As a girl with long hair, I sometimes try out hairstyles that make long hair look short. I don't want to cut it, but I like to add some variety to the usual ponytail or headband. Of course, it's also a good way to see if you really want short hair before taking the plunge. Most of these hairstyles that make long hair look short are easy to do and look great for both day and night. Give a few a try and you'll discover just how versatile long hair really is.
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1. Embrace Curls
One of the easiest hairstyles that make long hair look short is curls. The key is to embrace big, tight curls that instantly take inches off your hair. I use volumizing curl sprays and mousse to add body to the hair before curling. It helps the curls stay in place all day. Depending on the thickness of your hair, you'll need around 15-30 minutes for this one. For me, it look like I cut six inches off my hair just by curling.
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To get the best results from this hairstyle, it is important to use the right products. Start by using a volumizing mousse or spray to give the hair more body and texture. Then, use a curling iron to create tight curls all over. Depending on the thickness of the hair, this process can take between 15-30 minutes. Once finished, the hair will look shorter and more voluminous. This hairstyle is perfect for those who want to cut inches off their hair without actually having to do so. It is also a great way to add texture and volume to long hair.
2. The Sneaky Headband
I absolutely love this style because it only takes a few minutes. It gives you a faux bob look and makes it look like your hair flips under naturally without curling the ends. You'll need a wide elastic wrap around headband and a thin elastic band. Ensure your hair is smooth to avoid frizziness. Wrap the elastic band around the bottom inch or two of your hair in a tiny ponytail. Put on the headband and tuck the elastic band underneath the back side of the headband, just above your neck.
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This sneaky headband hairstyle is perfect for those who don't have the time or energy for complicated hairstyles. It is a great way to make long hair look short and stylish. The headband is easy to put on and can be done in a few minutes. It creates a faux bob look and gives the illusion that the hair is flipping under naturally. To achieve the best results, make sure your hair is smooth and free of frizz. Start by wrapping an elastic band around the bottom inch or two of your hair in a tiny ponytail. Then, place the headband on and tuck the elastic band underneath the back side of the headband, just above your neck. This is a great way to quickly change up your hairstyle and make long hair look short.
Frequently asked questions
3. The Cute Waterfall
First of all, this style is difficult if you have extremely fine hair or very thick hair. I can pull it off only on dirty hair days. You'll need a long barrette that's approximate 3-5 inches and around ½ inch to 1 inch wide. Fold your hair up starting at your shoulders or immediately below your shoulders. Bring the fold up to mid-way on the back of your scalp. Flip the excess hair over the front of your head and put in the barrette. Let the excess hair flip back over the barrette in a waterfall style. This makes your hair look shorter and fuller.
4. Try the Tiered Look
If you have thick hair, the tiered look is probably much easier than the waterfall. I can't quite do it, but my friend's hair looks great this way. Divide your hair into a top and bottom section. Use bobby pins or snap barrettes to pin the ends of the bottom section at the base of your neck. Repeat the process with the top layer. Get a tiered or layered look by pinning the top section slightly higher. To make it easier, twist each section of hair as you pin it to make it stay in place and get a bouncier look.
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The tiered look is a great way to make long hair look shorter without having to cut it. It works best on thick hair, as it's easier to pin the sections. To create the look, divide your hair into a top and bottom section. Use bobby pins or snap barrettes to pin the ends of the bottom section at the base of your neck. Repeat the process with the top layer, pinning it slightly higher. To make it easier, twist each section of hair as you pin it to make it stay in place and get a bouncier look. This style is also great for adding volume and texture to long hair.
5. The Hidden Bun
I tend to use buns to keep my hair completely out of the way, but you can also use it to shorten your hair. I personally love how much body this gives my hair while cutting the length almost in half. Start by dividing your hair into a top and bottom section. Pull the top section out of the way and style the bottom section into a small bun. Pin the bun in place and let the top section cascade over it. Divide the top section into small sections. Fold them in half and pin them underneath near the base of the bun.
6. Play with Bobby Pins
Messy styles are extremely popular, so I decided to make a short, messy look by playing around with bobby pins. To make it look a little neater around your face, use a thin headband or a few barrettes on either side of your head. Fold your hair in different lengths and pin it in place. Hide the pins by pinning on the underside of the fold. The differing lengths give you a layered, messy look.
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The beauty of bobby pins is that they are perfect for creating faux layers and texture in your hair. By twisting and securing sections of your hair at different heights, you can create an illusion of short, choppy layers without losing length. This style is particularly fetching if you have highlights or balayage, as the different lengths will accentuate the colors in your hair. As a bonus, you can embellish with decorative pins or clips for added flair, making this hairstyle both playful and versatile for any occasion.
7. The Half-Pony
I love ponytails, especially for active days. Plus, this style doesn't require any bobby pins or curling. All you need is a thin elastic band and a claw clip. I highly recommend using a claw clip with no-slip grip. Put your hair in a low ponytail. Sweep the ponytail up the back of your scalp and clip it in place near the center of the back of your scalp. Let the remainder of the ponytail flip over the clip to hide it. The flatter the claw clip style, the closer the ponytail will be to your scalp. I do this often and it makes people think I've cut my hair all the time.
I love how short hair looks sometimes, but I don't want to cut my long hair. It takes far too long to grow it back out. Instead, I experiment with different ways to style my hair when the short hair bug strikes. How do you take a little length off your hair without resorting to scissors?
Comments
Aleena: I had made a YouTube video
Audrey: These are actually super helpful! I used to always cut my hair short, but now I'm finally growing it out. So, I miss having short hair sometimes, but this will help me to feel like I have short hair without ruining my growing-out progress! Thanks!!!!
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