50 Reasons Why You Should Consider a Short Haircut

"What inspired my short hairstyle was the weight of it. My natural hair is very thick, and it is much more manageable at this length. I also love standing out with my healthy, curly, bleached hair! Feeling the wind in my hair and it matching my vibrant personality, full of color, is something that I love!" — ELLE Reader, Shalunda Concepcion, Upstate, New York

When it comes to show-stopping red carpet-worthy looks, Zendaya immediately comes to mind. Since debuting her effortlessly tousled 90's bob earlier this year, we've seen her style it in various ways, but this bouncy, side swoop cut that falls into voluminous curls is a definite favorite.

“My short hair is inspired by my desire to always remain authentic and different. I believe short hair adds flare to my personality and enhances my diverse style. A lot of women tend to take pride in obtaining long hair, and that’s perfectly fine for them. However, I believe in living life on the edge, being rebellious, and breaking traditional taboos.” — ELLE Reader, Krystal Hall, Charlotte NC

Though it is a notoriously controversial style choice, I, for one, am extremely happy to see the resurgence of the mullet. Miley Cyrus' cut gives the old-school style a fun, modern update with messy strands and flipped ends.

Wednesday star Jenna Ortega's wolf cut is an edgy, shoulder-length style that only requires minimal styling to get that perfectly imperfect finish. Opt for a small curling wand or iron to achieve these loose beach waves.

"I chose the blonde balayage look because it's inspired by the sun's natural highlights and perfectly enhances my brown skin tone during the summer months. Plus, it effortlessly transitions to a warm, golden hue in cooler seasons. My relaxed hair has been a confidence booster, and my short hair makes it easy to maintain. I stick to a simple routine, using Redken's Frizz Dismiss shampoo and conditioner before styling with Now I'm Nappy's twisting cream and flexi rods in between washes for that perfect finish." — ELLE Reader, Gabby Ambroise, Bayonne, NJ

"My hair exudes a sassy, sexy, and fun vibe with its vibrant red color and this short, easy-to-manage style, granting my stylist creative freedom with my locks." ELLE Reader: Eduardo Lazo, San Francisco, CA

If your style leans more simple, understated, and, say, Parisian, then you've probably seen this French bob. This style consists of a super short bob cut with fringe bangs and a subtle bump in the ends. Très chic!

"My short pixie cut was inspired by the nostalgia of the 90s, as it was one of the hottest hairstyles of that time. My stylist Nik of Niksadio Salon took control, and I am in love with my style. It’s edgy but still sexy at the same time." — ELLE Reader, Kim Fung-Richberg, Long Island, NY

Throughout the press run for her breakout role in Netflix's Bridgerton spinoff, Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story 2023, actress Arsenma Thomas was fearless with her hairstyles and debuted this wet and wavy bob. With a thick, slightly messy bang and blunt cut, this style is for those who want a low-maintenance, get-up-and-go look.

"My look is inspired by actress Han So-Hee in the Netflix series My Name. What I love about my cut is that I look completely different and more confident, and I identify so much with her character."— ELLE Reader, America Maria Ramirez Perez. Aguascalientes, Mexico

"I tend to impulsively chop all my hair off almost every two years. I love a short haircut because it fits my facial structure so well. My inspirations when it came time to actually style the hair were people like Rihanna, Marilyn Monroe, Halle Berry, and Jada Pinkett Smith." — ELLE Reader, Erion Browner, Atlanta, GA

One of the best ways to style a shorter haircut is with a fringe bang. Allow Kaia Gerber to demonstrate. The wispy curtain bangs frame the face for a flattering finish, and the layers add a tinge of effortlessness that will make this an instant crowd favorite.

"I love to create and try new things, and I’ve been feeling like short hair really is for me now. Kourtney Kardashian's new [bob] look made me fall in love with the short, healthy hair, and adding my own curly spin to it made styling my hair fun again." — ELLE Reader, Saida Dyson, Los Angeles, CA

"I wanted something totally different from my usual style that would ease my day-to-day life. My life was changing, and I needed a hairstyle that changed with me and signified the level I was moving into. Cutting my hair was very emotional and freeing at the same time. It has been a beautiful self-discovery journey that I will continue to be on for a long time." — ELLE Reader, Nicole Stephenson, Rockledge, FL

If you had the chance to watch the recent Beckham docuseries on Netflix, you know how iconic Victoria's haircuts were. Her signature posh style shines through this whispy pixie cut.

"While I was on a two-month trip to Europe, I wanted to completely revamp my look. During my time in Norway, I came across this girl with a short bob, bangs, and two rat tails. I was so inspired that on the week I came home from Europe, I saw my hairstylist Frida at Population Salon right away and had her chop my hair off, add bangs, and dye my hair dark brown. My hair isn't long enough for the two rat tails just yet, but that's definitely my next hairstyle!" — ELLE Reader, Danica Janae, San Francisco, CA

Micro bangs are not for the faint of heart. Sophie Roe is known to don the unique style with her natural curls, which add volume and height. However, this cut looks absolutely gorgeous regardless of your hair texture.

"The inspiration for my haircut is my whimsical style and carefree personality. It highlights my individuality and love for Kakashi Hatake!" — ELLE Reader, Nadine Anziano, Atlanta, GA

So you've recently started your natural hair journey, did a big chop, or are thinking about wearing your natural curls? Allow Doja Cat's blonde TWA (teeny, weeny afro) to offer some inspiration. The musician is no stranger to bold beauty looks, especially her recent embrace of her natural curls, which she accented with sleek swooped edges.