You'd be hard pressed to find a cut that looks chicer down than the short, shoulder-grazing kind. But because we don't always have the energy to style our strands to the nines on the daily (which classic down-dos generally do call for to look, well, decent), it's important to have some styling options up your sleeve, too. Or on the other hand, sometimes you just want something that looks a bit more fancy; perhaps you have an upcoming event you want to master a specific style for. The tricky part is that it can be tough to know which styles actually suit (and work on) shorter hair. So whether you're aiming for an updo, a half-up style, an accessory-adorned situation, or just want to commit to something a little different in the styling department, here are eight cute hairstyles for short hair we recommend adding to your repertoire...

Remember the 'scrunch' buns we all used to love? TBT, we know. Well, they're back! In moderate form, that is. Copy this style by parting hair in the middle, leaving some face-framing pieces out, and scrunching and lifting the top section of a half-up style to add volume and grit before pinning into place. Image via: @neilyoungbeauty

Generally the goal is to style curls away from the face Charlie's Angels style, but if you've got hair that cuts off around your shoulders, you can actually go the other way with rather chic results. Curling hair toward the face will frame it gorgeously, and add a vintage-style vibe. The key to this look? Curling each entire side as a 'section'. Yes, it may take some practice, but it'll be worth the effort! Image via: @nikki_makeup

The trusty topknot never goes out of style. But hey, just to make sure you're knocking this season's updo aesthetic out of the park, start with 'undone' (AKA effort-laden) tousled texture, keep your placement high, and ditch the carved out parting in favour of a 'swept back by the wind' look. Don't forget to pull out some pieces around the front and sides, either. Image via: @jaredengstudios

Craving the clean finish of a topknot (AKA no hair on the face) but still want to show off your short, sharp ends? This silky-smooth half-up half-down situation is ideal. Perfect your polished look by running over hair with a straightener, applying some smoothing serum, and of course, sealing the deal with a dramatic ribbon; this velvet black option is utterly heavenly. Image via: @cwoodhair

There's obviously a time and place for a polished pony, but on the days that you literally don't have the time to craft one, keep this snap in your 'saved' folder for 'too cool to care' inspo. If you've got natural texture, you've got a head start; a bit of shape is the secret to securing enough volume and visual interest to make a messy pony look intentional. Otherwise, try and add a few waves, then whip up into a messy high pony, scrunching at the hair elastic to give it a fountain-style 'sprayed' effect. Image via: @babskymakeup

We're here with a very important message: playground beauty looks are back, baby. This style looks right off the runway (in fact it literally is), but will only take mere minutes to achieve. It works on whatever texture base you're working with, which is also a definite bonus. Simply part your hair in the center, separate the top section and twist into mini buns on each side. Bonus points if you take the time to plait them pre-twisting! Obnoxiously cute. Image via: @kaleteter

Baby braids are still going strong, but mix up your look by adding them to an updo instead of adding in when wearing hair down. This is a look that takes minimal time but looks like it took maximal effort, making it one of our very faves. It's particularly powerful on a day where you don't have time to wash your hair; neither baby braids nor a scrunched-up bun require freshly blown-out hair. Blessings, we know. Image via:  @allanface

This sleek style offers another speedy updo option (though it looks damn detailed, doesn't it?). Slick hair back (in a deep side part) with a bit of gel, comb it smooth against the head (leaving out a low-hanging tendril on either side), then secure hair into a mid-height ponytail to hold, working the gel through to the ends to ensure a smooth, sleek finish in the 'bun'. From there, take pieces from your pony, twist and pin against the head, and continue this same method until all hair is up. Chic! Image via: @allanface

Main image credit: @babskymakeup Want suggestions for a different length? Here are our fave long hair-friendly styles...

Delaney Loane is BEAUTYcrew's Beauty Editor (and resident winged liner lover). An expert in everything from sensitive skin solutions to superior lip gloss formulas, her words have also appeared across mastheads such as ELLE and marie claire.

© Copyright  2022 Are Media PTY LTD

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© Copyright  2022 Are Media PTY LTD

All products are independently selected, tested or recommended by our team of experts. If you buy something, we may earn an affiliate commission.

© Copyright  2022 Are Media PTY LTD

All products are independently selected, tested or recommended by our team of experts. If you buy something, we may earn an affiliate commission.