Style Hair 25 Short Layered Haircuts That Are Perfect For A Fresh Start Time to make the chop. By Kaitlyn Yarborough Kaitlyn Yarborough Part of the Southern Living team since 2017, Kaitlyn Yarborough is a Georgia native living in Austin, Texas, who covers a wide variety of topics for both the magazine and website, focusing on culture and lifestyle content, as well as travel in the South. Southern Living's editorial guidelines Updated on February 16, 2024 Trending Videos Close this video player Photo: @mechesalonla As far as we're concerned, there is no wrong time to get a short haircut. However, we can't help but find it even more tempting to make a drastic cut at the change of the season, whether ahead of a steamy Southern summer or to celebrate the coming of fall. It seems only fitting to start fresh — with a new bob, textured shoulder cut, or ultra-cropped pixie. For all of those hairstyles, you'll want to get acquainted with short haircuts that have layers upon layers and take off extra hair that may be weighing you down. Here are 20 short layered cuts to use as inspiration for your next look. 01 of 25 Deep Side Part Bob @styled_by_carolynn A deep part like the one seen here creates a voluminous swoop, an excellent option for those looking to shorten but bulk up their cut. 02 of 25 Curly Cut with Bangs @biancacolour Make the most of curls with bangs AND layers. Ask for a blunt chin cut. 03 of 25 Face-Framing Shoulder Cut @styled_by_carolynn Face-framing layers highlight natural features while allowing the back hair to create an illusion of length. 04 of 25 Textured Bob @chrisjones_hair Layers starting at half-length make this cut lighter and airier than its layer-less companion while adding dynamic texture. 05 of 25 Layered Bob with Bangs Courtesy of @smallbatchhair It's time to end the stigma against bangs. With the right layers and framing, this cut could be your fresh start. 06 of 25 Curly Shoulder Shag @natalieannehair / Instagram For an update on an old-school shag haircut, add lots of layers to curly hair with a set of wispy bangs. A shoulder cut just got way less basic. 07 of 25 Angled Lob @styledby_carolynn You can also use layers to add versatility and flair to any basic long bob, like this super angled cut by stylist Carolynn Judd. Request an A-line cut that hits the nape of the neck and gradually skims the collarbone in the front. 08 of 25 Stacked Chin Bob @clevelandhairboss Layers can go a long way when paired with a short cut on naturally straight hair. Ask for face-framing side-swept layers that hit right at the chin, with shorter layers in the back. 09 of 25 Face-Hugging Bob @itscolbs Something as simple as sharp, tapered ends that hug the chin can transform your entire haircut in one salon trip. This is a great option for those who want to update a long bob haircut. 10 of 25 Curly Pixie Cut @t.techniques Curls can add amazing volume to short cuts, especially a top-heavy crop like the one seen here. Make sure to crop the sides and back extra short, while letting the top stay longer for styling. 11 of 25 Asymmetrical Curly Bob @stylistinsta/@ninezeroone A side part, curls, and the lightness of a chin-length cut — what more could you ask for? 12 of 25 Breezy Shoulder Cut @justinandersoncolor This windswept lob is full of layers that start halfway down the hair shaft for optimal airiness and movement. This cut is perfect for those who like to let their hair air-dry and enhance their natural texture. 13 of 25 Face-Framing Lob Cut @hairby_chrissy You can also use layers to create the appearance of a cut shorter than you have because they take off weight and add body. So, if you're still moving toward making a chop, this cut by stylist Chrissy Rasmussen is a first step that doesn't require taking off all the inches. 14 of 25 Side-Parted Curly Bob @curlsbyjessw You can never go wrong with a classic bob. This one is accentuated with side bangs that flatter curly hair. 15 of 25 Tousled Crop Cut @natalieannehair Between a pixie and a bob, there's a crop cut, and you can make it as textured as you'd like using face-framing layers. 16 of 25 Razored Crop Cut @benbrownhair You can ensure a short cropped cut doesn't lose any volume or styling potential by adding razor-sharp layers that sit more heavily up top and toward the front. 17 of 25 Center-Parted Lob @veronica_nunez For those who prefer a center part, ask for all-over layers that give extra body to a short cut of any length. 18 of 25 Frenchie Fringe Bob @mechesalonla For a more romantic take on a classic bob, try one with soft layers and full fringe. It keeps every ounce of charm with a little extra style. 19 of 25 Soft Blunt Shoulder Cut @salonustyle Sometimes you want a blunt cut without having all the extra weight pulling your hair down. That's where secret internal layers come in to give your hair volume despite the thicker look. 20 of 25 Curly Shag @salsalhair Shag haircuts are perfect for curly-haired girls. It includes lots of layers, bangs, and texture. 21 of 25 Relaxed Collarbone Shag @salsalhair This isn't the super tousled and razored shag cut Joan Jett once sported. Instead, it softens a mid-length cut with cohesive layers and a slightly wispy fringe. 22 of 25 Subtle Undercut Crop @mila_kryshchykhina You can give the most subtle point of interest to any cut with just a tinge of razored undercut detailing. This otherwise classic crop cut does just that. 23 of 25 Springy Chin Bob @misahara5 Curls respond to layers, bouncing up and away to give a volumized short cut. Try a cropped bob with extra top layers and wispy bangs for a breezy new look. 24 of 25 Choppy Pixie @zinoveva_elena Pixie cuts don't have to be all one length, shown here with choppy layers that sweep across the forehead. 25 of 25 Face-Framing Layers @chrisjones_hair If you don't want to dive right into a super layered cut, ask for subtle face-framing layers to slowly ease into a more dimensional look. Frequently Asked Questions What is the best care routine for short-layered hair? Keep short haircuts healthy and beautiful with the following care routine: comb less frequently and use your fingers or a bristle brush instead, avoid heat products and use products to increase volume, and maintain the shape with consistent trims. How often should you cut layered hair? To maintain healthy and beautiful hair, trim layers every six to eight weeks. If you have a lot of layers or want a choppy appearance, trim every six weeks. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! 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