Short Hair Myths

Introduction

Myth No. 1: Short Grows Faster Than Long

False. Cutting your hair won’t alter its normal biologically determined growth rate or overall texture. Don’t confuse short tresses that look and feel thicker with a growth spurt or sudden texture change. Thin, limp or fine hair will rarely grow thicker in response to haircuts. If you must, plump up your hair by using volume enhancing hair care products, experimenting with a hair fattening blunt cut or getting a texturizing perm or color treatment. (Photo courtesy of ARTec - 2002 - All rights reserved).

Myth No. 2: Short Dos Demand More Frequent Trims

True. Precision cut short hair will lose its shape faster than longer hair that is not cut in a specific shape. While long hair should be trimmed every 6-8 weeks to contain split ends, short hair, especially close crops or caps need to be trimmed and reshaped every 3-4 weeks. Short hair is at its absolute worst when it starts to lose the shape of the original style.

Myth No. 3: Femininity Is MIA On Short Tresses

False. There are many short hair styles like the romantic cap and sexy bedhead tousle that can be designed to be feminine and soft. The right cut can easily morph from romantic to classy to feminine in short order. Your hair destiny is in your hands with a great basic shape, the right styling products and lots of styling pizzazz.

Myth No. 4: Fabulous Short Looks Can Be Created Without A Scissors Or Razor

True. The trendiest hair masters have evolved way past scissors and razors opting instead to using color as their primary tool to create fabulous hair designs that ooze depth, movement and edge. It is no longer just about the haircut but it is definitely all about the color. Hot hues are now dispatched to instantly turn up the wattage on any short style. (Photo courtesy of ARTec - 2002 - All rights reserved).

Myth No. 5: Split Ends Are No Shows On Short Strands

False. Tresses, no matter what length, may develop splits, rips and tears if hair is not kept trimmed, coddled and well conditioned. All the standard hair splitting dangers apply to all hair no matter what length it is.

Myth No. 6: Curly Girls Can Look Stunning In Short Coifs

True. Curly-topped celebrities from Anne Heche to Kerry Russell have long demonstrated that short styles can be ravishing and stylish. Sarah Jessica Parker is the current poster girl for short Botticelli chic. In the hands of a talented stylist any texture of hair from stick straight to wildly waved can look smashing.

(Photo from Goldwell - all rights reserved).

Myth No. 7: Hair Extensions Are Not Possible For Short Hairs

False. Barbara Lhotan, author of the popular 5 Minute Updo Book explained "a client must have at least 3-4 inches of hair for the hair extension method to work. Much shorter than that and the extensions would probably just not be anchored well to the natural hair or not stay in place as they should." Lhotan explained that short haired clients are often the best candidates for extensions as long as they have enough length for the actual attachment to take place. (Photo courtesy of ARTec - 2002 - All rights reserved).

Myth No. 8: Thin Or Finely Textured Hair Looks Best In Short Chops Or Crops

True. Hair experts often suggest that a shorter cut is best for thin or fine strands. Depending on the shape of your face, color of your hair and its thickness, a well designed short cut will create the illusion of instant fullness. Throw out any old hair rule books and work with a talented stylist that can access the best flaw busting, face framing, instant fattening cut designed specifically for you.

Myth No. 9: Anyone Can Wear A Short Cut

False. There are no guarantees that every one will look fab in a short style. There are many factors that determine whether a short cut is really right for you. A good stylist will help you evaluate your face shape, age, hair color, texture and thickness before making a recommendation. While a short crop may fail to flatter a chin-challenged older women, an extended short bob or asymmetrical cut could be perfectly stunning. (Photo courtesy HairBoutique photo gallery - all rights reserved).

Myth No. 10: Stylists Prefer Working With Short Hair

True. While master stylists are gifted with any type of hair length, a large majority of stylists may tend to prefer working with short hair. Short hair offers a perfect canvas for experimentation with the latest trends and styles. It also hold the most promise for a dramatic new look or change.

Myth No. 11: Cowlick Challenged People Should Avoid Short Styles

False. Celebrity stylist Ken Pave “works with cowlicks and other flaws to create a stunning style”. Ken recently achieved a miraculous transformation on an Oprah guest. Conquering a high forehead and cowlicks with precision cutting and styling, he transformed “a hair challenged young woman into an instant beauty”.

Myth No. 12: Short Cuts Are Often Cheaper

True. A large number of salons and spas charge less for a cut performed on shorter lengths. Many Cut-In-The-Box shops specialize in a no frills short chop that is much less expensive than a full service cut or trim for longer strands. Whether right or wrong, this is a fact of business life that dictates all sorts of similar rules.

Summary

Yes, they are out there circling in hair land. So what should you do when you hear a short hair myth? When in doubt ask a true hair expert. This does not include your best friend, or the checkout clerk at the local drug mart. Always get the facts before you act on any hair rumors. Your hair will love you for it.

If you want to talk more about this or other hair care articles on HairBoutique.com or anywhere else, please post a message on HairBoutique.com's Hair Talk Forums.