Play with your hair in the mirror, too–hold it up so the ends hit at a shorter length than normal, or flip the ends of your hair over your forehead so they look like bangs. This can help give you a rough idea of what you would look like with a new cut.
Another thing to look for is how different haircuts looked when you styled them yourself. For instance, if a cut looked great on you right out of the salon but you had trouble taming your curls at that length, pictures can help remind you.
When you’re taking a picture to upload to one of these apps, pull your hair away from your face and look straight into the camera. This will help ensure the sample hairstyles are aligned properly with your face. If you don’t have a way to take a picture of yourself, most of these apps will let you try hairstyles on a model’s face. Try to pick a model whose face shape most closely resembles yours. Take a screenshot or print out a photo to show to your hairdresser if you find a style you really love.
The pencil test is a guideline developed by John Frieda. To determine the exact length of your cut, your stylist should take into consideration your face shape, hair texture, and personal style.
Short styles like crops or pixies are the perfect way to stay cool on a hot day. If your hair is very thick and frizzy, it can be harder to style if it’s cut very short. Instead, you might want to leave some length but opt for an undercut, where a portion of your hair near your neck is cut short to lose some volume.
You should also avoid making a dramatic change to your hair if you have a major event, like a wedding or a big presentation. If you don’t like how it turns out, or if you are unfamiliar with styling short hair, it could add additional stress to your big day. [5] X Research source On the other hand, if you’re looking a way to empower yourself, cutting your hair can help you feel like you have control over your choices!
The same thing is true if you’re feeling pressured to leave your hair long but you want to cut it. You’re the only person who should make that decision.
If you need to, draw the outline of your face on the mirror in lipstick or shaving cream to help you figure out the shape.
For instance, if you have tight curls, you could try a faux-hawk style with plenty of lift to slim your round features. If your hair is straight, you could choose a pixie with choppy layers around the crown. Avoid cuts which hit at the fullest parts of your cheek or right at your jawline. Just below the chin is a good length if you’re looking for a more feminine short style.
If you’d prefer to highlight your strong jawline, choose a classic short cut that’s cropped close on the back and sides with a little texture on the top. [9] X Research source
Try a 90s-style undercut or a bob with long bangs to balance your heart-shaped face.
Other signs of damage include dryness, frizz, or a straw-like appearance. The more damage your hair has, the shorter you’ll need to cut it.
The shorter your hair is, the more lift it will appear to have.
Short cuts also require more frequent trips to the salon. You’ll need a trim every 4-6 weeks rather than the 3 months or so you can go between trims if you have longer hair. If you already style your hair every day, a short cut can save you time during your daily routine!
The length you choose is up to you, but a close crop is often popular for people facing hair loss. Avoid shaving your head all the way down with a razor, especially if your hair loss is due to an illness. If you cut yourself while you’re shaving, you may be at an increased risk for infection.
