Tale as old as time… true as it can be… We won’t be breaking into song just yet, because we have a debate to settle that’s genuinely been around forever. Long hair vs short hair – what’s better?
Today, we’ll be helping you pick between long or short hair by presenting the two sides of the story. Yep, the good, the bad, the convenient, the worrisome – the whole enchilada.
So, crack those knuckles and start reading to find out everything you need to know about long vs short hair, all below!
Long Hair 101: Basics, Haircuts, & Hairstyles
First of all, with lavishly long locks, you have tons of haircuts and long hairstyles you can dive into. Let’s see some examples!
1. V Cuts
Any girl with long hair can benefit from a chic V cut. In a nutshell, the silhouette adds definition and volume to any hairstyle you may take on afterward. Even more, with a V cut, you know that your hair will always beautifully flow down your back.
2. Long Hairstyles with Bangs
If you want to play around with the form of your locks, you can always try long hair with bangs as your next look. Aside from framing your face in a flattering way, a haircut with bangs will give you that girl next door vibe.
3. Layered Haircuts for Long Hair
Do you long for a voluminous hairstyle without backcombing all day? Look into layered haircuts for long hair.
Not only do they help you cut down on styling time, but they’ll also contribute to your hairstyle with plenty of texture.
4. Asymmetrical Haircuts
In some cases, you don’t even have to choose between long hair vs short hair. You can have the best of both worlds with an asymmetrical haircut.
In addition, you have the liberty to decide how dramatic you want the asymmetry in your hairstyle to be.
5. Lob Haircuts
Are you willing to sacrifice a bit of length to get a super stylish hairdo? Check out the multiple possibilities you have with different lob haircuts.
You can keep yours on the long side if you want to retain the length of your hair.
6. Braided Hairstyles
A major perk that long locks come with is the opportunity to have fun with braid styles.
You have countless types to choose from, whether you want a simple, three-strand braid, 4-strand, or a complex pull-through braid. Even try your hand at a French braid, a fishtail, or Dutch braids.
7. Half Up Half Down Hairstyles
The styling options you have with long hair don’t stop there. You can venture into dozens of combos with half up half down hairstyles.
Whether you want a semi ponytail or half up braids, the amount of ideas you have at hand is endless.
8. Messy Bun Hairstyles
Not in the mood for fancy stuff? You can always tie your long locks into a careless messy bun.
It’s always a sure sign of a girl who feels comfortable and confident just the way she is. You can even dazzle it up with some cute accessories for a feminine touch.
9. Crown Braid Hairstyles
At times, long hair can get annoying. On the other hand, you just may be bored with wearing it down all day.
For that, we recommend trying out a charming crown braid. The hairstyle will make you feel like a fairy princess floating through her kingdom.
10. Curly Faux Hawk Hairstyles
Do you have long hair and natural curls? You can put those glamorous ringlets to good use with a curly faux hawk hairstyle.
You’ll enjoy all the volume in the world while keeping your coils away from your shoulders and neck. From where we stand, it’s the ideal long hairstyle for a special occasion.
11. Braided Faux Hawk Hairstyles
As an alternative, you can let loose with a braided faux hawk. If your hair is significantly long, the hawk portion will flow into a long braid that you can rest over your shoulder.
This hairstyle hits just the right balance between girly and rebellious.
12. Elegant Updo Hairstyles
Whenever the time comes to dress up, your long hair will grant you access to a plethora of updo hairstyles.
For instance, you can go for the classic wedding look with a sweeping updo. Notwithstanding, a tight updo will have just as great of an impact!
13. Pigtails Hairstyles
Preparing for a casual get-together with friends? You can keep things stylishly low key with old school pigtails.
For an easygoing approach, braid your pigtails with a messy three-strand technique. Allowing a few strands to fall around your face will make the hairstyle even lovelier.
14. Side Swept Hairstyles
There’s a unique, unmistakable elegance that comes with side swept hairstyles.
If you have notably long hair, all you have to do is pull it to the side and rest it over one shoulder. The look will accentuate your jawline and cheekbones while bringing out your eyes.
15. Boho Braids Hairstyles
Are you a hippy at heart? Boho braids are exactly what you need to complement your long tresses.
A boho hairstyle is perfect for festivals but also for other nature-related events. Additionally, it will truly make you feel young, wild, and free.
Short Hair 101: Basics, Haircuts, & Hairstyles
On the other hand, cropped locks come with an abundance of cute, adventurous, and bold short haircuts for women.
1. Pixie Cuts
For starters, the pixie cut is one of the most coveted hairstyles for ladies looking into short haircuts.
In spite of its extreme shortness, the pixie is incredibly feminine and graceful. You can get one with either short bangs or long bangs, depending on your tastes.
2. Razor Pixie Cuts with Long Bangs
Want to take a pixie cut to the next level? Don’t be afraid to hit the clippers and start shaving away.
By sporting a shaved side, your pixie will be full of attitude and personality. However, keep in mind that growing the hair back on that side might be a tricky process.
3. Inverted Bob Haircuts
For a slightly longer alternative, you can try an inverted bob haircut. At its core, the inverted bob starts shorter in the back and gets longer as it reaches your chin.
You can opt for a discrete transition or a flashy one, however you’d like.
4. Asymmetrical Bob Haircuts
Happily enough, asymmetrical haircuts work whether you have long or short hair. For shorter locks, you can try an asymmetrical bob haircut.
Similar to the way side-swept hairstyles work for long hair, an asymmetrical bob helps you show off your gorgeous jawline.
5. Stacked Bob Haircuts
If volume is on your list of must-haves, a stacked bob haircut is exactly the short hairstyle you need! The haircut features gradual layers at the back of the head, all stacked one on top of the other (hence the name of the bob).
6. A-Line Bob Haircuts
Would you rather rock an angular frame in your short haircut? You can see if an A-line bob fits your needs.
We believe it’s a brilliant choice for transitioning from long to short hair. The reason is that your locks will still be a bit longer in the front.
7. Pageboy Haircuts
For a chic retro vibe, the pageboy haircut is an amazing option. As a short haircut, it was one of the most popular looks of the 1960s. However, today it remains just as relevant for women who want to bring back vintage glam.
8. Buzz Cuts
How about experimenting with an androgynous haircut? There are more than enough ideas for you to choose from, starting from the fierce buzz cut.
Throughout these past few years, a bleached or colorful buzz cut has become a staple for confident women around the world.
9. Short Layered Haircuts
You’d be surprised to see just how big of an impact a simple, short layered haircut can have on your appearance.
No need for trendy silhouettes that might go out of style in the near future. A good set of layers will help you get a timeless hairstyle anytime, anywhere.
10. Wedge Haircuts
Another retro look that’s here to stay is the wedge haircut. Although the original style is slightly different from modern adaptations, the wedge form looks stunning as a short cut.
Feel free to go longer or shorter with your wedge, based on your personal preference.
11. Undercuts
Dare to take a walk on the wild side with a short undercut hairstyle. It can spice up your appearance at any age, adding personality to your look.
For a safer approach, try a tapered undercut. Still, if you’re willing to go all out, you can get a fully shaven undercut.
12. Short Shag Haircuts
Shag haircuts with short layers are destined for the nonconforming woman. They’re a symbol of beautiful rebellion, complete with jagged edges and messy styling.
Moreover, they’re also a solution for sporting a retro yet modern hairdo.
13. Faux Hawk Haircuts
Keep calm and rock on with a short faux hawk haircut. It goes to show that you can do it like a dude and still look wicked good.
The bold haircut works especially well for women with naturally thick hair. Thanks to the thickness, the choppy locks will fall into the faux hawk form with ease.
14. Bowl Cuts
If bowl cuts used to be the very nightmares of our childhoods, they’re now one of the trendiest hipster haircuts.
As long as you put a modern twist on your bowl cut, you’ll have an alternative short hairstyle you’re bound to adore.
15. Quiff Hairstyles
As far as short hairstyles for women are concerned, the quiff proves that true style has no gender.
Although it’s a traditionally male haircut, the quiff has been embraced by more and more gals in recent years. And we’re living for it!
Long Hair vs Short Hair: Pros & Cons
There’s no right or wrong way to sport your hair. We wholeheartedly support every woman’s choice to rock their locks however they please.
Ultimately, it’s all about loving yourself in your skin (and hair), regardless of trends or others’ opinions.
Our long vs short hair debate is purely informative. You’re the only person whose perspective matters. Not your significant other, friends, or family. You!
Still, for context, we want to share some long hair vs short hair pros and cons you might not be aware of. Each hair category has a ton of benefits, but there are some drawbacks that come with the decision.
Make sure you know what you’re getting into before deciding on long or short hair.
Advantages & Disadvantages of Long Hair
| Pros | Cons |
| + Styling flexibility With long locks, you have a myriad of styling options available for you. From updos to braids and everything in between, you’ll never get tired of trying out new styles. | – Brushing time Depending on how long your hair is, you might have to block out an entire afternoon just for your routine. Washing and brushing long locks can take an eternity. |
| + Haircut options When your hair is long, you have the opportunity to experiment with numerous haircuts. We can’t say the same if you don’t have enough length to work with. | – Hair everywhere Clothes. Shower drains. Furniture. Carpet. Your hair will be all over the place. Plus, after you’re done with your hairbrush, it’ll look like a prop from a horror flick. |
| + Color combinations Indeed, highlights, ombre, and balayage hairstyles are possible for any length. However, you can get into complex color combinations with long hair. | – Overheating While it’s nice to have your long locks to keep you warm in the cold season, it can become a nightmare during the summer. Stock up on hair ties for ponytails and buns. You’re going to need them. |
| + Fewer maintenance trims If you have short hair and plan on maintaining it that way, you’ll likely be a constant customer at your local salon. With long hair, you’ll just have to trim split ends occasionally. | |
| + Traditional femininity Some people still view long hair as the standard for a feminine appearance. (We don’t, but we had to put it out there.) | |
| + Warmth During winter, you’ll be able to battle freezing-cold weather with more ease. |
Benefits & Drawbacks of Short Hair
|
Pros |
Cons |
| + Ease of styling If you have short hair, you don’t have to lose hours over trying to nail the latest braid or updo trend. Just a dash of styling product and raking your fingers through your hair. | – Limited styling options Despite being able to style your short locks with ease, you’ll be missing out on intricate hairstyles at the same time. |
| + Confidence Let’s be honest. Cutting your hair short takes courage. Not all women have the guts to do it, which means that those who do are the bomb. Their confidence will be immediately recognizable. | – Transition time If and when you decide to grow your hair out, it’s going to take an eternity. For this very reason, it’s important to weigh your options with care prior to chopping your locks. |
| + Facial features accentuation With a short ‘do, your face will be the center of attention. It’s a fabulous way to show off your beautiful eyes, killer cheekbones, luscious lips, or any other facial feature. | – Daily styling Indeed, you won’t have to deal with complicated hairdos. Nevertheless, it’s likely that you’ll have to set some time aside for light styling on a daily basis. |
| + Comfort No hair getting in your face all the time. Even if you have a short haircut with bangs, you can swiftly tuck them away. | |
| + Simple hair care routine Say goodbye to neverending hours of shampooing, conditioning, rinsing, repeating, and brushing. With short locks, everything becomes simple in terms of hair care. | |
| + Coolness Summers will be a breeze, literally. Your neck, shoulders, and face will thank you. |
Short Locks Prep: Things to Consider Before Cutting Your Hair
We’re not going to lie – chopping your hair is a big step. Before you make your final choice between long hair vs short hair, we recommend that you take the following aspects into consideration.
I. Test the Look Beforehand
Do not – we repeat – do not get a short haircut without figuring out how it would look on you.
Thanks to technology, we can now use apps or websites to place different haircuts over photos of ourselves. Use them. Another way to test a short haircut is to style your hair by tucking it in, like so.
II. Work with Your Hair Type
There’s a massive difference between straight and curly hair in terms of haircuts. Keep this aspect in mind before chopping off one too many inches.
On the one hand, straight hair will fall pretty much the same whether wet or straight. Curly or afro-textured locks, on the other hand, will immediately shrink.
III. Think about Your Face and Head Shape
Depending on how short you want to go with your haircut, you need to consider the shape of your head and face. Different silhouettes flatter different face shapes.
As a result, we recommend that you look into short haircuts that are suitable for your facial structure.
IV. Analyze the Growing Out Process
Without trying to sound dramatic, there really is no going back once you chop your hair off! And it’s going to take a more or less significant amount of time until it grows back out again.
On average, hair grows at a rate of about half an inch per month. But the numbers can vary from person to person. Therefore, be reasonable about the time it’ll take to get long locks again.
V. Donate Your Hair
We can’t stress this enough! If you have the chance, donate your hair to someone who needs it far more than you do.
There are various causes you can support through hair donation, including wigs created for cancer patients or individuals with alopecia.
Wigs for Kids, Hair We Share, and Chai Lifeline are just a few of the organizations you can reach out to for donating your locks to those in need.
VI. Don’t Act on Impulse!
Many of us are all too familiar with the temptation of the breakup haircut. Yep, we’re talking about the manic desire to chop our hair after ending a relationship. Or after other not so pleasant (see bad) events in our life.
Who are they to tell us how to look, anyway? Unfortunately, the rebellious impulse can end up in a major regret. If you’re going to cut your hair short, do it for the right reasons!
Long Locks Prep: Things to Consider Before Letting Your Hair Grow
On the flip side, growing your hair out comes with its fair share of considerations too. Prior to deciding on long hair or short hair, see what growing your locks actually implies.
I. Decide If You Have the Time
As we previously explained, you’ll get about a half-inch of hair growth per month. Multiply that by twelve and you’ll get a mere six inches of hair in an entire year.
If you’re dreaming about getting Rapunzel locks in a few months, you can kiss your fantasy goodbye!. Nevertheless, if you’re willing to put in the patience, growing your hair is totally worth it.
II. Recalculate Your Hair Care Budget
It’s basic math. The longer your hair is, the more product it will require for maintenance.
We’re not talking about fancy styling goodies. Just the basics – shampoo and conditioner.
Furthermore, you should also consider spending a little more on quality hair care products to enjoy long, strong, and healthy locks.
III. Invest in Styling Tools
If you’re going to have a longer ‘do, you’ll likely be tempted to test out all sorts of hairstyles that weren’t available to you before.
For women with a creative and experimental side, we recommend stocking up on tools like low-damage curling irons to make the most of their future long hair.
IV. Make Time for Trimming
Even though you’ll be growing out your hair, you’ll still need to trim it on a regular basis. You need to get rid of all those split ends to promote the growth of your locks.
Consequently, be ready to schedule frequent trimming appointments or see how you can snip away the dead ends at home.
V. Learn New Hairstyles
Braids, ponytails, and updos, oh my! If you’re passionate about long hair, you’ll be excited to see what new hairstyles you can try.
Although it’s not mandatory for all women who strive for hair length, it definitely adds to the experience.
VI. Be Patient!
Last but not least, you really do need to make patience your best friend. Growing out your hair can be a frustrating process, with more valleys than peaks.
However, when you reach your hair goals, you’ll be the happiest girl in the world!
Final Long Hair vs Short Hair Verdict: Who’s the Winner?
When all is said and done, what prevails in the long hair vs short hair battle?
Neither. And both.
At the end of the day, it’s not about whether long hair or short hair is better. It all depends on your preferences, and yours only. Both types of hair are gorgeous regardless.
And girl, believe us that you can pull off any haircut or hairstyle your heart desires. Long, medium, short, fully shaved, whatever it may be. The whole team is rooting for your choice. You’ve got this!
But what’s your take on the long hair vs short hair conversation? Would you personally rock long or short hair? Why?
We can’t wait to hear your thoughts on the topic of long vs short hair, so make sure you leave them in the comments section!
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Jenni Haward has been working as a hairstylist for almost 11 years. With that much experience, she was able to start her own business. It has been two years since she started and had made three salons in three different cities and is still growing. She is continuing to pursue the career hoping to impact more with her skills and knowledge.
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