Your hairstyle is a form of self-expression and creativity. Whether you like to curl it, flip it or throw it up in a bun, the way you do your hair is a personal choice — one that is only yours to make. That being said, sometimes it can be difficult to decide on a hairstyle you feel most confident about.
Whether you love being creative with your locks or would rather keep it simple, we’ve got you covered.
How to Tell if a Long or Short Hairstyle is Better For You
Choosing a hairstyle is a big decision. Taking the following factors into consideration can help narrow down your options so you can make the best choice that’s right for you.
Face Shape
If you’re undecided about whether to rock long or short hair, consider your face shape. Choosing a hairstyle based on your facial structure will allow you to enhance the features you like!
If you want your hair to bring out your eyes, your stylist might suggest face-framing layers or bangs to be part of your mane. If you want your hairstyle to bring out your cheekbones, tell your stylist you’d like to go with a hairstyle that best highlights those. At the end of the day, don’t let your face shape fully determine the hairstyle you choose – long or short, fringe or bob, it’s completely up to you!
Hair Texture
Another factor to consider when choosing a short or long hairstyle, is your hair’s texture. Different hair textures come with different challenges. For example, thick, wavy hair can be more prone to frizz than other hair types. Straight, fine hair can be flat and lack volume. If you’re not sure how your desired hairstyle will translate with your type of hair, tell your stylist so they can help determine the best length and cut for you.
Lifestyle
When it comes to choosing a short or long hairstyle, your lifestyle may be the biggest deciding factor. Are you used to spending time styling your hair every morning? Long hair typically requires more styling. Are you motivated to go to the salon for a trim every couple of weeks? Maintaining a short hairstyle often requires more frequent trips to your stylist. Or, what if you like throwing your hair up in a messy bun most days? You might miss them if you choose a short hairstyle — or sigh in relief!
Long Hair Style Pros
It’s adaptable.
One of the biggest pros of long hair is its versatility — and a versatile hairstyle is always fun! With long hair you can straighten, curl, crimp, braid — the options are pretty much endless.
It’s a confident booster.
Long hair has a way of adding an extra flair of confidence and sass. Feel uptight? Let your hair down and feel the wind whip your mane about to show the world what a strong goddess you are.
It’s flattering.
When in doubt, you can always go long! Long hair looks great on any face shape and can bring out your best features when artfully styled.
It’s the safe option.
Are you worried you’ll be filled with regret after getting that pixie cut? Maybe you’re scared you’ll end up bored of your angled bob. The great thing about long hair versus short hair is you don’t have to wait for it to grow out and can get it cut whenever you’re ready.
Long Hair Style Cons
You’ll go through hair products faster.
With long hair comes more styling. With more styling comes more hair products. If you aren’t thrilled about having to restock on products regularly, long hair may not be the best choice for you.
It takes longer to style.
Are you the type of person who just wants to get up and go in the mornings? Long hair is a regular time commitment and will hold you back.
Hair. Everywhere.
Having long hair means having a lot of hair — and a lot of shedding. If you don’t want to clog up the shower drain or pull clumps out of your brush, short hair might be your go-to.
It can feel uncomfortable.
Aside from keeping your neck warm during the winter months, long hair can be a nuisance. Hair gives off warmth, so being outside in the summer heat with long hair — or trying to go to sleep on it — can feel pretty uncomfortable.
Short Hair Style Pros
Goodbye high maintenance!
When going from long to short hair, gone are the days of high maintenance! Lots of short hairstyles don’t require a whole lot of upkeep, so your time will free up for other things in your routine.
Short hair is faster and easier to style.
When having less hair, you’ll find it easier to work with. Styling short hair can take practice at first, but once you’re used to it, you will fall in love with how fast and effortless your hair styling routine has become.
Your look will be transformed.
If you’ve had long or medium-length hair for years, cutting it short is a refreshing way to transform your look! And what’s not fun about changing up your appearance every now and then anyway?
You’ll get rid of unhealthy hair.
Getting a short hairstyle can actually make your hair healthier. When maintaining a short hairstyle, you’ll have to go to your stylist more often for trimming. At your appointments, your stylist will trim off any split ends, which keeps your hair looking healthy and vibrant.
Short Hair Style Cons
You’ll spend more time styling your hair.
Yes, we know — we just said you’d be able to wave goodbye to high maintenance hairstyles, which is still true. But styling short hair takes patience and practice. It can be tricky and take more time to perfect — especially at first. So for that reason, it’s on our cons list.
You might get bored.
While there are countless short hairstyles to choose from and tons of ways to spice up your short do, some people with short hair will still get bored with it. Depending on how short your cut is and the rate at which your hair grows, you may be stuck longer than you’d like feeling bored with your short hair.
You’ll take more trips to the salon.
If you don’t enjoy frequent trips to the salon, a short hairstyle won’t be sustainable. Short hairstyles require regular trimmings every three to six weeks, which may require more maintenance than you initially thought.
So there you have it! When choosing a hairstyle, there are a few things to consider. The right style can do wonders for your appearance and level of confidence. There is no such thing as the wrong hairstyle. The only wrong hairstyle is the one that doesn’t make you feel your best! Long or short – the choice is yours.
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