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Changing your hairstyle can be an effective way to transform your look, but it’s natural to feel a bit hesitant about trying something new, especially if you’ve been growing your hair for a long time. There are several tips to help you decide whether to cut your hair, such as measuring the distance from your ear to your chin, identifying your face shape, or using apps to experiment with different hairstyles!
Steps
Consider a Hairstyle
Look in the mirror and imagine different hairstyles. Everyone has their own way of deciding whether to cut their hair, and there’s no right or wrong choice. While you’re weighing your options, take a moment to look at yourself in the mirror and think about how your hair might look after the cut.
- Try styling your hair in front of the mirror by pulling it up to simulate a shorter length or sweeping the ends across your forehead to mimic bangs. This can give you a basic idea of how you’d look with a new hairstyle.
Review old photos of yourself with different hairstyles. If you're considering a haircut, look back at photos from when you had various styles. Notice how those hairstyles framed your face, and recall what you liked or disliked about them at the time.
- Pay attention to how different styles looked when you styled them yourself. For example, a haircut might look great right after leaving the salon, but you might struggle to curl or manage it later. Photos can help you remember these details.
Use an app to experiment with different hairstyles. Many apps and websites allow you to upload a photo and try out new hairstyles. This is a fun way to explore various lengths, styles, and even colors to see what suits you. You might discover a look you’ve never considered before!
- When taking a photo for the app, ensure your hair is neatly pulled back and you’re facing the camera directly. This ensures the virtual hairstyles fit your face accurately.
- If you can’t take a photo, most apps let you try styles on model faces. Choose a model whose face shape resembles yours.
- Take a screenshot or print the photo to show your stylist if you find a style you love.
Measure the distance between your ear and chin to determine if short hair suits you. Place a pencil horizontally under your chin, pointing toward your ear, then use a ruler to measure the distance between the pencil and your ear. If the distance is less than 5.7 cm, your face is well-suited for short hair. If it’s more, longer styles may enhance your features.
- This pencil test was popularized by John Frieda.
- Your stylist will consider your face shape, layering effects, and personal style to determine the ideal length.
Opt for short hair if you live in a hot, humid climate. Summer humidity can make hair frizzy, heavy, and sticky, causing discomfort in hot weather. Short hair is lighter, dries faster, and keeps you cooler on sweltering days.
- Styles like crop cuts or pixie cuts are perfect for staying cool and stylish in the heat.
- If your hair is very thick and curly, styling might be harder with extremely short cuts. Instead, consider an undercut with slightly longer lengths to reduce bulk.
Only cut your hair drastically if you’re ready for a major life change. If you’re contemplating quitting your job or ending a relationship, you might feel the urge to chop off your hair as a symbolic fresh start. However, if you’re unsure, such a drastic change might lead to regret.
- Avoid bold haircuts before important events like weddings or presentations. If you dislike the new look or struggle to style it, it could add unnecessary stress.
- On the other hand, if you need a motivational boost, a haircut can make you feel in control of your choices!
Don’t cut your hair just because someone tells you to. There’s nothing wrong with taking advice from friends and family when they think a certain hairstyle would suit you, but you shouldn’t cut your hair because you feel pressured. Whether it’s your mom, your best friend, or your partner, your hair is yours, and you should only cut it when you want to.
- Similarly, if someone wants you to keep your hair long but you want to cut it, you’re the only one who should make that decision.
Choose a hairstyle that complements your face shape
Determine your face shape. If you’re unsure about your face shape, stand in front of a mirror with your hair pulled back and observe the contours of your face, especially your forehead, cheekbones, and jawline.
- If needed, you can trace the outline of your face on the mirror using lipstick or shaving cream to identify your face shape.
Opt for layered or longer hairstyles if you have a round face. People with round faces often believe they can’t go short because it might make their face appear wider. However, as long as you choose a style with added volume on top, it can actually balance and elongate your face.
- For example, if you have wavy hair, try a faux hawk by styling the top hair upward and forward to slim the roundness.
- If you have straight hair, a layered pixie cut can work well.
- Avoid cutting hair at the fullest part of your cheeks or right at your jawline. For a more feminine short style, hair just below the chin is ideal.
Choose wavy styles to soften the angles of a square face. If you have a strong jawline and broad forehead, layered, wavy, or curly hairstyles can soften your features. Popular styles for square faces include soft layers, asymmetrical cuts, and side-swept bangs.
- If you want to highlight your strong jawline, go for a classic short cut with shorter sides and back, and voluminous layers on top.
Keep your hair slightly longer if you have a heart-shaped face. Heart-shaped faces, also known as triangular faces, feature a broad forehead and a narrow chin. Short hairstyles can emphasize the wide forehead, so it’s best to opt for longer lengths. If you prefer short hair, ask your stylist to keep it around 7.5 cm.
- Try a 90s undercut or a bob with long bangs to balance a heart-shaped face.
Choose any hairstyle if you have an oval face. Oval faces are the most balanced, and they suit every hairstyle. Whether you decide to grow your hair long or shave it off, you’ll still look amazing!
Remember that a skilled hairstylist can help you find the perfect style. If you’re considering a haircut but unsure what to choose, consult your stylist. Bring some inspirational photos and ask for their advice on what would suit you. A professional can recommend a style that complements your face shape and layering effects, so don’t hesitate to experiment with shorter cuts!
Repair damaged hair with a haircut
Check if your hair ends are split. Take a section of hair and inspect the ends for dryness, split ends, or small white spots where the hair has split. Once split, the damage will travel up the hair shaft unless you cut it off, making a trim the best solution.
- Other signs of damage include dry, frizzy, or straw-like hair.
- The more damaged your hair, the shorter you’ll need to cut it.
Opt for shorter hairstyles if you have thin or fragile hair. Straight, healthy hair often looks sleek when long, but shorter cuts can make it appear thicker and fuller. Layered pixie cuts, choppy bobs, or piecey crop styles are ideal for adding volume to thin hair.
- The shorter the hair, the easier it is to create lift and texture.
Keep enough length for a ponytail if you don’t style your hair daily. Short hair requires less maintenance, but you’ll still need to spend a few minutes styling it each day. If you frequently wear ponytails or messy buns, short hair might require more effort than you’re used to.
- Short hair also needs more frequent salon visits. You’ll need trims every 4-6 weeks instead of every few months like with longer hair.
- If you enjoy daily styling, short hair can save you time with this routine!
Go very short if you’re dealing with hair loss. Whether to cut your hair is a personal decision, but if you’re experiencing hair loss, a shorter style can help. Whether the cause is genetic, due to chemotherapy, or something else, short hair can better conceal thinning areas during this phase.
- The length is up to you, but very short styles are a popular choice for those with hair loss.
- Avoid shaving your head with a razor, especially if hair loss is due to a medical condition. Injuries from shaving can increase the risk of infection.
Tips
- Avoid cutting your hair right before a major event, like a wedding or business trip. If you dislike the new style, it could add unnecessary stress.
- Remember, hair grows back! If you want to try a new look, go for it!
