20 of the Best Low-Maintenance Haircuts for Women

Styling your hair can be a time-consuming process, even if you don’t wash it every single day. On busy mornings, you may find yourself giving up altogether and just sticking it in a messy bun. And while that’s valid, opting for an easy-to-style haircut for women can simplify your morning routine and help keep you looking put-together (without too much effort). If you need help determining exactly what constitutes a low-maintenance haircut, keep reading. Here, we’re sharing 20 of our favorites, from feminine pixie cuts to curly shaghaircuts and more.

What Makes a Haircut Low-Maintenance? 

Generally speaking, low-maintenance haircuts are easy to style, painless to grow out, and work with (rather than against) your natural hair texture. Not all low-maintenance hairstyles are truly wash-and-go—some may require a little finesse to look their best—but for the most part, you can expect a streamlined styling routine when you opt for a low-maintenance cut. Keep in mind, however, that haircuts aren’t one-size-fits-all: Those with fine, straight hair will typically have different needs from those with thick, curly hair, and vice versa. When choosing your haircut, it’s always a good idea to take stock of your natural hair type and texture for help assessing what hairstyle will work best for you. 

Low-Maintenance Short Haircuts for Women

Short haircuts tend to be easier to manage than longer haircuts, simply due to the fact that there’s less hair to wrangle. If you’re wary of going short, keep scrolling—these 10 short hairstyles for women may make you change your mind. 

1. Classic pixie cut

The pixie cut is short, edgy, and incredibly easy to style, thanks to its barely-there length that air-dries in record time. If you’ve never gone this short, you may need to work up the courage to ask your stylist for this one—but we promise, it’s worth it, especially if you’re craving a drastic change. 

2. Short shag haircut

Textured hair tends to require some manipulation, but if you’re looking for a low-maintenance haircut for wavy hair, consider a shaggy bob or lob. The short layers add instant texture and volume, ensuring your waves don’t fall flat throughout the day. 

3. Layered bixie 

The bixie cut falls somewhere between a pixie cut and a bob (hence the name). This low-maintenance short haircut is flattering on a wide range of hair types and textures, and can be easily customized to complement your face shape. If your hair tends to lack volume, consider working the L’Oréal Paris Advanced Hairstyle BOOST IT Volume Inject Mousse throughout your hair before letting it air-dry naturally.

4. Touseled bixie

For an edgier take on the classic bixie, consider opting for a choppy, layered bixie. The layers add pieciness and definition without tacking any time onto your styling routine. That being said, if you can spare a minute (or two) for products, reach for the L’Oréal Paris Studio Line Overworked Hair Putty. This matte putty adds texture and styles hair with medium hold, sans unwanted shine or crunchy texture.

5. Blunt chin-length bob

For a good haircut for thin hair, a blunt cut is a great way to fake the appearance of fuller strands. The level cut removes any signs of breakage and creates the illusion of bulk, causing hair to look denser and healthier. Additionally, the hair can easily maintain its shape as it grows, so it’s a great style if you’re looking to grow out your hair.

6. Bold buzzcut 

The buzz cut is as close to effortless as you can get without completely shaving your head, and even maintenance is easy, provided you have a pair of electric clippers on hand. Aim to trim your hair once every three weeks or so to maintain its short-cropped length.

7. French bob

A French bob is a short, chin-length cut with soft fringe and lots of airy, undone texture (and one of our favorite twists on the classic bob). Styling is almost effortless—once you train your bangs to sit where you’d like them to, you can just wash, condition, and air-dry your hair for the perfect tousled finish.

8. Angular lob

If you’re torn between keeping your hair longer or opting for a low-maintenance short haircut, consider an angular lob. This asymmetrical cut is shorter in the back and longer in the front, creating the illusion of having longer strands without the upkeep needed to maintain a lengthier cut.

9. Short mullet

You’re likely already familiar with the classic mullet, and the short mullet is one of the easiest low-maintenance short haircuts to add to your list. The sides are very short like a pixie, while the top is lightly trimmed for neatness. As it grows out, the short style takes on a wolf cut-like shape, giving your hair body and texture without the need for repeat salon visits. To keep your mane looking fresh and airy, we suggest lathering up with a clarifying shampoo and conditioner, such as the L’Oréal Paris EverPure Sulfate-Free Clarifying Shampoo and coordinating L'Oréal Paris EverPure Sulfate-Free Restoring Conditioner.

10. Short choppy layers

If you have thick hair and want to remove some bulk, consider an easy short haircut with lots of choppy layers. The layers will help create movement and remove weight, allowing your hair to dry naturally without becoming puffy or dense-looking. If your strands are damaged or prone to frizz, consider working a hair serum, like the L’Oréal Paris EverPure Bond Repair Hair Oil-in-Serum, throughout your mane before letting it air-dry.

Medium and Long Low-Maintenance Haircuts for Women

You don’t have to part ways with your lengths to score an easy-to-style ‘do. Ahead, we’re sharing 10 low-maintenance haircuts for women with medium-length (or longer) hair.

1. Shoulder-length layers

Shoulder-length layers are an ideal haircut for women who aren’t ready to commit to a pixie cut but want an easy-to-maintain style with body and movement. You don’t need to do much to style, but if you want a tousled vibe, run a curling iron through your hair after blow-drying or air-drying it. The L’Oréal Paris Elnett Satin Extra Strong Hold Hair Spray - Unscented will help hold your waves in place without a stiff or sticky feel.

2. Octopus cut

Those seeking an edgy ‘do that doesn’t take a ton of effort (or product) to style in the morning should consider the octopus cut. The mullet-adjacent cut is intentionally worn a bit messy, so it’s among the best low-maintenance haircuts for those who favor a hands-off approach to styling. If you opt to pair yours with fringe, be sure to trim your bangs every three to four weeks to maintain their length. 

3. Ghost layers

Thick hair can be difficult to style, especially if it’s long. If you have thick hair and favor longer haircuts, consider asking your stylist to add invisible “ghost” layers that start just above your shoulders. The layers help remove unnecessary bulk without making your hair appear shorter, making this cut ideal for those who want less work but aren’t ready to commit to a big chop. 

4. Curly mullet

If you have thin, curly hair, consider opting for a curly mullet that hits between your collarbone and underarm. Styling this easy-to-maintain haircut is simple: all you need is a curl-enhancing gel or cream to help define your natural texture. We suggest the L’Oréal Paris Elvive Dream Lengths Curls Leave-In Conditioner, as it hydrates and helps enhance curls without any weigh-down. Just work it into damp hair after showering, then let your strands dry naturally.

5. ‘70s shag haircut

The classic shag is among our favorite low-maintenance haircuts for wavy and curly hair. This textured cut is heavy on the layers, which help create body, shape, and movement while minimizing unwanted bulk.

On wash day, be sure to give your curls plenty of moisture with the L’Oréal Paris Elvive Hyaluron + Plump Hydrating Shampoo and L’Oréal Paris Elvive Hyaluron + Plump Hydrating Conditioner. The hyaluronic acid-infused duo gently cleanses, plumps, and helps lock in moisture for up to 72 hours, leaving your strands bouncy and full of shine.

6. Chin-length bangs

Chin bangs are a low-maintenance (and grown-out) version of curtain bangs. While the latter requires frequent trims and styling to maintain their iconic look, chin bangs are a longer, more manageable variation that rivals the face-framing layers. They can be styled in a number of different ways, on a number of different hair types—and if you want to forgo styling entirely, you can easily tuck them behind your ears.

7. Tousled beach waves

You may notice that many of the haircuts and styles on this list fall into the “intentionally messy category,” and there’s a reason for that: If your hair is supposed to look tousled, a less-is-more styling approach will work in your favor. Such is the case with this layered cut, which features beachy waves that naturally frame the face. Wavy hair typically doesn’t need to be washed every day, but if you have an oily scalp, consider adding L’Oréal Paris Elvive Hyaluron + Pure Oil Erasing Serum for Oily Hair to your wash routine. The pre-shampoo treatment helps reduce excess oil on the scalp while hydrating your lengths for clean and shiny-looking strands.

8. Long layers

You may not think of long layers as an easy-upkeep haircut, but it can be, so long as you give it the care it needs. When you lather up, we suggest opting for a haircare system designed to help strengthen your mane, such as the L’Oréal Paris EverPure Sulfate-Free Bond Repair Shampoo and L’Oréal Paris EverPure Sulfate-Free Bond Repair Conditioner. This duo helps strengthen brittle hair from the inside out, leaving it stronger, smoother, and healthier-looking.

9. Classic curly cut

The curly cut is unique because it doesn’t describe a particular style, but rather, a technique. Typically, this cut involves carefully cutting and shaping curly hair when it’s dry to create a flattering shape that showcases the hair’s natural texture without unwanted fluffiness or poofiness. If you have curly hair and want a low-maintenance haircut, we suggest visiting a stylist well-versed in curly cuts for your next trim—you’ll be amazed at how much time the right haircut can shave off of your morning routine.

10. Long blunt cut

A long, blunt cut may seem high-maintenance, but keeping this cut looking great is easier than you might think—the key is to prevent damage that can cause split ends and frizz. If you’re looking for a heatless hairstyle to add to your routine, try a wet look—it’s both incredibly chic and a breeze to execute. Just work the L’Oréal Paris Elnett Anti-Frizz Slick Back Hair Styling Cream throughout your mane, comb your hair back, and enjoy your fashion-forward style—no additional effort required.

Styling and Care Tips for Your Low-Maintenance Haircut

Low-maintenance haircuts are, by default, fairly easy to style. Still, you might want to keep these tips in mind to help streamline your routine even further. 

• Work with your natural texture: If you have thick, coily hair, a long haircut probably won’t be low-maintenance, even if it’s cut by a stylist who knows their way around textured hair. Likewise, those with fine, pin-straight strands will likely need to put in some work if they want to rock a highly voluminous, tousled ‘do. If you want your hair to be truly low-maintenance, you need to work with your natural texture, not against it. 

• Schedule regular trims: Low-maintenance doesn’t mean no maintenance. To keep your cut looking its best, it’s a good idea to schedule regular trims. Aim for once every four to six weeks if you have shorter hair, or once every six to eight weeks for longer strands. 
• Lean on leave-in stylers: You don’t need to heat-style your hair to score a great hairstyle. Leave-in styling aids, like hair creams, gels, and oils, can help add texture to your hair, tame frizz, or even boost volume. The key lies in choosing your products carefully (again, let your natural hair texture guide your decision). 

Next Up: The Best Short Haircuts for Curly Hair

Photo courtesy of L’Oréal Paris