Haircuts for Short Women

Short haircut with curls for petite women
Photo: Iofoto/Shutterstock
Q: I'm a 22-year-old woman who wants to cut my hair, but I'm worried it won't look good because I'm short (5'0" or 152 cm) and have a large oblong face with curly hair. I love short and medium-length haircuts, but I'm afraid that cutting my hair will make me appear even shorter. What would you recommend?
 
A: Your concerns are completely understandable, and it's wonderful that you're thinking about proportion when considering a new haircut. The relationship between your height, face shape, and hair texture doesn't have to limit your options. Instead, it can guide you toward styles that will be very flattering.
 
The fundamental principle for anyone, regardless of height, is maintaining harmony between your hairstyle and your overall proportions. This means considering how your hair relates to both your face and your body frame. For petite women like yourself, this balance becomes especially important because the right cut can actually enhance your features and create a more elongated silhouette.
 
Given your curly hair texture and oblong face shape, you have some fantastic advantages to work with. Curly hair naturally adds volume, which can be strategically used to complement your features. An oblong face shape is actually quite versatile and can handle various hair lengths and styles when approached thoughtfully.
 
For your specific combination of features, I'd recommend considering a cut that falls somewhere between your jawline and the middle of your neck. This length range offers two benefits: it won't overwhelm your petite frame and it can actually create the illusion of added height rather than diminishing it.
 
The key is incorporating strategic layering throughout your hair. Layers will help distribute the natural bulk of your curly hair more evenly, preventing the pyramid effect where all the volume sits at the bottom of your hair. Instead, you'll achieve a more balanced, rounded silhouette that complements your face shape and your height.
 
Middle of the neck hairstyle with curls
Image: AI illustration
Since you have an oblong face, you'll want to avoid cuts that are too long and straight, as these can emphasize the length of your face. Similarly, very short pixie cuts might not provide enough volume to balance your features. The sweet spot lies in that medium range where you can maintain fullness around the sides of your face while keeping the overall length proportionate to your body.
 
It's crucial to remember that when you have a larger or longer face shape, you actually need a hairstyle with adequate volume to maintain visual balance. Many people mistakenly think they should minimize their hair to minimize their features, but this often creates an unbalanced look. Your curly hair is an asset here because it provides the volume needed to complement your face shape.
 
One important consideration for petite women is avoiding styles that are too structured, as these can create what stylists call the "dress-up effect." This happens when the hairstyle is so prominent that it overwhelms the person wearing it, making them appear as if they're a child playing dress-up. At 22, you want a style that looks age-appropriate.
 
Use an app to try haircuts on a photo of yourself. When you do visit a hair salon, bring photos of hairstyles you like, but also be prepared to discuss how those styles might be adapted for your specific features and lifestyle. A skilled stylist will be able to take elements from various hairstyles and create something unique and flattering for you.
 
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See also:
 
Hairstyle lengths and the suitability for different people
 
What is a good hairstyle for a petite woman with a square face?
 
I like long hair but it makes me look shorter. What should I do?
 
10 style tips for the short