Hair
May 18, 2021

Trust Me—These 23 Short Haircuts Require Barely Any Upkeep

by Keeks Reid

One of the most common misconceptions about short hair is how time-consuming styling and upkeep can be. Turns out it’s a myth as old as time, and we’re here to put an end to it. Just like some long hairstyles can look lifeless when not styled, so too can shorter hair. But opting for a shorter style doesn’t mean you’ll be glued to your stylist’s chair every week. In fact, the right short haircut for you will depend a lot on your texture, the condition of your hair, and your lifestyle. For instance, if you have very curly hair, then opting for a sleek bob will require a lot of heat and therefore way more in-salon treatments to repair and restore your strands.

"Every head of hair is different, so it’s important to have a thorough consultation with your stylist on the easiest upkeep for you," advises Adam Reed, UK editorial ambassador for L’Oréal Professionnel. "There are many considerations for a low-maintenance look and techniques that your stylist can achieve for any length you desire."

Low maintenance short haircuts: lob hairstyle

Photo:

@annabelrosendahl

Of all the short haircuts to consider, the easiest to maintain is actually a textured long bob—also known as a lob. As the style grows out, the long layers won’t fall awkwardly and will naturally shift into a mid-length look.

"Adding in layers is an easy way to keep a look fresh," says Reed. "A bob can be very versatile, as there are so many variations as it grows out, and it is easy to add in texture to the shape to reduce any weight as the look grows."

Low maintenance short haircuts: Pixie Crop

Photo:

@inthing_

Want to go for something even shorter? "The laid-back pixie cut is the perfect cut for those who are looking for something different after lockdown. Think soft, air-dried, alluring, effortless, and super cool for this cut," says Sam Ashcroft stylist at Brooks and Brooks London. "The laid-back pixie is a sister style of the shag cut; it’s layered and structured, but at the same time, minimal product and styling are used, and it relies entirely on the natural texture. The cut will evolve over time as it grows out, and you should enjoy the different phases that come with it."

Low maintenance short haircuts: Bob hairstyle

Photo:

@shutthekaleup

Product-wise, it's all about keeping hair healthy to ensure your cut stays looking fresh without too much intervention. "My biggest piece of advice in keeping hair looking fresh is to use products as a preventative and to continuously nourish and maintain hair health," says Reed. "I love a deeply hydrating and protecting mask, like the L’Oréal Professionnel Absolut Repair Mask, which is packed with quinoa for a boost of protein and protection for damaged hair."

Low maintenance short haircuts: Tapered haircut

Photo:

@alyssainthecity

Ahead, keep scrolling for the best low-maintenance short haircuts. You'll be itching to chop your hair off in no time.

Low maintenance short haircuts: Curly bob

Photo:

@venswifestyle

If you have curls, play with the natural texture of your hair to add endless variety to your shorter style.

Low maintenance short haircuts: Straight bob

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@bellathomas

One-length bob for the win. For this style to be low-maintenance, it suits straighter textures.

Low maintenance short haircuts: Sleek bob

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@chainkyr

A sleek, chin-length bob is always a classic look.

Low maintenance short haircuts: Mid-length lob

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@deborabrosa

With this mid-length style, there's no awkward growing-out phase.

Low maintenance short haircuts: Centre parting bob

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@discodaydream

With a bob this short, opting out of layers is best to avoid having to hide any tricky regrowth.

Low maintenance short haircuts: Layered bob

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@dwfashion

If you have naturally thick hair, then cutting in hidden layers will remove weight from the ends and make your short style look tapered. Chic.

Low maintenance short haircuts: Shag hairstyle

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@luhshawnay

The shag haircut is still a huge trend for 2021, and a shag fringe is the easiest kind to grow out.

Low maintenance short haircuts: Side parting bob

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@emmahoareau

A short cut without a defined parting has a laid-back feel.

Low maintenance short haircuts: Shoulder-length bob

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@chloehelenmiles

A shoulder-skimming bob will grow out into a great mid-length look if you keep your layers longer.

Low maintenance short haircuts: Micro ponytail

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@erinoffduty

If you need any more convincing that a one-length bob is for you, here you go. It's also so stylish when pulled back into a ponytail.

Low maintenance short haircuts: Sleek lob hairstyle

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@fashionbellee

If you have finer hair, then keeping the ends of your short cut blunt will help your hair look fuller and thicker.

Low maintenance short haircuts: Centre-parted bob

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@isabellecoheen

Keeping the hair that frames your face slightly longer helps to extend the lifespan of a short cut.

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@olanthamoran

Who doesn't love a wash-and-go style? If you're growing out a TWA—that's a teeny-weeny afro—then there's no awkward in-between stage when your kinks and coils are healthy and hydrated.