20 Heart-Stopping Looks Featuring Rihanna’s Short Hairstyles

Rihanna is often referred to as a hair chameleon, since it’s hard to find any other celebrity who would change her looks so drastically within such short periods of time. Following Rihanna, we can literally follow the freshest hair and make up trends. And each time the songstress looks different: sharp and bright, classy and sensuous, flashy and glamorous, fun and edgy – with Riri, the possibilities are endless! We’ve sorted out the most stylish of Rihanna’s short hair looks she sported throughout her career – let’s dive into the world of Riri’s cuts and explore together!

Being a renowned fashionista, Rihanna doesn’t shy away from any new trends no matter how avant-garde or even absurd they may appear. Forest green lipstick?.. No problem! Pink hair? Here you are… Even if it’s a wig for now, Rihanna won’t fear going permanent with a rather unusual color. And, no secret, we love her for that, and she looks so cute going through all her chic metamorphoses. By the way, have you noticed that short hairstyles suit Riri like no one else?

Why Rihanna Is So Gorgeous With Short Hair

Being a hair chameleon, Rihanna rocks all kinds of lengths in all possible color variations, but short hair is something that flatters her incredibly. Why? According to David Kibbe’s “Image Identity” system, Rihanna belongs to the Gamine type of appearance: a feminine angelic face and teen-age type of body build. Women belonging to this type often look older than their age when they try to enhance their femininity with pointedly feminine looks.

With short hair, even if it’s just a simple pixie cut, Rihanna looks extra fresh, sexy and feminine. Short hairstyles are “her thing”, for sure. The short-haired looks flatter not only her face, but her overall vibe and image. Let’s take a deep dive and explore Riri’s most memorable looks!

1. Tousled Bob

Rihanna showcased this captivating look back in 2016, featuring a dark brown shade that impeccably complements her skin tone. The chin-length bob cut beautifully accentuates her bone structure, while the addition of wispy bangs adds an incredible touch. Styled with wet, natural textured waves, this hairstyle exudes effortless elegance.

2. Black Pixie Mullet with Green Highlights

A funky and more recent look from 2021, reminiscent of Rihanna’s iconic short pixie styles in various colors. Departing from her recent classic choices, this edgy ensemble features spiky texture and ultra-short bangs, boldly exposing the singer’s forehead with longer side sections. The jet black base color adorned with neon green highlights creates an epic visual contrast.

3. Blunt Chin-Length Bob

In the words of Rihanna’s hair stylist, Yusef, “There’s nothing more chic than a classic bob.” Rihanna epitomizes this sentiment with her jet black hair fashioned into a super short chin-length bob, styled impeccably straight reminiscent of Matilda from Leon, par the bangs. This hairstyle perfectly frames Rihanna’s exquisite facial features, serving as a sophisticated yet understated addition.

4. Short Glossy A-Line Style

This extra-short A-line haircut with sleeked side bangs on Rihanna’s black relaxed tresses looks ultra chic and super flattering for her face. It draws attention to her trendy make up with turquoise eye-liner and nude lips.

5. Messy Textured Crop

The fun cheeky crop with volume on the crown and tapered sides and back is absolutely in the rebellious nature of Rihanna. Her stylists also opted for a delicious chocolate hue with cool random cherry streaks for the extra zest.

6. Dramatic A-La Mohawk Style

The gorgeous dramatic look is achieved thanks to contrasting textures and hues: closely cut temples and long highlighted feathers on top with a polished finish. The golden blonde highlights and rich plum lips light up this dramatic look.

7. Auburn Bob

At the 2016 Met Gala Ball, Rihanna graced the red carpet with this iconic mid length auburn bob, sleekly styled back with a side part and flipped ends. The stunning red shade complements her complexion flawlessly, adding a

8. Bold And Edgy

And here is another style that looks awesome on the songstress – elongated edgy bangs and crown tresses with closely chopped sides and back, and well-trimmed temples.

9. Chic Fade With Golden Blond Bangs

This breathtaking hairstyle with highlighted bangs makes Rihanna literally shine from within. This time she has gone even further than before with almost complete fade on the temples and gorgeous extra-long gilded bangs, swept aside.

10. Blunt Bob with Bangs

Rihanna rocked this shoulder-length blunt bob in 2017, featuring thick, blunt bangs just above her eyebrows, complemented by an almost black, dark chocolate brown color. Styled perfectly straight, her glossy hair takes center stage, showcasing her signature elegance and flair.

11. Neat Short Crop With Balayage Highlights

This was not the first time when Rihanna rocked a version of a mushroom cut but each time she managed to make it look fresh and totally different. This one is styled smoothly but looks dimensional thanks to the balayage highlights and a light wave in the bangs.

12. Short Pompadour

Wow, this one is very stylish and elegant. Thanks to the texturized and highlighted lift above the forehead, her face appears that much more flawlessly sculpted.

13. Glamorous Wavy Look

With short wavy hair Rihanna looks more glamorous and romantic while still keeping that cheeky vibe going. Those gorgeous messy milk chocolate waves, elegantly swept back and to one side, create a perfect red carpet or date night look.

14. Classy Rounded Bob

This sexy A-line bob without bangs covers one eye and grazes the jaw-line to accentuate Rihanna’s lips and cute pointy chin. The style is sleek, laconic and absolutely self-sufficient.

Not sure which hairstyle suits you? Try it on with your selfie!

15. Blunt Polished Bob

With the abundance of sharp edgy looks, this blunt cut bob is a rather unexpected option for Rihanna, but very flattering on her nonetheless. Being perfectly flat-ironed and polished, it makes a good match for Rihanna’s perfect skin.

Not sure which hairstyle suits you? Try it on with your selfie!

16. Extra Short And Wavy

A simple short haircut with graphic contours and short wavy bangs looks extra feminine on Rihanna and accentuates her piercing eyes. The definition of elegance and class!

Not sure which hairstyle suits you? Try it on with your selfie!

17. The Classiest Look With A Short Haircut

Going classic, you are going classy. This look is a perfect mix of a classic white shirt, crystal earrings, nude makeup, and short elegant haircut, of course!

Not sure which hairstyle suits you? Try it on with your selfie!

18. Flirty Bangs With Undercut

Here is Rihanna’s short asymmetric hairstyle with undercut and highlighted bangs. With a scull shape perfect for shaved looks and oval face perfect for this shape of elongated bangs, she can really pull off these kind of hairstyles.

Not sure which hairstyle suits you? Try it on with your selfie!

19. Stacked Cut With Elongated Bangs

And one more awesome look that flatters Rihanna incredibly: the stacked back lifts the volume towards the crown that flows into long edgy fringe, covering the eyes and grazing her cheeks.

Not sure which hairstyle suits you? Try it on with your selfie!

20. Sleek Tapered Bob

This tapered short bob hits Rihanna’s jaw, pointing to her beautiful lips. The side parting and A-line silhouette add a tint of mystery to her look.

Not sure which hairstyle suits you? Try it on with your selfie!

These were some of Rihanna’s coolest and most iconic looks with short hairstyles. If you’re ready to take the plunge and go for shorter hair, note these ideas you may incorporate in your own hairstyle to be a bold stunner! Whether you go for a short bob, pixie or mullet – have fun with it, and embrace it with confidence, just like Riri does!