Most Inspiring Short Haircuts

Michelle William’s Definitive Pixie
Why we love it: What’s not to love? Williams paved the way for the modern pixie when she lobbed off her hair. The texture is what keeps it from looking vintage. Ask your stylist to cut hair shorter around the face and longer toward the nape.

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Carey Mulligan's Layered Bob
Why we love it: Whether slicked back or brushed forward, this tiered bob has amazing body and shape to it. Ask your stylist to incorporate layers that hit at various points—at the nape, cheekbones, and then around the eyes.

Scarlett Johansson’s Breezy Cut
Why we love it: This cut disproves the rule that if you have thick or curly hair you can’t go short. The key is to keep the length at least to the chin level and cut the ends with a razor to control the volume. Then toss the brush—it’s better to finger comb hair to lend a piece-y quality that resists any pouf.

Emma Watson’s Sleek Straight Cut
Why we love it: It’s stark and chic with hard lines—definitely a bold look that’s not for those who hide behind their hair. Consider how you want to wear the cut before you’re in the salon gown. For example, if you plan on tucking the front pieces behind your ear, like Emma does here, the length of the ends needs to reach your nose.

Evan Rachel Wood’s Nouveau Mohawk
Why we love it: With its closely shorn sides and voluminous top, this cut owes a lot to the Mohawk. While it’s slightly less punk than its predecessor, it works on any hair texture, especially wavy since the ends will curl up on their own.