Cop these hairstyles by Kendall Jenner, Dua Lipa, and Alexa Chung for a mature, short-hair look

Just last month, I decided to take a leap of faith and spontaneously cut my hair short—I had waist-length hair. It was a moment of daring change, and, I must admit, it felt liberating. 

I soon discovered that short hair had an innate ability to exude confidence and individuality, but there was a lingering concern—how do I avoid appearing like I'd just stepped out of a school yearbook photo? 

Short hair, as fabulous as it is, can sometimes be challenging to style, especially when you're trying to strike that perfect balance between youthful exuberance and elegance.

And if you have recently cut your locks and agree with the above, then like me, your default go-to style would probably be just letting your short locks flow. And honestly, most of the time, it's a great look. But what about those days when your hair just doesn't want to co-operate? You know, the bad hair days and the dreaded oily hair days; days when you absolutely can't afford to look like you have just left a high school classroom.

That's why we're here—to share some fantastic short haircuts and styles that'll keep you far, far away from any school girl vibes. Whether you're rocking a pixie cut, a classic bob or a trendy short shag, we've got you covered with tried-and-true techniques to elevate your style.

The versatile pixie cut

Pixie cuts are edgy, confident, and make quite a statement. I mean, did you just look at Scarlett Johansson? She looks like an elegant queen in a pixie cut, doesn't she? But let's make sure we're not crossing over into "too youthful" territory.

You want to give your pixie cut some character, right? Texturising spray or pomade is your best friend. It adds a bit of that carefree, tousled look, giving you a mature yet casual vibe. You can also spice things up with some statement hairpins, clips or headbands. The key is to pick accessories that scream "grown-up" and elevate your style. If your pixie cut is feeling a tad young or out of place, consider side-swept bangs. They frame your face beautifully and take the attention away from any tom-boyish school appearance.

The bob: a timeless classic

Oh, the bob! It's like that old friend who always has your back. Since Dua Lipa flaunted one in her song One Kiss, we have been fans (again). But how do you keep it classy and not like you're going back to school?

When you want to look polished and give a sleek, adult finish, grab a flat iron and some heat protectant spray. Another easy-peasy trick is to tuck one side of your bob behind your ear, and voila! you've got that chic, asymmetric vibe that oozes sophistication. Want some depth? Go for a graduated bob—shorter layers in the back and longer ones in the front. It creates a stylish, mature silhouette.

The trendy short shag

Now, if you're feeling a bit adventurous, the short shag might be your thing. It’s very easy to maintain, and Alexa Chung has got the refined short shag code cracked. This style’s got that edge but let's make sure it doesn't scream "rebel without a cause":

Layers are your secret sauce here. Get yourself a razor for those textured layers that add movement and a mature edge. To break up any too youthful vibes, you can also use a curling iron or texturising spray to give your short shag some gentle waves. It's all about adding sophistication and personality. If your short shag comes with bangs, make sure they're sleek and blend seamlessly. It's all about that cohesive, grown-up look. 

The effortless ponytail or bun

Yes, you heard it right—even short hair can rock a ponytail or bun and Kendall Jenner is a proof of just that. Here's how to do it while keeping it mature:

Gather your short locks into a low ponytail or bun at the nape of your neck. Maybe throw in a decorative hair tie or ribbon for that touch of elegance. To level up, tie a silk scarf around your low ponytail. It adds a pop of colour and texture, and screams sophisticated, fashion-forward vibes.

The half-up style or hun

For days when you want to show off your short hair but got greasy roots, grab a small section of hair from each side of your head and twist them together at the back. Secure with bobby pins. It's a charming half-up-do that oozes maturity. To make sure your half-up style stands out, use a volumising spray. It gives the illusion of fuller, more mature hair.

Honestly, styling is all about the details. Texturise, accessorise, add some depth to your short hair, and you'll be radiating sophistication and confidence in no time. So, embrace your short hair with a big smile and let it reflect your unique style and personality. After all, short hair is all about boldness and empowerment—and that's a vibe we can all get behind.