We’ve officially reached that time of year again when it’s time to look back at the hairstyles that have continued to stick around in 2025. We’ve been paying close attention to the best trending hair looks social media’s most fashionable people have been spotted wearing, on our For You Page (and IRL). While several cuts, shades, and hair accessories have lived rent-free in our minds since we hit midyear, there’s one common theme that has persisted over the past six months: Effortless, short styles are on the rise.
In true beauty editor form, we’ve taken it upon ourself to ID the ones that have been cosigned and worn by celebs and content creators in what feels like a million different ways, and have condensed our list to the top seven to be on the look out for with the help of there hairstylists, educators, and salon owners: Anajid “Kee” Taylor, Sean Michael, and Sunnie Brook. Below, take a look at the cropped hair looks experts have also been keeping tabs on (plus, how to bring them to life for your next salon visit.
Meet the Experts
Annadjid “Kee” Taylor is a celebrity hairstylist, content creator, and the owner of Deeper Than Hair Salon. Her career extends beyond her celebrity clientele and education to founding an advanced hair line and offering free education through her YouTube channel, Deeper Than Hair TV. Taylor has also released a children’s book called All Hair Is Good Hair.
Sean Michael, who’s widely recognized for his lived-in color, seamless extensions, and signature cuts, is a trusted trend spotter and mentor to celebrity stylists and top hair educators. His sold-out workshops at Salon Bleau and industry events have been a resource for countless stylists.
Celebrity hairdresser, educator, and entrepreneur Sunnie Brooke is known for her “relaxed luxury” approach to style and has 20+ years of experience on the innovative forefront of the beauty industry (she also invented the viral “butterfly” cut). Brooke’s creations have garnered a loyal following through her successful beauty blog and YouTube channel.
What Short Hair Styles Are Trending?
Brook tells us this year will be defined by it’s “fashion moment” in 2025: flipped-out bobs, feather bangs, and pixie-bob hybrids that are effortless and eye-catching are on the rise. “After years of long, glossy, lived in hair, people are craving cuts with personality that work with their natural patter, take less time to style, and look cool straight out of the shower,” she says. “It’s a move toward freedom and individuality (A.K.A. short hair with shape and attitude, not a one-size-fits-all blunt bob like seasons past.”
Taylor echoes Brook’s this sentiment, highlighting the increased attention given to embracing natural textures in new, stylish ways. “We’re seeing softer edges, more movement, and cuts that actually work with your natural texture instead of trying to control it. In the past, styles leaned super blunt or super choppy—now it’s all about balance and shape that feels effortless. The energy is less ‘perfect’ and more ‘real,’ which makes these cuts way easier to wear and make your own,” explains Taylor.
’90s Bixie Cut
Michael identified the ’90s-inspired “bixie” cut as a standout style to be on the lookout for. A hybrid of the bob and pixie cut, he believe the throwback look is trending because it offers the perfect blend of softness and edge. “The bixie channels that nostalgic ‘90s vibe, but the choppy layers and lived-in texture give it a fresh, modern edge. It’s low-maintenance, versatile, and a great option for those wanting to make a bold change without going too short,” he says.
What sets this one apart from the other is how it’s styled. Michael shares that in recent years, we’ve seen a lot of looks that are more smoothed and controlled (with a subtle blend of wave). Now, we’re making a return to hair with lived-in texture and movement. “The styles feel more effortless and undone— layered cuts like the bixie are intentionally tousled, giving off a more relaxed, expressive vibe,” Michael explains. Taylor aggress, adding that the style adds volume and movement without commitment without the commitment of a full pixie. “It gives hold and texture without stiffness, so you can zhuzh it up or keep it sleek depending on the day,” adds Taylor.
Whisper Pixie Cut
We began spotting the whisper pixie on and off the red carpet last spring, but it’s continued to dominate well into summer. Taylor Hill debuted her new cropped cut this past year, earning compliments and comparisons to none other that Audrey Hepburn (granted, the two do look remarkably similar even with long hair). Created for Hill by celebrity stylist Danielle Praino, this short hairstyle is a fresh take on the pixie cut that’s altogether modern and timeless.
Classic Pixie
If you’r ready to commit to the short cut life, why not ask your hairstylist for a chic pixie á la Jourdan Dunn? The model kicked off 2025 by shedding the flowing tendrils she’s been spotted in the past with a pixie debuted in archive Alexander McQueen. The model has stunned in every hairstyle, but this look puts her high cheekbones and almond-shaped eyes on display in all the best ways. There’s also nothing more chic than a timeless cut that can be styled many different ways, and Dunn had shared shots of herself on Instagram wearing the style with kiss curls and, more recently, bleached blonde.
French Bob
We’ve also seen the French bob, but the classic, chin-length style will be back with a vengeance in the second half of 2025 (perhaps we have Sophia Richie to thank for it’s sudden spike in popularity). “[The French bob] feels super fresh right now—clean lines, soft texture, and just enough edge. It’s the kind of cut that works on a range of hair types, including textured hair because it lets natural volume do the work,” Taylor says.
To keep the chic cut smooth and frizz-free while still touchable, she advises using Hask’s Argan Oil Repairing Shine Hair Oil ($7). She tells us it adds, “that polished finish,” without weighing down the strands or giving them a greasy look. Instead, your hair will be left silky and light.
Luxe Bob
This aptly named hair trend started picking up speed in March, and has stayed on our For Your Pages since. The expensive-looking hairstyle calls for lots of volume and a high-shine finish. To achieve this look at your next salon trip, ask your hairstylist for a subtle cut that sits around the jawline with long, soft layers and a voluminous blow dry to finish rather than choppy and textured. The best part? You can go wavy or sleek with this bob since it’s all in the body and movement.
Flipped Bob
Amongst the feathery bangs, and pixie-bob hybrids that have had a meteoric rise in popularity are the flipped bobs championed by everyone from Gig Hadid (pictured above in her signature buttery blonde shade) to Hailey Bieber. A fun and flirty take on your classic bob, the flipped bob has an eye-catching shape while also allowing for endless movement. As trendy as this look is right now for the fashion crowd, this style was also big throughout the first half of the 1960’s and championed by the era’s prominent figures like Jackie Kennedy and Mary Tyler More.
Curly Tapered Cut
If you have natural curls or coils, consider enhancing them with this classic style spotted on actress Tia Mowry. “This cut is all about celebrating your texture, tight sides, full curls on top, and tons of personality. It’s a confident cut that shines when the curls are healthy and hydrated,” Taylor says. To make it last, Taylor recommends using Chéribé’s Growth Oil for Hair and Scalp to help lock in moisture, define the shape, and add a natural shine. “A few drops can go a long way and keep curls looking juicy and vibrant,” she adds.
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