Sometimes a girl just needs a change, right?
And what better way to shake things up than with a fresh new hairstyle?
If you’re in South Africa and have been eyeing those chic short cuts, you’re in for a treat.
The short hair game here is seriously on point!
We’re talking everything from classic pixie cuts with a modern edge to textured bobs that scream confidence.
And the best part? There’s a style for everyone, no matter your face shape or hair type.
So, if you’re want to ditch the length or just need some fresh inspiration for your current short style, here are the hottest short hairstyles making waves in South Africa right now.
Curly Bob with Asymmetrical Lengths
The curly bob with asymmetrical lengths is a playful and modern take on a classic.
This style features a bob cut with varying lengths on either side, creating a dynamic and interesting silhouette.
The curls add volume and texture, softening the asymmetry and giving it a touch of femininity.
Faux Hawk with Shaved Sides
The faux hawk with shaved sides is a bold and edgy choice that exudes confidence.
This style mimics the look of a traditional mohawk without requiring you to fully commit to shaving the top.
The sides are closely shaved or faded, while the hair on top is left longer and styled upwards, creating a striking contrast.
Red Tapered Afro with Defined Curls
The red tapered afro with defined curls is a vibrant and stylish way to celebrate natural hair.
This style features a tapered cut, meaning the hair gradually gets shorter towards the nape of the neck, creating a clean and polished look.
The red color adds a pop of personality and warmth, while the defined curls showcase the hair’s natural texture.
Short Natural Coily Cut
The short natural coily cut is a low-maintenance and chic option for those with tightly coiled hair.
This style embraces the hair’s natural texture and shape, creating a compact and defined silhouette.
It’s all about celebrating the natural beauty of coily hair without the need for extensive styling.
Mohawk with Twisted Top
The mohawk with a twisted top takes the classic punk style and adds a touch of modern sophistication.
This style features shaved or closely cropped sides with a strip of longer hair running down the center of the head.
Instead of simply spiking the top, the hair is twisted into sections, creating a textured and visually interesting look.
Voluminous Curly Pixie
The voluminous curly pixie is a playful and feminine take on the classic pixie cut.
This style maintains the short length of a pixie but incorporates layers and curls to create volume and movement.
The curls add softness and texture, preventing the cut from looking too severe.
Sleek Blunt Bob
The sleek blunt bob is a timeless and sophisticated classic.
This style features a one-length cut that sits at or around the chin, creating a clean and polished look.
The blunt ends add sharpness and definition, while the sleek styling creates a smooth and polished finish.
Buzz Cut with Geometric Designs
The buzz cut with geometric designs is a bold and artistic choice that allows for self-expression.
This style involves shaving the hair extremely short, creating a blank canvas for intricate designs.
Geometric patterns, lines, and shapes are then shaved into the hair, creating a unique and eye-catching look.
Classic Caesar Cut
The classic Caesar cut is a timeless and masculine style that has been popular for decades.
This style features short, horizontally straight cut bangs with slightly longer hair on top and closely cropped sides and back.
The hair on top is typically styled forward, creating a clean and polished look.
This cut works well for those with straight or slightly wavy hair and is easy to maintain.
Short Bob with Undercut
The short bob with an undercut is a modern and edgy twist on the classic bob.
This style features a traditional bob cut combined with a shaved section, usually on one side or at the nape of the neck.
The undercut adds a touch of rebellion and creates a striking contrast.
Choppy Layers with Highlights
Choppy layers with highlights add texture, dimension, and movement to short hair.
Choppy layers are created by cutting the hair at different lengths, creating a textured and piecey look.
Highlights add depth and dimension, enhancing the movement created by the layers.
This style works well for those with various hair types and can be styled with texturizing products for a tousled look or with smoothing products for a more polished finish.
Twisted Curls and Side Part
Twisted curls with a side part offer a sophisticated and stylish way to showcase natural curls.
This style involves twisting sections of hair to create defined curls and then styling them with a deep side part.
The side part adds a touch of elegance and frames the face beautifully.
Short Crochet Braids
Short crochet braids are a versatile and protective style that offers a variety of textures and lengths.
Crochet braids involve attaching pre-braided or pre-twisted hair to natural hair using a crochet hook.
This technique allows for quick and easy installation and offers a wide range of styling options.
Short crochet braids are a great way to experiment with different textures and colors without committing to a long-term style.
Textured Bowl Cut
The textured bowl cut is a modern and edgy take on the classic bowl cut.
This style features a uniform length around the head, but with added texture and layers to create a softer and more contemporary look.
The texture can be achieved through various techniques, such as choppy layers, point cutting, or texturizing shears.
This style works well for those with straight or wavy hair and can be styled with texturizing products for a piecey look.
Wavy Bob with Middle Part
The wavy bob with a middle part is a chic and effortless style that exudes a relaxed vibe.
This style features a bob cut with soft, natural-looking waves and a defined middle part.
The waves add movement and texture, while the middle part creates balance and symmetry.
Short Box Braids with Beads
Short box braids with beads are a fun and stylish way to protect and style natural hair.
This style involves braiding the hair into small, square-shaped sections and then adding beads for decoration.
The beads can be placed at the ends of the braids or throughout, adding a touch of personality and flair.
This style is not only visually appealing but also protects the natural hair from damage and breakage.
Redhead Finger Waves
Redhead finger waves are a glamorous and vintage-inspired hairstyle that exudes sophistication.
This style involves molding the hair into S-shaped waves using a comb and setting lotion or gel.
The vibrant red color adds a striking element, enhancing the beauty of the waves.
Angled Bob with Side Swept Bangs
The angled bob with side-swept bangs is a chic and flattering hairstyle that works well for various face shapes.
This style features a bob cut that is shorter in the back and gradually gets longer towards the front, creating a sharp angle.
The side-swept bangs add softness and frame the face beautifully.
This cut is versatile and can be styled sleek and straight or with soft waves for a more relaxed look.
Defined Coils with Fade
Defined coils with a fade offer a clean and modern look that highlights natural hair texture.
This style features tightly coiled hair on top with a faded or tapered cut on the sides and back.
The fade creates a sharp contrast and draws attention to the defined coils.
Tapered Afro
The tapered afro is a classic and versatile hairstyle that celebrates natural hair.
This style features a rounded shape with hair that gradually gets shorter towards the nape of the neck and around the ears.
The taper creates a clean and polished look while still showcasing the natural texture of the hair.
Rounded Afro with Side Swept Bangs
The rounded afro with side-swept bangs combines classic afro styling with a touch of modern flair.
This style features a full, rounded afro shape with side-swept bangs that add softness and frame the face.
The bangs can be styled in various ways, from soft and wispy to more defined and structured.
Teeny Weeny Afro with Textured Ends
The teeny weeny afro (TWA) with textured ends is a chic and low-maintenance style that celebrates natural hair in its shortest form.
This style features very short hair, typically less than an inch in length, with textured ends that add definition and visual interest.
The texture can be achieved through various methods, such as twisting, coiling, or using texturizing products.
Buzz Cut with a Defined Fade
The buzz cut with a defined fade is a sharp and modern style that exudes confidence.
This style features very short hair all over with a precisely executed fade on the sides and back.
The fade creates a clean and polished look, while the buzz cut itself is incredibly low-maintenance.
This style is perfect for those who prefer a simple and fuss-free hairstyle.
Cropped Fade with a Sharp Angle
The cropped fade with a sharp angle is a bold and edgy style that commands attention.
This style features a very short crop on top with a dramatic fade on the sides and back, creating a sharp angle or line.
This cut is often combined with line work or other design elements for added visual interest.
This style requires a skilled barber and regular maintenance to keep the lines sharp.
Faux Hawk with Soft Waves
The faux hawk with soft waves offers a softer, more romantic take on the classic faux hawk.
Instead of sharp spikes, the hair on top is styled into soft, flowing waves, creating a gentler and more feminine look.
The sides are typically kept shorter, either faded or closely cropped, to maintain the faux hawk silhouette.
This style is perfect for those who want a touch of edge without being too drastic.
Side-Shaved Pixie with a Messy Fringe
The side-shaved pixie with a messy fringe is a playful and edgy style that combines two popular short haircuts.
This style features a classic pixie cut with one side shaved, creating a striking asymmetry.
The messy fringe adds texture and softens the overall look.
This style is perfect for those who want a bold and unique hairstyle.
Finger Waves with a Vintage Touch
Finger waves with a vintage touch are a classic and glamorous hairstyle that evokes old Hollywood charm.
This style involves molding the hair into S-shaped waves using a comb and setting lotion or gel.
The waves are typically styled close to the head, creating a sleek and polished look.
This style is perfect for special occasions or for those who appreciate vintage aesthetics.
Flat Top with a Clean Fade
The flat top with a clean fade is a classic and masculine style that has been popular for decades.
This style features a flat, level top with closely cropped sides and back that are faded to the skin.
The flat top requires precise cutting and styling to maintain its shape.
This style is perfect for those who prefer a clean-cut and structured look.
Curly Mohawk with a Defined Shape
The curly mohawk with a defined shape is a bold and stylish way to showcase natural curls.
This style features longer, styled curls on top with closely cropped or shaved sides.
The curls are often defined using curl creams or gels to create a well-shaped mohawk.
This style is perfect for those with naturally curly or coily hair who want a statement-making look.
Buzz Cut with a High Fade
The buzz cut with a high fade is a clean and modern style that emphasizes the facial features.
This style features very short hair all over with a high fade that starts near the temples and gradually blends down to the skin.
The high fade creates a sharp contrast and draws attention to the upper part of the face.
This style is perfect for those who prefer a low-maintenance and stylish look.
Tapered Afro with a Polished Finish
The tapered afro with a polished finish is a refined and elegant way to embrace natural hair.
This style features a rounded afro shape that gradually tapers towards the nape of the neck and around the ears, creating a clean and sculpted silhouette.
The “polished finish” refers to a smooth, well-defined texture achieved through proper moisturizing and styling techniques.
This style works beautifully for various curl patterns and adds a touch of sophistication to any look.
Rounded Afro with a Layered Back
The rounded afro with a layered back adds dimension and movement to the classic afro.
This style maintains the full, rounded shape on top but incorporates layers in the back to create a softer, more textured look.
The layers prevent the afro from looking too bulky and add a sense of dynamism.
This style is perfect for those with thicker hair who want to reduce weight and create a more manageable shape.
TWA with Shaved Sides
The teeny weeny afro (TWA) with shaved sides is a bold and edgy style that highlights facial features.
This style features a very short afro, typically less than an inch long, with the sides shaved or closely cropped.
The contrast between the short afro and the shaved sides creates a striking visual impact.
This style is perfect for those who are transitioning to natural hair or who prefer a very low-maintenance look.
Buzz Cut with a Temple Fade
The buzz cut with a temple fade is a clean and sharp style that offers a modern twist on the classic buzz cut.
This style involves shaving the hair very short all over but incorporates a subtle fade at the temples, creating a softer transition around the hairline.
The temple fade adds a touch of sophistication and prevents the buzz cut from looking too harsh.
This style is extremely low-maintenance and perfect for those who prefer a fuss-free look.
Cropped Fade with a Textured Top
The cropped fade with a textured top combines the sharpness of a fade with the versatility of textured hair.
This style features a close fade on the sides and back with slightly longer hair on top that is styled with texture.
The texture can be achieved through various methods, such as using texturizing products, creating waves, or finger coiling.
This style offers a modern and stylish look that can be customized to suit individual preferences.
Faux Hawk with Braided Accents
The faux hawk with braided accents adds a touch of bohemian flair to the edgy faux hawk style.
This style maintains the basic faux hawk silhouette with shorter sides and longer hair on top styled upwards.
However, it incorporates braids, typically on the sides or within the longer top section, to create visual interest.
The braids can be simple cornrows, French braids, or other intricate designs.
Side-Shaved Pixie
The side-shaved pixie is a bold and asymmetrical style that combines the femininity of a pixie cut with the edginess of a shaved side.
This style features a classic pixie cut on one side with the other side shaved or closely cropped.
The contrast between the short and longer sections creates a striking visual impact.
This style is perfect for those who want a unique and daring look.
Finger Waves with a Modern Twist
Finger waves with a modern twist update the classic vintage style with contemporary elements.
While maintaining the signature S-shaped waves, modern interpretations often incorporate different textures, parting styles, or hair accessories.
For example, finger waves can be combined with a deep side part, textured ends, or even shaved sections.
This style is perfect for those who appreciate vintage aesthetics but want a more contemporary look.
Voluminous Pixie Cut
The voluminous pixie cut adds a touch of softness and femininity to the classic pixie.
This style maintains the short length of a pixie but incorporates layers and texture to create volume and movement.
The added volume prevents the pixie from looking too flat or severe.
This style is perfect for those with fine or thin hair who want to add body and fullness.
Curly Mohawk with a Mohawk Braid
The curly mohawk with a mohawk braid combines the edginess of a mohawk with the beauty of braids and curls.
This style features closely cropped or shaved sides with a strip of longer, curly hair on top.
The curls are then styled into a single braid running down the center of the head, creating a unique and eye-catching look.
This style is perfect for those with naturally curly or coily hair who want a bold and stylish look.
Pixie Bob
The pixie bob is a stylish and versatile hybrid haircut that combines the short length of a pixie with the longer length of a bob.
This style typically features shorter layers in the back and longer layers in the front, creating a soft and feminine silhouette.
The pixie bob is a great option for those who want a short haircut but still want some length to play with.
It’s a flattering style that suits various face shapes and hair textures.
Afro with a Natural Curl
The afro with a natural curl is a celebration of natural hair texture in its purest form.
This style embraces the hair’s natural curl pattern, creating a full and voluminous afro.
The focus is on maintaining healthy, hydrated curls through proper moisturizing and styling techniques.
This style is perfect for those who want to embrace their natural hair texture without extensive manipulation.
Hairbun Afro
The hair bun afro is a stylish and practical way to manage a full afro.
This style involves gathering the hair into a bun on top of the head, creating a neat and polished look.
The bun can be styled in various ways, from a high bun to a low bun, and can be accessorized with hair accessories.
This style is perfect for those who want to keep their afro out of their face while still showcasing its volume and texture.
Layered Bob
The layered bob is a classic and versatile haircut that adds movement and dimension to the traditional bob.
This style incorporates layers of varying lengths throughout the hair, creating a textured and dynamic look.
The layers can be subtle or more dramatic, depending on personal preference.
This style is flattering for various face shapes and hair textures.
Summer Box Braid
“Summer Box Braids” refers to box braids worn during the summer months, emphasizing their practicality and style for warmer weather.
Box braids are a protective style that involves braiding the hair into small, square-shaped sections.
They are popular for their versatility and low maintenance.
During the summer, box braids are particularly appealing because they keep the hair off the neck and face, reducing heat and allowing for various updos and styles.
Vintage Hairstyle For Black Women
Vintage hairstyles for Black women draw inspiration from iconic eras like the roaring twenties, the glamorous forties, and the soulful sixties.
These styles often feature intricate waves, curls, and updos that celebrate natural hair texture.
Think finger waves, victory rolls, and sculpted curls.
These hairstyles are not only beautiful but also carry a rich cultural significance, representing a connection to heritage and history.
Faux Hawk with a Fishtail Braid
The faux hawk with a fishtail braid combines the edgy vibe of a faux hawk with the intricate beauty of a fishtail braid.
This style involves creating a faux hawk silhouette with shorter sides and longer hair on top.
The longer section is then styled into a fishtail braid, adding a touch of bohemian flair.
This style is perfect for those who want a unique and eye-catching look.
Side-Shaved Pixie with a Mohawk Fade
The side-shaved pixie with a mohawk fade is a bold and edgy style that combines three distinct elements.
This style features a classic pixie cut on one side, a shaved section on the other, and a mohawk-style fade that blends the two.
The mohawk fade creates a smooth transition between the short and longer sections, adding a touch of sophistication to the edgy look.
Bouffant Hairstyles
Bouffant hairstyles are characterized by their voluminous and rounded shape, created by backcombing or teasing the hair at the roots.
This style adds height and volume to the crown, creating a glamorous and retro-inspired look.
Bouffants can be incorporated into various short hairstyles, from pixies to bobs.
They are perfect for special occasions or for adding a touch of vintage glamour to everyday looks.
Flat Top with a Burst Fade
The flat top with a burst fade is a modern and edgy take on the classic flat top.
This style maintains the flat, level top but incorporates a burst fade, which is a circular fade that starts at the temples and extends around the ear.
The burst fade adds a unique and eye-catching element to the structured flat top.
Curly Mohawk with a Twisted Mohawk Braid
The curly mohawk with a twisted mohawk braid combines the edginess of a mohawk with the beauty of natural curls and braids.
This style features closely cropped or shaved sides with a strip of longer, curly hair on top.
The curls are then styled into a twisted braid that runs down the center of the head, creating a textured and visually interesting look.
Buzz Cut with a Star Fade
The buzz cut with a star fade is a creative and eye-catching style that adds a unique twist to the classic buzz cut.
This style involves a standard buzz cut, but the fade is shaped into a star design, usually around the temples or on the sides.
This requires a skilled barber to precisely carve the star into the fade.
Tapered Afro with a Faded Nape
The tapered afro with a faded nape is a clean and polished style that emphasizes the natural texture of the hair.
This style features a rounded afro shape that gradually tapers towards the nape of the neck, where a fade is incorporated.
The faded nape creates a smooth and clean transition, adding a touch of modernity to the classic afro.
This style is perfect for those who want a refined and stylish look that celebrates natural hair.
Short Blonde Hair
Short blonde hair offers a vibrant and versatile look that can be adapted to various styles.
From platinum blonde pixies to honey blonde bobs, the possibilities are endless.
Short blonde hair can create a bold and striking look or a soft and feminine one, depending on the shade and style.
This style is perfect for those who want to make a statement with their hair color.
TWA with, a Shaved Side, and a Braided Side
This style combines the simplicity of a TWA (Teeny Weeny Afro) with the edginess of a shaved side and the beauty of braids.
One side of the head is shaved or closely cropped, while the other side features a TWA with braids incorporated into the natural hair.
This creates a striking asymmetry and offers a blend of textures.
It’s a unique and expressive style that showcases creativity and individuality.
Straight Pixie Hair
Straight pixie hair offers a sleek and chic look that is both timeless and modern.
This style features short, straight hair that is typically styled close to the head.
The straight texture creates a polished and sophisticated look.
This style is perfect for those with naturally straight hair or those who are willing to use styling tools to achieve the desired look.
Messy Bun
While often associated with longer hair, a “messy bun” can be adapted for some slightly longer short hairstyles, especially pixie bobs or layered bobs where some length is available on top.
The key is to create a small, loose bun on the crown or at the back of the head, allowing some pieces to fall out naturally.
This creates a relaxed and effortless look.
It’s a quick and easy styling option for those days when you want a casual yet stylish look.
Twisted Braid with fringe
This style combines the beauty of a twisted braid with the softness of a fringe or bangs.
A section of hair is twisted and then braided along the hairline or around the face, creating a decorative element.
The fringe adds softness and frames the face.
This style can be adapted to various short hairstyles where some length is available to create the braid.
Side-Shaved Pixie with a Disconnected Undercut
The “disconnected undercut” means that there’s a stark contrast between the shaved section and the longer hair on top, with no gradual blending or fading.
This creates a very sharp and defined line, adding a strong, edgy element.
It’s a statement-making style that emphasizes the contrast between textures and lengths.
Finger Waves with a Bouffant Style
Finger waves are created around the face and sides, while the hair on top is styled into a bouffant, adding height and volume.
This creates a dramatic and sophisticated hairstyle that is perfect for special occasions or vintage-themed events.
It requires some skill and practice to achieve the precise waves and bouffant shape.
High Fade and a Pompadour
The high fade and pompadour is a classic combination that exudes sophistication and confidence.
This style features a close shave or very short cut on the sides and back, with the fade starting high on the temples, creating a striking contrast.
The hair on top is left longer and styled upwards and back in a voluminous pompadour.
This requires some styling effort, usually with pomade or wax, to achieve the desired height and hold.
Cornrow Mohawk
The cornrow mohawk is a bold and culturally rich style that blends traditional African braiding with a punk-inspired silhouette.
This look features cornrows braided tightly along the sides of the head, leading up to a strip of longer hair in the center.
This central section can be left loose, styled into curls, or even twisted or braided further.
It’s a striking way to showcase braiding skills and celebrate African heritage while embracing a modern, edgy aesthetic.
Geometric Fade Ombre
The geometric fade ombre is a modern and artistic style that combines precise fading techniques with vibrant color transitions.
This style features a fade on the sides and back, often with sharp, geometric lines or patterns incorporated into the fade itself.
The hair on top is then styled with an ombre effect, transitioning from a darker shade at the roots to a lighter shade at the tips.
This adds depth and visual interest. This look requires a skilled barber and colorist to execute correctly.
Feather Finish Shag
The feather finish shag is a textured and playful style that adds movement and volume to short hair.
This style features choppy layers that are cut with a razor or thinning shears to create a soft, feathered effect.
This technique removes weight and creates a piecey, textured look.
The shag can be adapted to various short lengths, from pixie cuts to short bobs.