5 Short Hairstyles That Will Inspire You to Cut Your Hair This Winter

The weather outside might be frightful—and bundling up under layers of sweaters has become a daily necessity—but that doesn’t mean you have to forgo rocking short hair this season. Sure, long hair might be cozier (covering your ears on a chilly day is one of long hair’s best benefits). But sometimes, long hair just gets in the way during the winter months. We’ve all been there: We take our scarves off only to find a tangled mess has formed out of nowhere from all of the layers we’ve piled on ourselves. What that means: There’s no better time than now to venture into the world of short hair (i.e. shoulder-length and above). Yes, really! The best part? By chopping your locks in winter, you’ll also allow yourself enough time for it to grow back to mermaid lengths come summer. Win-win, right? To put your mind on the right track, consider the following your guide to short hairstyles for winter. Keep reading to fall in love with our favorite layered, tousled, shoulder-skimming hairstyles, like the blunt bob haircut. Short hair, here you come!

SHORT HAIRSTYLE #1: LAYERED, ASYMMETRICAL BOB

This dual-length, short hairstyle is known for being longer in the front and shorter in the back, giving way to a super-perky, textured look.

What you’ll need:

L’Oréal Paris Advanced Hairstyle BOOST IT High Lift Creation Spray

Heat protectant

Round brush

Blow-dryer

Flat iron or curling wand

Hair texturizer

L’Oréal Paris Advanced Hairstyle LOCK IT Fine Control Hairspray

Here’s how to style your new cut:

Step 1: Start with damp hair

Before you begin blow-drying, spritz a volumizing hair spray onto damp hair.

Step 2: Blow-dry

Next, spray your hair with a heat protectant. Then, using a round brush, blow-dry your hair until it’s completely dry. Be sure to keep the heat as low as possible to complete the task at hand while minimizing damage.

Step 3: Grab a flat iron or curling wand

With a hot tool in hand, create slight bends in your face-framing strands. These subtle curves will automatically perk up your hair.

Step 4: Add texture

To give your hair some grit, use a hair texturizing spray. With just a few spritzes, your hair will go from drab to fab.

Step 5: Set your short hairstyle

Apply a flexible hold hair spray to help lock everything in place with a brushable hold.

SHORT HAIRSTYLE #2: TOUSLED LOB

Just think of this hairstyle as the just-right short haircut—not too long and not too short. Add a mussed-up finish and you’ve got a hairstyle perfect for any occasion (day or night, casual or formal). Talk about versatile and stylish! And, did we mention it looks fabulous on just about anybody, regardless of hair texture or type?

What you’ll need:

L’Oréal Paris Advanced Hairstyle SLEEK IT Iron Straight Heatspray

L’Oréal Paris Advanced Hairstyle BOOST IT Volume Inject Mousse

Blow-dryer

Curling iron

Here’s how to style your new cut:

Step 1: Protect your locks

As always, before you begin getting hands-on with hot tools, it’s important to use a heat protectant.

Step 2: Create lift at the roots

When blow-drying your damp hair, add a little root-lifting hair mousse before using a round brush to add height to your short hairstyle.

Step 3: Curl your hair

In two-inch sections, wrap your hair around the barrel of your curling wand to create the perfect curls.

Step 4: Shake it out

Once you’ve finished curling your hair, flip your head over and shake it all out to achieve a lived-in vibe.

SHORT HAIRSTYLE #3: MODERN MOHAWK

Looking to get a little edgy with your new winter haircut? This is most definitely the 'do for you! With a modern take on a beloved classic, this hairstyle lets you show off your short hair in a trendy, voluminous way.

What you’ll need:

Hair mousse

Round brush

Blow-dryer

L’Oréal Paris Advanced Hairstyle LOCK IT Extreme Style Gel

L’Oréal Paris Elnett Satin Hairspray Strong Hold

Here’s how to style your new cut:

Step 1: Add mousse

Work a little bit of mousse through damp hair. Then, blow-dry with a round brush to build volume.

Step 2: Apply a styling gel

While your hair is still the slightest bit damp, add a touch of styling hair gel. Once you’ve massaged the hair gel through the longest part of your mohawk, begin to mold it into place until it’s at your ideal height.

Step 3: Use hair spray

To ensure your mohawk lasts in all its modern, edgy glory, be sure to use a strong-hold hair spray to keep everything fully upright.

SHORT HAIRSTYLE #4: STRAIGHT-EDGE PIXIE

There’s something oh-so-chic about a good pixie cut, especially when paired with sleek, straight strands.

What you’ll need:

Boar-bristle brush

Hair straightener

Heat protectant

L’Oréal Paris Elnett Precious Oil Satin Hairspray

Here’s how to style your new cut:

Step 1: Use a heat protectant

Spritz a heat-protectant spray on damp strands to prep your hair for blow-drying and straightening.

Step 2: Blow-dry

Blow-dry your hair straight, then run through your dry hair with a boar-bristle brush to smooth everything down.

Step 3: Straighten your hair

Pick up your hair straightener and go over your hair, section by section, until everything is as straight as an arrow.

Step 4: Set your look

Finish things off with a bit of hairspray to keep your strands in shape and give your style a bit of shine.

SHORT HAIRSTYLE #5: BLUNT BOB

If you tend to get a little down in the winter, a fierce new hairstyle might be just what you need—and we think a blunt bob would be perfect. This super sharp cut is oh-so-chic and is sure to make an impression at all of the holiday events on your agenda.

What you’ll need:

Hair straightener

Heat protectant

Hair serum

Here’s how to style your new cut:

Step 1: Straighten your hair

This style requires straight strands, so go over your entire mane—including those coordinating blunt bangs.

Step 2: Apply a serum

Almost done—this is an easy one! Simply work a few pumps of a hair serum through the ends of your hair.

Loving your new short hair? Check out our article, 5 Braided Hairstyles for Short Hair, to learn how to do more with your short style.