Quick 30-Second Tests to Find The Ideal Hair Length That Suits You Best!

Do you ever find yourself questioning whether long or short hair is the right fit for you? It’s a common dilemma for many women, and the struggle can feel never-ending.

You might be tempted to go for a fresh cut, but worried it short hair would complement you better.

We all face this age-old question whenever our hair starts to grow longer. If you’re unsure about which hair length suits you best, there’s actually a definitive answer to this.

Try out these six easy hacks that can tell your ideal hair length in just 30 seconds.

By the end of this test, you’ll have a clear idea of whether you should book a trim or excitedly share this newfound knowledge with a friend who’s also undecided!

The 2.25-Inch Golden Rule For Hair Length

You don’t have to rely on a professional stylist to discover the ideal hair length for your face. Thanks to Giles Robinson, the International Training Director of Color Wow and a Senior Stylist at John Frieda Salons UK, we now have the 2.25-Inch Golden Rule.

This simple and effective method, based on angles, serves as a fool-proof guide for hairstylists to tailor cuts that enhance your face shape.

To follow this golden rule, all you need is a ruler and a pencil. Just follow the four easy steps of The 2.25-inch (5.5cm) Rule and you’ll be on your way to finding your ideal hair length.

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• Step 1: Prepare a ruler and a pen.
• Step 2: Position the ruler vertically below your earlobe.
• Step 3: Place the pen at your chin.
• Step 4: Finally, compare the distance between your earlobe and the pen.

If the distance between the ruler and the pen is greater than 5.7cm (2.25 inches), you’re more suited for a long hairstyle. However, if the distance is less than 5.7 cm (2.25 inches), short hair is the way to go.

The 0.47-Centimetre Rule

This second method is a little simpler compared to the first as you will not need a pen for it. Here are the steps:

• Step 1: Measure the width of your forehead, followed by the width of your shoulders.
• Step 2: Divide the first measurement by the second

If the result is greater than 0.47cm, short hair is likely a better fit for you. But if it is less than 0.47 cm, you should look great with long hair.

Consider Hair Volume

If you’re still holding onto the belief that girls can only rock long hair, it’s time to let go of that outdated notion.

In today’s world, it’s all about confidence and a fabulous haircut, no matter the length.

But before you decide to keep your long locks or start growing them out, it’s important to take your hair volume into consideration.

If you have thin hair, having long hair can give the illusion of a larger face. In this case, opting for short hair can add volume and make your face look smaller and fuller.

On the other hand, if you are lucky to have naturally thick and straight hair, you can enhance your look by adding subtle waves or getting a perm. This will not only add a touch of style to your hair but also highlight your facial features, giving you a lifted and chic effect.

Take a look at K-pop idol Jisoo here; even though her hair may seem flat, the waves at the bottom add dimension and volume, making her locks appear more lively and vibrant.

Face Shape and Contour

Korean actress-singer Suzy Bae is a perfect example of how different hairstyles can enhance different facial features. She has effortlessly pulled off both long and short hair, showcasing her strong jawline and captivating eyes and eyebrows.

Her press conference look was particularly stunning, with soft curls that made her jawline stand out.

If you have beautiful eyebrows and eyes, short hair can be a great way to draw attention to those features. It creates an upward visual focus that highlights your best assets.

Short hair is also a great choice for those with square or round faces. Textured styles can help soften and modify those face shapes, giving them a more flattering appearance. On the other hand, long hair with loose waves or curls can add a touch of sweetness and softness to long and round faces.

The length of your hair can have a significant impact on how your facial features are emphasised. Whether you prefer long locks or a shorter style, there are options to suit every face shape and highlight your unique beauty.

Facial Features

Facial features play a significant role in determining whether long or short hair is the best choice. Delicate features tend to look great with short hair, as it helps frame the face and create a softening effect.

While, strong or prominent features are enhanced by long hair, which adds balance and softness to the overall look. Whether it’s straight or curly, long hair can bring harmony, while short hairstyles can highlight the beauty of delicate features.

Park Shin Hye, known for her roles in TV series like Stairway to Heaven and Tree of Heaven, effortlessly pulls off both straight and curly hair – further enhancing her features.

Her versatility in switching between different hairstyles showcases how much of an impact they can have on accentuating facial features.

Head and Body Ratio

When deciding on hair length, it’s important to take into account your head-to-body ratio. For petite women or those with shorter torsos, long hair can make you look shorter by visually weighing down your silhouette.

Choosing short or medium hair that falls around the shoulders can create a slimming effect, drawing the eye upward and giving the illusion of height.

Take Korean star IU for example. Despite being tall, long hair can make her torso appear shorter and her legs longer. On the contrary, with short hair, her proportions look more balanced, enhancing her overall stature.

Head and Shoulder Ratio

Make sure to choose styles that complement the width of your shoulders in comparison to your head. If your shoulders are wider, consider shoulder-length hair with textured waves.

On the other hand, if you have narrow shoulders, short, straight hair can help create a more balanced look.

Head Shape

A round head shape offers flexibility with different hair lengths, while a flatter head shape may look better with shorter styles to prevent a heavy appearance.

Choosing short or medium-short hair with layers or curls can add volume and roundness, creating a more dynamic look.

Look at South Korean actress Kim Go-eun for inspiration. In the first photo, her long hair gives a monotonous vibe, but in the second photo with shoulder-length hair and bangs, she radiates a fresh and flattering look that enhances her features.

Height as a Guide

Finally, if you’re still unsure about which hair length suits you, consider your height.

Research suggests that the ideal hair length is around one-third of your height. You can measure and see if it aligns with your proportions.

In fact, shorter hair on petite individuals can make them look lively and cute, emphasising their neck and shoulders, which helps create a more balanced appearance.

Take the 1.57m Soyeon from (G)I-DLE, for instance. While she looks great in both hairstyles, sporting a shorter ‘do help make the petite idol look more proportionate and accentuate her body shape and facial features.

Feel free to experiment with these methods and find the perfect hair length that suits you best. After all, your hair is your canvas, and you have the freedom to choose the style that makes you feel confident and beautiful!