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?

The 2.25 inches (5.5 centimeters) rule. If you’re thinking of the right hair length for your face, you don’t need to consult with a stylist, do a lot of research or pull your hair back, squint your eyes and try to image it. All you need is a ruler and a pencil, and the 2.25 inches (5.5 centimeters) rule.  Drawing of a woman measuring the length between her ear and chin with a ruler and a pencil.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

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 @lizdocaine_

This short haircut is giving Meg Ryan’s signature romcom cut. We love that she can transform her look by wearing the cut straight or by adding piecey texture to her blonde locks.

lizdocaine influencer

Style Tip: To achieve this look, apply Style on Steroids Texturizing Spray throughout short layers. This unique moisturizing texturizer will add instant sexy texture and volume, plus help set your style for long-lasting results. Not to mention it doubles as a heat protectant.

 Follow @lateafternoon

We can’t stop staring at this sharp and unbelievable chic crop. This short hairstyle is extra edgy thanks to the defined middle part. You can easily soften up the look by moving the part to one side.

liz late afternoon influencer

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 @riamichelle

Ria’s gentle waves give this short haircut some volume. The look is naturally tousled, ultra femme, and really softens her look.

ria michelle influencer

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.

curl wow and dream coat for curly hair

 Follow @larahoneey

Lara’s ultra cropped pixie haircut simply can’t be beat. It helps sharpen her naturally beautiful features and has a gorgeous playfulness.

lara honey influencer

Style Tip: To achieve this playful, piecey texture, simply spray a healthy dose of Style on Steroids throughout your short locks. 


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Read more about how to style your hair on the Color Wow blog:

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