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Stylists Warn: 9 Short Haircuts To Stop Getting After 40 Because They’re Going Out Of Style—And More Flattering Ones To Try Instead

May 25, 2025 by Lisa Cupido

 
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Short hair is always a mood and we are always ready to experiment with different short looks or encourage others (like you!) to go for it when it comes to getting the bob, mixie, or pixie of your dreams. But, although short hair never goes out of style, specific haircuts and hairstyles come and go. The ones currently on our radar include a slew of choppy bobs and longer pixies with soft layered pieces. As for the ones we need to take a break from seeing? There are nine that pro hairstylists share are going out of style.

Taking a pause from these styles and considering a few others can make you look and feel your freshest, best self.

1. Bulky Blunt Bob


The bob is a hot hair trend, but an overly bulky and blunt bob can look too severe and square in shape. While blunt ends can make thin or fine hair look denser, the look is often enhanced with light layering on top to create movement.

2. Super-Short Pixie


The super-short pixie with tight sides isn’t always the best choice for thin hair, as it can make sparse spots on the scalp look more obvious. A more modern alternative is a longer pixie with soft layers that can be swept to the side or back or used to create waves and texture.

3. Flat, One-Length Lob


Similar to the blunt bob that can appear too flat and square, a one-length lob is a longer bob that reaches the collarbone and can suffer the same fate. To keep yours light, airy, and full of movement, add layers.

4. Center Parts


Bye, bye, center parts — the look is taking a backseat to side parts at the moment. One benefit of the side part is that it can make thin and fine hair look less flat.

5. Strong, Angular Cuts


Strong, angular cuts like sharp inverted lobs are always chic and give you a built-in style that requires little extra styling on your own. But cuts with softer, rounder ends are trending at the moment.

6. Spiky Pixies


It’s probably no surprise that in a time in which soft layers are the go-too, a short, spiky pixie is falling out of favor. If you feel like this fierce look is the most natural for your personality and hair, don’t follow trends — follow what looks and feels right for you.

7. Stacked Bob


A stacked bob has layers stacked on top of one another. At the moment it is considered a slightly dated look that harks back to the early ‘00s.

8. Chunky Highlights


As a Y2K revival trend, chunky highlights are still fun and unexpected. But the most popular color trends are subtle babylights, caramel tones, and low-maintenance balayage that makes your hair look sun-kissed.

9. Helmet Hair


Amidst so many soft hair trends, helmet hair that feels stiff and has a lot of product in it feels out of place and like a relic. You can always subtly tease your roots for height, but keep the rest of your hair softer for a more modern feel.

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