Popular Short Hair Questions, Answered by Experienced Hairstylists

Have short hair? Find trustworthy answers to the most popular questions women have about short hair. Each question is answered by a knowledgeable hairstylist with years of experience. If you have a short hair question that you don’t see an answer for, contact us!

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Does short hair need conditioner?

Short hair does need conditioner. Conditioner helps to seal the cuticle layer of the hair shaft to protect it from external damage. Since shampoo lifts the cuticle to cleanse, closing that cuticle is important. For fine hair or very short hair try using a light conditioner or volume conditioner.

Answered by Hope Alexander, hairstylist from Brooks, AB, Canada

How do I know if short hair would suit me?

If you want to know if short hair would work for you, take into consideration which features you want to accentuate or diminish, styling time, hair density, and texture. Consider making this a process where you gradually go shorter to see what lengths you like best.

Answered by Hope Alexander, hairstylist from Brooks, AB, Canada

Why does shorter hair look thicker?

Short hair looks thicker because it is usually healthier. Short hair, especially when it has been freshly cut, means it has not been with you as long and it hasn’t gone through as much day-to-day damage. The ends of the strand tend to be blunter as opposed to split.

Answered by Hope Alexander, hairstylist from Brooks, AB, Canada

Is short hair easier to maintain?

Short hair usually requires more maintenance compared to longer hair. Short hair often needs more frequent maintenance appointments to keep its shape, as well as daily styling. Certain short styles can be easier to maintain than others. For example, a pixie would require more styling and maintenance than a bob.

Answered by Hope Alexander, hairstylist from Brooks, AB, Canada

Can you perm short hair?

Short hair can be permed, as long as your hairstylist can get it wrapped around a perm rod properly. Almost any length can be permed as long as the hair is in good enough condition. Curly hair is great for people with little to no styling time at any length, just add some product and you’re good to go.

Answered by Hope Alexander, hairstylist from Brooks, AB, Canada

Can you balayage short hair?

Yes, you can balayage short hair. In fact, sometimes a balayage looks more natural on short hair and helps to give it a soft, sun-kissed look. Balayage will give you a more blended color whereas most types of foil highlighting will give you a streakier look.

Answered by Greer Tepper, Senior Cosmetologist in Severn, Maryland

Does short hair make an older woman look younger?

Short hair tends to make older women look younger. Shorter hair draws the eye upward and gives a more youthful appearance. Also, wearing earrings is more fun because they are more visible!

Answered by Greer Tepper, Senior Cosmetologist in Severn, Maryland

Does short hair suit round faces?

Short hair can suit round faces as long as you stay away from haircuts where the length is at chin level. Short hair is usually complementary to almost all face shapes but make sure you ask your hairstylist what they think will work best for you.

Answered by Greer Tepper, Senior Cosmetologist in Severn, Maryland

Does short hair suit oval faces?

Yes, short hair suits oval faces. An oval face can pull off any hairstyle, especially short hair. Ask your stylist if they have any ideas for what length would work best for your oval face shape.

Answered by Greer Tepper, Senior Cosmetologist in Severn, Maryland

Does cutting hair short help with hair loss?

Sometimes cutting hair short helps with hair loss. When the hair becomes damaged you must cut the split ends off so that the damage doesn’t continue to travel up the hair shaft. If you fail to do this you could end up with a good amount of breakage which would make the hair appear thinner and unhealthy.

Answered by Greer Tepper, Senior Cosmetologist in Severn, Maryland

Does cutting hair short make it healthier?

Cutting hair short can make hair healthier because it removes old or damaged hair. Hair that is closer to the root tends to be healthier, because it’s newer, and hasn’t been exposed to as much heat, sun, or chemicals, thus making it stronger. When going shorter make sure to keep up with regular maintenance trims and use heat protection to keep the integrity of your hair.