skims the collarbone in the front. 03 of 13 Face-Hugging Bob @itscolbs Something as simple as sharp, tapered ends that hug the chin can transform your entire haircut in one trip to the salon. This is a great option for those who want to update a long bob haircut. 04 of 13 Curly Pixie Cut @t.techniques Curls can add amazing volume to short cuts, especially a top-heavy crop as seen here. Make sure to crop the sides and back extra short, while letting the top stay longer for styling. 05 of 13 Breezy Shoulder Cut @justinandersoncolor This windswept lob is full of layers that start halfway down the hair shaft for optimal airiness and movement. This is particularly perfect for those who like to let their hair air-dry and enhance their natural texture. 06 of 13 Relaxed Collarbone Shag @salsalhair This isn't the super tousled and razored shag cut Joan Jett once sported. Instead it softens a mid-length cut with cohesive layers and a slightly wispy fringe. 07 of 13 Face-Framing Lob Cut @hairby_chrissy You can also use layers to create the appearance of a cut shorter than you have because they take off weight and add body. So if you're still moving toward making a chop, this cut by stylist Chrissy Rasmussen is a first step that doesn't require taking off all the inches. 08 of 13 Frenchie Fringe Bob @mechesalonla For a more romantic take on a classic bob, try one with soft layers and full fringe. It keeps every ounce of charm with a little extra style. 09 of 13 Curly Shoulder Shag @natalieannehair / Instagram For an update on an old-school shag haircut, add lots of layers to curly hair with a set of wispy bangs. A shoulder cut just got way less basic. 10 of 13 Razored Crop Cut @benbrownhair You can ensure a short cropped cut doesn't lose any volume or styling potential by adding razor-sharp layers that sit more heavily up top and toward the front. 11 of 13 Soft Blunt Shoulder Cut @hairby_chrissy Sometimes you want a blunt cut without having all the extra weight pulling your hair down. That's where secret internal layers come in to give your hair volume despite the thicker look. 12 of 13 Springy Chin Bob @misahara5 Curls respond to layers, bouncing up and away to give a volumized short cut. Try a cropped bob with extra top layers and wispy bangs for a breezy new look. 13 of 13 Subtle Undercut Crop @mila_kryshchykhina You can give the most subtle point of interest to any cut with just a tinge of razored undercut detailing. This otherwise classic crop cut does just that. Frequently Asked Questions What is the best care routine for short-layered hair? Keep short haircuts healthy and beautiful with the following care routine: comb less frequently and use your fingers or a bristle brush instead, avoid heat products and use products to increase volume, and maintain the shape with consistent trims. How often should you cut layered hair? To maintain healthy and beautiful hair, trim layers every six to eight weeks. If you have a lot of layers or want a choppy appearance, trim every six weeks. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit