Are You Secretly a Short Hair Person?
Find out if a major chop should be in your future. (Photo: Shutterstock)
Lily Collins and Scarlett Johansson may have been on to something with their recent turn to short hair. It’s cooler (both literally and figuratively) and much easier and faster to style. But just who can pull it off? Can the girl who’s sported long hair since, well, forever take that leap and rock a cropped or chin-length style? Here’s what Amit Abraham, master stylist at Dop Dop Salon in New York City, says you should consider if you’re thinking of making a serious cut.
Your Face Shape
Oval is ideal for any short cut, but that doesn’t mean those with square or round faces can’t join in. “It’s more about the haircut than the face shape,” says Abraham. If you have a long face or extremely rectangular shape, you won’t want to take your hair much shorter than the ears because it will accent your long face. So in that case, a bob may be more flattering than a pixie.
RELATED: Are Your Friends Who Swear by Biotin Lying to You?
Your Facial Features
Soft features are more ideal for shorter cuts. That’s because the less hair you have, the more attention pronounced features get—think a pointed chin, large forehead, or far set eyes. That being said, with the right cut, harshness can be eliminated, so you don’t necessarily have to say no to short hair. “No matter if you have long or short hair, you can hide certain things, like a large forehead with side-swept bangs,” says Abraham. “A great example of this is Sharon Stone.”
Your Hair Texture
Your natural texture and desired results both play a key role in choosing a cut—not in deciding whether or not you can go short. Whether your hair is curly, wavy, straight, or fine, an experienced stylist can find a cut that falls correctly for your texture. Even before you decide on a style, let your stylist know how you plan to style it daily. “If you have curly hair and always wear it straight [for example], short is great for you because it will cut down on styling time,” says Abraham.
RELATED: 7 Nutrients You Need for Healthy Skin and Hair
RELATED: Should You Spring for Pricey Hair Salon—or Are They a Rip-Off?
The bottom line: Short hair can work on anyone—and a professional hairstylist can help you find the right variation for you, says Abraham. "They will contour the cut for your face shape to highlight your best features,” she says.
More from Women’s Health:
Which At-Home Hair Dye Is Right For You?
The Right Way to Blow-Dry Fine Hair: Watch the Video
How Not to Look Like a Complete Disaster When You’re Growing Out Short Hair
