How To Figure Out If Short Hair Will Suit You

Short hair is a big craze right now!

But if you find yourself wondering ‘Does short hair suit me?’ Well, let us tell you that it is super stunning and versatile. There is no need to worry! You can mess it up to make it playful, or you can gel it back to make it glamorous. In short, it gives your confidence a super boost. If you are enamored with short hair, this article is for you. Before you take the plunge and cut off your long tresses, there are some things you need to consider. Eager to know what? Keep reading.

Before You Get Started

• Short hair lets you retain more natural volume as they do not get weighed down.
• It feels lighter and is less annoying, provided you get regular trims.
• Shorter tresses also tend to look and feel more healthy as hair care is convenient.
• From a styling perspective, short haircuts for women are quite difficult to maintain. Even a little extra growth and baby hair will completely alter your hairstyle.

What To Consider When Cutting Your Hair Short

Face Shape

Your face shape decides the suitability of a hairstyle on you. Hairstyles are meant to enhance the beauty of your face. If you have an oval face shape, then most hairstyles will suit you. But if you have a round, heart-shaped, or rectangular face shape, you will have to be more careful with the hairstyles you choose. Here is a brief guide for you to choose the right hairstyle for your face shape:

• For Round Faces: Go for hairstyles that add height and create the illusion of an elongated face, like a layered bob or a voluminous pixie.
• For Square Faces: A textured lob or loose curls can be flattering and help soften the sharp lines.
• For Oval Faces: Most hairstyle complements an oval-shaped face. However, if you want a fresh change, try adding bangs to add some fun.
• For Heart-Shaped Faces: Adding soft, side-swept bangs to your short hairstyles can help balance a wider forehead.
• For Diamond Faces: Hairstyles that add width at the forehead and chin, such as a classic bob or short hair with layers, can complement your features beautifully.

Always talk to a hairstylist if you are not sure which hairstyle will suit your face shape. They are professionals and will guide you toward the right hair fashion.

Hair Texture

Your hair type matters when you are cutting your hair short. While the image in my mind looked fine, when I actually got my hair cut short, it did not suit my straight hair. But grooming it in slight waves or scrunching it did the trick. If you have a slightly angular face shape, you will find yourself in a similar situation.

Hair Color

Yes, hair color matters as well. Your hair color determines how your hair frames your face

It can make your hair look thicker or thinner. So, keep this in mind when choosing a short hairstyle.

Maintenance

Short hair requires regular trims to maintain its attractiveness. You will have to trim it at least once a month. Also, depending on your hairstyle, you will need to style your hair regularly to keep it looking fresh. For instance, a buzz cut requires low maintenance, requiring minimal upkeep, and no styling products. On the other hand, a textured pixie cut might need more attention, including regular trims and styling products to maintain the choppy layers and texture. A lob, being a bit longer, falls in between; it typically requires trims every 6-8 weeks and occasional styling to maintain its appearance. Understanding the maintenance needs of each style can help you choose one that fits your lifestyle and preferences. Short hairstyles offer a fresh and chic look and are easier to manage than long hairstyles. They require less time to wash, dry, or style, making them perfect for busy bees. Short haircuts also make for a great choice in the sweltering summer months, as they help to prevent hair from sticking to the neck. They can leave you with a free and lightweight feeling. These hairstyles have a modern feel to them. Individuals sporting these hairstyles are often looked upon as fashion-forward beings.

Personality

Sometimes, all you need is a certain personality to flaunt a hairstyle. Pick a short hairstyle that works well with your persona. You will be surprised how well you can pull off a look that you never thought of sporting.

Here are tips for different personality types to carry different hairstyles:

• Bold: Edgy styles like undercuts or mohawks can make a strong statement and reflect a fearless attitude.
• Classic: Timeless cuts, like the bob or lob, are perfect for those who prefer elegance and a sophisticated look.
• Creative: Layered cuts or unique colors can highlight your individuality and showcase a flair for the unconventional.

No matter your personality, there is a short hairstyle that will perfectly match your vibe and make you feel amazing. However, there’s a genius hack to determine whether long or short hair suits your face. Of course, your personal style does matter, but learning the proportions of your face and hair may also help you pick an appropriate length. Keep reading.

The John Frieda Rule

The 2.25-inch rule was developed by celebrity hairstylist John Frieda. It’s a suitability analysis that measures the angle of your jawline to check whether long or short hair will suit you. Here’s how you do it.

Place a pencil below your chin. Hold it parallel to the ground. Take a ruler and place it perpendicularly under your ear. The ruler and pencil will now create a “T region” with each other. If the reading where the pencil meets the ruler is less than 2.25 inches, then short hair will suit your face. If it is more than 2.25, it is ideal to stick to long- or shoulder-length haircuts.

Hairstyle

Now if you’re confused about how to style short hair, we’ve listed in the next section some of the trendiest short hairstyles that you can try. Check them out!

10 Basic Short Hairstyles You Need To Know About

1. Buzz Cut

Hairstyles for short hair such as buzz cuts have become increasingly popular because they can enhance both hard and soft features. The close cut gives a bold look and can be personalized with different colors. It is a good hairstyle for those who have short facial features as it helps to add definition to the mane. These hairstyles require fewer washes, like 1-2 times a week. Therefore, they help you save time by cutting down on styling requirements. However, if you want to keep your buzz cut looking fresh at a specific length, you might have to get it trimmed every couple of weeks as hair grows approximately half an inch a month. Another important thing to note is to protect your tresses from sun damage. For this, you can use a leave-in conditioner with SPF protection to keep your hair conditioned and shield it from harmful rays of the sun. Alternatively, you can also use a hair and scalp sunscreen mist or powder to prevent scalp burns and protect your mane. For everyday styling, you can use a sea salt spray to keep your buzz cut looking fresh and textured. Since the buzz cut has a bold appeal, you can style it with minimalistic accessories like studs, ear cuffs, or tiny hoops to balance your look.

2. Undercut

Among popular short hairstyles for women, the undercuts have a funky edge that make you feel different. This hairstyle is perfect for girls who like to switch up their looks. You can experiment with different colors to match your mood and the occasion. These hairstyles require trims every 8 weeks to keep them looking neat. If you want to create a pompadour style like the image above, use volumizing mousse on damp hair and blow-dry the hair upwards while using a round brush simultaneously to add volume. You can accessorize the look by adding hoops or dangling earrings to complement the boldness of the undercut.

3. The Bob

The bob gained massive popularity in the ‘20s. It was when short hair was all the rage. Over the course of time, there have been many bob styles that hit the market. We have the classic bob, curled bob, stacked bob, graduated bob, and many more. If you want to get a seek bob or are looking for ways to enhance your waves or curls, use a frizz-fighting heat protectant before using any styling tools on your mane. However, if you want to add some cool-girl texture to your hair, flip it upside down and use a texturizing spray over your hair. You can accessorize your look by adding dramatic hoops or dangling earrings to strike a fashionable look.

Trivia

The bob was invented by chance in 1915. Irene Castle, a well-known actress and ballroom dancer, chopped her hair short out of convenience into what was then known as the Castle bob.

4. The Lob

The lob is a slightly longer version of the bob. The length of your lob can be anywhere from below your chin to your shoulders.

Curly hair expert and owner of Royal Locks Curl Care, Casey Simmons adds, “This style is perfect for those with fine to medium waves. The wave “S” pattern can be pulled down by longer hair. A lob gives more bounce, shape, and style to wavy hair naturally. All you need for this trendy style is a good curl cream. Just twist your damp or wet hair in several sections and scrunch the twists upwards. Turn your head upside down to shake out. With a bit more curl cream on your fingertips, twist or set the pieces around your face, and you’re good to go.” Further, you can accessorize the look by going for statement-making earrings, drop earrings, or crystal-embellished clips to elevate your look.

5. The Pixie Cut

The pixie cut is making waves around the world right now. It first gained popularity when Rihanna sported it back in 2008. Again, there are many ways that you can style this cut. Simmons advises, “It’s important to be realistic with this style based on your hair texture. This type of pixie is great for straight and fine hair for a low-maintenance, chic look. However, if you have naturally thick, curly hair you might want to try a style like a bob or lob that accentuates those patterns.”

Maria, a makeup blogger, shares one of her spontaneous hair decisions. She reflects on her bold step to chop her long hair into a pixie cut, “The pixie cut has been awesome. It has been more upkeep than I am used to, which, I will admit, frustrates me sometimes. But I think that the style really suits me, and I enjoy what it does for my look and my confidence (i).”

Trivia

Pixie cuts were popularized in the 1950s when Audrey Hepburn sported the look in the movie Roman Holiday. Later in the 1960s actress Mia Farrow sported the look in Roman Polanski’s Rosemary’s Baby.

6. The Shag Cut

The shag cut was huge in the ‘90s and it is making a comeback. It comprises many layers that are either flicked in or out. To get that piecey look, apply a finishing balm on the front and side layers. Also, make sure to use a straightener to keep ends straight; this will also help you get that choppy effect. Lastly, finish off your hairstyle by spraying a texturizing spray or dry shampoo all over the mane. You can accessorize the look with studs or chunky earrings to heighten its charm.

7. The Asymmetric Bob

In an asymmetric bob, one side is long while the other is short. It can also be a back to front cut, where the back is short and the front is long. To draw your attention to your asymmetrical bob, tuck the hairs behind your ears. This will help to create a soft pull. You can also consider styling it with a deep side part to draw focus to the longer side of your mane. While asymmetrical bobs are usually straight, you can try adding a bit of texture by creating waves. In addition to this, if you want your asymmetrical bob to look very sharp, ask your hairdresser to cut the ends with a razor to get those choppy edges. You can further enhance this look by adding dangler earrings, studs, or cuffs to complement the look.

8. The Mohawk Cut

In a mohawk cut, the sides are either shaved off or cut extremely short while the center is left longer to style in a mohawk. The length of the mohawk depends on your preference. To style a mohawk, backcomb your hair and use coin-sized gel or wax to smoothen your hair and slick it back. If you want a messier feel use your fingers to create that lived-in texture. Make sure to finish off your hairstyle by applying an extra-strong hairspray or mousse to support the weight of the hair. Also, ensure that you spray on both sides of your hair to prevent the hair from falling. For some extra oomph, try styling your hair with a blow dryer. Use a little hairspray at the ends of your hair and use your fingers to rake the tresses and shape your mohawk. You can accessorize this hairstyle with chunky earrings, oversized hoops, or studs to complete your look.

9. The Quiff Cut

The quiff is getting more popular by the second, and many women have been adding their own twists to their quiffs. It looks pretty stunning! To nail this style, it’s important to get a quiff cut. For this, make sure to leave quite a length at the top and keep the sides and back shorter. Ask your hairdresser to add layers at the top section to create a bit of texture and volume. To get that nice lift, apply the styling cream on your hair and use a hair brush to lift your hair upward and backward. Set the hair with a blowdryer. You can complete this look with edgy earrings or a necklace for added dimension.

10. The Pompadour Cut

The pompadour is a great way to add height to a short hairstyle. If you have a slightly round face, this cut will work beautifully for you. For those with round faces specifically, there are many short hairstyles that suit round faces and can help create a flattering look. To get this look, first, get a haircut that is longer on the top and shorter on the sides. Begin by prepping your mane with volumizing spray. Then, put your head upside-down and dry it using a round brush to achieve maximum volume on the crown part. Now, leave the top section of the hair and apply pomade or wax to the hair on both sides and slick them back. To do the pompadour style, use a small round brush and roll the sections of your hair upwards and backward. If you want to create a soft look, add more curls to your pompadour. If you want a hairstyle that’s a bit more on the edgier side, use a flat iron to style your hair. Finish off the hairstyle with an extra-hold hair spray. Complete this look by going for glitzy smokey eyes, pin-up makeup, and pearl earrings to rock the look.

Infographic: Celebrities With Short Hair Looks To Inspire You

Transforming from long hair to short hair is a big, risky decision. You need to consider multiple factors like your face shape, your personality, and hair maintenance, among others. In fact, you might even feel overwhelmed while deciding on a suitable short hairdo. But fret not – as the infographic below lists celebrities who have rocked the short hair look. They are sure to inspire you!

Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

Frequently Asked Questions

Does short hair make you more attractive?

While this varies from person to person, short hair can accentuate the beautiful features of your face.

Does short or long hair slim your face?

Both long and short hair can make your face look slimmer. This depends on your face shape and the type of hairstyle you choose.

Can hair texture or thickness affect whether short hair suits me?

Yes. The texture and thickness of the hair have an impact on the haircut, especially if it is short. Coarse hair, for example, may not be suitable as a blunt bob, whereas fine and straight hair will look fantastic in that cut. It is best to consult with your hairstylist before getting a haircut to ensure that you get a short haircut that is appropriate for your hair type and texture.

Is it possible to make adjustments to a short haircut to better suit a my features?

Yes. You can have a face-framing fringe with a short haircut to draw attention to your round face. For your face to look more defined, you can get an angled bob. You can choose a shag layered bob or pixie cut to highlight your bone structure if you have chiseled cheekbones and a defined jawline.

Does short hair suit any face?

While there are considerations for each face shape when going short, short hair tends to flatter all face shapes. For example, an asymmetrical bob will look amazing on round faces, a pixie cut will flatter an angular oblong face, and a lob will flatter heart-shaped faces.

Does short hair need more styling?

No. In fact, shorter hair costs less to maintain because it doesn’t need as much shampoo and conditioner as longer hair. Shorter hair also requires less heat styling, which lessens hair damage.

Is short hair more confident?

Shorter hair is typically perceived as more professional and confident, whereas long hair, particularly if it is a hair weave, can be perceived as more youthful and sexy by some. You can feel confident regardless of hair length; all you need to do is get a haircut that compliments your personality and face.

Illustration: How To Figure Out If Short Hair Will Suit You

Image: Dall·E/StyleCraze Design Team

Discover the best hairstyles and cuts for your face shape. Get the perfect look with expert tips and advice. Watch this video before you cut your hair!

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Reviewer Author Editor Fact Checker

Casey SimmonsCurly Hair Expert

   

Casey Simmons is a curly hair expert with over 20 years of experience in management, operations, and consulting. She has done extensive consumer research and worked directly with chemists and the factory to create curl enhancing products built for simple routines.

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Anjali SayeeAssociate Editor

 

Anjali 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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Shatabdi BhattacharyaAssociate Editor

Shatabdi is an associate editor and an alumnus of Lady Brabourne College, Kolkata, where she honed her skills and developed a deep understanding of the world of literature and expression. She has worked with various organizations and websites operating in different industries, ranging from education to lifestyle, showing her adaptability and drive to learn.

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Joyce JoysonBeauty & Lifestyle Writer

Joyce Joyson is a beauty and lifestyle writer with over a year of experience crafting short-form content for the beauty, fashion, and lifestyle niches. She has a triple majors bachelor’s degree in History, Political Science, and Geography from IIS University and a master’s degree in Mass Communication and Journalism from Kristu Jayanti College.

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