You have decided you want to cut your hair, but the result worries you a lot. In fact, you fear that the cut you have thought of is not exactly for you. Before you go to the hairdresser and cut your hair, be sure to make an informed decision.
Steps
Part 1 of 2: Choosing the Cut Based on Your Features
Step 1. Determine the shape of your face
Before choosing a cut, get to know your face. The shape of the face plays an important role in deciding whether you should cut your hair or not. Some hairstyles and lengths look better on certain face types. Choosing a cut based on your features can help you avoid drawing attention to the facial features that value you the least. A cut that adequately frames the face minimizes the parts you least like and, at the same time, highlights your beauty.
Step 2. If you have an oval face, you can choose almost any cut
This face is longer than it is wide, and the forehead and jaw are the same width. Oval faces can afford almost any hairstyle.
- If you have an oval face, try a bob that reaches the collarbone, with side bangs.
- If you want to shorten an oval face, bangs will help you do that. If you decide to wear it, you can choose a side or straight one.
- Try wearing longer hair, with beach waves and parting in the center.
Step 3. If you have a round face, choose a pixie cut, or wear long, layered hair
A rounded face is circular, and the widest point is in the cheek and ear area, although the length and breadth are almost equal. Short cuts, with the hair pulled back, help to soften this feature and elongate the face. A pixie cut can minimize the roundness of the face.
- If you want to have longer hair, try a cut that reaches the collarbone or the shoulders. This helps you slim down your face. Alternatively, try wearing longer hair, below the shoulders, with a layered cut. This type of cut helps remove volume from the face, and allows curly hair to take on weight, so it doesn't bunch up around the face.
- Round-faced women should avoid wearing their hair at chin height, as this will only amplify the roundness. If you absolutely want to make a bob, try to choose one with a disheveled effect, or make the front locks longer, shortening towards the nape of the neck.
- Rounded faces look best without bangs, but if you really want to wear it, avoid the straight, straight one. Instead, prefer a side one.
Step 4. If you have a square face, try a medium-short cut
Faces of this type have a strong jaw and an equally pronounced hairline. A medium to short length is ideal for these features, especially by adding waves or creating some roundness around the face. Long straight hair is also useful for distracting attention from the boxy parts. The wispy side bangs soften the features.
- The shag cut and the scaled and light hairstyles at shoulder height help to soften the marked features.
- The line in the center allows you to open a square face. With this face, you need to avoid heavy, straight bangs instead.
Step 5. If you have a heart-shaped face, try a cut that adds thickness to the jaw
A face with this shape is broad at the temples, and tapers towards the chin, which is very delicate. Cuts that go up to the chin or longer give depth to the jaw. The even layered cuts and curls below the ears help balance the slim chin. Hairstyles that emphasize the upper part of the face should be avoided.
- Side or full-bodied bangs are just as good for a heart-shaped face.
- Try doing a deep side parting to emphasize the eyes.
- If you want a pixie cut, request that you pull it off in the chin area to frame this part, balance it with the rest of the face and minimize the width of the forehead.
Step 6. Consider your body type
Face shape isn't the only factor that can affect your haircut. The shape of the body can also determine the choice of the ideal hairstyle and length for you.
- If you have a slim and not very shapely body, go for medium-long hair, with bangs and scaled. Avoid the ones that are too straight or pixie. Volume helps minimize thinness.
- If you have a curvy and full body, avoid short cuts, as they can weigh you down. Also, don't wear your hair excessively long, as it will have the same effect. Prefer medium cuts, with little volume.
- If you have a small constitution, focus on proportions. Don't wear hair that is too short or too long.
- If you are tall and have an athletic body, you can choose almost any cut. Experiment with hairstyles to find the one that's right for you.
Step 7. Think about your hair type
Do you have naturally curly or straight hair? Thick or thin? The texture of the shaft affects how you should cut and style them. If you have curly hair, make sure you really want a short cut, because it takes a lot of effort: in fact, straightening it will take a lot of time. Also, curly hair shrinks when dry, so it's best not to cut it too much. Some hair is also curly at the roots, so it's not possible to choose the same short cuts that would work for a smooth shaft.
If you have thick hair, make sure your hairdresser thins it out enough that you don't end up with a triangular, mushroom shape. Short cuts do not look particularly good on thick and frizzy hair either, because they could make them even more electrifying. If you choose a short cut, you will need to take better care of them than before to get them in order
Step 8. Find out how much care you are willing to give to your hair
Some cuts require more care than others. There are short cuts that daily involve washing and styling with specific tools. If you have curly hair, but want to keep it short and straight, you must remember that, in the morning, the preparation will take longer to style it. Decide if you have the time or interest to keep a short haircut.
- When untamable, short hair cannot be pulled back into a braid, ponytail or bun. Decide if you're ready to sacrifice these instant fixes when your hair looks unsatisfactory or you don't feel like styling it.
- Shorter cuts also require more sessions at the hairdresser to be able to maintain their shape. You may need to go to the salon every 6 weeks to take care of the upkeep.
Step 9. Remember that long hair is heavier
Long hair weighs down the curls, making them look less defined. If you cut them, the curls will be more elastic. If you curl your hair and have a specific type of curl in mind, before you go to the hairdresser, think about a cut that will allow you to achieve it.
Step 10. Remember that the styling tools will change
Depending on the length, the hair requires different styling treatments. Shorter hair needs thinner wanded curling irons and smaller straighteners than those for long hair.
Step 11. Remember that you can always cut your hair gradually
As you grapple with the decision to cut them or not, consider going slow. Cut a few centimeters and see if you like the result. If you hesitate, avoid sudden drastic cuts. If you find that you like shorter hair, you can always cut it progressively.
Have you made a drastic cut and hate it? Remember that your hair will grow back later. However, it won't happen overnight. If you're still weighing the pros and cons, keep this in mind. Despite the mistake made, eventually the hair will go back to being long. Just make sure you're ready for a bad cut in the meantime
Part 2 of 2: Cut your hair according to your interests
Step 1. Think about why you want to modify your hair
Determine honestly why you want to cut it down. The reason for changing your look should be to look attractive and feel good about yourself.
- If your motivating factors are time and comfort, put them aside for a moment. In the summer, many think shorter hair means feeling cooler and less hassle. Sure, a short cut is cooler, but maintaining it can take a lot more work than long hair.
- If you've seen other girls who look good in medium or short length, what makes you think it's ideal for you too? You've worn this haircut before, but do you think it will fit you better now? Have you ever made a drastic cut that you then hated? If you've always thought short cuts didn't look good on you, you probably won't like them now either.
Step 2. Choose a cut that suits your personality
Your appearance says a lot about your character to others. Do you want long, soft and romantic curls? A cool and chic bob? An original and extravagant pixie cut? Decide which cut best suits your personality, lifestyle and clothing choices. For a drastic cut, like the pixie or shaved head, think about your way of approaching life. If you can safely sport a shaved head or mohawk, go ahead.
Keep your employment in mind. Do you work in a place where they don't appreciate drastic cuts, shaved heads or mohawks? You should embrace your individuality and personality, regardless of your age and career, but remember that some jobs have stricter rules than others regarding the physical appearance of employees
Step 3. Don't make a cut at a difficult time
Some believe that radically changing hair after important life experiences, such as a romantic breakup, death or illness, has the power to free them. While this is true, many bad cuts have been made out of emotion. Cutting your hair is a huge change, so make sure you're doing it for the right reasons.
Step 4. Don't cut your hair taken by the spur of the moment
The biggest changes need to be thought through carefully, not done overnight. Make the decision that's right for you, don't be persuaded by a cute cut just because a celebrity wears it, all your friends are doing it, or you have untameable hair one day.
Step 5. Talk to the hairdresser
It is your hair's best friend. It can help you choose the right cut for your face shape and features. Plus, it can tell you if you're emotionally and mentally ready for a cut. If you are absolutely certain that you don't have the right motivation, it can help you find an alternative style that will give you the change you want, without leaving you with a short cut that you will hate.
Advice
- If you have cut a lot of hair, you may not be able to do the same hairstyles as before. Keep in mind the hairstyles you do on a daily basis, so that you can choose an ideal length for your habits.
- Don't use scissors too enthusiastically. You can always cut more hair later, while growth is not rapid.
- The hair may shrink a few inches, so make sure you cut a little longer than you want.
Warnings
- It is not recommended to cut your hair yourself.
- A cut is a point of no return. The hair will grow back, but it will take months.
- If you think your current cut is awful and you can't wait for your hair to grow back, you might want to buy extensions. Alternatively, try to see the bright side: find ways to style them in order to flatter yourself.