The 50 Best Haircuts for Women In 2021

We tend to get haircuts at pivotal life moments: After breakups, before new jobs, after we've spent 12 months sheltered at home. After a year like 2020, we are none too happy to usher in change on all fronts, starting with a fresh chop.

In the absence of the red carpets and the usual cues we look to for hair inspiration, we're seeing a return to retro hairstyles like shags, curtain bangs and even mullets (as seen on Miley Cyrus and Zendaya). But if that's a little too much change for you, there is always the option to get a single-length cut or long, blended bangs (i.e., styles that require very little maintenance and will grow out nicely).

No matter your hair type or style preference, here are 50 haircuts to consider in 2021.

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1. BLUNT BOB

Ask your hairstylist to dry-cut your locks for a super-sharp blunt cut.

HOW TO CUT A SOFT BLUNT BOB

How to Cut a Bob

You Have to See Laureen Uy's DIY Blunt Bob Haircut at Home

 

2. SHORT WITH LONG BANGS

Go shorter on the sides and leave the length on top. Then work a pomade through for a sweptback look.

3. MODERN MULLET

The modern mullet a la Miley features face framing layers in the front and gradual length in the back. Tip: Dry shampoo is your BFF for that ruffled, day-two texture.

4. 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.

5. 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).

6. SMOOTH LOB

A deep side-part and flatironed strands take a lob from ordinary to seriously straight.

7. LONG LAYERS

If you love your long locks but hate the weight, ask for your hair to be shaped with thinning shears.

8. SLEEK AND STRAIGHT

Blow-dry hair straight, and then go over it with a flat-iron. Finish with a smoothing serum for ultra-silky frizz-free strands.

9. 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.

10. SPIKY PIXIE

Your everyday mantra: Wake up, pomade and go. It's seriously that easy.

11. CHOPPY LOB

A few layers is all it takes. Have your stylist use her beloved thinning shears for the most natural gradient.

12. CURTAIN BANGS

Growing out your straight-across fringe or want to ease into the whole thing entirely? This style is great for both. Center-part your hair and ask for long, sweeping curtain bangs.

13. THE UNDERCUT

Edgy when your hair’s up, invisible when your hair’s down. This cut is great for short-haired ladies, because it allows you to pull your hair back without a million pieces falling out in the back.

14. 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.

15. ANGULAR AFRO

A regular afro is beautiful, but a side-part makes all the difference. Use a rattail comb for a precise line.

16. 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.

17. 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.

18. MOHAWK

Shave the sides of your head and keep a little length in the middle. A few messy curls made it more modern.

19. WAVY LOB

The length 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.

20. 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)

21. VOLUMINOUS LAYERS

Wavy-haired gals, this one's for you. Layers throughout your whole head will lighten things up for weightless volume.

22. ASYMMETRICAL BOB

Slightly longer on one side than the other; a deep side-part really accentuates the differentiation in lengths.

23. LAYERED SHAG

Chop thin strands into a piecey shag for an edgy update.

24. ROUNDED

Perfectly symmetrical is how we like it. Keep the majority of the volume on the sides with a center part.

25. LAYERED WITH CURTAIN BANGS

The key is to make your bangs blend with your layers.

26. THE TIGHT CROP

In between a pixie and an afro, this style is perfectly shaped but still effortlessly cool.

27. BLUNT BANGS

For the grown-up gal who still loves thrift shops and flea markets. Have your stylist dry-cut them so you don't wind up going too short

28. LONG AND CURLY

Curly girls can go long, too. Just ask for long layers so things don't get too weighed down.

29. SHAGGY LOB

A few layers and loose waves make this look so beachy-chic.

30. SIDE-SWEPT BANGS

The haircut that makes you look ten pounds thinner. No, really. The angle here tricks the eye into thinking your face is extra narrow.

31. LAYERED CURLS

For instant volume on a bob, add soft waves throughout like Viola here.

32. 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. 

33. CURLY BANGS

Who said bangs need to be straight? Chop these dry, too, so you get an accurate read on length.

34. TOUSLED LOB

Short, swingy and voluminous. A little flip-over part adds to that effortless vibe.

35. CURLY SHAG

Short curly locks, short layers and un-fussy bangs make for a winning combination.

36. SHORT FACE-FRAMING LAYERS

Put all the focus on your gorgeous face with layers that draw the eye upward. Bonus: A few highlights literally brighten your complexion.

37. THE SWEEPING PIXIE

Go shorter in back and slightly longer on top. Then brush hair forward to achieve that sweeping look.

38. BOUNCY CURLS

They don't just sound fun—they are. Short layers that start around the temple add lots of volume all the way down.

39. SHOULDER-GRAZING LAYERS

This mid-length cut basically styles itself. Let it air-dry for natural texture and volume.

40. BOUNCY BOB

Love the length of a bob, but want more body? Cut a few long layers around your face for extra oomph.

41. SHAVED

Buzzed right off, this hairstyle is the very definition of no-fuss. Hint: If you go for a number three or four, your hair will be long enough to dye (if you want to).

42. VOLUMINOUS PIXIE

All the volume with none of the weight. It's almost like a grown-out mohawk—just brush hair up and back for a more polished vibe.

43. BOB WITH BANGS

The choppier the ends, the better. Note: This is one cut that will require regular trims to keep the optimal length.

44. LAYERED MIDI

Proof that mid-length is never boring. Cut layers below the shoulders to add bounce to loose waves.

45. MODERN SHAG

Short and feathered for the win. This hairstyle adds body to even the thinnest hair.

46. ONE LENGTH MIDI

Super-blunt edges that land below the collarbone are even more posh when worn sleek.

47. SHARP LAYERS

You can’t miss these layers. Ask for sharp-graduated layers or angles at the front to lighten up thick hair.

48. SHOULDER LENGTH WAVES

There's a reason the Duchess wears this hairstyle so well—it's classic, polished and works great with a crown (or hat, if you're a mere mortal like us).

49. 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.