Top 6 women's short hairstyles 2023: ultra-short, blunt cut, face shape guide.

Short hair recommendations for 2023: Japanese-inspired styles

Japanese-style short haircuts emphasize an airy, lightweight feel. To achieve this, Abby recommends pairing these cuts with lighter hair colors, like the timeless milk tea shade, which helps eliminate the heaviness of natural black hair. She offers four distinct styles within this category: Sleek short cut, Japanese short cut, Pixie cut, and Flipped-out short cut. Of these, the first three are perfect for those seeking low-maintenance, perm-free options. However, for those with fine hair, Abby suggests adding a perm to help the style hold its shape longer, especially with the Flipped-out short cut, which benefits from added texture and volume.

Sleek short cut

The sleek short cut is ideal for small face shapes, such as oval or heart-shaped faces, as it accentuates delicate facial features. If you don’t have a small face, don’t worry! Adding a perm can help contour your face, making the style more adaptable. For a bold, high-fashion look, taller women with a Western style in clothing and makeup can opt for a darker hair color to amplify presence. This cut is easy to manage, requiring minimal styling. After washing, apply a bit of hair oil for smoothness. Those with frizzy hair can use a soft wax or styling oil before heading out to reduce frizz and maintain a polished appearance.

Japanese short cut

The Japanese-style short haircut with a subtle wolf cut effect features layers around the face to contour the cheeks and soften angles. This cut enhances facial features, creating a more refined appearance while elongating the neck. The layered technique also adds depth and volume to the hair, effectively disguising a flat crown, which is why Abby particularly recommends this style for women with flat head shapes. This haircut offers a lightweight, airy feel, making it a perfect choice for those seeking a stylish and face-flattering look.

Pixie cut

The popular pixie cut radiates a vibrant, natural look, making it perfect for petite women. The softly curved ends frame the face, while the straight, sleek fall of the hair at the ends adds a touch of playfulness and confidence. For those with high foreheads, airy bangs work beautifully, while a 3/7 or center-parted fringe can soften high cheekbones. Women with rounder faces might consider bangs that sit just above the eyebrows, adding an extra playful touch. The pixie cut is versatile, suiting styles from tomboyish and gentle sophistication to bold charisma, allowing you to express the exact vibe you want.

Flipped-out short cut

The flipped-out short cut adds lightness to thicker hair through layered cutting, giving a lively, dynamic look suited for both fine and coarse hair types. This style is great for those seeking a trendy, sweet vibe or for women with round or diamond-shaped faces who want to soften their jawline. However, since the flipped-out look requires a perm to hold the shape, Abby recommends it for those who are willing to put in a bit of effort into styling. To maintain the look, even with a perm, some styling before heading out is necessary. Hair wax or styling cream can help define the shape, while using wax adds extra dimension. This style is best for those who enjoy a hands-on approach to their hair routine and are looking for a chic, face-framing cut with a modern twist.

Short hair recommendations for 2023: Korean-inspired styles

Blunt cut

The Korean Blunt Cut suits all face shapes, from long to round faces. By adjusting the length and layering of the bangs, this style can be tailored to achieve the most flattering look for each individual. The blunt cut also helps to soften prominent cheekbones, creating a more balanced and gentle appearance. This hairstyle conveys a clean, polished look, which is especially appealing for those seeking a neat, professional style. For naturally curly hair prone to frizz, Abby recommends pairing it with a straightening perm to achieve a sleek finish. For those without natural curls who prefer not to perm, a flat iron can help keep the hair straight at home. Before using heat tools, it’s essential to apply a heat protectant, like hair oil, to minimize damage and maintain the hair's health.

Shoulder-length short cut

Looking to create a gentle, soft look? The shoulder-length cut is the way to go! This length frames the face beautifully, balancing a long face or sharp jawline by softening the angles. According to Abby, hair color can also transform the vibe of this style: darker shades like black tea or blue-black convey a mature, refined feel, while lighter tones such as ash green or milk tea bring out a warmer, softer look. However, since shoulder-length hair can flip out as it touches the shoulders, a perm can make it easier to manage. Adding a slight wave or curl will help control the shape, making it more convenient for at-home styling and giving it a polished, effortless appeal.

The first step for long-haired women trying short hair

If you've been thinking about cutting your hair short but feel hesitant due to unfamiliarity or attachment to your long hair, Abby suggests a gradual approach to help you adjust: Start with a shoulder-length cut or Korean blunt cut, gradually working your way shorter. Begin by trimming to shoulder length, then moving to the neck, chin, and finally to a lip-length bob if desired. This step-by-step approach prevents any drastic change that might feel overwhelming.

Among the six short hairstyles introduced, which one resonates with you the most? If you’re curious to see more of Abby’s short hair creations, click the link to her short hair gallery on Instagram below. Wishing you the best on finding the perfect hairstyle that fits you!