How to Know If Short Hair Will Look Good for You
Changing your hairstyle is fun, and if you’ve never seen yourself with short hair, you might be wondering how you look with a cute bob. Of course, there are many applications that can help you visualize this, but as it turns out, there is an even easier and less technologically advanced way to figure it out: by following the 2.25-inch rule.
This measurement was discovered by hair expert John Frieda, who studied faces and found that the angle of the jawbone determines whether someone will look better with short or long hair, Elle says .
You will need a mirror, pencil and ruler. To take the test, stand in front of a mirror so you can see the side of your face and hold the pencil horizontally under your chin and the ruler vertically under your ear. Measure from ear to pencil. If it’s under 2.25 inches, short hair (like a chin-length bob) should look great on you. More than 2.25 inches may be the best option.
Great, but why is it? From John Frida’s website :
Obviously, it’s not so much about the shape of your face as about the angle of your jaw (says John Frida’s stylist Giles Robinson). Of course, there are exceptions to this rule, but this is a good test if you are playing with the idea of short hair.
Facial shape also plays an important role and the type of hairstyle that would be most flattering, but checking with a ruler is a quick and easy way to stop thinking about short strands.
But also keep in mind that there are exceptions to every rule – so if you want short hair, don’t let the ruler get in your way.
This story was originally published on 5/20/15 and was updated 6/26/19 to provide more complete and up-to-date information.
This Test Will Show You If Short Hair Is Good For You | Elle