Gave up some length for the cool-girl bob? Here’s how to style it
Eeek, girlie, you finally did it! You took the plunge and chopped off those long locks in favor of a chic, short layered cut—maybe it’s that cool-girl bob everyone’s been raving about, or perhaps something even edgier. Whatever the style, you’re feeling fresh and fabulous… but now what? How on earth do you style it to keep that “just left the salon” feel going strong?
Whether you’ve been scrolling through endless Instagram feeds or pinning every pixie and bob to your Pinterest board, finding the right way to style short layered hair can feel like a full-time job. But fear not—this guide is here to make your life a whole lot easier.
We’re diving into six killer ways to style short layered hair, from sleek and polished looks to that simple, tousled vibe that says, “I woke up like this.” If you’re heading to brunch with the girls or just want to spice up your daily routine, these styles will keep your short hair looking on point, no matter the occasion. So, grab your styling tools and let’s get to work—because short hair doesn’t mean limited options. In fact, with the right tips and tricks, you’ll find that short layers might just be your new favorite playground.
1) The effortlessly tousled look
Let’s be real—there’s nothing quite like that effortless, barely-tried hair. But achieving that perfect tousled look with short layered hair? That’s where the magic happens. It’s the kind of style that works for literally any occasion—date night, brunch, or even just a casual day out, and it’s all about embracing those natural textures and letting your hair do its thing.
First things first, start with a good texturizing spray. This is your secret weapon for adding volume and giving your hair that lived-in, tousled effect. Spritz it evenly through your damp hair, focusing on the roots for an extra boost. If you’re feeling fancy, give your hair a quick blow-dry using your fingers to scrunch it up. No brushes needed over here, we’re going for that undone vibe.
Now, here’s where the fun begins. Grab a curling wand with a medium barrel and wrap small sections of your hair around it, but here’s the trick—don’t hold it too long! We’re not aiming for tight curls, just loose, beachy waves. And don’t worry if some pieces look a little messy, that’s exactly what we want. Once you’re done, shake it out a bit, and if you’re feeling bold, flip your hair upside down and give it another spritz of that texturizing spray.
The result is a cool, carefree look that screams *chic*. It’s the kind of style that screams cool-girl chic even if you spent a good 10 minutes perfecting it. And the best part? It’s low-maintenance enough that you can just refresh it the next day with a little dry shampoo and be good to go.
2) Sleek and straight
Sometimes you want to channel your inner boss babe with a look that's all about sleek lines and smooth finishes. This one’s for those days when you’re aiming for sophistication—think power meetings, fancy dinners, or anytime you want to feel like the most put-together person in the room.
To get that ultra-sleek, polished look, you’ll need to start with freshly washed hair. Smooth is the name of the game here, so grab your favorite smoothing shampoo and conditioner to set the stage. Once your hair is towel-dried, apply a heat protectant spray—because nothing ruins a sleek look faster than fried ends.
Next up, it’s time to break out the flat iron. Section your hair off into small parts, starting from the back, and slowly glide the flat iron down each section. The key here is to go slow and steady to avoid any creases or waves. Want to add a little extra shine? Finish each section with a light mist of shine spray before moving on to the next.
TYME tip—if you’re rocking bangs or face-framing layers, give them a little extra love by lightly curling them under with the flat iron. This adds a soft, rounded shape to the ends, which keeps the look from feeling too harsh or severe. Once you’ve finished straightening, smooth a tiny bit of serum over your hair to tame any flyaways and add a glossy finish.
And just like that, you’re serving sleek, polished perfection. This style is all about that smooth, glossy texture, so don’t be afraid to go all-in with the shine. It’s the kind of look that’s effortlessly elegant and always on-trend—perfect for when you want to feel like you can conquer anything (because you totally can).
3) The messy bun (yes, it works with short hair!)
Who says short hair can’t do updos? The messy bun is a classic, and it’s just as fabulous with short layered hair as it is with longer locks. If you’re heading out for a quick coffee run or just need a break from styling your hair, this look is your go-to for easy, clean-girl chic.
Start by gathering your hair as if you were about to make a ponytail, but here’s the trick—don’t stress about making it perfect. The beauty of the messy bun is in its imperfection, so let those layers fall where they may. You’ll want to secure your hair with an elastic band, but instead of pulling your hair all the way through on the last loop, leave the ends tucked in to create that messy bun effect.
Here’s where you can get creative. Pull a few strands loose around your face to soften the look and add a little extra texture. If your layers are on the shorter side and some pieces won’t stay in the bun, don’t sweat it—just let them hang out for a carefree vibe. For those with bangs, you can either sweep them to the side or let them fall naturally for an effortless, lived-in look.
To give your messy bun some staying power, spritz it with a light-hold hairspray. This will keep everything in place without making your hair feel crunchy. And if you’re feeling fancy, you can even accessorize with a cute scrunchie or a few hairpins for an extra touch of style.
The messy bun is perfect for those days when you want to look put together without spending ages in front of the mirror. It’s quick, it’s easy, and it’s totally on-trend—a style that proves short hair can still play in the updo game, and win EVERY time.
4) Textured pixie perfection
Pixie cuts are the epitome of edgy and cool, but let’s be honest, they can sometimes feel a bit daunting to style. The key to mastering a textured pixie is all about embracing those layers and adding a bit of oomph to make your hair look full of life and personality.
Start with a volumizing mousse—this is your new best friend if you’re rocking a pixie cut. Apply it to damp hair, focusing on the roots to give your hair that extra lift. Use your fingers to work the product through, then blow-dry your hair using a small round brush or, better yet, your hands. This helps maintain that tousled, textured ‘do we’re going for.
Once your hair is dry, grab a texturizing paste or wax. This is where the magic happens. Warm a small amount between your fingers and then work it through your hair, focusing on the ends and any layers you want to highlight. The goal here is to create definition and texture—think piece-y, not perfect. Don’t be afraid to play around with your hair, twisting small sections to add more shape and dimension.
If your pixie cut has longer bangs or a side-swept fringe, this is your chance to have some fun. Sweep them to the side for a sleek, sophisticated look, or push them up for a little more edge. The beauty of a textured pixie is its versatility—one minute, you can be polished and refined, and the next, you’re channeling your inner Twiggy.
Finish with a light mist of flexible-hold hairspray to keep everything in place without sacrificing that all-important movement. The result? A textured pixie that’s full of character, perfect for showing off your bold, fearless style.
5) The tousled wave
If you’re after a look that’s equal parts chic and effortless, the tousled wave is your go-to. This style is perfect for short layered hair because it adds volume, movement, and a touch of that casual, undone charm that everyone’s after.
To start, prep your hair with a heat protectant spray, especially if you’re working with second-day hair (which, let’s be real, often holds waves better than freshly washed strands). Once that’s done, grab a curling wand or a flat iron. The trick here is to create loose waves, not tight curls. Take small sections of your hair, wrap them around the wand (or twist them with your flat iron), and hold for just a few seconds before releasing.
For an authentic slept-in look, make sure to alternate the direction of your curls. Wrap some sections away from your face and others towards it. This little switch-up adds a natural, unstructured feel to the waves. If your hair tends to be on the finer side, flip your head upside down and give it a quick spritz of texturizing spray or dry shampoo at the roots for extra lift.
After you’ve curled your entire head, it’s time to break up those waves. Run your fingers through your hair to loosen the curls and add a bit more texture. For that perfectly undone finish, use a sea salt spray or a lightweight styling cream to add definition without weighing your hair down.
Effortlessly cool, beachy waves that look stylish and relaxed? Yes, please. It’s perfect, whether you’re heading to brunch with the girls or just want to level up your everyday look. 10/10 for that minimal effort but maximum reward kinda look.
6) Slick back
The retro slick back is a bold, cleaned-up look that’s made for adding a bit of drama to your short layered hair. Inspired by classic Hollywood glamor and 90s style icons, this look is all about sleekness and shine. And let’s be real, if Kendall Jenner is rocking it, you know it’s a trend that’s here to stay. Her sleek, clean-girl look is all over our Insta feeds right now, proving that the slicker, the better!
Start by applying a smoothing serum or gel to damp hair. This will give you the hold and control needed to achieve that flawless slick back. Comb your hair back and evenly distribute the product, ensuring every strand is coated for a smooth finish.
Next, blow-dry your hair using a round brush to create volume at the roots. This step is important for keeping your hair from looking flat against your scalp. Once dry, use a flat iron or a hot brush to smooth out any remaining bumps or waves. The goal here is to create a uniform, polished surface—with absolutely no strays!
Now for the slick back magic. Use a fine-tooth comb and a bit more styling gel or pomade to brush your hair straight back. For a modern touch, you can leave a few pieces of hair out around your face for a softer look or pin back any stray layers that might be sticking out. This retro style is all about sleekness and sophistication, so don’t shy away from using a good amount of product to keep everything in place.
Finish with a light mist of hairspray to lock in the style without making it stiff. The result? A glamorous, sleek back that channels both timeless elegance and contemporary edge.
Short hair is more versatile than you think
See? Just because you’ve embraced the chic old money bob doesn’t mean you’re boxed into a few standard styles. The beauty of short layered hair is its versatility. With a little patience and some kick-ass products, you can transform your look from day to night, or from laid-back to high-fashion in no time.
The best part? If you’re working with layers, you don’t need a whole arsenal of tools to keep your style fresh. A spritz of hairspray and the trusty claw clip (a Gen-Z favorite) are all you need. These clips can tame even the shaggiest of manes and give you that sleek, polished look with little to no effort. Embrace the possibilities and cut those fabby layers—with the right techniques and a touch of creativity, the best is yet to come! We’re all for extra layers over here and nothing can stop us!
