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BEAUTY TRENDS

THE TOP TRENDING SHORT HAIRSTYLES TAKING OVER YOUR FEEDS

black and white image of a model with dishevelled bob

Have you ever had the urge to chop off your locks? Well, you’re not alone. Here at Cult Beauty, it’s our version of the Roman Empire – we think about it at least once a day! And apparently so does everyone else. With already over 90,000 Google searches in the UK alone this year, ‘short hairstyles’ are taking over our minds and social feeds – and we couldn’t be happier… 

But, with a sea of styles to choose from – we’re talking the box, blunt and butterfly bob (need we go on?) – picking your new cut isn’t as easy as it looks. But fear not, we’ve done the hard work for you and rounded up the top trending short hair styles, along with ideas on how to style them and the best products for short hair. So, whether you’re looking for a lob (AKA a long bob) or wanting to lop the whole lot, we’ve got you (and your mane) covered.  

TOP TRENDING SHORT HAIRSTYLES RIGHT NOW… 

90S LOB 

The 90s called, it wants its lob back! Returning from its short but not-so-sweet hiatus back in 2019, the lob (otherwise known as the long bob or supermodel bob) is the perfect in-between. Long enough to style yet short enough to feel liberated, this mid-length look has had a makeover. Defined by its 90s flair, it’s sleek, shiny and features styled inwards ends.   

How to style a 90s lob haircut:

  1. Before you turn to your hair dryer, remember to prep and protect your tresses with your favourite heat protector. Spritz the formula over damp or dry hair from roots to tips, then comb through the product to ensure it's evenly distributed. 
  2. Next, apply a volumising mist or mousse and blow dry your hair in every direction to loosen it up.  
  3. Then, take your blow drying brush and layer by layer dry your hair inwards to give it a sleek inwards finish. To amp up the volume, focus on the roots for that nostalgic 90s fullness.  
  4. To ensure your look holds all day and night, finish off with a spritz of hair spray.  

BUTTERFLY BOB 

We can’t talk about the butterfly bob without paying homage to the person who brought this cut to the forefront of our feed. Zendaya, we applaud you. Aptly named, this silhouette is made to mimic butterfly wings and move with the wind. Lightly tousled and super versatile, it suits everyone and looks to frame all face shapes. 

How to style a butterfly bob haircut:

  1. On clean, dry hair start by applying a leave-in conditioner to detangle and smoothen your strands. 
  2. Now your locks are prepped and ready to go, separate them into four sections. Our top tip? Use hair clips to separate each area.  
  3. Then, begin styling the back section. First, spray heat protectant to the partitions before using your curlers. With the hair tool, grab a small amount of hair and use the curler to create loose curls. Repeat this step until the back is complete.  
  4. For the front sections, start by combing out your locks, before spraying them with heat protectant.  
  5. Next, run your straighteners through and finish with a slight bend at the tip. Repeat this step until all the front section is complete.  
  6. Once all your sections have been styled, remove your clips and allow your hair to fall naturally in place. Using your brush, comb through your curls, so they loosen up and blend softly into your straighten segments. 
  7. To finish off, tame any flyways by pinning back the side of your hair to create a V-shape formation. 

 

PIXIE CUT 

From dainty and delicate to edgy and alternative, the pixie cut has had many identities over the years. But what makes a short hairstyle a pixie cut? We’re glad you asked. This traditional cut is defined by pairing a short back and sides with a longer top. What’s more, it works for every hair type and texture – whether your mane is curly or straight.  

How to style a pixie cut:

While the pixie cut can require some upkeep, when it comes to styling, it’s totally down to you. However, there are a few tips and tricks to help prep, prime and maintain your 'do. 

  1. For those with bangs, use a small round brush and blow-dry them to the side to create a side-swept illusion.  
  2. To create an undone, tousled sign off, spritz a salt spray through dry hair then with your fingers separate your locks for a messy masterpiece.  
  3. If you’re looking to raise your roots, use a lightweight texture spray to bring your locks to new and improved heights. Then, gently lift your strands up with your fingers as you blow dry. For even more volume, flip your head upside down whilst blow drying.

BOX BOB   

Once again, we have Hailey Bieber to thank for our newest beauty obsession. Cue: The box bob. Cut just above the shoulders, this look is so much more than your classic blunt bob. Swapping the precise edges with gradual layers, it features textured locks that are created by cutting at an angle rather than straight across. Essentially, this style is less about volume and all about movement.  

How to style a boxed bob:

  1. Prep by using a volumising shampoo and conditioner on your hair wash day. This will lift the roots while boosting body and bounce. 
  2. After this, use a leave-in-conditioner while your hair is wet to tackle frizz, flyways and weigh down.  
  3. No matter how you decide to style your box bob, always ensure to apply heat protection before using any hot tools.  
  4. Finally, use a dry shampoo on your roots. Work the formula through your mane with your fingers to create some lived-in volume. 

SLICKED BACK BOB 

We’ve had the snatched bun, slick high ponytail and sleek half up half down, so it’s only right that the slicked back bob has its time in the spotlight. Elevating any look, slicking is an essential hair skill that we can all benefit from. Plus, it’s a great way to get your hair out of the way… 

How to style a slicked back bob:

  1. Once you’ve washed your hair, apply a blow-dry mist from the root to tip of your lengths. This instantly enhances fullness and volume to a create the flexible hold this style relies on.  
  2. After that, blow dry the hair with a round brush. 
  3. Next, using a hair oil of your choice, distribute the product with your fingers through your hair. This step not only grants the ultimate ‘wet look’, but it also floods your tresses with moisture too. 
  4. Comb through again to spread the product further by taking your hair back off the face.  
  5. Lastly, if your mane requires extra hold, complete the look by applying some wax or your go-to styling product.    

WOLF CUT 

It’s true, the wolf cut isn’t exactly a new trend. But this time around, the classic cut has been given a new identity – making it more rock ‘n’ roll than ever! A fearless mash-up of two throwback styles (we’re talking about the 70s shag and 80s mullet, of course), this dramatic ‘do fuses short strands with a shaggy style. The result? A backstage-approved sign off.  

How to style a wolf cut:

  1. To keep your wolf cut as authentic as possible, start by allowing it to air dry. When doing this, add a little styling cream while your hair is wet. Then once it’s dry, apply a serum or hair primer to keep it looking fresh. 
  2. Now, it’s time to move onto the fringe (if you have one). Keeping in theme with the rock ‘n’ roll reference, we recommend flipping out your bangs. To do this take a rolled brush and blow dry your fringe down. Once you get to the end, flip the brush and dry from the below.  
  3. For those who want more mullet than shag, you’ll need to straighten out your ends. To accentuate the bluntness, take a small section and smooth the ends from the mid-length with your straighteners.  
  4. Keep your look on lock (no matter how many mosh pits you’re in) by applying your preferred styling saviour, whether that’s aspray, mousse or wax – the choice is all yours.  

MICRO BUN  

If, like many, you believe that short hair means limited styling options, then think again. Surprisingly, it can actually be much easier to turn your short hair into an updo as there’s less of it to deal with and much less weight to make it fall. Our go-to? The micro bun. Whether you choose to go for a sleek bun or a looser one, this style is easy to wear and create. What more could you want? 

How to style a micro bun:

  1. Start by using a boar bristle brush to smooth back your hair into a bun. 
  2. For those opting for a more casual look, allow a few flyways to hang freely. Or if you are wanting to achieve a cleaner finish, use a hardworking pomade to swoop down your baby hairs. 
  3. Then, take a scrunchie or a hair accessory of your choice and pull your locks back into a ponytail. 
  4. Take the ends of your pony and wrap them around in a twisted directions before using a second scrunchie to secure your micro bun in place. Voilà , it really is that easy! 

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Trifonia Asmar
Trifonia Asmar Writer and expert

Cult Beauty’s Senior SEO Copywriter, Trifonia started out in the industry when bold brows were just becoming a ‘thing’, and shares a passion for all things fashion and beauty. Currently embracing her curly girl journey (after endless years of straightening her strands), she is finally reverting to her natural ways! When Triffy isn’t busy testing out the latest curl-saving solutions, you’ll find her binging the latest reality TV show or on a long walk listening to her ever-evolving country music playlist.

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