Is it just us, or is everyone, and we mean everyone going for the chop this summer?
Even celebrities famed for their iconic lengthy locks (Margot Robbie, Lily Collins, Jennifer Aniston—we could go on!) have bid them goodbye in favor of the chicest lip and jaw-length bobs.
Question is, do these inspo photos have you questioning the length of your own hair?
We’re oh-so-close to booking a salon appointment but know there’s much to consider before we take the plunge.
Our advice? Read our top tips and make an informed decision before you, well, let’s be honest, probably go ahead and do it anyway!
1) Will Short Hair Suit My Face Shape?
Yes. But you need to find the right cut. As with any haircut, it’s important to think about your face shape and how a new style could frame and compliment your features.
The simplest way to pick the right style for you? Have a consultation with your stylist.
Screenshot, save, and pin all of your favorite hairstyles from this page and elsewhere and ask them what they think, make it a collaborative effort. Our guide on how to choose the right haircut for your face shape can help too!
2) Are You Ready For The Upkeep?
We recommend keeping up to date with regular trims to keep your hair healthy no matter the length. However, when your hair is longer, you can get away with leaving it an extra week or two (or more) without it affecting the look of your chosen style.
But with shorter hair, especially bobs, those few extra weeks can completely alter the shape. Lip-length bobs hit that awkward stage between your mouth and your jawline. Longer bobs lose their shorter edge but aren’t quite long enough yet to be a lob.
So will you be able/want to stay on top of regular trims every 4-6 weeks? Think about it before you lop off your length.
3) You’ll Probably Have To Wash Your Hair More
Unless you exclusively air dry your locks (good job), wash day can be annoyingly time-consuming. Not so much the shampoo and conditioning part, but the blow drying and styling afterward. Unfortunately, if your hair is on the shorter side, you’ll likely have to wash it more often.
Why? No matter the length of your hair, your scalp will produce the same amount of natural oils. With less hair to absorb these oils as they work their way from your scalp to the ends of your hair, you’ll find your locks become greasier faster.
On the plus side, you’ll have less hair to wash and style which could, depending on your chosen style, help you claw back some lost time.
4) You Might Need To Change Up Your Haircare Products & Routine
Changing the length of your hair can’t exactly alter your hair texture, but it can change the way your hair behaves. Shorter locks, as we mentioned, can become oily faster. Meanwhile, waves and curl patterns will become tighter and springier.
The products you used before may be too heavy for your new shorter locks. If so, you’ll need to opt for new formulas with lightweight textures and ingredients to keep your hair light yet bouncy.
5) It Might Take Longer To Style
A common misconception with shorter haircuts is that they’ll be easier to style. However, with less hair to play with you often need to be more precise to get the style right.
That, plus the fact you’ll be styling an entirely different haircut than you’re used to, means you might want to set a little more time aside in the morning for a while.
6) It Might Be The Best Decision You Ever Made
Despite what might seem like a lot of negatives on the list so far, cutting your hair short could be the best decision you ever make for your hair, and here’s why…
7) Say Goodbye To Split Ends
The great thing about a shorter haircut? All of your damaged, split ends are gone in one swift cut!
Even if you don’t love the outcome and want to grow a couple of inches back, you’ll be glad of a shorter cut for just how incredibly healthy your hair feels afterward.
8) It Could Save You Money
Less hair = less hair product usage. Yes, you may own the same number of products but you’ll be using less of each in your new haircare routine.
Less shampoo and conditioner in the shower, fewer sprays of heat protectant, and a smaller amount of your favorite oils and serums. You get the picture!
9) No More What Ifs
Have you wanted to try shorter hair for as long as you can remember but worry you’ll regret your decision? We get it, but don’t let fear stop you. Sitting beneath a cape in the salon chair and watching your long hair fall to the ground can feel scary. But, it can also feel seriously empowering.
Hair grows and if you decide you really don’t like it, you can grow it out. At least you’ll know once and for all how you feel about it.
Our advice? Don’t go from lower back-length locks to a lip-length bob- unless you feel fully at peace with any outcome.
Try a sleek shoulder-length cut or a lob and, if you love it, take the plunge with a Bob. You may even decide to go shorter right there in your appointment, but ask your stylist to take less length off at first so you can make a more informed decision.