Short haircuts that leave plenty of styling options

We tend to assume, wrongly, that women with short hair have far fewer styling options. It is a slightly funny misconception, especially when long hair so often ends up in the same routine: layered, with a fringe if you want a little extra. In reality, there is a huge range of short haircuts to suit every appetite, from a very short boyish crop to a softer baby-doll shape, with curls or a sleek finish, layers, tapering, highlights, a fringe, an exposed nape or graphic styling. Enough to find a cut that feels original, easy to live with and right for your face shape. Here are a few ideas to start with.

At French salon Camille Albane, short hair is full of movement and shine, never too classic: playful, impish and made to be lived in. The deconstructed short bob is heavily layered at the back, with longer pieces left at the front to make styling easier and keep the cut feminine. We like the undone effect and the softness of the honey-toned pieces: romantic and gentle, it suits those with thicker hair that is not too fine, as finer hair risks looking limp and flat.

Camille Albane also offers a softer version of short hair, with a very boyish feel: a modern take on the bowl cut, with a long fringe, light layering for volume and relief, and a rich, glossy single colour. We like the interplay of the pieces and the impish look the cut gives, a neat little crop that follows the clean line of the hair. It is ideal for hair that is fairly straight and fine.

The same idea, but with a heavily layered nape and more volume, more airy. Wear it neatly for the impression of a very short bob at the front, or mess it up as here for a rockier feel. We like the idea of longer pieces left around the front, which give you some room to play, though they may be harder to style once the hair has grown out slightly. At Dessange.

A very short crop, well layered from the crown down to the nape, with a short tapered fringe and a vibrant colour: the feminine cut for anyone longing for short hair. At Jacques Fourcade.

A round, soft bob for this Dessange cut, with a thick fringe styled to the side. Light layering at the nape adds volume, and the warm-toned highlights are lovely.

But short hair can also make the most of curls, as this bright, very baby-doll bob proves. A long fringe and light layering help discipline curls and volume, simple and utterly charming.

An ultra-layered bob for maximum volume and movement, with a short tapered fringe and a blow-dry using a small round brush for a soft budding-curl effect. A very pretty graphic cut, though not necessarily the easiest to recreate every day. At Dessange again.

Similar in spirit to the curly bob above, this time the roots are left smooth and the mid-lengths and ends are curled and layered, so the curls stand out. Romantic, and at Jacques Fourcade.

A graphic, sleek short cut, tapered layers, a side-swept fringe and length at the nape: stylish and elegant, but be warned, you will need styling wax. At Vog.

We also like this mid-length bob, given volume by layering the sides and crown. Styled to the side here, it has a glamorous touch and, thanks to its length, leaves plenty of room for styling experiments, such as the curly, undone look below.

Also charming, and more conventional this time, is the very doll-like bob: short, with an immaculate fringe and a flawless sleek finish. It is the little cut that always has character, even if we have seen it many times before. At Vog again.

The same idea, but a little longer and slightly A-line for a touch of originality. If the trend for a very sharp A-line is over, a gentle opposite movement against a straight fringe will still make its point. At Franck Provost.

A young, zesty hairstyle built on a short bob that is well layered at the nape and slightly longer at the front. A wide longer piece is styled to the side, with tapered pieces and uneven lengths: a graphic, fashion-forward cut. At Franck Provost.

Another Franck Provost bob, layered, with an immaculate fringe but styled undone this time, for a sharp, zesty effect.

A very short, layered bob to create a rounded effect, with a thick, straight fringe. Mess up the lengths slightly if you want to break the too-round shape and add movement and volume. At Sergio Bossi.

Very much on trend: a short bob gently curled, balanced by a fringe that is sleek and straight. Another utterly charming baby-doll style, whether you are brunette or blonde. At Sergio Bossi too.

A pretty honey-coloured bob, sleek but nicely undone, with a deliberately off-centre parting, tapered ends and fairly subtle layers: a soft, trendy hairstyle with a touch of originality. At Jacques Fourcade.

Same stylist for this slightly retro bob, with a small fringe and romantic waves.

An ear-length bob, heavily layered and slightly A-line, topped with a mini fringe: the impish cut by hairstylist Eric Zemmour.

At Eric Zemmour again, short hair is light, delicate, undone and textured for more volume and depth on one side. On the other, it is seductive, still textured, even glossy, prettily tapered and layered, styled to keep some discipline but not without volume. Very fashion-forward.

Budget

As a rough guide, expect around £25 to £45 for a cut alone at a neighbourhood salon, £40 to £80 at a chain or city salon, and often £80 and above at a signature salon or in London. The price rises with hair length, the technique involved — tapered layers, graphic cutting, curl work — and the stylist's reputation. Most salons offer a cut with styling included: always ask the price before you sit down, and remember the refresh appointment every four to six weeks, a cost to spread across the year.