How Do I Know If I'll Look Good with a Short Haircut?
Ever wonder if you would look good with a short haircut? You’re certainly not the only one fantasizing about a good chop.
But while a bold cut sounds incredibly liberating and much needed, there’s still one question that plagues everyone on their way to the salon: Can I pull off short hair?
So, before you take the plunge and commit to a chop, how can you be sure? How do you really know if your face is better suited for a long or short hairstyle?
The answer is surprisingly simple. There’s an easy, and we mean easy, way to decide if short hairstyles are in your future. We call it the 2.25 rule.
Practically fool proof, this rule states that if the longest part of your chin is less than 2.25 inches from the tip of your earlobe, then short hairstyles are for you. So why does this work?
It’s all about face shapes
Color Wow Global Director of Training and Education, Giles Robinson, says, “it’s all about face shapes and angles.”
Giles goes on to explain that legendary hair stylist, salon owner and product innovator, John Frieda, studied faces and saw that the angle of the jaw bone determined whether or not someone would look best with short hair or long hair.
After some time, he figured out an exact, easy to understand measurement that clearly indicates whether a face is suited for long hair or short hair... and thus the 2.25 rule was born.
Do you have the right face shape for a short haircut?
If you’re wondering - what is my face shape? There’s an easy way to find out for yourself.
Simply grab a ruler and a pencil (or any other straight object). Place the pencil under your chin horizontally. Then, place the ruler under your ear vertically. The spot where the two intersect marks your measurement.
If that measurement is less than 2.25 inches, aka if you have a more petite jawline, like Halle Berry, Emma Watson, and Audrey Hepburn, your face is made for a short haircut.
If that measurement is greater than 2.25 inches, this means you’ve got a more elongated face shape - like Kim Kardashian and Sarah Jessica Parker. So, long hairstyles will be more flattering for your face shape.
Want to learn how to style short hair? Check out this blog post.
Short hairstyles: Inspiration
Short hairstyles, like bobs and pixie cuts, are timeless and versatile, but choosing the right one for your face shape is key. If you decided to commit to chopping your locks, you’re going to need some inspiration.
Here are some short hairstyles we are loving right now:
Follow @lydiafowler
Style Tip: For an extra sleek, glass bob finish, prep with one of our Dream Coats. Formulated with powerful water-resistant, anti-humidity protection, it’ll keep your bob looking glam and glassy no matter the weather.
Not sure which Dream Coat is right for you? Take our quiz!
Follow @taylorlashae
We can’t stop staring at this unbelievable French bob. This short hairstyle is extra chic thanks to the bangs and the tousled texture.
Style Tip: To add some texture to your bob, use our Style on Steroids Texturizing Spray. It’ll give your hair sexy, long-lasting texture without stiffness.
Follow @riamichelle
Ria’s gentle waves give this short haircut some volume. The look is naturally tousled, ultra femme, and really softens her look.
Style Tip: Enhance the beauty of your natural waves and curls with the help of our crunch-free, weightless curl stylers.
For waves and looser curls, try our one-and-done styler Dream Coat for Curly Hair; for tighter curls and coils, check out our Curl Wow range.
Follow @alexusestellehair
Alexus’s bombshell bob simply can’t be beat. Her big, bouncy bob frames her face perfectly and looks super soft and touchable.
Style Tip: To achieve this volumized look, use Xtra Large Bombshell Blowout throughout your hair for major volume without the crunch or stiffness of typical volumizers.
Plus, its non-drying formula will leave your hair soft and healthy-looking. Read more about how to use Xtra Large here.
No matter your style, short hair is endlessly versatile, and the 2.25 rule makes it easy to know if it'll look good on you.
Not sure where to start on your Color Wow hair journey? Take our 60-second hair quiz to discover the perfect personalized routine for your hair type.
Read more hair care tips on the Color Wow blog:
