Low maintenance haircuts do most of the work for you. They look decent when air dried, grow out without a bad phase and do not need frequent trims. Here are 15 low maintenance haircuts for women and men, grouped by length, with what to ask for.
What makes low maintenance haircuts easy
Three things: it works with your natural texture, it grows out evenly and it does not need heat or product to look done. Cuts with long layers, a blunt line or a very short crop tend to be easiest. Cuts with a sharp fade, a heavy fringe or a precise shape need regular trims and styling.
Short
1. Buzz cut
One short length all over.
- Who it suits: Any texture.
- How to ask: Pick a guard number.
- Upkeep: Every 2 to 4 weeks.
2. Pixie cut
A soft crop that dries in minutes.
- Who it suits: Fine to medium hair.
- How to ask: Ask for a soft top.
- Upkeep: Every 5 to 6 weeks.
3. Textured crop
A messy top and short sides.
- Who it suits: Most hair types.
- How to ask: Ask for texture on top.
- Upkeep: Every 4 weeks.
4. Crew cut
A neat tapered cut.
- Who it suits: Thick hair.
- How to ask: Ask for a short top.
- Upkeep: Every 3 to 4 weeks.
5. Blunt bob
A single line that falls into place.
- Who it suits: Straight hair.
- How to ask: Ask for no layers.
- Upkeep: Every 6 to 8 weeks.
6. Bixie haircut
A cropped bob that needs little styling.
- Who it suits: Fine hair.
- How to ask: Ask for choppy layers.
- Upkeep: Every 5 to 7 weeks.
Medium and long
7. Lob haircut
A long bob that air dries well.
- Who it suits: Every face shape.
- How to ask: Ask for light layers.
- Upkeep: Every 8 to 10 weeks.
8. Shag haircut
A tousled cut that thrives on neglect.
- Who it suits: Wavy hair.
- How to ask: Ask for a soft shag.
- Upkeep: Every 8 weeks.
9. Wolf cut
Messy layers that look better undone.
- Who it suits: Wavy and curly hair.
- How to ask: Ask for a soft version.
- Upkeep: Every 6 to 8 weeks.
10. Long layers
Layers that take out weight.
- Who it suits: Medium to thick hair.
- How to ask: Ask for layers from the chin.
- Upkeep: Every 10 to 12 weeks.
11. Shoulder-length hair
A simple one-length cut.
- Who it suits: Every face shape.
- How to ask: Ask for a clean perimeter.
- Upkeep: Every 8 to 10 weeks.
12. Curtain bangs
Bangs that grow out gently.
- Who it suits: Most face shapes.
- How to ask: Start long.
- Upkeep: Every 6 weeks.
For men
13. Taper fade
A clean outline that holds its shape.
- Who it suits: All hair types.
- How to ask: Ask for a low taper.
- Upkeep: Every 3 to 4 weeks.
14. Side part haircut
A neat shape that needs a comb only.
- Who it suits: Straight and wavy hair.
- How to ask: Part where it falls.
- Upkeep: Every 3 to 5 weeks.
15. Flow haircut
Longer hair worn back.
- Who it suits: Wavy and thick hair.
- How to ask: Ask for ends only.
- Upkeep: Every 8 to 12 weeks.
Make any cut easier
- Choose a cut that follows your natural texture, not one that fights it.
- Air dry with a bit of product, such as a light cream.
- Book a trim on a schedule so the shape never has to be rescued.
- Keep a simple tool kit: a good comb, a clip and one product.
- Be honest about your time. If you will never blow dry, do not pick a cut that needs it. A cut that suits air drying will always look better than a cut that needs help. For ideas by hair type, see hairstyles for wavy hair and hairstyles for straight hair.
Find the easy cut that suits you
Upload a selfie to the AI hairstyle changer and compare up to four easy cuts on your own face.
Related reading: easy hairstyles, kids haircuts and hairstyles for short hair.
FAQ
What is the lowest maintenance haircut?
A buzz cut for men and a pixie or blunt bob for women. All three need little styling.
What haircut is easy for thick hair?
Long layers or a layered bob, which remove bulk and dry faster.
What low maintenance haircuts work for curly hair?
A cut shaped dry with layers, like a curly bob or a shag, because it needs only a curl cream.
How often should I trim a low maintenance cut?
Every 6 to 12 weeks for most cuts, and every 2 to 4 weeks for short fades.
