Should I cut my hair short? Hair experts share their top tips
Rachael Martin
Beauty & skincare
Reading time: 5 minutes
We've all thought about it, but here are the ultimate need-to-knows if you're considering the chop
Short hair is having a moment. And with celebrities like Zendaya, Jenna Ortega and Hailey Bieber acting as poster girls for the look, it’s no wonder why shoulder-skimming styles are quickly becoming a must-have look.
“With so many big celebrities and models all opting for shorter haircuts, we’ve definitely seen a rise in clients asking for their own,” says Ricky Walters, celebrity hairdresser and director of Salon 64. In fact, Pinterest Predicts trends forecast cites the barely there bob as the haircut above the rest this year, with searches on the platform for ‘chopped bob haircut’ up by a whopping +550%.
“It can be low maintenance with maximum attitude, which makes it really fun,” says Ricky. Consider us converted.
Here, top hairdressers reveal their six key considerations that can be helpful to bear in mind if you’re currently deciding whether to cut your hair short.
1. Consider your face shape
Square jaw? Oval face? Round cheeks? A heart-shaped face? If you’re wondering how short you should cut your hair, it’s a good idea to book a consultation with your hairdresser as the first port of call.
“Hair that works with your face shape is so important,” says BaByliss ambassador and celebrity stylist, Syd Hayes. “For this reason, I’d always recommend finding a hairdresser who specialises in cutting shorter styles and is confident in more dramatic transformations – they’ll be able to decipher what kind of short haircut will work well with your face shape.”
Another top tip from Syd? “Talking through visual references can be a great way for you to ensure you and your stylist are on the same page,” he says.
So, be sure to pin your favourite short styles – there’s everything from pixie cuts to wolf cuts, bobs and short crops to consider.
2. Your hair texture matters
Taking your hair texture into consideration can be important when cutting your hair short, as it can help steer the style of short cut you go for.
“Those with thinner strands could opt for a layered, mullet-style cut,” says Ricky. “This is trending right now and looks so cool and effortless – it’s a great way to add volume to fine hair.”
Dionne Smith, celebrity stylist and Cantu natural hair education expert, weighs in on what works for thicker strands.
“To really maximise the definition and formation of thicker, curly or coily hair types, you can’t go wrong with a classic crop style where the sides and nape areas are tapered in lower, with more height at the top to balance,” she says.
“If the hair texture is more dense, a good stylist will concentrate on ensuring that there’s no bulkiness and that the hair lies in the right way to allow you to style it easily."
3. You’ll need regular trims
When it comes to getting any type of haircut, one that fits your lifestyle can be super important. With short styles, it can be a good idea to consider the longer-term maintenance involved to help you budget accordingly.
“Although short hair usually needs less attention than longer lengths, you’ll still need to schedule in frequent trims,” reminds Syd. “This will help ensure your new shorter style remains healthy and stays fresh.”
4. You may need to switch-up your products
To keep your haircut looking sharp, it can be a good idea to swap in some new products into your haircare routine.
“In my opinion, finer, shorter hair can never have too much volume,” says Ricky. “Invest in texture sprays, waxes and hair dusts – they’ll be your new best friends.”
While Dionne recommends that those with thicker, coily or curly hair types can “look towards products that promote shine and lock in moisture”.
The formulations you choose are also vital. Check out our guides to active ingredients in haircare and textured hair. They’re great if you’re hoping to amp up your whole haircare routine.
5. Styling can take time to get used to
You might need more practice to style your newly short hair, but it’ll be worth it. Syd’s top tip? Not overdrying your hair.
“I often tell my clients with shorter hair to avoid drying their hair fully. Instead, just let it fall into its natural state and tuck it behind the ears for some cool, effortless waves.”
Alternatively, heat-styling tools can allow you to manipulate your natural texture. Shorter cuts look great with beachy waves created by a curling tong with a smaller barrel, or you can opt for sleek strands smoothed out with straighteners.
“Try setting aside some time to play around, so you can work out what kind of styling you like best,” adds Ricky.
6. It’ll grow back!
Worst case scenario? You cut your hair and you don’t like it. The takeaway here is – it’s only hair! Enjoy the experimentation and, if it’s not for you, at least you can say you tried.
6 of the best hair products for short hair, as recommended by hair stylists
Now that you’ve considered whether short hair is right for you, here are some expert-approved products that will ensure a good hair day, every day, for shorter lengths.
Shop more great hair products in our full range.
Ricky’s favourite texturising product for short, fine hair
Batiste Dry Shampoo
• Size: 200ml
• Sulphate-free
“Upon hearing the words ‘dry shampoo’ you’ll often think of longer, oily hair that needs to be washed,” says Ricky. “This is, of course, its primary use, but this particular dry shampoo doubles up as an incredible texture spray that’s able to breathe life back into tired shorter hair.”
Dionne’s favourite curl enhancing product for short, thick hair
Cantu Shea Butter Coconut Curling Cream
• Size: 340g
• Silicone-free
• Cruelty-free
• Formulated with shea butter
“Damage can be more noticeable on short, curly hair,” says Dionne. “I always recommend this styling cream as it not only helps define and condition, but it moisturises and seals in split ends.”
Syd’s favourite styling tool for short hair
Babyliss Hydro-Fusion Styler
• 150°C to 235°C
• 5 digital heat settings
• Ceramic coated plates
• Curved design
• Auto shut off
• Heat wrap included
“Ideal for salon-worthy results at home, this tool creates smooth or curly finishes for all lengths of bobs,” says Syd. “The plates are incredibly compact, meaning they can grip shorter haircuts easily.”
Ricky’s favourite gel for fine, short hair
L'Oréal Paris Studio Line Xtreme Hold Indestructible Gel
• Size: 150ml
• Strong hold
“Although once reserved for 90s boy bands, using gel is on the up – especially for those with shorter, pixie-style crops,” says Ricky. “It’s great because just a tiny amount makes hair less soft, meaning your style will hold for longer. It’s particularly good for those with shorter sides and longer, more tousled strands on the top.”
Syd’s favourite shampoo and conditioner for short hair
L’Oréal Paris Elvive Bond Repair Full Routine Bundle for Damaged Hair
• Contains: pre-shampoo treatment, shampoo, conditioner and leave-in serum
“It’s so important to invest in great shampoos, moisturising conditioners and nourishing treatments to keep your cut looking fresher for longer,” says Syd. “The bond-building range from L’Oréal is amazing and can help hair look and feel healthier.”
Dionne’s favourite shine-enhancing product for curly, thick and short hair
Cantu Shea Butter Define & Shine Custard
• Size: 340g
• Silicone-free
• Cruelty-free
Give curls extra spring with this conditioning hair custard that’s formulated to help reduce bulk and provide hold.
“It’s brilliant for giving a high-shine finish,” says Dionne. “It’s also great for locking in shape when applied to damp hair.”
