How to Choose a Short Haircut

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By CindyM
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Choose a Short Haircut

Thinking of loosing that extra hair and going for a short pixie-like haircut? Before you shed that excess hair, do your homework and find a style that will suit your hair and face. Here are some tips for choosing a short haircut that’s perfect for you.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

Hairstyle Magazines

Exploring Your Options

Step 1

Get to know your face shape. Not all faces will compliment short hair. Find out what face shape you have and find a short or shorter style that will balance out the angles of your face and suit you the best. See the resource box at the end of this article for a link to determining your face shape.
Step 2

Determine your hair type. The type of hair you have will play a huge role in what haircut will work best for you.
Step 3

Find pictures either in magazines or the Internet and cut, or print, the styles you like. Keep these handy as you’ll want to show them to your stylist at the beginning of your appointment.

Choosing a Short Haircut for Fine Hair

Step 1

Decide on the length of your new short hairdo. Fine hair doesn’t have a lot of body on its own. Due to this, you will want to be careful with what type of style you choose so styling your new "do" isn’t a nightmare.
Step 2

Bob it. One length or a slightly-layered bob work well with fine hair as this cut makes the hair appear thicker. This works best for fine hair that is straight or with a small amount of natural wave.
Step 3

Pick a pixie. Short pixie-like cuts with lots of texture and layers can work well for fine hair. Just be aware that this style will require hair product such as mousse or gel to obtain lift and direction in the style. The key to this style is to keep it messy looking.

Choosing a Short Haircut for Medium Hair

Step 1

Go wild. Medium hair is the easiest to create a short haircut with as it’s neither too thin or too thick. Try a short hairstyle with lots of layers and wispy length around the sides and back.
Step 2

Play up the curl. If your medium hair has curl to it, don’t fight it. Instead use the curl to your advantage and have your stylist create a haircut that plays up your curls. Short layered bobs with scrunched in curls look great and are fairly easy to style.
Step 3

Flip out. Medium hair types are perfect for hairstyles that flip at the ends. Try a chin-length number or slightly longer bob with razored ends that flip out. This is a modern version of the classic bob that is sure to turn heads.

Choosing a Short Haircut for Thick Hair

Step 1

Thick hair can be a blessing, but when it comes to short hairstyles chances are you’re going to want to ditch some of the weight associated with thick hair. Seek out a stylist who specializes in razor cutting and have her create a multi-textured short haircut.
Step 2

Create movement. The curse of thick hair is having it look like a massive blob on top of your head. If your hair is very thick choose a hairstyle with varying directions. Go for short and flipped at the back with longer, sleek layers around the sides and face. This creates variety in the hairstyle and helps you avoid a “helmet-head” type of style.
Step 3

Keep it simple if you don’t like to style. For those who aren’t naturally gifted in styling their hair try keeping it simple with a sleek bob. This works best on straight hair and is super simple to style. Update this short haircut by having the ends razored to break up the ends and add some movement.