Short hair can be a bold and stylish choice, but not all short hairstyles will flatter every face shape. In this guide, we’ll break down which face shapes suit short hair best and offer tips for finding the perfect cut for you. Whether you have a round, oval, square, or heart-shaped face, we’ve got you covered.
How to Determine Your Face Shape
Before we dive into which short hairstyles work best for different face shapes, let’s first determine your face shape. The easiest way to do this is to pull your hair back and examine your face in the mirror. Here are the four main face shapes:
Round
A round face has a circular shape with full cheeks and a rounded chin. To elongate the face, it’s best to avoid chin-length cuts and instead opt for longer styles that add height and volume on top.
Oval
An oval face is longer than it is wide and has a slightly curved jawline. Lucky for you, oval faces can pull off almost any short hairstyle. From pixie cuts to bobs, the world is your oyster.
Square
A square face has a strong jawline and a forehead that’s about the same width as the cheekbones. Short hairstyles that soften the jawline, such as layered bobs and side-swept bangs, work best for square faces.
Heart-Shaped
A heart-shaped face has a wider forehead that tapers down to a narrow chin. Short hairstyles that add volume and width at the jawline, such as textured pixie cuts and shaggy bobs, are ideal for heart-shaped faces.
Tips for Finding the Perfect Short Hairstyle
Now that you know your face shape, it’s time to find the perfect short hairstyle for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Consider your hair texture: If you have fine hair, a layered bob or pixie cut can add volume and movement. If you have thick hair, a blunt cut or choppy layers can help thin it out.
- Think about your lifestyle: Are you low-maintenance and looking for a wash-and-go style? Or do you have time to spend styling your hair each day? Make sure the short hairstyle you choose fits your lifestyle.
- Find inspiration: Browse magazines, social media, and celebrity photos for inspiration. Bring pictures of hairstyles you like to your stylist to help communicate the look you’re going for.
FAQ About Short Hair
Here are some frequently asked questions about short hair:
Is short hair easy to maintain?
Short hair can be low-maintenance, but it also requires more frequent trips to the salon for trims to keep the shape looking fresh.
Will short hair make my face look wider?
It depends on the cut and your face shape. Short hairstyles that add volume at the crown and taper at the jawline can actually make your face appear longer and slimmer.
Can I still style short hair?
Absolutely! Short hair can be styled in many ways, from sleek and straight to tousled and textured. Talk to your stylist about which styling products will work best for your hair type and desired look.
How to Care for Short Hair
Short hair may require less daily maintenance than longer styles, but it still needs some TLC to stay healthy and looking its best. Here are some tips for caring for short hair:
- Wash your hair every other day to prevent excess oil buildup.
- Use a lightweight conditioner to keep hair soft and manageable.
- Avoid using too much heat when styling to prevent damage.
- Get regular trims to maintain the shape of your cut.
Now that you know which short hairstyles suit which face shapes, it’s time to book that salon appointment and make the chop. Remember, the most important thing is that you feel confident and comfortable in your new ‘do.