beauty
Styles for every hair length, type and texture ahead
By Jenny Jin
•
Published May 21, 2024
Additional reporting by
Marissa Wu
Lionel Hahn/Arnold Jerocki/Dia Dipasupil/Getty Images
Itching to switch up your style these days? Consider a fresh chop. In 2024, we’ve seen a return to retro haircuts. Think all manner of shags, from wolf cuts to octopus cuts. Los Angeles-based celebrity hairstylist Chaz Dean tells me that medium-long shags, in particular, will sustain their momentum this year. “Shags create great visual interest and personality to your overall look, and it’s very versatile to style on straight, wavy or curly hair,” he says. Speaking of layers, New York-based hairstylist Fabio Scalia predicts the pixie will also have its moment in 2024. “The pixie cut works well for people with various face shapes, including oval, heart-shaped and square faces,” Scalia explains. “It tends to complement features such as high cheekbones and delicate jawlines.”
But if shaggy layers or pixies aren’t your style, fret not. You can still have some fun. Dean and Scalia say that the ever-timeless bob and lob will continue to trend in some way, shape or form throughout 2024. We love a classic style that requires very little maintenance and will grow out seamlessly. Plus, bobs and lobs complement a variety of face shapes and textures. (Though we’re not going to delve too deeply into coloring trends here, in case you’re curious, “Old Money Blonde,” “Cherry Cola,” “Vanilla Almond Butter” and chunky highlights are trending at the moment.)
No matter your hair type or style preference, we’ve got plenty of options—59 to be exact—for the best haircuts for women. Scroll at your leisure and save your faves ahead of your next appointment.
The Most Popular Haircuts of 2024
- Bob
- Pixie
- Shag
- Long Bob
Meet the Experts
- Fabio Scalia is the owner of Fabio Scalia Salons in New York City, which has salons in Soho and Brooklyn Heights. Scalia has been working in the industry since he was 12 and is an expert in hair growth and trichology. He has trained at multiple academies, including Aldo Coppola, Vidal Sassoon and TONI&GUY, in addition to working in top salons from Milan to Monte Carlo.
- Chaz Dean is a celebrity hairstylist, colorist and the founder of the WEN hair and body care line. Dean has over 25 years of experience, and his salon has served the likes of Ming-Na Wen, Nicole Murphy, Gilles Marini, Alyssa Milano, Gwyneth Paltrow and others. WEN is also the winner of multiple QVC Beauty Awards.
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1. Texan Hair
ICYMI, Beyoncé released her latest album, Cowboy Carter, in March. Cue the Western fanfare, including Texan Hair. This isone of the best haircuts for women who loveava-va-voom‘90s blowout, because Texan Hair just dialsthingsup to 1,000. As seen on Queen Bey, it’s a long haircut thathasshorter, face framing layers.
Taylor Hill/Contributor/Getty Images
2. Raked Fringe
Hair at the 2024 Met Gala was pretty tame, but Ashley Graham rolled up with a raked fringe the internet couldn’t stop talking about. Spoiler: Hers were clip-ons. Given that the shaggy-rocker-grunge vibe is here to stay, I’d have to call this one of the best haircuts for women in 2024. (And channeling your inner Joan Jett is never not cool.) This style is bestfor those withthicker hair, soyou can achieve the “raked” effect withoutmaking the frontlooksparse.
Dia Dipasupil/Staff/Getty Images
3. Sleeping Beauty Hair
The 2024 Met Gala theme was “Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion,” so of course many updos were inspired by a certain Disney princess. AsMermade Hair CEOTara SimichrecentlytoldPureWow Associate Editor Chelsea Candelario, “It’s so chic to be effortless these days,” Mermade Hair CEO Tara Simich told PureWow Associate Editor Chelsea Candelario. “This look is all about less is more—giving European summer from the beach to the bar vibes.” This is a great cut for fine- and thin- haired folks, as it involves minimal layering (or longer layers) that preserve hair density. It’s also easy to style, instantly elevated by a pass with a bristle brush, which will amp the volume.
Stefania D'Alessandro/Contributor/Getty Images
4. Baroque Bob
If you’ve been following the Challengers press tour, you know one of Zendaya’s signature looks is a glamorous, grandiloquent bob. It’s giving Baroque bob vibes, which first made a splash during NYFW fall/winter ‘24 on the Cristian Cowan runway. The cut isn’t complicated—just blunt ends, actually—and it’s all about the styling. To build volume, Scalia advises mousse, styling cream and a round brush. Set your hair in rollers for extra oomph.
Lionel Hahn/Contributor/Getty Images
5. The Rachel
Jennifer Aniston brought back “The Rachel” in January, and we predict it’ll be a popular cut for ladies with long hair (and those feeling nostalgic for Friends). It’s also the perfect way to wear layers without having to commit to a full shag.
Dia Dipasupil/Staff/Getty Images
6. Hydro Bob
Another NYFW trend that made a splash this year? The “wet” hair look—and what better way to lean into summer than with the Hydro Bob? Instead of a mountain of hair gel, you’ll style this with water, styling cream and hairspray. Best for those who want a borderline pixie, the cut should fall between your lips and mid-neck with a layered top and some piece-y fringe on your forehead.
Axelle Bauer-Griffin/Getty Images
7. Butterfly Haircut
If you can’t decidebetweengoing shorter or keeping your length,consider the ever-trendy butterfly haircut.“The butterfly haircut is two haircuts in one[and it]gives you the option to play with short hair without having to commit to cutting all your hair off,” celebrity hairstylistSunnie Brookpreviously told us.
Miikka Skaffari/Getty Images
8. Octopus Haircut
Named for the way the cut is round and more bulbous up top and spreads out at the bottom (like an octopus head and its tentacles), the style shares many similarities with a shag. Ask your stylist for lots of layers—or better yet, bring in an inspiration photo like the one above.
The Fact/Getty Images
9. Air Bangs
A staple style in Seoul? Air bangs. Fine and wispy, these see-through bangs are intentionally cut on the finer side, so that your forehead peeps through. Choose these if you don’t want to commit to a full fringe or if you have naturally fine and wispy hair.
Arturo Holmes/Getty Images
10. The Power Bob
Any Succession fans out there? Due to the immense popularity of the hit HBO show, there’s apparently a rise in requests for a sharp power bob. To replicate the style, make sure you keep the length at or just below the chin and unlike the other cuts on this list, you’ll want to steer clear of any layers.
Michael Loccisano/Getty Images
11. The Shullet
The shullet is a cross between a shag and mullet. (It also goes by “the wolf cut” on TikTok.) Defined by its generous texture throughout, it’s a solid style for those with naturally finer strands because it adds body.
Steve Granitz/Getty Images
12. The Smullet
Similar idea as “the shullet,” but shorter all around. The ideal length for a smullet falls just at or above your shoulders to give it more of a lob look.
Phillip Faraone/Getty Images
13. The Mixie
As celebrity hairstylist and R+Co collective member Jenny Cho previously explained, “A mixie is an edgy haircut that is longer in the back, like a mullet, and shorter in the front, like a pixie—a mullet meets pixie. Depending on your texture, it’s generally a low-maintenance style because of the loose length around the hairline.” If you have a round face, the angular cut can provide balance to your face shape.
Stefania D'Alessandro/Getty Images
14. The Italian Bob
The “Italian Bob” aka “The Boyfriend Bob” first took Instagram by storm in 2022, but it shows no signs of stopping. As Austin Burns, a stylist at Mirror Mirror Salon in Austin, Texas shares, “Ask your stylist to snip in some interior layers to add separation and keep the shape from becoming too round.” It’s ideal for those with round faces who want a bob but don’t want Edna Mode vibes.
Jon Kopaloff/Getty Images
15. Sideswept Pixie
If you have a strong, angular face shape, a pixie will let that shine. Go shorter on the sides and leave the length on top. Then, work a pomade through for a sweptback look.
Dave Benett/Getty Images
16. Modern Mullet
The modern mullet à la Miley features face framing layers in the front, which can help soften angular features, and gradual length in the back. Tip: Dry shampoo is your BFF for that ruffled, day-two texture.
Tim P. Whitby/Getty Images
17. Long Pixie
In between a bob and a pixie, this style is more versatile than you think. Side-part it and sweep the ends to one side for a sleek look. If you lack hair density, this can help give the illusion of fullness.
Jon Kopaloff/Getty Images
18. Tapered Layers
Add some life to limp hair by cutting gradual layers that create movement and body (even if they can’t hold a curl).
Gotham/Contributor/Getty Images
19. Blunt Bob
Looking for the best haircut for women? Simply ask your hairstylist to dry-cut your locks for a super-sharp blunt cut. It’s best for square, round, diamond and heart faces, because the cut can soften features and help balance proportions.
Steve Granitz/Getty Images
20. Smooth Lob
A deep side-part and flatironed strands take a lob from ordinary to seriously sleek and works with many face shapes—so square, round, diamond and heart faces, this one’s for you, too.
Steve Granitz/Getty Images
21. Long Layers
If you love your long locks but hate the weight, ask for your hair to be shaped with thinning shears. Those with thin hair can also try this style, as Dean explains that longer layers will help preserve hair density.
Angela Weiss/Getty Images
22. Sleek and Straight
If your hair isnaturallystraight, this is a low-maintenance cut that’s a breeze to style.Simply dryyour hair, quickly run aflat iron through itand finishwith a smoothing serum for silky frizz-free strands.
Michael Tran/Getty Images
23. Loose Curly Afro
You can do an afro even if you don’t have super-coily hair. Pick it out and apply a little gel so it holds its shape.
Steve Granitz/Getty Images
24. Spiky Pixie
For those on the search for the ultimate low-maintenance look, the spiky pixie is one of the best haircuts for women. Your everyday mantra: Wake up, pomade and go. It’s seriously that easy.
Michael Kovac/Getty Images for Moet & Chandon
25. Choppy Lob
Who knew that a few layers is all it would take to get the best haircut for women? Have your stylist use their thinning shears for the most natural gradient. The choppy lob works well for those with rounder faces who want to add a little sharpness and contrast to their features.
Tibrina Hobson/Getty Images
26. Curtain Bangs
Growing out yourfullfringe?Curtain bangsarea great way to do thisand can work with any hair type. Center-part your hair and ask for long, sweepingbangs that part to either side of your face. When styling at home, use a straightener orblow dry brushto add volume and definition.
Rodin Eckenroth/Getty Images
27. Gelled Edges
Natural-haired ladies: Don’t neglect those edges. When laid properly, they look just like art. Dab on a bit of edge control cream and use a soft-bristle toothbrush to mold them into waves.
Stephane Cardinale - Corbis/Getty Images
28. Angular Afro
A regular afro is beautiful, but a side-part makes all the difference. Use a rattail comb for a precise line.
Dominique Charriau/Getty Images
29. A-line Lob
When a lob is cut a little higher in the back, it allows the front pieces to fall more effortlessly in place. Read: No poofy triangle hair. Try this cut if you want to elongate your face, as the A-line will draw the eye downwards.
Mike Pont/Getty Images
30. Super-Short Pixie
This short ‘do is so low maintenance, you can literally roll out of bed and go. Oh, and it works on all hair types, from coily to straight.
Arnold Jerocki/Contributor/Getty Images
31. Baby Bangs
These bangs are intentionally too short and we love it. Chop them a few inches above your eyebrows for that high-fashion look. You’ll be taking a page from Zendaya at Paris Fashion Week, where she sported these mirco-bangs at the Fendi show.
Jeff Kravitz/AMA2017/Getty Images
32. Mohawk
For the bold among us: Shave the sides of your head and keep a little length in the middle. A few messy curls make it more modern and soften the overall look.
Michael Tran/Getty Images
33. Wavy Lob
A lob is a haircut that’s flattering on literally everyone. Ask for it to hit just above your shoulders, so it’s not too short when it’s waved.
Steve Granitz/Getty Images
34. Angled Bob
Ever so slightly shorter in the back and gradually longer in the front, this style looks best when worn sleek (so you can actually see the soft gradient). The A-line helps frame your face, soften the edges and elongate your features.
Juan Naharro Gimenez/Getty Images
35. Voluminous Layers
Wavy-haired gals, this one’s for you. Layers throughout your whole head will lighten things up for weightless volume.
Dave Kotinsky/Getty Images
36. Asymmetrical Bob
Slightly longer on one side than the other, a deep side-part really accentuates the differentiation in lengths. If your hair is thin, the subtle layers can help build volume and density.
Mark Davis/Getty Images
37. Layered Shag
Taylor Swift firstrocked thislookat the2016Met Gala, but the shag is here to stay. Chop thin strands into a piece-ylayersfor an edgy update. Because of the intense layering, it’ll probably work best if you have dense hair that will benefit from a little thinning out.
Gilbert Carrasquillo/Getty Images
38. Rounded
Perfectly symmetrical is how we like it. For best results, keep most of the volume on the sides with a center part. This is one of the best haircuts for women with longer faces, as the rounded hairstyle will provide horizontal balance.
Laura Cavanaugh/Getty Images
39. Layered with Curtain Bangs
Pretty much anyone can try a layered cut with curtain bangs, as proven by girl-next-door Jennifer Garner. The key is to make sure your bangs blend in with your layers.
Steve Granitz/Getty Images
40. The Tight Crop
In between a pixie and an afro, this style is perfectly shaped to your head and effortlessly cool in more ways than one.
Gregg DeGuire/Getty Images
41. Blunt Bangs
For the grown-up gal who still loves thrift shops and flea markets. Psst, have your stylist dry-cutyour bangs,soyou don’t accidentally gotoo short.
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42. Long and Curly
Curly girls can go long, too. Ask for longer layers, which can help balance the volume and density of your hair—a blunt cut across will look too heavy.
Fred Duval/Getty Images
43. Shaggy Lob
A few layers and loose waves make this look so beachy and chic. This is a fun, low-maintenance option for those who don’t want to spend a lot of time styling. Just adda few bendswithyourstraightenerand you’re done.
Angela Weiss/Getty Images
44. Side-Swept Bangs
People with round faces may want to consider this haircut, asthe bangsframe theface in a flattering way thatprovides somevisual balance.The angle here tricks the eye into thinking your face is extra narrow.
Rachel Murray/Getty Images for L'Oréal Paris
45. Layered Curls
For instant volume on a bob, add soft waves throughout like Viola here. This is an ideal hair cut for fine, thin hair, because it will hold the extra volume without looking too round.
Paul Zimmerman/Getty Images
46. Sculpted Pixie
Shorter on the sides than on the top, it’s the long pixie for natural hair. AKA the perfect way to show off your bone structure.
Frazer Harrison/Getty Images
47. Curly Bangs
Who said bangs need to be straight? Chop these dry, too, so you get an accurate read on length.
Steve Granitz/Getty Images
48. Tousled Lob
Another low-effort look for fine-haired folks. Short and swingy, a small flip-over part adds to that effortless vibe and will give the illusion of volume.
Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images
49. Curly Shag
Proof that those with curly locks can rock short layers and un-fussy bangs for a winning combination.
George Pimentel/Getty Images
50. Short Face-Framing Layers
Here’s an option for those who are enviously eying bangs but cannot commit. Put all the focus on your gorgeous face with layers that draw the eye upward. Bonus: A few highlights literally brighten your complexion.
Jason Merritt/Getty Images
51. The Sweeping Pixie
Ifyou’re not yet feeling brave enough to go all the waywith a pixie cut, this rendition is a less drastic way to ease intothings. Go shorter in back and slightly longer on top.Then,brush hair forward to achieve that sweeping look.
Taylor Hill/Getty Images
52. Voluminous Pixie
All the volume with none of the weight. It’s almost likea grown-out mohawk—just brush hair up and back for a more polished vibe.
Gregg DeGuire/Getty Images
53. Bouncy Bob
Love the length of a bob, but want more body? Cut a few long layers around your face for extra oomph.
Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images
54. Shaved
Buzzed right off, this hairstyle is the very definition of no-fussand it’s an ideal cut for those who want to highlight their face shape. Hint: If you go for a number three or four, your hair will be long enough toadd color to it(if you want to).
Frazer Harrison/Getty Images
55. Bob with Bangs
Want to channel your inner Anna Wintour? Here’s her signature cut that anyone of any age can pull off—Maisie Williams case en point. The choppier the ends, the better. Note: This is one cut that will require regular trims to keep the optimal length.
Dave Benett/Getty Images
56. Layered Midi
Proof that mid-length is never boring. Cut layers below the shoulders to add bounce to your waves. This is a convenient cut for people who don’t want to spend a lot of time styling. Simply mist dry hair with texture spray and use a curling iron to add those relaxed curls.
Amanda Edwards/Getty Images
57. Modern Shag
Short and feathered for the win. This style adds body to even the thinnest hair, making it one of the best haircuts for women with finer strands.
Donato Sardella/Getty Images
58. One Length Midi
Super-blunt ends that sit below the collarbone are even more posh when worn sleek. This is a good haircut for those with thin hair, because the blunt cut will help preserve density.
Jason Merritt/Getty Images
59. Sharp Layers
You can’t miss these layers. Ask for sharp-graduated layers or angles at the front to lighten up thick hair.
What Is the Most Popular Women’s Haircut Right Now?
For longer hair, the Butterfly Cut is still a top requested look, but we predict that Beyoncé’s Texan Hair will have staying power in 2024. For shorter hair, it’s all about the bob and pixie, as Dean and Scalia have explained. Pixie haircuts work well with many face shapes, including oval, heart-shaped and square. “It tends to complement features such as high cheekbones and delicate jawlines,” Scalia says. Meanwhile, bobs are timeless, low-maintenance and versatile, with many iterations from the Italian Bob to the Baroque Bob.
What Is the Best Haircut to Look Younger?
We’d challenge you to reframe the question to: What haircut best suitsyour hairtype and texture? For example, if you have fine or thin hair that tends to fall flat easily, keeping your hair long can weigh it down and drag down your features, which will make you look older. Better to cut it shorter and perhaps even ask for blunt ends to create the illusion of more volume and thickness.
And as we recently learned from Gregory Russell, a celebrity hairstylist whose clients include Lily Collins, Kate Hudson and Sophie Turner, we often forget about our personal style when deciding on a new haircut. “Sometimes a bob can make someone look so much younger, and sometimes it can make someone look totally mumsy. If you’re someone who’s into minimalism and wear geometric shapes or graphic patterns, a bob can look sharp and chic on you. But if you’re someone who likes more of a relaxed or Boho style, it could have a completely different effect.”
His parting advice: Look for people who have a similar sense of style to you, and use that as a starting point for how you might want your hair to look. Then, bring photos to your stylist.
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Jenny Jin
Beauty Director
- Oversees all beauty content at PureWow
- Has over a decade of experience in writing and editing, both in print and digital media
- Produces 'Youngish' newsletter, a guide to beauty in your 30s and beyond
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Marissa Wu
SEO Editor
- Writes across all verticals, including beauty, fashion, wellness, travel and entertainment, with a focus on SEO and evergreen content
- Has previously worked at Popular Photography and Southern Living, with words in Martha Stewart and Forbes Vetted
- Has a B.S. in journalism from Boston University
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