Should I Cut My Hair Short? Read Our 8-Step Checklist First

With more and more of our favourite style icons braving the chop, it’s no wonder that so many of us are asking “should I cut my hair short or leave it long?”.  From bobs and lobs to pixie cuts, there are plenty of enticing reasons to covet to shorter locks in 2021 – but before you take the plunge, there are a few things you need to consider.

If you’re looking for guidance, just refer to our 8-step checklist to help you make the decision and answer the most important question of all: will I suit short hair?

1. Know Your Face Shape

Ask any stylist “will I suit short hair?” and they’ll probably tell you that it depends on the hairstyle you opt for. So, before you set your heart on a short haircut, you need to find one that’ll work with your face shape.

For fuller, round and square faces, try to go for a ‘do that slims and elongates. While for heart-shaped faces, why not choose a haircut that adds more width to the lower parts of your face? And if you’re blessed with a versatile oval face, you’re lucky enough to rock almost every hairstyle under the sun!

2. Consider Your Hair Texture

While it’s always a good idea to take pictures with you to show your stylist exactly what look you’re going for, try not to set your heart on getting an exact replica of your favourite celeb’s ‘do. Why? Well, different haircuts suit different hair textures – pixie cuts can look great with straight textures, while cute crops work well with curls.

After all, what you need to ask yourself isn’t just “will I suit short hair” – it’s also “will my hair work with the short cut I want?”. When you’re hunting down haircut inspo, see if you can find a short style you like worn by someone with a hair texture like yours – if not, ask your stylist what they’d recommend.

3. Check You Have the Right Equipment/Tools

No matter the look you want to go for, it’s important to think about what you’ll need to style your new short haircut, including the new styling tools you’ll have to purchase. Remember that big curling barrels and brushes, as well as large straighteners, will most likely have to be traded for slim, short hair-friendly versions.

4. And the Right Products!

If you want to make transitioning to shorter hair a breeze, you’ll also need to make sure to use the right hair products. You’ll definitely need a dry shampoo or foam if you don’t want to wash your cut every day.

If you have fine hair, a texturising product or pomade will be best. And, if your hair is on the frizzier side, a good smoothing oil is a must and will help your short locks in check.

Editor’s tip: You can quickly make your short hair look refreshed and volumised with the help of the TRESemmé Day 2 Volumising Dry Shampoo.

5. Decide on How Short You’re Willing to Go

Once you’ve decided to take the plunge and cut your long hair, you’re left with this burning question: “How short should I cut my hair?”. The answer is, as short as you feel comfortable with.

How long have you wanted to go short for? Have you been thinking about it for a while or is it a spur of the moment decision, (maybe a sudden post-breakup haircut urge?) Remember, it doesn’t have to be all or nothing. If this is your first short ‘do then ease yourself in gently by staggering your haircuts. Start off just-below-the-shoulders and move up to a lob, and then a bob.

6. Make Sure You’re Really Ready for It

While most short haircuts are generally considered ‘low-maintenance’, some can require intensive styling. Be honest with yourself, and think about how much time you really want to spend styling your hair.

Speak to your stylist and ask them “will short hair suit me and my lifestyle?” before cutting off more than you can handle.

7. Who Is Your Inspiration?

Take confidence from others and use their ‘dos as inspiration for your own cuts. Feeling uninspired? Look at the A-listers with a similar face shape and hair texture to you, explore our short hairstyles page and don’t forget to check out our Instagram to find inspiration.

8.  Remember to Enjoy It!

We know that getting a new haircut can be a bit terrifying, but the truth is that even if you find that your short cut isn’t doing it for you – your hair will grow back!

Keep this in mind if you’re still asking your stylist “should I cut my hair short?” while sitting in the salon. After all, you only live once, and you won’t really ever know if short hair will suit you until you try it…