I honestly don't know how anything gets away with painting women's hair as one unvarying one style. It's something I do I hate and think of changing all the time. I will only speak about combat styles tho since like, I need to move on to general cute styles.
For instance, for putting on helmets and gear, a twin french braid gets bangs, flyaways, and layers all in one place -two places?- and means they won't be in the way. The french braid is probably something I need to write my characters wearing a lot more for sci fi. It could easily be called a gather braid.
Even a half up half down like this gets layers and bangs out of the face for combat.
A bun of any kind won't work in a helmet. A high ponytail won't fit in any kind of helmet or cap, so a lower ponytail that sits at the nape of the neck is second best for getting on gear. Even twin tails that are gathered around the ears are good for this.
I don't know how any of our girls fight with loose hair as the slightest motion can send most of the hair in the face. It's also compromising. If someone pulls your hair, that's your head they're pulling. Ponytails and such should be prime targets for unarmored combatants tbh. If anyone is taking notes for IRL rn you need goodness.
Now, here are some styles that I think are CUTE
You're allowed two clips, don't take one or zero for an answer, girls:
A classic. Gets mistaken for a Karen if the bangs are not shorn:
Bring that french braid into any part of your head and you've got A Look:
Nobody but Wes has messed around with multi-colored hair enough:
I need to die this is so cute:
Big bows do not see enough action and that's Wrong:
It's quick, it's easy, and it's free: pouring river water in your socks:
A personal favorite. The bob? What other hair cut has such defined composition? I will not wait:
Thank you for coming to my TED talk. I don't think I was helpful but I just had to spill my beans.