30 Low-Maintenance Haircuts for Every Hair Type and Texture

Reviewed by Shab Caspara

You get the perfect haircut. You leave the salon feeling—and looking—like a supermodel. Then, you wash and try to style it for the first time... and it looks nothing like it did the day you left the salon (sigh).

The sad fact is that not all haircuts are wash-and-go. So to help you avoid repeating the above scenario, we've rounded up 30 of the best low-maintenance haircuts for a variety of hair types and textures—along with expert input from celebrity hairstylists.

Long, Tiered Layers

Celebrity hairstylist Myss Monique and Bellami pro hairstylist Philip Wolff agree: Long, layered looks were practically made for thick hair. Take a page from perennial thick-hair muse Priyanka Chopra-Jonas' book, and don't be afraid to switch it up. "For long [thick hair], if you're looking for width and body, add wave," advises Wolff. "Typically, thicker hair can achieve volume fairly well, so a nice blowout is never a bad thing. And, of course, for a leaner look, go for a sleek, smooth finish, possibly with a flat iron if necessary."

Super Short

"Very short looks like fades or pixies work nicely" for thick hair in particular, says Wolff. Which style you go for is entirely up to you—the only "rule" is that you look and feel fabulous with your cut—but if you're unsure how short hair will suit your face, consult a stylist whose work you trust. "Of course, it's up to the stylist to help create a personalized look for the individual," Wolff adds.

Blunt Bangs

While blunt cuts aren't a stylist-preferred approach for thick hair, blunt bangs are a great option for those with thicker manes: The density will weigh them down and help them naturally drape across the forehead.

Half-Up, Half-Down With Waves

Half-up, half-down hairstyles are a great way for those with thick hair to pull their strands back without a ton of tension (or several hair ties). To create beautiful tendrils, pro stylist Leigh Hardges likes the Dyson Air Wrap ($599) which "totally eliminates the blow-dry and curl steps by making a blowdryer that curls like an iron," she says.

Undercut

To many, an undercut may seem anything but low-key. But hear us out: An undercut could make your morning styling process a much lighter lift (literally and metaphorically) if you have thick hair.

"Undercuts are a great way to achieve those mid-length looks due to the removal of weight in the interior of the hair, allowing some length to hang over with an overall leaner, softer profile and shape," explains Wolff. "Often, when worn down, most won't even know it's undercut. The fun part about undercuts [is that] they can be as drastic or subtle as you like, depending on the look and lifestyle of the client."

Choppy Bob

A layered bob is edgy-meets-elegance. "A chin-touching bob with choppy layers is a great look that is easy to maintain if you're blessed with thick locks," says hairstylist Gina Rivera. "The cut removes bulk, making it easier to manage." To get the most out of this look, she suggests applying a styling cream like the Kristin Ess Weightless Shine Air Dry Crème ($11) to damp hair—no blowdrying required.

Lob

When it comes to thin or fine hair, you can't go wrong with the ever-versatile and low-maintenance lob. "To really emphasize fullness, add a small amount of mousse, turn the head upside down, and scrunch the hair slightly while drying," instructs Rivera. "To finish, flip hair upwards and use your fingers to tousle the hair from underneath rather than combing it out. Finish with a spritz of Clutch Hairspray ($17) for a fun, edgy look."

Blunt Shag

The shag is back and better than ever. Although it has traditionally been worn by those who have medium to thick hair, hairstylist Holly Dear says that fine-haired folks can also rock this cut: "Blunt ends give integrity to this shape, and the shag allows a face-framing and carefree movement for an overall fuller look." To style, "add Living Proof's Texture Volumizer ($30) and Dry Volume Blast ($35) for hold and texture. Dry hair back and forth using your fingers or a paddle brush."

Face-Framing Layers

Wolff recommends "a look with some form of layers—either a face frame, layers all around, or a fun bouncy fringe" for those who love to embrace their natural curls or coils. "This obviously depends on the client's needs, lifestyle, and face shape," he says. "Layers, in general, are trending and have been for some time because they can be catered to any hair texture if done in a flattering way. It also helps bring out some extra style and fun."

Lightly Layered

We're not saying forget everything you've ever read about blunt cuts and thin hair—but we are saying that, despite conventional knowledge, layers can work a little magic on thin, fine hair. "I'm a fan of layers in fine hair, depending on density and length, of course," says Wolf.

Why? "Although fine hair is technically at its thickest when it's one length, it also looks flattest because of the weight. Adding layers (taking away some weight) can actually create the illusion of more hair. It sounds counterintuitive, but it works." If your hair is so thin and fine that natural layers aren't exactly realistic, you can always buy some. "You can also use Bellami Hair Extensions to create volume," suggests Wolff. "They offer five different pro installation methods and amazing clip-in extensions, too."

Blunt Bob

Ask your stylist for a blunt cut—blunt ends create the illusion of thickness, and you don't have to worry about using products to create volume where there is no. For all hair types—but especially straight hair—"a stylist should focus on the problem areas for the client like cowlicks or thinning hair because those can pose bigger problems as they grow out," says Hardges.

Mid-Length Wash and Go

For curly hair, stylist Myss Monique recommends fringe cuts or keeping it shoulder length and au natural. "These styles can be styled in double-strand twists or simply wash and go," says Monique. "Moisture plays a major role in healthy curls. Products like The Mane Choice's Curl Defining Cream ($15) cocktailed with the Tropical Moringa Smoothing Butter ($14) can enhance your curls."

Overgrown Shag

Looking to grow out your shag? Then it may look something like this. A long, overgrown shag works well with a straight mane. Just air-dry and tousle your hair to add a bit of texture. A spritz of Drybar's Triple Sec 3-in-1 ($29) doesn't hurt either.

Sleek Blunt Lob

If you have thin hair, blunt ends are your friend. Since you aim to enhance body and density, allow a little length to graze the collarbone; it adds the appearance of fullness.

Box Braided Bob

If you have textured hair, protective styles are a great way to significantly shorten your morning prep time (even if you'll have to set aside a good chunk of your day for installation). A box-braided bob, like Kiki Layne's seen here, will be significantly lighter on your head than the standard mid-back length. (Plus, they'll dry much faster when you wash them.)

Curtain Bangs

Monique is a fan of curtain bangs, particularly for those with wavy hair. As for styling them, follow the lead of hair influencer Matilda Djerf and don't fight against nature. "I think with curtain bangs it's important to, first of all, let them part where your hair naturally parts," she told us. "So it's the same thing when I blow dry my hair—I always like to blow-dry my bangs down, and then each side so my hair [parts] where it naturally wants to."

Angular Lob

An a-line or angular lob that's longer in the front and slightly shorter in the back adds shape to curly hair, giving it a built-in style even when you wash and go. "Medium hair is all in the layers," says hairstylist Laura Polko. "This will keep your hair from looking triangular as it grows."

Face-Framing Layers

Ask for lots of face-framing layers (or DIY) to prevent your natural texture from overpowering you. Believe it or not, the right cut—and not just the right products—can help keep your waves effortless, cool, and even frizz-free. Got second-day hair? "You can create an easy slicked-back look by working with your natural oils and even adding a hair mask at the very front to slick your hair down in place of hairspray," says Polko. She recommends NatureLab Tokyo's Perfect Repair Treatment Masque ($19) to get the job done.

Extra-Long Layers

With tight curls, consider keeping your layers extra long in front to avoid fighting with curls in your face. Dear suggests a Deva cut, which is specifically geared toward those with natural curls; the technique supports curls and helps them grow out effortlessly, she explains. "A good curly haircut is all about the grow out—how the shape will look and transform once it starts to grow," emphasizes Hardges.

Mid-Length U-Cut

If you're looking to maintain your length with a style that allows you to show off acurly texture, a U-shaped haircut is a great option. "Mid-length U-cuts are great for naturally curly hair," Rivera tells us. "The cut allows you to remove some bulk, making the hair easier to tame, and it also [emphasizes] longer loose curls."

Layered Bedhead Beach Waves

A wispy look that lies somewhere between bedhead and beach waves—featuring face-framing layers—adds movement and a little edge. But remember, if your hair is fine or thin, don't overdo it with the layers.

Shoulder-Length Shag

Lucy Hale's '70s-inspired 'do has the perfect lived-in texture. "The shaggy hairstyle typically requires less styling, which means you can choose to air dry the hair or give it a blow dry and still get the same effect," says Nicole Poede, a stylist with Balmain Hair Couture. "I recommend using the Moisturizing Styling Cream ($52) and mousse, then shake it up with the Texturizing Volume Spray ($57)."

Classic Lob

A classic lob possesses a timeless elegance that mesmerizes us every time. "The beauty of a lob is the straight lines and emphasis on the neck, accentuating the lines of your jaw and lips," says Dear. When styling, "utilize smoothing serums for shine and to keep from getting tangled. Dry with a paddle brush."

Asymmetrical With Deep Side Part

An asymmetrical cut with a deep side part is perfect for wavy hair if you're looking for easy styling. "Add some styling mousse and a bit of root booster for texture," Rivera advises. "Partially dry the hair, focusing on the roots, and then allow the remainder to air dry. Style with your fingertips for a natural look.

Cascading Layers

Straight- and fine-haired folks take note: Cascading layers create the illusion of volume with minimal styling. And since great hair starts in the shower, "focus on hair health by using a treatment masque and a protective leave-in to reduce dry time and [get] a better air-dry result," says Polko.

Just keep in mind you'll still need to keep up with the breakage to avoid the tell-tale V-shape in the back. "It's better to sacrifice a little length to have a more blunt end than to keep the tail," Polko says.

Tousled Pixie

If you have wavy hair and aren't afraid of going short, consider a tousled pixie cut. Waves lend texture to this classic style, which requires little to no upkeep. "Any strong shape in a haircut shouldn't require a ton of styling," says Hardges. "Undercuts and pixie cuts are my faves, though: Just a little finger tousling, maybe a spray wax for texture and hold, and then out the door you go."

Long Layers and Choppy Bangs

Long, choppy bangs and longer layers bring out the best in straight tresses, comments Rivera. "The cut looks perfect with highlights, balayage, or a subtle ombré. You can also gain volume by using a round brush when drying," she notes. 

"For straight hair, the most important thing to look out for is the layering," adds Polko. "That's what makes your cut able to grow out and last. Environment and heat can cause breakage, but layers can camouflage it and make it last longer between cuts."

Voluminous Bob

If your hair is thick and wavy, a shorter hairstyle will help you cut styling and drying time. Show off your wave pattern by opting for a layered, voluminous bob. Going slightly shorter in the front will emphasize your facial features.

Face-Framing Moment

"When you want to give your hair more softness and volume, a face frame is a good option," says Poede. "Blow-dry the hair and hold the back very straight to let the hair look thicker." Meanwhile, the layers toward the front will "make the hair look more playful and voluminous," she says.

Soft Texture

Okay, so this is more of a styling moment than a cut. But for those with fine or thin strands, adding a little zhuzh to your haircut can go a long way. "For finer hair, I'm a fan of softer, textured looks," says Wolff. "I mostly hear fine-textured clients requesting more volume, more body, and more movement." How can that look be achieved? "I usually add some form of volumizing product and, for extra flare, even add some soft body wave" with a curling iron, he says. He recommends going for width over volume if your fine hair is straight.

You also have the option of teasing, but choose it sparingly: "Over time, it can create damage," says Wolff.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a short bob low maintenance?

It depends on your hair texture and how you want to style it. For example, if you have wavy hair and want a straight bob, then that would require styling tools, which would make it more high maintenance. If you embrace your natural texture and let it air dry, then it would be low maintenance.  Keep in mind you will also need to trim your hair every three to six weeks to maintain the style.

Is short hair or long hair more low maintenance?

Many people are divided on this question. Very short hair, such as a pixie cut, is often easy to style—however, it requires frequent haircuts to maintain it. Long, straight hair is low maintenance as it can easily be put in a ponytail or braid and doesn’t require frequent trims, but takes longer to blow-dry and curl.

Are lobs easy to maintain?

A lob, which is slightly longer in the front versus the back, is considered a low-maintenance haircut as it works with many different hair textures and is easy to style and maintain.

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