7 Super-Chic Short & Wavy Hairstyles, According to Celeb Hairstylists originally appeared on Parade.
Chopping your hair (especially after 50) can feel like a total reset. Lighter, bouncier healthier… and for those with natural waves, 100% necessary. Going short not only helps with getting ready quicker, but it also helps to revamp your natural texture and let it shine. It’s a win-win.
As we age, hair tends to become finer, drier and more prone to breakage thanks to hormonal shifts and a drop in natural oil production. You might notice your once-thick strands looking a little sparse or that your waves don’t behave like they used to. Add in years of heat styling or color treatments, and long lengths can start to feel more like a chore than a statement.
Short, wavy styles are the perfect antidote. They breathe life back into your natural texture, help disguise thinning ends and give your waves the definition they deserve. Going shorter also means less weight dragging curls down, so you get more volume, more movement and a whole lot less time spent wrangling your hair into shape. And no, you don’t have to trade style for comfort—plenty of short cuts are bold and full of personality while still being totally wearable.
If you’re ready to embrace the ease of short hair without giving up an ounce of flair, read on for seven celeb-approved, stylist-loved short and wavy hairstyles to inspire your next chop.
Related: 7 Easy Summer Styles for Short, Straight Hair, According to a Celeb Hairstylist
7 Super-Chic Short & Wavy Hairstyles, Accordng to Celeb Hairstylists
1. Controlled Bob
The controlled bob is one of those cuts that just gets it right, especially if your hair has a natural wave to it. It’s neat but not too neat, giving your texture space to do its thing while still feeling totally intentional. The shape hugs the jawline in all the right ways, softens angles and brings structure without looking stiff, says celebrity stylist and Co-Founder of R+Co, Garren—who also notes that it’s “a nod to the ’60s but more natural with a fringe.” The cut works wonders for concealing limp ends or those uneven waves that tend to pop up as hair gets finer with age. Plus, it’s a seriously chic companion for everything from dinner parties to relaxed everyday errands. Pro tip: Garren recommends prepping the hair with R+Co Air Dry/Blow Dry Crème to get that soft, lived-in finish that also tames your unruly waves.
2. Tousled Crop
The tousled crop à la Tilda Swinton is the ultimate cool-girl cut for women who want something edgy yet easy. It’s short and sculpted on the sides, with a bit of wild texture up top that brings just the right amount of chaos in the best way. For wavy hair, it’s a dream—the cropped shape removes heaviness that can weigh curls down, while the undone texture up top plays up natural movement and disguises everything from thinning patches to unpredictable cowlicks, says Garren. Bonus: it practically styles itself. Just zhuzh with a little R+Co VELVET CURTAIN Cotton Touch Texture Balm and let the cut do the talking.
3. Textured Lob
When your waves need a little shape but you’re not ready to go super short, the textured lob is the perfect sweet spot. It hits right around the collarbone and brings structure to softer textures without weighing them down—and celebrity hairstylist, Marcos Diaz loves it because “this cut adds instant sophistication and shape without feeling stiff,” especially when paired with a deep side part that lifts the roots and breaks up bulk. Blunt ends help define the silhouette, while soft waves keep things relaxed and modern, making it ideal for mature women who want something easy but elevated. To style, smooth in a wave-enhancing cream like The Potion Studio Rose Bomb Leave-In, let it air dry and then tuck one side behind the ear and hit it with a texture spray for that cool, undone finish.
Related: 7 Chic Short Gray Hairstyles for Women Over 50, According to Celebrity Stylists
4. Soft Shag
Some styles just made for wavy hair, and the soft shag is one of them. With crown layers that lift and airy, choppy ends that bring movement, this ‘do makes the most of your natural texture without trying too hard, says Diaz. It’s especially flattering on finer hair, adding height and bounce where you want it, while still feeling light and effortless. Not to mention, it frames the face, plays up your wave pattern and gives off that relaxed-but-intentional energy that feels trés cool. Style it by working Biotera Volumizing Mousse into damp strands, then scrunch and diffuse—and just like that, you’re done. Oh, and let the fringe fall where it wants to, it’s all part of the charm.
5. Long Fringed Pixie
Few cuts come across as confident as the fringed pixie. And when it’s done with a little length and texture? That’s when it really makes an impact. This version keeps the crop close around the neck for a clean, lifted look while slightly longer bangs add movement and frame the face in the most flattering way. “A slightly longer bang softens this bold crop and gives you the freedom to play with texture,” say Diaz, who love how it brings focus to the eyes and cheekbones without feeling harsh. It’s especially great for mature women who want something low-maintenance but full of personality. Diaz recommends working in a lightweight cream through damp hair, then scrunching and twisting a few pieces for extra definition. Finish it off by blow-drying the fringe forward for that subtle, face-framing curve and you’re ready to take on whatever the day (or night) brings.
6. Soft, Undone Curls
When you want something that feels effortless but still has shape, undone curls hit the mark. Inspired by Susan Sarandon’s shoulder-length cut, this style is structured enough to feel intentional, but textured enough to keep things relaxed. The length falls just above the shoulders with a blunt base that builds density and gives curls a fuller, more voluminous appearance—especially helpful if your hair’s gotten finer over time, says Diaz, who adds that the overall effect feels “casual but never sloppy.” To style, wrap mid-length sections with a 1-inch iron, leaving the ends out, then tousle with your fingers and finish with STMNT Spray Powder to break it up and give that perfectly airy, lived-in finish.
7. Layered Pixie
https://www.gettyimages.com/detail/news-photo/annette-bening-joins-glsen-for-a-special-evening-of-music-news-photo/1762605544?adppopup=true
Short but never boring—that’s the layered pixie, which is basically designed to work with natural waves and deliver an effortless, lived-in finish. This cut embraces movement, with layers that accommodate your hair’s unique pattern while keeping things “chic and fuss-free,” says Diaz. It’s a go-to for women who want style without the hassle. For an easy, soft finish, stylists recommend working in a curl cream like All About Curls Bouncy Cream, then air-drying or finger-styling your hair into shape. Sweep a few pieces forward around the forehead to soften the edges and ta-da! You’re looking sharp and totally put-together in seconds.
Related: 7 Chic, Short Hairstyles That Will Help You Stay Cool in Summer, According to Celebrity Hairstylists
Up Next:
7 Super-Chic Short & Wavy Hairstyles, According to Celeb Hairstylists first appeared on Parade on Aug 7, 2025
This story was originally reported by Parade on Aug 7, 2025, where it first appeared.
