37 Short Choppy Hairstyles To Try Out Today

Trust us! They are not messy! If anything, these hairstyles make you look effortlessly cool.

Reviewed by Danielle Wilkinson Brucklacher, Licensed Cosmetologist
Written by Anjali Sayee, BTech
Edited by Shatabdi Bhattacharya, BSc
Fact-checked by Joyce Joyson, MA (Mass Communication & Journalism)  • 

Messy choppy hair is always in style. Give your messy tresses an edgier twist by adding some choppy ends. Keep reading to check out the best messy short choppy hairstyles to give you a flawless look akin to Winona Ryder’s short messy hair. Even if you think short hair does not suit you, these hairstyles are sure to change your mind!

Give yourself an edgy makeover this season with some choppy short locks. Scroll down and pick your favorite!

protip_icon Before You Get Started
  • Choppy hairstyles are best for flat, thin, or fine hair as they add texture and volume.
  • Wavy bobs, choppy bobs, shoulder-length messy cuts look great on round faces. Side swept bangs with shags and soft curly bobs are ideal for square faces.
  • Choppy hairstyles are great for older people with aging, fine hair. The extra layers add texture and depth to the hair, making it look voluminous. Since choppy is meant to be a slightly messy look, it needs less maintenance too.
  • Highlights and dip-dye hair colors look exceptionally stunning on choppy hair.

37 Short Choppy Hairstyles That You Can Try

1. Cute Short Wavy Bob

Cute-Short-Wavy-Bob
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This is a formal look with just the right amount of cute and casual. A few soft waves will add a charming touch for a mid-week lunch date. You will have to tame your unruly curls to create this enviable tousled look.

How To Style

  • Use a medium curling iron on blow-dried hair to create some airy waves all over the head.
  • Use a setting spray to keep the style in place.

Suitable For

All face shapes except square faces.

2. Long Silver Feathered Bangs

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Go silver with your overgrown feathered bangs for a flashy look. Bonus points if you have striking blue eyes!

How To Style

  • Use a flat iron to straighten your hair. Flick out the ends with the flat iron.
  • Part your hair on one side.
  • Softly sweep the bangs in overlapping directions to create a subtly messy look.
  • Finish off with a setting spray.

Suitable For

Oval, diamond, and heart-shaped faces.

3. Long Pixie Bangs With Temple Undercut

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Inspired by Rihanna, this temple undercut pixie is for all the boss ladies out there! This style demands attention and seriousness.

How To Style

  • Use a flat iron to straighten your long bangs toward one side.
  • Finish off the look with some hair gel and setting spray.

Suitable For

Heart and diamond-shaped faces.

4. Wind-Swept Shaggy Bob For Fine Hair

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This is an airy look for anyone with fine hair. This look will add volume and glam to your hair.

How To Style

  • Prep your damp hair with an anti-frizz product.
  • Blow-dry it in outward directions.
  • Use your hands to set it the way you want during the blow-drying process.

Suitable For

Fine hair types of all ages and face shapes.

5. Choppy Mullet

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The best part about this hairstyle is that it looks messy but in a sophisticated way. It is the best of retro and contemporary styles. This look solves your unkempt, bedhead hair worries with ease. And it does not require a lot of effort to perfect!

How To Style

  • Tousle your damp hair and let it air-dry.
  • Use a medium-sized curling wand on random sections all over your head.
  • Give the hair at the front fuller curls than those at the back.
  • Scrunch your hair and play around with it until you achieve your desired look.
  • Finish off with a setting spray.

Suitable For

All face shapes.


protip_icon Quick Tip
To style your hair, apply pomade to the front layers and style them. You may also use a firm hold hair gel for a spiky finish and maintain the style throughout the day.

6. Choppy Tapered Pixie

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This hairstyle is as dramatic and edgy as you can get with short hair. Untidy tresses are a thing of the past! The choppy cropped hair at the crown is the highlight of this look.

How To Style

  • Use a styling mousse to tousle the hair at the crown.
  • Use your fingers to brush your forward and give it that slightly disheveled look.

Suitable For

  • Heart and diamond-shaped faces.

7. Rainbow Bob With Patterned Undercut

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This hairstyle is a double treat. The bright use of colors will catch attention at first, only to reveal an intriguing undercut artwork.

How To Style

  • Use a flat iron to straighten your hair.
  • Flick the ends of your hair inward when straightening it.
  • Part your hair any way you prefer it.
  • Finish off with a setting spray.

Suitable For

Diamond and oval faces.

8. Punk Angled Cut

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Now this is a voluminous hairstyle for the rockstar in you! It is full at the top and tapers down at an angle at the bottom in a natural way.

How To Style

  • Use a curling iron to curl your hair in haphazard directions.
  • Apply some hair gel and use your fingers to tousle your hair.
  • Finish off with a setting spray.

Suitable For

Round and oval faces.

9. Pixie Textured With Highlights

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Here is a classic choppy pixie that has been given a bit of dimension with some bright highlights. You can also try other unique colors for this look.

How To Style

  • Use a flat iron to straighten your hair.
  • Straighten the hair at the back outward.
  • Part your hair deeply on one side.
  • Use a setting spray to finish off the look.

Suitable For

Round faces.

10. Choppy Bangs

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Image: IStock

Asymmetric or baby bangs are the focus of this hairstyle. Gone are the days when your fringe had to be symmetrically hanging over your eyebrows. If you have a wide forehead, you have more room to experiment with the length of your bangs to create a look that speaks to you.

How To Style

  • There are no strict styling rules. Blow-dry your hair as usual.
  • Play around with your fingers till you get the look you want.
  • Finish off with a setting spray.

Suitable For

Anyone with a wide forehead.

11. Thick Choppy Crop

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The thick crop at the top can be styled in different ways that are sure to turn heads. It works even better if your hair is dyed in a catchy shade like silver or platinum blonde.

How To Style

  • Apply some hair gel and style your hair in spikes at the top of your head.
  • Finish off with a setting spray.

Suitable For

Oval and round faces.

12. Choppy Shag With Peekaboo Highlights

Choppy-Shag-With-Peekaboo-Highlights
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Have you ever heard of peekaboo highlights? It involves using bright colors in the underlayers of your hair that are not visible when your hair is left open.

How To Style

  • Blow-dry your hair as usual.
  • Use a curling wand to curl the upper layer of your hair. Add loose waves to the underlayer for a subtle yet not-so-subtle peek.
  • You can also tie up the upper layer in a top knot to reveal the underlayer. Tying all your hair up will be a style in itself too.

Suitable For

All face shapes.

13. Choppy Pixie With Accents

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Just add a touch of colored accents at the tips of your choppy pixie in the front. That’s it. That’s the look! Much of the work has been done by your stylist!

How To Style

  • Blow-dry your hair as usual.
  • Straighten hair downward at the back and sides with a flat iron.
  • Use your fingers to apply lightweight wax to the accented tips and twist them for texture.

Suitable For

Heart-shaped and oval faces.

14. Two-Toned Choppy Bob

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Who said this hairstyle is only for cinematic purposes? Influencers and K-pop artists are going crazy over this hair coloring idea. And this style is not just limited to black and white. You can try other contrasting or complementary colors of your choice. Another popular color combination for this look is pastel pink and blonde.

How To Style

  • Part your damp hair right at the center where the two colors meet.
  • Use different sizes of curling wands for dynamic layering.
  • Finish off with a setting spray.

Suitable For

  • Heart-shaped face.

15. Bright Cosplay Choppy Cut

Bright-Cosplay-Choppy-Cut
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The idea is to use metallic or unusual colors inspired by anime characters. Simple cosplay ideas can be an everyday look for those who do not work at formal workspaces.

How To Style

  • No strict styling rules. You can imitate the hairstyle of your favorite character or simply use styling tools for your desired look.

Suitable For

Heart-shaped and oval faces.

16. Soft Choppy Hair With Bangs

Soft choppy hair with bangs
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Image: Tinseltown / Shutterstock.com

This short choppy layered hairstyle looks soft, yet messy, which is perfect for the beach.

How To Style

  • Prep damp hair with a volumizing mousse and a heat protectant
  • Use a blow dryer. Simultaneously run your fingers gently through your tresses to separate it to create a messy look.
  • In case your hair looks frizzy, dampen your hands and slightly mess up your hair.
  • Finish with a light hold hairspray.

Suitable For

Oval-shaped faces.

17. Shoulder Length Curls

This textured, choppy bob hairstyle that The Avengers star, Scarlett Johansson is sporting, is casual, but chic.

How To Style

  • Prep damp hair with a heat protecting serum.
  • If you have curly hair, use the natural texture to your advantage and curl the area that needs it with a medium-thickness curling iron.
  • If you have straight hair, curl throughout.
  • Finish with a light holding spray.

Suitable For

All face shapes except for round faces.

18. Blunt Choppy Lob

Blunt choppy lob
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This blunt cut is a great option for those who are hesitant about short hair. A comfortable length that is easy to manage. Licensed cosmetologist Danielle Wilkinson Brucklacher says, “This blunt cut gives your hair a thicker appearance!”

How To Style

  • Prep damp hair with mousse.
  • Blow-dry in an upward and outward direction.
  • Use a hairspray and run your fingers through the hair till you achieve that out-of-bed messy look.

Suitable For

All face shapes. This hair is versatile and will frame your face accordingly.

19. Curly Retro Hair

Curly retro hair short choppy hairstyle
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Go retro with this classic look. Pair it up with a nude lip color and be sure to turn heads!

How To Style

  • Prep damp hair with mousse.
  • Blow-dry hair and use a curling iron to create gorgeous semi-tight curls.
  • Finish with a holding spray.

Suitable For

  • Oval faces.

20. Messy Bob

Messy bob short choppy hairstyle
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Bobs are always a great choice when opting for short hair. They are trendy and are perfect for those who are always on the go, but want Instagram-perfect hair with minimal or no effort.

How To Style

  • Prep damp hair with a frizz control serum.
  • Use a blow dryer to fan out hair till the hair is partially dry.
  • Let the rest of the hair air dry.
  • In case you have absolutely no time, you can skip using a blow dryer and let it air dry completely. Let nature work its magic!

Suitable For

Heart-shaped faces.

protip_icon Quick Tip
To increase the elegance of your bob, experiment with some unusual colors and highlights. For instance, a peach shade with darker roots will appear incredibly dazzling and fresh.

21. Wispy Curls

Wispy curls short choppy hairstyle
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Image: S_bukley / Shutterstock.com

Here, we see the ever fabulous Victoria Beckham sporting a very short bob with curls.  This is the perfect option for working mothers.

How To Style

  • Prep hair with an anti-frizz spray/serum and blow dry.
  • Use a small-medium curling iron and curl away from the face to get those perfect wispy locks.
  • Finish with a shine serum and holding spray.

Suitable For

Round and heart-shaped faces.

22. Outward Curls With Side Swept Bangs

Outward curls with side swept bangs short choppy hairstyle
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Check out this elegant, short, choppy hairstyle with side swept bangs. The outward curls add to the dapper and complete the whole glam look.

How To Style

  • Blow dry hair.
  • Go over the midsection with a flat iron and direct it inwards.
  • Now, using the same flat iron, curl the ends outwards.
  • Finish with a holding spray.

Suitable For

Rectangular and oval-shaped faces.

23. Curls With Mid Parted Bangs

Curls with mid parted bangs short choppy hairstyle
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The stunning Alexa Chung is seen sporting a head of glossy curls and middle parted bangs. This choppy hairstyle is full of charm and has a doll-like elegance.

How To Style

  • Use your fingers to carve out a rough middle part while the hair is still wet.
  • Blow dry as you normally would.
  • Using a small curling iron, create tight curls.
  • Ruffle the curls very slightly. Make sure that the curls aren’t too loose.
  • Finish with a holding spray.

Suitable For

Oval or rectangular-shaped faces.

24. Soft Waves With Balayage

Soft waves with balayage short choppy hairstyle
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These beachy waves are great anytime. This look is both professional and casual. The balayage gives off a very soft look, making it ideal for the office.

How To Style

  • Prep damp hair with an anti-frizz serum.
  • Blow dry and then using a curling iron, curl the ends of the hair.
  • Play around with the curls using your fingers till you obtain loose waves.

Suitable For

All face shapes.

25. Punk Pixie Cut With Extended Side Bangs

Punk pixie cut with extended side bangs short choppy hairstyle
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Image: Everett Collection / Shutterstock.com

Rihanna rocks all kinds of hairstyles, but one of her most iconic looks is her pixie cut. The closely cut hair on the sides and the extended side fringe makes it very punk-like. If you are looking for something a bit more creative, then short choppy haircuts are what you should be looking for.

How To Style

1. Prep damp hair with anti-frizz serum.
2. Use a flat iron to straighten the bangs.
3. Work a little lightweight wax into the bangs in order to set them as shown in the image.

Suitable For

Oval face shapes.

26. Shaggy Layers With Bangs

Shaggy layers with bangs short choppy hairstyle
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When you think of short choppy bangs, you mostly think of a hairstyle that makes daily styling easier, and one that has a lot of messiness to it. For this jagged look, Glee star Dianna Agron razor-chopped her bob and took her layers very short to create movement.

How To Style

  • Blow dry wet hair in an outward direction so that the layers are visible.
  • Use a sea salt spray to create that shaggy look.

Suitable For

Oval and rectangular face shapes.

27. Choppy Short Wisps

Choppy short wisps
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While the soft spiky asymmetrical pieces on Halle Berry’s crown are a bit boyish, her lovely dark brown hair color really adds a splash of femininity and grace.

How To Style

  • Use a texturizing mousse on damp hair and mess it up with your fingers.
  • Let it air dry.

Suitable For

Oval-shaped faces.

28. Soft Pixie

Soft pixie short choppy hairstyle
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Ginnifer Goodwin is known for her quirk and grace. This choppy hairstyle is a great representation of everything she is.

How To Style

  • Scoop a little lightweight wax into your hands and run it through your hair.
  • Keep playing with it till you are satisfied with the final look.

Suitable For

Round-shaped faces.

29. Choppy Layers

Choppy layers hairstyle
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Image: Shutterstock

Choppy layers are great for framing the face. This is the perfect option for those who want to go short but not to the length of a pixie cut.

How To Style

  • Prep damp hair with an anti-frizz serum.
  • Blow-dry hair away from your face on one side.

Suitable For

Heart-shaped and round-shaped faces.

30. Shaggy Pixie Cut

Shaggy pixie cut short choppy hairstyle
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A shaggy pixie cut with a long fringe looks great for all occasions. Keira Knightly looks totally adorable in it, don’t you think?

How To Style

  • Blow-dry damp hair of the fringe to one side.
  • Use a lightweight wax to hold it.

Suitable For

Oval and rectangular face shapes.

31. Choppy Bob With A Fringe

Choppy bob with a fringe
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This look is a wonderful option for those who are still unsure about completely chopping off their locks, but still want to go short.

How To Style

  • Prep damp hair with an anti-frizz serum.
  • Blow-dry inwards.
  • Go over your hair with a flat iron to create a smooth look.
  • Finish with a holding spray.

Suitable For

All face shapes.

32. Short Choppy Hair

Short choppy hair
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Image: Featureflash Photo Agency / Shutterstock.com

This is another great option for the worried ones. This is a fool-proof look, and you can’t go wrong with it. Anyone can pull it off with minimal effort.

How To Style

  • Prep damp hair with an anti-frizz serum.
  • Blow-dry hair roughly all over.
  • Blow-dry the longer section of the parted hair away from your face as in the picture.
  • Finish with a holding spray.

Suitable For

All face shapes.

33. Short Hair With Pastel Colors

Short hair with pastel colors short choppy hairstyle
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Change it up with some color! Pastel hair is the rage these days. You will look gorgeous in this messy pink pastel hair!

How To Style

  • Blow-dry hair.
  • Use a flat iron to create waves at random all over your hair.
  • Run your fingers lightly through the hair to mess it up.
  • Finish with sea salt spray and ruffle slightly.

Suitable For

  • Heart-shaped faces.

34. Edgy Pixie Cut

Edgy pixie cut
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Image: Jaguar PS / Shutterstock.com

I think we can all agree that J Law is owning this look. It is the pefect blend of glamorous and edgy.

How To Style

  • Prep damp hair with mousse.
  • Blow-dry roughly all over.
  • Use a flat iron to straighten the fringe if needed.
  • Finish with a holding spray.

Suitable For

Heart-shaped, oval-shaped, and round-shaped faces.

35. Choppy Blunt Hair With Blue Ombre

Choppy blunt hair with blue ombre
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Kyle Jenner’s blue ombre has taken the internet by storm. The contrast of the black crown with the blue tresses creates a unique look. If you’re brave enough to pull it off, go for it!

How To Style

  • Prep damp hair with an anti-frizz serum.
  • Blow-dry thoroughly till you achieve the look you desire.
  • Finish with a holding spray.

Suitable For

All face shapes

36. Choppy Pixie Cut

Mahogany-colored choppy pixie haircut with soft highlights
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The choppy pixie haircut here features multiple layers and a textured look that is bound to fetch you endless compliments. The deep mahogany shade with soft highlights further adds a touch of elegance to the hairstyle.

How To Style

  • Work on damp hair.
  • Section the hair and start at the nape.
  • Cut short layers and blend the strands.
  • Style with a texturizing spray and blow-dry.

Suitable For

Oval-shaped and round-shaped faces.

37. Choppy Long Pixie

Choppy long pixie hairstyle with subtle bangs
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A chocolate-brown hue with a choppy long pixie cut is one you can bookmark for all the events!

How To Style

  • Divide your hair into sections and maintain the length below the ears.
  • Cut the hair unevenly for a textured look.
  • Blend the layers and style with a blow dryer.

Suitable For

Oval-shaped and square-shaped faces.

Short hair is great for change – and the heat. Short hair means no long tresses to detangle or manage. So, what are you waiting for? Summer is coming up, and what better way to start it than to look fab in these choppy hairstyles. What is your favorite short choppy hairstyle? Tell us about it in the comments below!

Infographic: Top Coolest Short Hairstyles You Must Try Out Right Away

These top cool short hairstyles for women are perfect if you want to alter your hairstyle for the holidays. Additionally, if you have short hair but are tired of your current hairstyle, you can acquire a fresh, intriguing look without drastically changing. A few inches trimmed off or even just a few highlights may make a huge difference. Now, take a look at the infographic below.

top coolest short hairstyles you must try out right away (infographic)

Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

Get the high-quality PDF version of this infographic.

Download Infographic in PDF version

Messy short choppy hairstyles are always a trend and give you a flawless look. Soft choppy hair with bangs, shoulder-length curls, wispy curls, messy bob, choppy layers, choppy blunt hair with blue ombre, soft pixie, punk pixie cut with extended side bangs, soft waves with balayage, outward curls with side-swept bangs, choppy bob with a fringe, curls with mid parted bangs are a few short choppy that give a perfect look. If you are a fan of short hairstyles, give these messy short choppy haircuts a go!

messy short choppy hairstyles

Image: Stable Diffusion/StyleCraze Design Team

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a choppy haircut called?

A choppy haircut is a short or medium-length hairstyle where hair ends are cut unevenly and in sharp layers to achieve more volume and movement. It looks stylishly messy.

What is a choppy pixie cut?

A choppy pixie cut has multiple variations depending on the hair length and how you want it to look. Choppy pixie cuts are messy and asymmetrically cut to give you an edgy look.

How do I make my short hair look textured?

Sharp layers can make your short hair look textured. You can also try hair care and styling products like dry shampoo, volumizing and texturizing sprays, and hair mousse.

How do you make a pixie cut messy?

Apart from getting a choppy haircut, you can use styling products like gels, creams, and mousse to style your hair messily. Also, run your fingers through your pixie cut to make it look messy.

Key Takeaways

  • Choppy hairstyles help add volume and texture to thin and fine hair.
  • You can use a curling iron to create chic choppy hairstyles like wavy bobs and wispy curls.
  • Light highlights add depth and dimension to short choppy hairstyles.


Revamp your look with a modern Hollywood-style short haircut. Dive into this captivating video and explore the latest trends, techniques, and inspirations for achieving a chic and glamorous short hairstyle.
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