While shearing off all of your hair might be too much of a statement for most, half-shaved hairstyles are becoming an increasingly popular choice for those who want to take a walk on the edgy side. If you can’t get half-shaved heads off your mind but are afraid you won’t be able to style your newly shorn locks, you’ve come to the right place. Let’s clear something up: Less hair doesn’t equal fewer styling options—and we’ll prove it. Here are 13 of our favorite half-shaved hair looks that will make your bold transition an easy one.
HALF-SHAVED HAIRSTYLE #1: AIR-DRIED WAVES
Half-shaved hairstyles may not be quite as effortless as going completely bold and bald, but you can still opt for a look that requires minimal maintenance. Put down your hot tools, and you’re halfway there. Try out this wavy hairstyle that’s totally fitting for a day spent in the surf and the sand.
Step 1: Shampoo and condition. Begin by boosting the look of your hair’s volume with the right shampoo and conditioner. Try the L’Oréal Paris EverPure Volume Shampoo and the L’Oréal Paris EverPure Volume Conditioner.
Step 2: Towel dry. Gently dry your hair with a towel, just enough so that it’s not dripping wet.
Step 3: Apply curl mousse. While your hair is still damp, break out the L’Oréal Paris Advanced Hairstyle CURVE IT Elastic Curl Mousse. Apply a dollop throughout your hair and scrunch to help create shape. Allow your hair to finish air-drying; then you’re good to go.
HALF-SHAVED HAIRSTYLE #2: SHAVED BOB
Want to pair your half-shaved head with a timeless style? Prepare to bring the “wow” factor with the shaved bob. Offering a modern take on the style, you’ll be flaunting a bob with ultra-short strands in the back for a truly standout look.
HALF-SHAVED HAIRSTYLE #3: LOB WITH SWIRL-SHAPED UNDERCUT DESIGN
If you’re not afraid to jazz up your lob, lose a few inches. A lob with a swirl-shaped undercut design will take your look to new heights. This undercut for women allows you to play with shapes and angles for a look that will leave a lasting impression.
HALF-SHAVED HAIRSTYLE #3: SUPER-STRAIGHT
Trends come and go, but straight strands will never go out of style. Add a classic touch to a more current haircut by keeping your half-shaved hair sleek and straight. It’s as easy as 1, 2, 3.
Step 1: Use heat protectant. Anytime you’re applying heat to your hair, you’ll want to use a heat protectant first. Go ahead, and coat your hair with the L’Oréal Paris Advanced Hairstyle SLEEK IT Iron Straight Heatspray.
Step 2: Straighten hair. Using your flat iron, straighten your hair in sections until completely straight. If you aren’t sure you’ve mastered hair straightening, read our article on How to Use a Flat Iron.
Step 3: Apply a smoothing product. Complete your look with a styling cream. Apply the L’Oréal Paris Advanced Hairstyle SLEEK IT Frizz Vanisher Cream, working the cream through your tresses to tame flyaways and smooth the hair cuticle.
HALF-SHAVED HAIRSTYLE #4: POMPADOUR
Traditional pompadour looks are super stylish, but this half-shaved variation is even trendier. A stunning option that works to highlight your length at the top while keeping the sides nice and short, this hairstyle makes for a winning combination. Simply amp up your texture with a touch of curl mousse for a flirty finish.
HALF-SHAVED HAIRSTYLE #5: MOHAWK
Looking for a way to take style cues from your favorite rockstars? Consider it done with this mohawk style. While this style typically flaunts shaved sides, this particular look sports one short side with a bit more length on the other. From there, the hair in the middle of your head is shaped into bold spikes for a true rocker aesthetic.
To get the look, simply add a touch of hair gel, like the L’Oréal Paris Advanced Hairstyle LOCK IT Clean Style Gel to the side of your hair with length. Apply a dime-sized amount to your roots and brush your hair downward for a sleek look. Next, apply a small amount of hair gel to your length on top and shape your spikes upward for a bold result. Finish up with a spritz of hairspray, like the L’Oréal Paris Advanced Hairstyle LOCK IT Fine Control Hairspray, and your look is complete.
HALF-SHAVED HAIRSTYLE # 6: PIXIE CUT
Love a messy hairstyle that covers all of the bases? Feast your eyes on the half-shaved pixie cut. Sure, pixie haircuts already bring tons of personality to your look, but the shaved detailing tips the style scales even further in your favor. All you need is a boost of volume with the help of the L’Oréal Paris Advanced Hairstyle BOOST It High Lift Creation Spray. Just spritz all over your hair and tease with a rattail comb to seal the deal.
HALF-SHAVED HAIRSTYLE #7: FRENCH BRAIDED
No matter your hair cut or length, braids are a quick and easy way to take your look to the next level. Style your strands into a French braid, exposing the shaved side of your head for an extremely asymmetrical style.
Step 1: Spray texturizer. Before braiding, give your hair some texture by spritzing a texturizer through its length.
Step 2: Braid. Using your best braiding skills, craft your hair into a French braid. If your braid isn’t quite up to par, turn to this French braid tutorial: Braiding Basics: How to French Braid Your Hair.
Step 3: Mess it up. Use the pancaking technique to give your style a messy, undone quality that’s totally on-trend.
Step 4: Finish with hairspray. What good is a braid that doesn’t stay in place? Use a hairspray, like the L’Oréal Paris Elnett Satin Hairspray Extra Strong Hold, to help lock your look in.
HALF-SHAVED HAIRSTYLE # 8: AFRO
Calling all natural hair girls! This one is just for you. If you’re partial to the half-shaved head trend but want to highlight your texture, the half-shaved afro is a great place to start. Perfect for those who love to step outside of the box, this look brings extra eyes to your curly mane for a winning look. To really embrace the half-shaved style, ask your stylist to create a flower design on the side of your head for a playful touch.
HALF-SHAVED HAIRSTYLE #9: BANTU KNOTS
Speaking of natural hairstyles, it’s only right that we put half-shaved Bantu knots on your radar. A great two-for-one combo, this trendy protective style can give you gorgeous defined curls or allow you to rock mini buns. Kick things off by washing your strands with the L’Oréal Paris EverPure Moisture Shampoo and L’Oréal Paris EverPure Moisture Conditioner.
Next, create a one or two-inch section in your damp hair and start twisting from the root to your ends. Keep twisting until the section of hair tightly wraps around itself to form a mini bun. Secure and repeat until you have a mane full of Bantu knots.
Editor’s note: Want to flaunt defined curls? Simply unravel your Bantu knots and gently finger-comb your hair to rock a curly ‘do.
HALF-SHAVED HAIRSTYLE #10: BOUNCY BLOWOUT
What if you could look like you just hit a blowout bar, without ever leaving the comfort of your home? Well, dreams do come true. Follow these simple steps to get your best blowout, all by yourself.
Step 1: Use heat protectant. Don’t bring out your blow-dryer until you’ve applied a heat protectant.
Step 2: Blow-dry. Using your blow-dryer and a round brush, dry your hair completely.
Step 3: Curl your hair. With a curling iron, curl the bottom two-thirds of your hair. As you go, alternate the direction you create your curls for a more blended blowout.
Step 4: Add shine serum. What’s a blowout that doesn’t end with shiny hair? Use a shine-enhancing serum to give your hair a polished finish.
HALF-SHAVED HAIRSTYLE #11: SLEEK PONYTAIL
If there is one hairstyle that can’t be beat, the half-shaved sleek ponytail gets our vote! This versatile style can take you from day to night with ease, all without missing a stylish beat. Best of all, this look is super easy to pull together. Head on over to our article, How to Create Sleek Ponytail, for a step-by-step tutorial.
HALF-SHAVED HAIRSTYLE #12: SIDE BUN
Buns are a hairstyle that’s showing no signs of slowing down in the beauty world, and the half-shaved side bun is following suit. A chic way to sport a polished and well put-together look with a tinge of edge, this hairstyle is the stylish upgrade you need. To start, simply gather your strands toward either side of your head and create a ponytail. Wrap the length of the ponytail around its base to form a bun. Finish up with a touch of hair spray, and you’re all set.
HALF-SHAVED HAIRSTYLE #13: TOP KNOT
What’s the point of embracing the undercut for women trend if you don’t show it off? Make your half-shaved style the center of attention with a simple top knot. With what’s left of your long locks piled high atop your head, eyes will instantly be drawn to the shaved spot below your bun.
Step 1: Apply mousse. Starting with damp hair, apply a mousse, like the L’Oréal Paris Advanced Hairstyle BOOST IT Volume Inject Mousse. Evenly distribute from roots to ends, then scrunch to help create body.
Step 2: Put hair in a ponytail. Pull your hair into a high ponytail and secure with a hair elastic.
Step 3: Turn it into a bun. Take the end of your ponytail and wrap it around the base, creating your top knot. Insert bobby pins around the bun to hold it in place.
Step 4: Finish with hairspray. For further staying power, spray the L’Oréal Paris Advanced Hairstyle LOCK IT Bold Control Hairspray over your style.
Next up: You just learned 13 different ways to wear half-shaved hair. Now that you’re in the know, it’s time to learn more about how to care for shaved strands. Check out our piece Everything You Need to Know About Shaving Your Head to be sure you’re giving your scalp and hair the necessary TLC.
