Short hairstyles are all the rage these days. But not everyone finds it easy to chop off their longer locks in a spontaneous visit to the hair salon. We’re willing to bet most women deliberate for weeks over cutting off just a few inches, let alone most of their hair.

But until science grants us Clueless-like technology that can show us whether we really can rock that pompadour pixie, most of us are stuck taking a risk and potentially facing weeks, even months, of bad hair days. Which trends might look good? Which are better left to the follicularly daring and celebrities with access to stylists on the cutting edge?

Below, we compiled a guide to short haircuts for women that includes some of our favorite looks, plus professional guidance to outline the kind of upkeep they require and who they work for.

Dramatic: the pixie

Nowadays, there seem to be just as many pixie cuts as there are hairs on the average head, but this is our current favorite. It’s a pretty extreme version of the undercut, with a shock of longer hair on top contrasting with the shaved sides and back. Our fave dances around the demarcation between traditionally male and female hairstyles.

Who does it work for?

Popular wisdom suggests that the pixie is suited to women with rounded, feminine faces—think Miley Cyrus or Lupita Nyong’o. However, does that advice keep women from choosing a close crop for fear of looking “too masculine”? We think the undercut can work for nearly any face shape, but the key is consulting a stylist you feel comfortable with about how to adapt it to you.

That’s exactly what editor Beth MacKay did when chopping off her mid-back-length hair into a pixie. “I have a long face—that was a huge no-no according to the Internet. If you research what face works with short hair, it's almost everything but long faces,” she said. “But my stylist knew how to work with that. [For example,] he made sure to give me side-swept bangs.”

What’s the upkeep like?

You’ll have to visit the salon every 4–6 weeks to manage the length, according to stylist Tara Hulka, who oversaw a major hair makeover for one of our editors at Chicago’s Art+Science. Keeping buzzed sides looking fresh might require more frequent visits. If a friend has a deft hand with clippers, you might be able to extend the haircut’s life before revisiting a professional.

Does it require styling every day?

Yes, but it probably takes less time than many long hairstyles. We suggest towel-drying to create some texture, then scrunching or finger-combing pomade through your hair to build up shape and hold. Beth, for instance, uses a volumizer cream and finishing spray each day but considers her routine easy.

Chic yet conservative: the bob

Among short hairstyles, the bob haircut probably has the oldest pedigree: it’s been a go-to look for fashion-forward women since the early 1920s. This jaw-grazing take’s modern asymmetrical shape accentuates the wearer’s face shape and her minimalist sense of style. It’s a great option for women who aren’t ready for a pixie or who work in a more conservative environment.

Who does it work for?

Bobs have long been an artificial method—in the hands of a skilled beautician—for lending body to fine, flat hair. This particular style adds character to a round face, while its angular asymmetry can help balance out strong features.

“I'd also recommend short hair for people who want to bring out their natural curls or those with damaged or color-treated hair,” said editor Shannon Jewitt. “ And anyone who isn't interested in investing a ton of time in styling their hair on a regular basis.”

What’s the upkeep like?

Plan on visiting your salon every 6–8 weeks for a trim, suggested Alissa Murphy of Chicago’s Urban Lift Salon, who was our short-hair guru for this article.

Does it require styling every day?

Only as much as you like. “It just lays there. You just have to wash and wear it,” said stylist Angela Demkiv in our overview of time-saving looks. As long as it’s done skillfully, “you don’t have to put any products in it.”

On the easier end, you might consider finger-combing a detangler or anti-frizz serum through your hair to keep it looking polished. More complicated styling might include pinning back sections and curling others.

Baby steps: the long bob

If you’re experimenting with short hairstyles, this is your in-between stage: too short to be considered long, too long to be a bob. The “lob” hovers between jaw length and the top of the shoulders, as our chosen look does. We love it because it’s fresh and easy yet versatile enough for ponytails, braids, and curls.

Who does it work for?

The long bob is great for anyone who’s testing the short-hair waters. We recommend echoing our choice’s longer layers and thinned-out ends, which add movement and dimension. It looks good on nearly every face shape, hair texture, and age group.

What’s the upkeep like?

The long bob is just a little less low-maintenance than a typical past-the-shoulders cut. Instead of seasonal cuts, Murphy recommends 8–10 weeks between salon appointments.

Does it require styling every day?

You could wash, air-dry, and go, but this cut is particularly suited to creating loose, beachy waves with a curling wand. Alternatively, gloss up your look by smoothing hair with a flat-iron and a round brush.

Check out related reads on the The Guide:

How to Style Short Hairstyle for Work or Play

Once you make the decision to chop your hair, you’re faced with the ultimate quandary: How do you style your new short 'do?

Young Women Are Going Gray on Purpose and They Feel Fine

Bleaching your hair gray isn’t just eye-catching—it’s also a middle finger to the anti-aging industry. A salon owner shows us how it’s done.