Sure you can have a signature style, but sometimes you have to switch things up.
By
- Reece Andavolgyi
September 22, 2023
Many of us have a signature hairstyle that we fall back on time and time again. Primarily because it looks the best and because we know how to achieve it. With that being said, creating the same hairstyle over and over again can sometimes feel repetitive. Sure, stepping outside of your comfort zone can feel intimidating, but there’s so many cute hairstyles out there to experiment with, it’s worth switching things up once in a while. If you’re in need of some inspiration, here are 43 hairstyles for all hair types and textures to help you find something new.
1. Pixie
Short hair makes a sweet statement on all hair types, and one cute hairstyle we love for any season is the textured pixie. It’s bold but it sure does make for easy styling when you wake up. Just apply a texturizing paste like the L’Oréal Paris Studio Line Overworked Hair Putty and you’ll have a trendy, purposefully undone style in minutes.
2. Traditional Braid
Sometimes, simple is best, which is why we’ll always have a special place in our hearts for a traditional, three-strand braid. Wear it at the nape of your neck or swept to the side for an easy, casual ‘do.
3. Braided Bob
Cute bob hairstyles have been making quite a name for themselves as of late and one style that we’re particularly smitten with is the braided bob. This protective hairstyle for natural hair is not only totally on-trend, but also a great way to protect your strands if you’re trying to grow them out.
4. Low Pigtails
Take a cue from your childhood self and rock low pigtails. Today, it has an effortless Y2K vibe that we see all over social media. Simply part your hair down the middle and tie your strands into equally-sized ponytails at the base of your neck using clear elastics. For a flirty touch, cover the elastics with some ribbon.
5. Half Braided Pigtails
Part your hair down the middle and create two braided pigtails — but be sure to stop braiding halfway down the length of your hair to secure each plait with a clear elastic. Half braid, half pigtails, and all the texture.
6. Micro Bangs
If you’re daring, micro bangs may be worth a shot. These super-short bangs pair great with everything from a sleek bob haircut to long, flowy tendrils. Just keep in mind that while micro bangs make a feisty statement, you’re going to have to spend time styling them to maintain the look.
7. Slicked Back Hair
Use the wet hair look to your advantage by slicking your short strands toward the back of your head. Not only does this make for a cute short hairstyle, but it’s also a slick (get it?) way to disguise oily roots. Apply a bit of hair gel, like the L’Oréal Paris Studio Line Mega Gel, to your strands and smooth them back with a brush to easily get the look.
8. Baby Braids
Baby braids are Gen Z’s favorite way to upgrade a simple hairstyle. Simply braid a quarter-inch section of hair on each side of your part near the hairline and you have a TikTok-approved style in minutes.
9. Deep Side Part
Who says a cute hairstyle has to be complicated? Sometimes something as simple as switching up your part can make all the difference in your beauty look. Use a rat tail comb to create a deep side part for instant volume and a totally new feel.
10. Middle Part
A middle part is a must for some of the symmetrical styles we’ve covered already, but it can also be a hairstyle in its own right, as evidenced by Gen-Z. In fact, this face-framing part is a longtime favorite of ours, especially when paired with curtain bangs or long, flowy layers.
11. Fun Headband and Low Bun
Reach for a fun headband (perhaps with smooth velvety texture or rhinestones) to get your hair out of your face and give your strands a cute (and ultra-easy) makeover. If you’re feeling preppy, wear it with a low bun and some winged eyeliner.
12. Curtain Bangs
Frame your face with curtain bangs for a trendy look that suits almost all face shapes and hair types. This style of bang is parted down the middle with a swoop effect on each side to beautifully accentuate your features.
13. Half-Up Space Buns
If you have short hair, don’t think that space buns are off the table. Instead of missing out on the fun, create a section of hair at the crown of your head (like a half up, half down style) and split it into two. Use the first small section to create a tiny bun at the top of one side of your head, then do the same with the other side, leaving the rest of your strands hanging free.
14. Space Buns
Traditional space buns are most easily created on those who have long hair. Bonus: They’re a super cute way to keep your strands out of your face. Part your hair down the center to create two even sections, then create two ponytails and twist the length around the base of the ponytail to create your space buns. Secure with bobby pins, and set the style with hairspray.
15. Shaggy Layers
When you think of the octopus cut, the butterfly haircut and the wolf cut, you realize that shaggy layers are easily the top hair trend this season. The reason is because they add plenty of dimension and tousled texture to your mane, which suits all hair types and textures.
16. Party Pony
It’s always a party when you rock a half up, half down pony. Grab a small section of hair at the crown of your head and create a ponytail. Secure it with a clear elastic and give your pony a boost by gently pulling the hair in different directions to create a lifted style with tons of volume.
17. Low Ponytail
Keep things simple, cute, and polished with a low ponytail. Swoop your strands into a pony at the base of your neck, then secure it with a clear elastic. Top it off with a decorative hair tie or barrette for a personalized touch.
18. ‘90s Flip
To achieve this retro look, all you’ll need is a straightener and your favorite heat protectant (if you need a rec, we like the L’Oréal Paris Elvive Dream Lengths Frizz Killer Serum Leave-In). Simply apply the heat protectant to the length of your hair, and use your straightener on the ends to create a curved, U-shaped flip.
19. Brun
For those with medium-length and long hair searching for cute bun hairstyles, consider a braid-wrapped bun. We promise it’s easier than it sounds; just create a ponytail and braid the length with a simple three-strand plait. Wrap it around the base of your ponytail to create a bun, and secure it with a hair tie or bobby pins. Spritz your updo with the L’Oréal Paris Elnett Satin Extra Strong Hold Hairspray - Color Treated Hair to set your style.
20. Braided Pigtails
Channel your inner child with trendy braided pigtails. Part your hair down the middle to create two even sections and braid each side. You can create traditional braids or opt for something outside the box like fishtail braids.
21. Lob
Slightly longer in the front and shorter in the back, the lob (long bob) haircut gives you the best of both worlds. Not only is this cute hairstyle on trend, there are also so many different ways to style it. We’re partial to a wavy lob for a laid back, undone look.
22. Shaggy Bangs
If you’re tempted to cut bangs, start with a longer style, like shaggy bangs, which are a lot subtler (and easier to maintain) than straight-across, blunt bangs.
23. Top Knot
There’s just something about a simple top knot that will always be in style. This updo exudes versatility; it can be worn to work or while running errands around town. To keep your top knot looking polished, use a hair gel, like the L’Oréal Paris Studio Line Invisi Gel, to smooth your hair in place.
24. Fishtail Braid
Side swept or worn at the nape of your neck, twist your strands into a fishtail braid for a unique, textured hairstyle that’ll keep your hair out of your face in the chicest way. For a whimsical touch, pull a few face-framing strands loose.
25. Beach Waves
Beach waves will never not be in style and for good reason because they look good on everyone and they suit any occasion. Create effortless waves sans heat with the help of the L’Oréal Paris Elvive Dream Lengths Curls Leave-in Conditioner. Apply a nickel-sized dollop onto towel-dried hair, scrunch your length to form the waves (or braid it if you have naturally straight hair), and allow your hair to air dry.
26. Double Ponytail
Add some volume to a traditional ponytail with a double pony hairstyle. And yes, this hairstyle is exactly what it sounds like; create two ponytails right above one another, then take a strand of hair from the base of the bottom ponytail and wrap it around the base of both ponies. Use bobby pins to secure the strands on the underside of your double pony and that’s a wrap (literally).
27. Half-Up Braided Top Knot
Cute, intricate, and functional, a half-up braided top knot is sure to bring the compliments while also keeping your strands out of your face. Start by creating a half up, half down style and tie the top section up into a ponytail. Then braid the length of your pony and twist it around the base, securing with bobby pins to create the bun.
28. Clipped Back Bangs
Whether you have side-swept or curtain bangs, pin them back with a few cute hair clips. If your bangs are on the shorter side, dampen them before combing them into place. After you’ve clipped them back, spritz on the L’Oréal Paris Elnett Satin Extra Strong Hold Hair Spray - Unscented to ensure your cute hairstyle is secure.
29. Ballerina Bun
Take notes from dancers and quiet luxury stans alike, and rock a ballerina bun. Whether you’re a prima ballerina or simply lead a busy life, you’ll love that this sleek bun hairstyle will ensure every strand stays in place throughout the day. Use a hair gel, like the aforementioned L’Oréal Paris Studio Line Invisi Gel, to smooth the crown.
30. High Ponytail
Scoop your strands into a high ponytail with lots of bounce for an easy, on-trend look. For added volume, tease your roots prior to putting your hair into your pony.
31. Half Up Top Knot
We love a half-up hairstyle. Grab a section of hair at the crown of your head and pull it into your best top knot. Let the rest of your strands hang free or finish the style off with some loose curls.
32. Pineapple Updo
A pineapple updo is one of our favorite curly hairstyles. First, gather your hair into a super-high ponytail, securing it with a scrunchie, but not fully pulling the hair through to create a looped bun. Fluff the bun with your fingers to create volume and you’re good to go.
33. Long Layers
If you want to add shape and style to your mane without sacrificing length, try long layers. This haircut will give your hair dimension and texture while letting you keep your strands as long as you please.
34. Side-Swept Bangs
If straight-across bangs are too bold for you, consider their softer alternative: side-swept bangs. Long or short, they’re a super cute way to add some personality to your haircut. Plus, they look especially good styled with updos.
35. Bubble Ponytail
Create a bubble ponytail worthy of a princess in just minutes. First, pull your strands into a high ponytail. Then, place a clear elastic about two inches down your pony. Gently tug at the section to create your first bubble. Continue to section more bubbles and secure with hair elastics until you reach the end of your ponytail, and finally seal in your style with the L’Oréal Paris Advanced Hairstyle LOCK IT Weather Control Hairspray.
36. Bantu Knots
Perfect for natural hair, bantu knots keep hair out of your face while doubling as a protective style. Many ‘90s beauty trends, like skinny brows and brown lipstick, are alive and well once again, and this hairstyle that was commonly sported by your fave R&B artists is just as good now as it was then.
37. Messy Bun
This cute hairstyle is one we’ll always keep in our bag of tricks. After all, it doesn’t get much quicker than a messy bun, and it’s the perfect style for concealing oily roots.
38. Pinned Back Bangs With a Barrette
If you’re in a pinch and dealing with stray hairs, clip them out of the way with an on-trend barrette. We can’t get enough of this hair accessory, and there are so many different ways to wear it.
39. Sleek Ponytail
Slick your mane back into a sleek ponytail to keep flyaways at bay and give yourself a smooth, modern look. This hairstyle will also camouflage oily roots so if you’re behind on a good wash, no one will know.
40. Dutch Braid
This braided hairstyle will never go out of style. Practice makes perfect, as with anything, and once you get the hang of things you’ll be able to style your strands into a Dutch braid in no time. Simply start with a three strand braid and add more hair to each piece as you go down the length of the braid until all your hair is braided.
41. Modern Mullet
The modern mullet spotlights layers, texture and alt styling in a unique, trendy way. The business-in-the-front section looks great with bangs, while the party-in-the-back section can truly suit any length.
42. Curly Updo
Embrace your natural strands and rock a curly haired updo that flaunts tousled texture and bouncy ringlets. Pull out a few face framing pieces to highlight your features and complete this romantic look.
43. Italian Bob
Call the Italian bob the chicest short ‘do of the season. It’s chin level, subtly layered, textured and effortless. If you’re looking for a low-maintenance style, put it on your radar.
Next: The Ultimate Guide to Face-Framing Layers for Each Face Shape
Photo Credit: Yeilin IG@/beyyei, Photo Design: Sarah Duvivier
