10 Easy Low-Maintenance Short Hairstyles You Can Do with a Straightener

WRITTEN BY:

ALFREDO DE BENEDICTIS FOUNDER | HAIRSTYLIST

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Alfredo De Benedictis is an Italian-British hair stylist and salon owner with over 40 years of experience. Since 1989, his passion for innovation has led him to create groundbreaking hair tools that minimize stress on the hair while delivering flawless results. From the iconic Rootpermer and Wellformer of the ’90s to the global hit Babyliss Curl Secret, Alfredo’s mission remains the same—developing tools that protect hair health without compromising style.

Key takeaways from the post:
  • Short hair can be versatile
  • You can achieve many looks using the KEEO Genius Straightener
  • 10 of the hottest short hairstyles to try at home
  • The pros and cons of those looks
  • Get celebrity hair inspo

You know the problem; you finally pluck up the courage to go for the chop. Your hairstylist works their magic and creates the cutest crop, a beautiful bob, or a fabulous fringe.

You love it. Your hair feels healthy, you’re confident, and you can’t wait to try different looks.

But once you leave the salon, you’re just not sure how to wear your new 'do.

Don’t worry, we’re here to help!

We stake our reputation on having created an intelligent styling tool that can effortlessly create curls, waves, flicks, kicks, and glass-smooth straightness.

Today, we’re taking you through 10 easy, low-maintenance short hairstyles you can recreate at home.

The 10 Hairstyles:
Sleek Straight Pixie Flick

The sleek straight pixie flick is a sophisticated variation on the classic crop popularised by Audrey Hepburn in the 1950s and more recently sported by the likes of Halle Berry and Michelle Williams. Here, the ends are flicked up or outward to add texture. Great for fine hair, it's low-maintenance, can be chic or edgy, and emphasises your facial features.

@datboyashh Sis wanted something different so we did a bob mullet something abit different #newhairwhodis #bob #bobcut #mullet #relaxedhairjourney #blond #relaxedhair #pixiecut #newhairwhothis #relaxedhaircare #shorthairstyle #shorthair #femalefade #relaxedhairjourney #rattail #rattailcactus #hairgoalsachieved #hairgoalsachieved #relaxedhaircare #shorthairdontcare @Sharkkana @Olaplex ♬ luther - Kendrick Lamar & SZA
Classic Blunt Bob with Turned Ends

Originating in the 1890s, the classic bob has been a staple haircut since the 1920s, when flappers and film stars such as Louise Brooks used it as a symbol of rebellion and a new kind of femininity. It was reinvented in the 1960s with Vidal Sassoon’s five-point cut and has been around in one form or another ever since. It can be used to revive tired hair and can be cut to just above your shoulders or just under your chin. There are many ways to wear a bob, but the classic turned ends have been seen on Selena Gomez, Jessica Biel, and Kaia Gerber this year.

@dakotas.paige SAVE for your next appointment ⭐️ i go to Heather @ Narrative Salon in Urbana, OH #bobbair #bobhaircut #bobhairstyle #bobhairstyles #hairsalon #hairstyle #shorthair #whattoaskfor #saloninspo #ohiosalon #ohio #ohiohairstylist #ohiohairsalon #narrativesalon ♬ lady killers II instrumental - urfavmusic🅴
Face-Framing Curtain Fringes

Curtain fringes, also known as bangs, are longer than their blunt counterparts and are one of the most popular low-maintenance haircuts for long, straight hair, as well as being incorporated into shorter styles. Best for those with a slight wave to their hair, curtain bangs can be choppy a la Ella Purnell, boho, like Suki Waterhouse, or retro, as seen on Daisy Edgar-Jones. They can be used to grow out a full fringe, but require regular trims to keep them looking intentional.

@oliviamollyrogers Its such a good feeling when you get your bangs to sit right. Any questions ask below! #curtainbangs #hairstyle #hairstyling #curtainbangtutorial #curtainbangstutorial #brunette #shorthair ♬ Oh, Pretty Woman - Pomplamoose
Textured Tousled Bob

The textured tousled bob can be achieved by adding layering and texture to a blunt bob. It can make fine hair look fuller and make thick hair lighter and more manageable. Sometimes featuring a side parting and waves or curls, as seen on Zendaya, it can also be more edgy and ‘rock chick chic’, as worn by Lucy Boynton.

@hairbyjohnpulitano “The Texture Edit takeover! 🌊✨ Refreshed this long bob with that perfect lived-in finish. The messier, the better! Rate this tousled transformation 1-10 below 👇 #thetextureedit #TexturedBob #LivedInLook #HairMagic ♬ original sound - John Pulitano
Tucked Behind Ear Sleek Look

The hair tucked behind the ear (or both ears) is a styling trick rather than a haircut. It relies on your hair being glass-smooth and shiny. It can be achieved with a bob, long hair or even a pixie cut. It draws the focus to your cheekbones, shows off earrings, and makes you look polished and put together. Celebrity devotees include actresses Lily Collins and Lucy Hale.

@summerrachelwarren this look is so easy and adorable 🎀 #shorthairstyles #bob #shorthair ♬ goth sidewalks and skeletons - daydream
Straight Half‑Tuck

The half-tuck is a variation on the tucked behind the ear, where hair is tucked and partially secured, then a section is brought forward to partially cover the ear. Jennifer Aniston is a long-time advocate of this look.

@kaittnnicolee If you tuck your hair behind your ear and you want it to stay, this hack is for you! #hairstyle #hair #tutorial #bob #hack @TRESemmé @gimme beauty ♬ original sound - dannyvarr
Mini Crown Bump

The mini crown bump can be incorporated into a variety of hairstyles, from pixies to ponytails, to add texture and volume. Popularised in the 1960s and revived in the late 1990s and early 2000s, it is also known as the pouffe or bouffant. It can be used to add interest to any hairstyle and is often seen on red carpets to add oomph to an otherwise simple up do.

@maggie.a.oates #hairhack #hairhacks #shorthairhacks #shorthairstyles #shorthairtutorial #shorthairgirl #ponytailhack #hairpoof #hairpuff #mom #almost40 #tiredmom ♬ Take Me to Hell - Chloe Adams
Zig‑zag Deep Side Part

Another Y2K hair trend that has reemerged recently is the zig‑zag deep side part. As it sounds, this means a (typically centre) parting is zigzagged across the scalp, rather than straight. Beloved by pop starlets such as Britney Spears, Christina Aguilera and Mandy Moore back in the day, it is now gracing the heads of Vanessa Hudgens, Bella Hadid, and Olivia Munn.

@samatchalaa Hair of the day❤️ I tried a thing🥲 a zigzag side part. My brain said to try something new and I wasn’t sure what it was going to look like but I think it looked pretty good! What do you think? Would you try this? Wig from @Asteria Hair @Asteria_Hair_Shop #lacewigs #laceinstall #wigstyling ♬ Heart Of A Woman - Summer Walker
Soft Wave Ends

Adding soft waves to the ends of your hair can elevate a bob, giving it a soft and relaxed, romantic or retro look. Emma Stone, Kiera Knightley and Michelle Yeoh are just a few of the A-listers who have rocked this look recently.

@ohmyletto_ short hair tutorial 🎀 mastering this technique has been a game changer for my short hair ✨ I like to use a 1 1/4 in curling iron followed by a texture spray #fyp #foryou #hairtok #hairstyle #shorthair #bobhaircut #bobhairstyle #shorthairstyles #curlingiron ♬ 9 - Drake
Ribbon‑Tip Subtle Flick

The ribbon tip is a form of highlights, where lighter ‘ribbon’ sections are painted throughout the hair to add dimension. The ends are then flicked or curled outwards for a playful finish. This type of highlight is less maintenance than usual because the regrowth is more subtle as the colour is scattered through your full head of hair, rather than close to the roots. This look has been seen on Zoe Saldana and Leighton Meester, among others.

@paigedaniellehair Ribbons of blonde ✨🤎 The perfect balance of blonde with enough depth which helps the blonde pop Inspo - @Alex Loves Colour #babylightsandbalayage #beyondethebalayage #balayage #olaplex #salonsdirect #schwarzkopfprofessional #vibrance #livedinhair #hairtransformation #bristolhairstylist #homesalonbristol #hair #mastersofbalayage #hairstyles #hairblogger #hairofinstagram #hairoftheday #instahair #picoftheday #wavyhair #celebhairinspired #colorwow ♬ IM BORED . DEXTERC X C MINOR MIX - Dexter Carr
The Pros/Cons of Each Protection Method:
Hairstyle How to Style Best For Pros Cons
Sleek Straight Pixie Flick Use straightener to smooth short sections, flick the front layers slightly outward or upward. Short pixie cuts, fine hair, edgy looks - Adds structure to very short hair
- Sharp, clean finish
- Great for statement style
- Not ideal for curly hair
- Requires precision
Classic Blunt Bob with Turned Ends Straighten the bob evenly, curving the ends under slightly for an elegant finish. Straight or slightly wavy hair, oval/round faces - Timeless shape
- Easy to maintain with a straightener
- Looks tidy and sleek
- Can appear flat without layering
- Needs touch-ups to maintain shape
Face-Framing Curtain Fringes Lightly curve fringe away from the face using a straightener and low heat. Medium to long bobs, wide foreheads - Softens facial features
- Works well with updos or loose hair
- Quick and effective
- Needs regular fringe trims
- Might not suit very short hair
Textured Tousled Bob Straighten then bend alternating sections inward/outward for a tousled look. Medium to thick short hair - Boosts volume
- Works with uneven layers
- Casual, effortless style
- Slightly more time-consuming
- Requires holding product for longevity
Tucked Behind Ear Sleek Look Straighten hair close to the head, tuck one or both sides behind the ears. Use light styling cream. Short, straight hair; asymmetrical bobs - Ultra low-maintenance
- Highlights cheekbones
- Very quick to do
- May fall out of place
- Not ideal for very thick or curly hair
Mini Crown Bump Backcomb crown section, smooth over and press lightly with straightener to hold shape. Flat crowns, volume seekers - Adds instant height
- Great for events
- No curling required
- Doesn’t last in humidity
- May require root lift spray
Zig-zag Deep Side Part Create a deep side zig-zag part with a tail comb, straighten both sections neatly. Fine or limp hair needing dimension - Adds interest without cutting
- Creates asymmetrical shape
- Easy to do
- Needs comb precision
- Best on very straight hair
Straight Half-Tuck Straighten the front sections and tuck one side behind the ear, leaving the other down. Bobs or short lobs - Adds structure to your look
- Stylish with minimal effort
- Great for work or casual
- Can look uneven if not styled well
- Only works if hair is chin-length or longer
Soft Wave Ends Twist small sections with the straightener and gently loosen with fingers. Flat, fine hair needing movement - Adds texture quickly
- Looks natural and bouncy
- Heat styles well
- May need refresh by midday
- Not ideal for thick or layered hair
Ribbon-Tip Subtle Flick Straighten lengths then flick the very ends outward like a ribbon curl. Chin-length bobs or lobs - Polished but playful
- Adds subtle flair
- Great with straighteners
- Can lose shape in wind
- Needs edge styling spray to hold
Conclusion

We hope we have given you a few ideas on some of the trendy and classic low-maintenance short hairstyles you can achieve with a good heat styling tool such as ours. Remember to take into account your face shape and hair type next time you go to the salon, and always ask your stylist for tips on how to style your new cut at home.

FAQs

You should always have a strong, honest partnership with your hairstylist when it comes to protecting your hair. After all, no colour or cut will look its best on frazzled locks or dull, dry tresses. That said, most of your hair health comes from your daily habits, including your diet and typical haircare routine, then the products you use, and how you treat your hair between salon sessions.

While most hair straighteners would exacerbate hair damage, the KEEO Genius + Pro straightener is built differently. Not only does its gentle heat perfect your style at a lower temperature, but the patented contoured plates and air gaps reduce tension and work with your hair to create effortless styles without the damage.

Sun protection sprays can affect your hair colour, particularly if it is blonde, bleached or lightened, tinting it pink, green, or orange. This is due to active ingredients such as avobenzone and octocrylene, but can also occur with chlorine, saltwater and even some tap water, as it is different from what your hair and scalp are used to. 

Combat this discolouration by using mineral-based sunscreens that are specifically formulated for your hair and scalp.