7 Creative Ways To Shorten Your Hair Without Cutting It
Now style your tresses as short as you like without actually taking the plunge.
Madison Dufour is a licensed and practicing barber and cosmetologist with 10 years of experience, as well as an entrepreneur running several hair businesses, including MadisonD Barbering and The Exquisite Find Hair Blog. After working behind the chair for several years, she felt the calling to start the non-profit Barber in a Bag that teaches basic hair cutting skills in street and slum communities in South America.
Read full bio of Madison Dufour
Experience: 7 yearsAnjali is an associate editor at StyleCraze. She specializes in hairstyles and hair and skin care and has written over 200 articles in these domains. She has 7 years of experience, and her philosophy about hair and skin care is simple: if you love and care for it, it will be healthy.
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Experience: 3 yearsAsmita De is an associate editor with over three years of experience. She graduated in English Literature from the University of Calcutta. She has collaborated with several digital companies and reputed publishing houses as an editor.
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Experience: 3 yearsSwathi has a postgraduate degree in English literature from The English And Foreign Languages University, Hyderabad, and over three years of experience in writing on beauty, health, and lifestyle. She also has a diploma in English journalism from the Indian Institute of Mass Communication, Kottayam, and is a certified skincare coach.
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Learning how to make long hair look short can be tricky. After all, getting your tresses to grow can feel like a massive achievement for those whose hair does not grow at a breakneck pace. But then there’s the problem of monotony. You get that urge to do something unique like get a pixie or chop your hair off.
In reality, you want to have a short hair day without having to commit to cutting your hair! So what can you do? Fake it, of course! Here are 7 interesting methods to shorten your hair without chopping it off. Keep reading!
In This Article
1. Curls, Girl. Curls!
Curly hair enjoys the sweet reputation of making hair look shorter without getting a trim or chop. And the best way to get curls is by using curlers. Because heat rollers might expose your hair to prolonged heat which may not be healthy for your tresses.
Wash your hair first. Because this is when it is totally elastic and the easiest to manipulate into any form you want. Use hair curlers depending on the size of your curls you desire. One thing that must be kept in mind is the alignment of the curlers, which should be organized. Otherwise your hair would stand out in different directions and that is not what you want, right?
Sleep with curlers on. I know it will be uncomfortable, but I also know that it’s going to be worth it. And once you wake up, DON’T brush your hair, as your curls might get ruined.
And lo! There you go! beautiful curls that make your hair look stylish, and shorter! You can even add some lowlights or highlights of your favorite color to add depth and dimension to your hair.
2. The Demi Lovato Style
Wanna flaunt a bob hairstyle? Then this is what you should do! Demi Lovato’s simple yet trendy bob style makes her stand apart from the rest.
All you have to do is apply a little amount of shine serum to smooth those flyaways. Pull the top half of your hair onto the top of your head and let it stay in place with a clip.
Come to the bottom section of your hair. Make two inch sections that go upto your scalp. Now with the help of a bobby pin, fix the ends of your hair. You can use another pin for extra hold.
Now here comes the magic! Unclip the top of your hair and see it beautifully cascade over the tucked-in hairs. In case all of your hair is one full length, then you can roll the ends of the top half beneath the bottom sections that are pinned. You can even add a fringe or blunt bangs to give your hair more volume and accentuate your facial features.
Use a hairspray to spritz your hair all over.
3. Bobby Pin Flips
Simple, easy and attractive.
That is what bobby pin flips are like.
The first thing you got to do is part your hair from ear to ear in a headband shape. Split the rest of your hair in four to five sections.
Bring up the first section so that it drapes over your face. Now secure using bobby pins, and flip it back over to the back and secure them again with use of bobby pins. Repeat the process with the remaining sections.
Pull the hair in the headband shape back over your hair and over the bobby pins. You can add couple more bobby pins to keep the hair in place.
Quick Tip4. Get A Ponytail
Leave the shorter section of your hair in the ponytail, because these would serve you as those short hairs which you had always wanted!
And guess what? You can either roll up your ponytail or just pin it to the back of your head!
Quick Tip5. The Half Bun Style
This by far is the simplest and fastest way to make your hair short without having to chop it. Tie your hair into a half or incomplete bun, and sweep the extra loose hair onto your shoulders. Do not try straightening your hair as it makes it look longer.
6. Half Pony Hairstyle
This hairstyle works for those who want their shoulder-length locks a tad shorter. Gather two sections of hair from the front one either side to make a half ponytail. Twist both sections of hair at the back, then tie a knot where the sections meet using the ends of both sections of hair. Use an elastic of thin hair pins to secure the half-do. Let the rest of your hair fall behind your shoulders so your hair looks shorter in the front. You can also wave or curl your hair to decrease its length even more.
7. Braiding Hairstyles
A simple braided look hairstyle gives the illusion of shorter hair, especially the French braid. Take a section of hair as if you are tying a half pony and divide it into three parts. As you weave the braid, the middle section goes underneath the side sections; you add hair to the side sections. Pull out a few face-framing strands to soften the look.
While these hairdos are simple and easy to do, not doing them correctly can make your hair look messy. Check out some common mistakes that you need to avoid.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
When trying to shorten your hair length without actually cutting it, it’s easy to run into a few common styling errors. Here are the top mistakes to avoid:
1. Using Too Many Pins Or Clips
Overloading your hair with too many bobby pins or clips can make the style look bulky or unnatural. Instead, use only as much as needed to secure the hair in place.
2. Not Adding Enough Texture
Hair that’s too smooth or silky can slip out of styles more easily. Failing to add texture or grip to your hair with a texturizing spray or mousse can result in a style that doesn’t hold well throughout the day.
3. Not Considering Your Face Shape
Not considering your face shape can result in an unflattering look. For example, pinning all your hair up might elongate a round face, while leaving too much volume on the sides can widen a square face. Tailor the style to compliment your features.
4. Tight, Harsh Styles
Avoid pulling your hair too tight. Not only can this cause discomfort, but overly tight styles can also look unnatural. Looser, softer styles tend to create a more believable shorter look.
5. Neglecting Hair Ends
If you leave the ends of your hair sticking out or improperly hidden, it can give away the fact that you’re trying to fake shorter hair. Be sure to tuck or curl the ends neatly.
By avoiding these common mistakes, you can achieve a seamless, stylish look without losing any length!
Infographic: Top 5 Ways To Make Your Hair Look Short Without Cutting It
If you are longing for a shorter hair look without committing to a haircut, there are creative ways to achieve it. From curling your hair to imitating Demi Lovato’s bob style with strategic pinning, these techniques offer simple yet effective ways to change up your look. Check out the infographic below to explore the top 5 creative ways to shorten your hair without actually cutting it.
Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team
If you often wonder, “Does short hair suit me?” or if you are a fan of short hair but want to make your long hair look short without going for a cropped haircut, follow the tips discussed in the article. You can make it happen with curls, making your hair look shorter. However, this method is not recommended for regular styling, as excessive heat exposure may damage the hair. The Demi Lovato Style is also preferred for making hair look short. Bobby pin flips, ponytails, and half-bun style make your hair look short and stylish. Try any of the styles mentioned above to sport the short hair look.
Frequently Asked Questions
What styles are best for thin hair?
If you have thin, long hair, you can use a broad hair band to fold the length of your hair to make it look thicker and shorter.
How do I make long hair look short like a boy’s?
The only way to make long hair look short enough to be boyish is to part it tightly and tie it. First, make a side partition and lay your hair flat. Then, tie the rest of the hair in a tight low bun. While you can’t hide the bun; however, the hair on the front will look like neatly gelled boyish hair.
How can I hide my long hair in school?
Tying your hair into a bun is the best way to hide length. You can make a single bun or space buns for convenience. You can also braid your hair before pinning them up in a bun.
How do you make long hair look short with ribbon?
Gather your hair at the nape and tie it with a ribbon. Now slide the knot down your hair just above 2 inches from the ends. Hold the loose ribbon ends in either hand and roll it up, making a faux bob. Now, tie the ribbon ends in a bow on the side or top of your head, and that’s all,
How do you hide long hair under a hat?
Pin your hair up or make a twisted ponytail and shove it under the hat to completely hide your hair under it.
Key Takeaways
- Blow-drying hair can add intense volume, creating an illusion of shorter hair
- Hair buns , tucked-in updos, or a ponytail can make hair look shorter
- Using accessories like bobby pins, scarves, and clips for tucked-in hairstyles give an illusion of shorter hair.
- You can opt for Demi Loavato’s bob-style hairstyle and add some bangs to give your hair more depth and dimension.
Illustration: Creative Ways To Shorten Your Hair Without Cutting It
Image: Stable Diffusion/StyleCraze Design Team
Learn to get a chic bob cut without cutting your hair short. Watch this video for quick and easy steps to get the perfect bob without needing those scissors.
Read full bio of Madison Dufour
Read full bio of Anjali Sayee
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Read full bio of Swathi E
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