Read on to see the latest stylish hairstyles making their way around the block, and get inspired for the new fashion season ahead!
18 of the Most Popular Short Hairstyles for 2018
1. Slick-Back
You’ve witnessed this bad grrrl on the runways and in real life, and TBH, we’re not seeing it leaving anytime soon. Best on bobs and shorter lengths, it’s a simple look that packs a whole lotta punch. Just make sure you’ve got the right product—in this case, a firm-hold gel, like TRESemmé TRES Two Extra Hold Gel—smoothed onto each side and a bit at the top.
2. Layered Lob
Arguably one of the best short hair styles to come out of 2016, the lob proves its mettle in this updated version that features some slight layering and a fresh side part. Ladies with wavy to curly hair have it best, as texture and movement come naturally to them; otherwise, urge it in with some mousse, like Suave Professionals Natural Volume Mousse.
3. Wavy Bob
Spinning off from the previous, we have the wavy bob, a.k.a. The Little Hairstyle that Took Over Instagram. We didn’t reinvent the wheel with this one, but a few tweaks, such as some marginally longer sections at the front (which helped give it swing appeal), as well as an easy middle part, gives a girl-next-door hairstyle major street cred.
4. Undercut
This once-viral look has evolved from simply being a borrowed-from-the-boys style into one of the most popular short hairstyles for women in its own right. The hallmarks of an undercut include a shaven underside and longer, floppier top layers, which can all be customized to taste and hair type. We’re loving the look of this version for 2018 though, as it gives off a club-kid vibe with the high-contrast shade and winged top.
5. TWA
The Teeny-Weeny Afro is the naturalista look du jour, and its tapered edges keep things a bit edgier and more modern than a full-on ’fro. Pair with some statement drop earrings!
6. ’90s Mushroom
Similar to the undercut, this look features longer hair at the top of the head, but with an underside that’s not completely shaven—only stacked or tapered, giving it a softer feel—not to mention an easier grow-out! The mushroom hairstyle looks its best with some fullness and body (no one wants wilted mushrooms, amirite), so prepping with a thickness-enhancing styler, like TRESemmé Thick & Full Balm, before blow-drying, can get you there.
7. Jaw Bob
A sharp, blunt bob that hits right at the jawline is one of the season’s most popular short hairstyles, as it offers up oodles of versatility. Left loose, it freshens up your features; tied up in a half-updo or low pony, it’s easy brunch chic. Straight textures have it the easiest with this look, so if you’ve been looking for a way to get out of that hair rut you’ve been in all winter, this is the one. The one!
8. Groomed Bob
A little bit retro, a little bit runway—what’s not to love with this cute crop? The mullet-inspired shape is toned down for real life, and the fringe area is cleverly brushed back at an angle to tone down the forehead. That said, this haircut looks best on those with heart-shaped, round or oval faces, or those that want to minimize a slightly wider forehead.
9. Full Pixie
This charming look isn’t as choppy as a regular pixie, and has bangs long enough to be swept to one side or tucked behind the ears. This length gives the look more versatility and polish, and makes it easily transition into a bob if desired.
10. Fauxhawk
Arguably one of the coolest looks to come out of the woodwork this season is the fauxhawk. Not only is it awesomely gender-neutral like the undercut, it also gives those with natural curls a way to show off some ringlets at the bang area while still retaining some structure at the sides. Recreate the look by pinning up the side sections and leaving your tops and fringe area loose.
11. Curly Pixie
Another fave look for curly girls this 2018 is the curly pixie, which, as its name suggests, is a super-short crop for hair blessed with more texture. Note the slightly tapered shape too, which allows for a bit more body up top, and keeps it from poufing all over the place. A good cleansing conditioner helps in that department too: We love the softness and definition our ringlets get from ApotheCARE Essentials The Replenisher Cleansing Conditioner.
12. Cleo Cut
She was queen for a reason; that reason being her aesthetic was definitely on point! This sharp bob was a consistent fixture on street style stars during Fashion Month. Emulate by asking your stylist for a sharp, angled bob that hits above the jawline, with a soft micro fringe. Ed’s note: Master that blowout technique!
13. Choppy Bob
Another contender for Miss Congeniality, the choppy bob incorporates a bit of point-cutting at the ends, which lends them a piecier effect. The result is a more texturized feel, which is especially clutch for those of us who want to infuse more personality into our stick-straight tresses.
14. Buzzcut
Maybe you’ve gone overboard with the bleach this past season; maybe you just want a major hair overhaul. Whatever the reason, we’re totes on board with the complete refresh that a buzz gives, as well as the super-badass confidence it takes to rock nothing but, you know, your actual face.
15. Bowlcut
Because the only way to reclaim our bad ’80s haircuts is To! ??Claim! ??Them! ??Jokes aside, the bowlcut is experiencing a renaissance these days, as we’re becoming more and more fond of structural looks (i.e. blunted round haircuts, angular bobs). Add to that a bit of a hipster throwback feel? So with it.
16. Curly Wedge
A lot of us have probably been told to avoid this triangular cut, which means it’s time for a rebranding. The wedge haircut, which is typically the result of curly hair being cut bluntly across, now finds a deliberately charming home in a bob that hits at the cheek. Loving the ’90s aesthetic!
17. Ear-Length
Remember when we all had hair like this? Well, those halcyon days of low-key grooming are back, and we can rest easy again knowing that our glam time in the morning can get cut in half again. Because all this haircut really needs is a quick blast of a blow-dryer, a solid brushing and maybe a run-in with a fine-toothed comb to create that trending curtained part in the center… and voilà, you’re back with a middle-school realness.
18. ’80s Wave
That nonchalant, air-dried texture, with a bit of a flip at the ends? Yup, it’s another throwback we’re loving this year, particularly on cropped hair, as it gives it a freshly-scrubbed feel that’s perfect for spring. Make the look go the extra mile—workday to date night, perhaps?—with a slight spritzing of a light hairspray, such as TRESemmé Compressed Micro Mist Hairspray Texture Hold Level 1. Love these best short hair styles and want more hair inspo for the season? Check out our backstage coverage here.
