How to Handle a Bad Short Haircut

A bad haircut need not prove the end of the world.

Though you may go to the salon or barber with the best intentions, there's no guarantee that you'll walk away with the amazing new style you want. Stylists sometimes make mistakes because of human error, miscommunication, inexperience or even a lack of skill. Once the bad cut is complete, you cannot turn back the clock -- but you can find ways to make your new short cut tolerable.

Things You'll Need

• Various types of hats
• Selection of hairpieces and extensions
• Hair accessories
• Styling tools like curling and flat irons
• Jewelry

Instructions

1. Express your displeasure with the cut. The stylist may fix it or at least offer a discount.

2. Get creative with hats. If you've always wanted to wear stylish hats that match your outfits, there will never be a better opportunity.

3. Try hair pieces. There are many types you can use to fill out your hair and enjoy different styles while you wait for a bad haircut to grow out. You can use them to add length or even create a whole new hairstyle, such as a fancy ponytail.

4. Wash your hair and experiment with styling it yourself. After these steps, it may not look as bad.

5. Use styling tools to change the look of your haircut. For example, a curling iron can improve your hair's body and add interest, even with a relatively short cut. If your look is already curly, use a flat iron to lengthen your look.

6. Use accessories to change the look of your haircut. Strategically placed barrettes and hair combs can prove useful for pinning hair to the side or back. Your ability to use them will depend on the current length of your hair and, in some cases, you may need to wait for it to grow a bit.

7. Add other accessories in a way that takes attention off your hair. A pair of dramatic earrings or a gorgeous necklace may help people focus more on your jewelry than the look of your hair.

8. Visit a different stylist and ask whether they can fix your haircut or at least make it more attractive for the time being. Take along pictures of the look you want as a guide.

Tips & Warnings

• If you are a man and willing to have a shaved head, take it all off. At least you won't have to look at the awful cut while you wait for your hair to grow back.

References

• Teen Vogue: Tips on How to Fix a Bad Haircut

Resources

• Good Housekeeping: Tipping After a Bad Haircut