7 Must-Try Short Hairstyles for 2026

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I have finally succeeded in growing out my coils just long enough to pull into an updo without needing to stretch them with heat, but my hair has officially entered its awkward-length stage. Honestly, I deserve an award for all the styles I’ve been able to pull off in the meantime. With that being said, I’ve begun to get that familiar itch to go short again and return to my my bob era. So far, it looks like 2026 will be dominated by short styles, and I’m staying ahead of the trend cycle by hunting for potential styles.

Sunnie Brook, a celebrity hairstylist and Biolage global ambassador with over 20 years of experience in the beauty industry, tells me 2026 won’t be “just another year of the bob.” Instead, she predicts intentional duality will be the buzziest trend—hair that feels polished or undone, short or secretly long based on how you wear it. You can expect to see short hairstyles with nostalgic touches. “There’s also a real echo of 2016’s strong, graphic bob era coming back but reworked through a 2026 lens that prioritizes texture, ease, and personalization,” Brook explains.

Below, I’m taking a deep dive into the seven copy-worthy short hairstyles that will define 2026 and are 100% worth saving for reference the next time you’re feeling bold enough to try something new—plus the best styling products that will bring these looks to life without a salon visit. Scroll on for hairstyle inspiration before picking up the scissors and going in for a chop.

Which short cuts will be on-trend in 2026?

We’ve seen Italian bobs and textured pixies over the past couple of years, but in 2026, Brook is detecting another cut gaining traction: the chillet. “It’s a softer, more wearable evolution of the mullet,” Brook says. “Short and face framing but relaxed and fashion-forward rather than extreme.” Beyond specific silhouettes, there will also be a notable uptick in hidden structures and dual-length cuts. “[It] will be the one of the most exciting conversations in short hair. People want flexibility and options built into one haircut,” she adds.

Enter Brook’s signature Gemini cut, which is designed with medium to thick hair in mind. To create it, the underneath is cut into a clean bob that sits above the shoulders but below the chin. The top is left at one length below the shoulders and veils over the undercut to give the illusion of longer hair when worn down, and when worn up, it reveals a bob. She tells me the cut is “for someone who wants to go short without feeling limited, and it photographs beautifully because it has a strong shape and a hidden element of surprise.” Brook also loves this cut for curly hair.

Taylor Hill with a bixie.

Which short hairstyles will define 2026?

This year, Brook says we’ll be heading into a new era of individualized bobs, with shaggy bobs coexisting with eye-catching blunt shapes and flipped ends. “It’s less about one dominant look and more about choosing the version that fits your energy and lifestyle,” she says. Brook predicts the return of retro structures, albeit in a quieter way than we’ve seen in past years. “Sculpted bends, controlled waves, and glossy finishes are coming back, but with restraint so they feel modern instead of costume driven,” Brook adds. Unlike 2025, which was filled with polished bobs, this year will mark a prominent shift toward movement, versatility, and better grow-out. “There’s more emphasis on texture, softer silhouettes, and styles that look intentional without feeling overworked,” says Brook.

How do I style short hair?

There are many ways to style short tendrils, but having the right products on hand can make sure every bob, lob, and pixie cut is salon-worthy. “With short hair, products matter because there’s nowhere to hide,” Brook tells me. To sculpt strands without stiffness, she uses the Biolage Styling Gelée ($30) or Bodifying Mousse ($28) with a hand-wrapping technique. “Hair has the most memory when it goes from wet to dry, so working a small amount of gel into damp hair and sculpting a bend at the roots or around the face creates a soft, modern wave without heat,” she says. Once the hair is dry, Brook recommends shaking it out with your fingers.