The Best Short Hairstyles of 2018

Yara Shahidi hit all the best hair trends in one—bangs, natural curls, and blunt bobs. This look is sophisticated but fun, and totally doable for everyday wear.

Asymmetrical cuts are having a major moment, and no one does it better than Jenna Dewan. Glamorous waves soften this modern cut, but it looks incredible when worn sleek and straight.

Pixies are back and better than ever. With a texturizing mousse and some ruffling, you can rock a texturized look like Zoe Kravitz’s that creates major dimension.

The past few years, celebrities like Viola Davis have taken charge of encouraging women to embrace their natural hair, and 2018 broke major ground for depicting natural hair in popular culture. Her curls are gorgeous, and this length is juuuuust right.

In case you haven’t heard, bangs are going to be everywhere in 2019, but the trend kicked off in 2018. Retro styling is popular, so curtain bangs like Rose Byrne’s are on trend in two ways. Curtain bangs flatter any face shape, and they’re easy to grow out.

Emma Stone has always been a fabulous hair icon. Regardless the color, her lobs and bobs are consistently incredibly styled. This simple headband is right on brand for 2018 and 2019—minimalistic but beautiful.

Helen Mirren is an icon in every sense of the word, including in the beauty sphere. This long pixie is fresh and easy. A long pixie has more styling options than shorter styles, including simple, classic looks like this.

Balayage is the hair coloring technique that is guaranteed to bring natural looking results. Olivia Wilde’s sun-kissed strands fade into caramel and light brunette tones, which creates a dimensional look. With lighter strands up front, her color job mimics the natural way her hair would react in the sun.

Kerry Washington knows the quickest no-product way to add volume is pulling a deep side part. Side parts were big on runways in 2018, and they’re a fun, no-cut route to switching up your look for any texture.

We never thought we’d say this, but many of the fashion and beauty trends from the ’90s came back in 2018, and hair accessories were on the list. While we’re not pulling out our butterfly clips, barrettes like Alexa Chung’s show a grown-up and classy way to pull off hair accessories that didn’t come from Claire’s (you’ll be missed, Claire’s).

Subtle A-line cuts like Jourdan Dunn’s were big in 2018. These cuts gently become longer in the front, which makes the hair look thicker and the face look slimmer. If done correctly, A-line haircuts look edgy but easy and flatter most face shapes.

If you’ve ever considered cutting bangs, now is the time. Bangs were popular in 2018 and are riding into 2019 with looks like Mila Kunis’s full bangs. You don’t want to go too crazy with styling when you have full bangs, so a simple lob like this is perfect.

Like we said earlier, retro looks are here to stay. Although you’d normally think of old Hollywood curls on long hair, Janelle Monae found the perfect way to take the trend short. Finger waves are another way to style pixies with a little retro flair.

Face-framing layers like Vanessa Hudgens’ will flatter with any face shape or hair texture. This look is a subtler take on the asymmetrical cut, and it’s an easy update if you need a refresher at your next salon visit.

Although Danai Gurira originally shaved her head for her role in “Black Panther,” she was a major influence and inspiration for girls with short hair or shaved styles. With fun designs and gorgeous beauty looks on every red carpet, she shut down misconceptions that long hair is prettier or more feminine than short.

Kate Hudson perfectly demonstrated how to add texture to a mid-length pixie. This piece-y look is equal parts edgy and ladylike. With short layers and a little pomade, you can easily recreate this look for day or night.

Babylights are the most natural way to do highlights, and Sandra Bullock nailed this look. If you’ve never had highlights or need a little update, babylights are your best choice. Like her coppery babylights complement the natural undertones of her deep brunette, babylights bring out the best of your natural look.

You can never go wrong with a classic, and a bob like Gabrielle Union’s is timeless. There’s enough length for updo styling opportunities, but the chin-framing cut flatters her heart-shape face. A side part and one or two layers up front further flatter her face, but this cut keeps it simple all the way around. When in doubt, the bob won’t let you down.