To redefine 2024 as a year entirely different from the last, I decided to go for a chop—losing six inches of my hair.
Now, I have hair that comes just short of my shoulders. With this drastic change from having hair falling several inches lower, I immediately encountered a major problem: I couldn’t put my hair up in a ponytail. Not even a half-up-half-down hairstyle, both being my go-to styles. I simply didn’t have enough hair anymore. So, I started to look for alternative hairstyles, and here is what I have compiled so far as the best choices.
- Small framing braids
This is another way to style hair while also achieving a functional look that keeps hair from falling in front of your face. This 2000s hairstyle may have lost its popularity, but it retains its timeless, seamless look that anyone with short hair should consider trying.
- Hair down
With this standard look, the short length of your hair stands out more and is a great way to make the most of the cute length while other hairstyles hide how short your hair is. On the one hand, this can be a really fast and easy way to go, but on the other, it can mean spending even more time styling your hair with products and tools. I just brush my hair and call it good, but sometimes, it doesn’t fall the way I want it to. One of my friends uses a blow dryer while brushing to give the hair a more voluminous look. This style can be as effortless or involved as you want, which makes it a great option for everyone.
- Clips
When I put in hair clips, I take a small chunk of hair that would otherwise fall on my face and twist it outward before using a big clip to pin it up and back behind my ear. I do this to both sides and sometimes add smaller clips to further secure my hair in place. But, my hair often starts to fall out after a few hours when I then have to readjust. I like how this can create an elegant look if done well but also fit to a more casual wear as well with fun clips.
- Curtain bangs
While I don’t have curtain bangs myself, several of my friends have gotten them, and it looks great. This is a good way to take care of stray hair that floats around the face while also adding to the fun look of having short hair.
- Half-up-half-down pigtails
This style is straightforward to make. It doesn’t take much longer than the standard half-up-half-down. And, this way allows more of the shorter hairs that fall close to the face to be pulled back, keeping the eyes clear of obstruction, even in heavy wind. Additionally, this hairstyle adds a bit of fun to one’s look with the youthful element of the pigtails, which can pair well with feminine outfits making use of pastel colors or skirts and dresses. Overall, this is my favorite one as it’s quick, easy, looks good, and matches any casual occasion.
No matter how you style short hair, it always remains a challenge to work with less hair, but finding the best looks that suit your hair type and style can make all the difference.
