Pixie cut dilemma.
May 30, 2012 3:33 AM
What face shape am I? And how do you really determine these things (face shape professionals come on out)?
Sorry if I'm turning this into Yahoo! Answers by posting this question.
So. I've been debating a boyish pixie cut for a millenium, I think. I love the look, and the freedom of having less hair. I've had shoulder-length hair for as long as I can remember, and a quarter-life crisis is overwhelming me... in other words, change is desperately needed. But I'm also a terrible risk-taker and need to know if I'm making a serious mistake by cutting my hair very short. From what I've read, short cuts like the pixie cut only look good on round, heart and oval-shaped faces.
It's weird.. because I feel like I have an oblong face when I'm not smiling, but in between an oval and a square face (partially due to a strong, squarish jaw) when I am. I could be completely wrong. Does anyone else have expert on these matters, or know if hairstylers do? What is the science behind face shapes?!
Please. Let me know your ruthlessly complete opinion. And hairstyle options that you know.. aren't the safe, shoulder-length cut.
p.s.: The two links above should lead to two different images.. let me know if that isn't the case!
p.s.s: If there's a MetaLaw about not posting personal pictures, etc. feel free to send me a message smack also.
Sorry if I'm turning this into Yahoo! Answers by posting this question.
So. I've been debating a boyish pixie cut for a millenium, I think. I love the look, and the freedom of having less hair. I've had shoulder-length hair for as long as I can remember, and a quarter-life crisis is overwhelming me... in other words, change is desperately needed. But I'm also a terrible risk-taker and need to know if I'm making a serious mistake by cutting my hair very short. From what I've read, short cuts like the pixie cut only look good on round, heart and oval-shaped faces.
It's weird.. because I feel like I have an oblong face when I'm not smiling, but in between an oval and a square face (partially due to a strong, squarish jaw) when I am. I could be completely wrong. Does anyone else have expert on these matters, or know if hairstylers do? What is the science behind face shapes?!
Please. Let me know your ruthlessly complete opinion. And hairstyle options that you know.. aren't the safe, shoulder-length cut.
p.s.: The two links above should lead to two different images.. let me know if that isn't the case!
p.s.s: If there's a MetaLaw about not posting personal pictures, etc. feel free to send me a message smack also.
Do you have a photo of the cut or look you want? If so, position your head in similar fashion, take a photo and Photoshop the two together.
posted by Brandon Blatcher at 3:52 AM on May 30, 2012
posted by Brandon Blatcher at 3:52 AM on May 30, 2012
I think oval/oblong.
I have a heart-shaped face and went with a short "do" about a year ago and LOVE IT. I do think though, that you need to find the short do for you and really get a good idea of what works with your face shape.
I went with a Halle Berry-type do, which is short, with loose, spiky curls, but I think something like this would work for you although, you'd likely need some kind of product as your hair looks pretty straight.
I have seen women with longer faces, have longer bangs or layers in the front so they can swoop their hair to the side. Seems to work, but IANAHS (I am not a hair stylist).
posted by SoulOnIce at 3:58 AM on May 30, 2012
I have a heart-shaped face and went with a short "do" about a year ago and LOVE IT. I do think though, that you need to find the short do for you and really get a good idea of what works with your face shape.
I went with a Halle Berry-type do, which is short, with loose, spiky curls, but I think something like this would work for you although, you'd likely need some kind of product as your hair looks pretty straight.
I have seen women with longer faces, have longer bangs or layers in the front so they can swoop their hair to the side. Seems to work, but IANAHS (I am not a hair stylist).
posted by SoulOnIce at 3:58 AM on May 30, 2012
SoulOnIce, I can't seem to view the first image! :( LOVE the second look though. And in response to Brandon Blatcher's question.. this is kind of it: http://www.celebitchy.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/never_let_me_go_011_wenn5541401.jpg A pixie growing into a bob look. My hair has no volume, though, as SoulOnIce was bang-on right about. Probably even something like this: http://i1.squidoocdn.com/resize/squidoo_images/590/draft_lens18219743module157986289photo_1332890723-.jpg Seems like it could handle my frighteningly straight hair.
posted by raintree at 4:06 AM on May 30, 2012
posted by raintree at 4:06 AM on May 30, 2012
Ack, apologies for not using links. Here is the first one, and here is the second (corresponding to the post above)
posted by raintree at 4:07 AM on May 30, 2012
posted by raintree at 4:07 AM on May 30, 2012
Both those cuts have longish, side-swept bangs, which will look great on your face. As for lack of volume, all you are going to need is some sort of volumising product, or a styling mud.
posted by kellyblah at 5:08 AM on May 30, 2012
posted by kellyblah at 5:08 AM on May 30, 2012
You are so pretty! I would go for it. You're young and beautiful and hair will grow back quick. Just keep in mind how you would like to style it. I would go for something that will require a little gel in the morning but the hair will frame your face like this or something like This even ThisYou can try a short shag cut first and then gradually go to a pixie if you are nervous! Have fun!
posted by Yellow at 5:21 AM on May 30, 2012
posted by Yellow at 5:21 AM on May 30, 2012
You should do it! I think it will look gorgeous on you. It will draw more attention to your eyes which in my opinion is always flattering. Your face shape is very similar to mine (my chin is pointier, but I have the same square jaw and oval shape overall). I have a pixie cut and am told it is perfect for my face. Do it!!
Not exactly what you are asking, but some additional advice: if you do decide to chop it, the best thing you can do is go to a very nice salon, especially if you're used to going to cheap places. With medium or long straight hair, anyone can do a decent cut; it's a lot harder with short hair. The one difficult thing about short haircuts on women is that there is a fine line between a great cut for a woman and a man's cut which is not flattering, and in my experience with haircuts you get what you pay for. Go somewhere highly recommended by a short-haired friend or online, and bring lots of pictures, and ask the stylist's advice on what will be best for your hair and your face.
(I actually just cut my long hair into a pixie for the fourth time, so I have a very recent base of comparison; pretty much every single person I know told me the cut was much better for my face shape than long hair. My cut is similar to your second picture in your most recent comment, although a bit shorter in the back.)
posted by min at 5:22 AM on May 30, 2012
Not exactly what you are asking, but some additional advice: if you do decide to chop it, the best thing you can do is go to a very nice salon, especially if you're used to going to cheap places. With medium or long straight hair, anyone can do a decent cut; it's a lot harder with short hair. The one difficult thing about short haircuts on women is that there is a fine line between a great cut for a woman and a man's cut which is not flattering, and in my experience with haircuts you get what you pay for. Go somewhere highly recommended by a short-haired friend or online, and bring lots of pictures, and ask the stylist's advice on what will be best for your hair and your face.
(I actually just cut my long hair into a pixie for the fourth time, so I have a very recent base of comparison; pretty much every single person I know told me the cut was much better for my face shape than long hair. My cut is similar to your second picture in your most recent comment, although a bit shorter in the back.)
posted by min at 5:22 AM on May 30, 2012
I think you have a square face. As for your hair cut, I suggest getting it super short in the back and then somewhat longer in the front, to frame your face. It would be like a reverse-mullet.
posted by emilynoa at 5:39 AM on May 30, 2012
posted by emilynoa at 5:39 AM on May 30, 2012
Not a hairstylist and I can't say what your face shape is, but I think the haircut you want will look fantastic on you. I would definitely go with some sort of side-swept bangs - you're lucky, my forehead isn't high enough to accomodate bangs!
My best advice would be to go to a really good salon. If you know any girls with short haircuts you like, even better, ask them! It will really depend on the stylist's experience so that they can work with your hair type to bring out the best shape. A not so good stylist will try to force some celeb's haircut on you, make it look amazing with an hour of straightening and products, and then the next morning you shower and cry.
posted by like_neon at 5:48 AM on May 30, 2012
My best advice would be to go to a really good salon. If you know any girls with short haircuts you like, even better, ask them! It will really depend on the stylist's experience so that they can work with your hair type to bring out the best shape. A not so good stylist will try to force some celeb's haircut on you, make it look amazing with an hour of straightening and products, and then the next morning you shower and cry.
posted by like_neon at 5:48 AM on May 30, 2012
People always think they can't pull off short hair, but I think short hair looks great on just about anyone. Go for it!
posted by something something at 6:12 AM on May 30, 2012
posted by something something at 6:12 AM on May 30, 2012
I think your face is oval, but I don't know much about what hairstyles are flattering on what face shapes.
I second the advice to go to a good salon - they will be able to cut your hair in a boyish short cut that is flattering on you for sure! If you've been thinking about cutting your hair short for a while, you won't regret it - and even if you did, hair grows back. Update the thread with pictures if/when you get it cut!
posted by insectosaurus at 6:29 AM on May 30, 2012
I second the advice to go to a good salon - they will be able to cut your hair in a boyish short cut that is flattering on you for sure! If you've been thinking about cutting your hair short for a while, you won't regret it - and even if you did, hair grows back. Update the thread with pictures if/when you get it cut!
posted by insectosaurus at 6:29 AM on May 30, 2012
Your face shape looks similar to mine (I call it oval but what do I really know), and I wear a pixie and love it. I agree with something something: it's a lot easier to pull off short hair than most people think. The most nerve-wracking thing about short hair is that it really puts your face on display, but you have a lovely face and nothing to worry about. I say do it!
posted by JuliaJellicoe at 6:43 AM on May 30, 2012
posted by JuliaJellicoe at 6:43 AM on May 30, 2012
To view SoulOnIce's first image link, copy and paste the URL; their site has an anti-hotlinking thing going on: http://www.newhairstyles.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/pixie-haircut3.jpg
posted by inigo2 at 6:46 AM on May 30, 2012
posted by inigo2 at 6:46 AM on May 30, 2012
IANAHS, but I worked at a trendy salon for 2+ years and am a chick who rocks asymmetrical short hair. I have a similar face shape to yours - oval with a strong jaw/chin. I'd even go so far to say that I am slightly androgynous with my short hair, and it looks AWESOME. I never understood before getting a (good!) short cut that long hair just does absolutely nothing to play up these interesting strong jawed features, and can often do them a disservice. You could potentially be slightly androgynous with short hair. It will be awesome. Boys will be falling all overthemselves to stare at you, promise.
Nth-ing finding a good stylist. I feel like everyone, literally EVERYONE can look good with short hair, but a very small percentage of stylists are capable of actually delivering a flattering and easily re-created-at-home female short hairstyle.
Absolutely do NOT just find a random high end salon and just pick an expensive stylist. Find someone based off of a recommendation. Find someone who has a short haircut that suits them well (and who has hair similar to yours!) and ask them where they get their hair done, and by which stylist. These people exist everywhere. Ask a stranger - you'll make their day by complimenting their awesome hair. Ask a boy if his hair looks particularly bangin'. (And when you ask a stranger who their stylist is - get THEIR name as well. The stylist will usually be able to remember that person/can get an idea of what you're looking for if you tell them who sent you).
Please find a good stylist. I've had my hair lopped off several times throughout the years by bad stylists and the results are horrific. It took me years before I could trust another stylist to do the same.
Get a good, professional blowdryer, and learn how to use a round brush and product. My hair is similar to yours, and with short hair it is impossible to get away with air drying.
Memail me if you have more questions. I love giving hair advice!!
posted by Gonestarfishing at 9:52 AM on May 30, 2012
Nth-ing finding a good stylist. I feel like everyone, literally EVERYONE can look good with short hair, but a very small percentage of stylists are capable of actually delivering a flattering and easily re-created-at-home female short hairstyle.
Absolutely do NOT just find a random high end salon and just pick an expensive stylist. Find someone based off of a recommendation. Find someone who has a short haircut that suits them well (and who has hair similar to yours!) and ask them where they get their hair done, and by which stylist. These people exist everywhere. Ask a stranger - you'll make their day by complimenting their awesome hair. Ask a boy if his hair looks particularly bangin'. (And when you ask a stranger who their stylist is - get THEIR name as well. The stylist will usually be able to remember that person/can get an idea of what you're looking for if you tell them who sent you).
Please find a good stylist. I've had my hair lopped off several times throughout the years by bad stylists and the results are horrific. It took me years before I could trust another stylist to do the same.
Get a good, professional blowdryer, and learn how to use a round brush and product. My hair is similar to yours, and with short hair it is impossible to get away with air drying.
Memail me if you have more questions. I love giving hair advice!!
posted by Gonestarfishing at 9:52 AM on May 30, 2012
Oh! One more thing. www.ukhairdressers.com has THE BEST short hairstyle pics ever. It's also not as spammy as some of those other random hairstyle picture websites can be. Before cutting my hair I browsed for an hour and had a collection of 5 or 6 pics that helped me convey what I was looking for in layman's terms.
posted by Gonestarfishing at 10:01 AM on May 30, 2012
posted by Gonestarfishing at 10:01 AM on May 30, 2012
My wife had the same desire about a year after we got married. I love long hair and hers was gorgeous, but she just *had to* get a pixie cut. So she left to go the stylist and I sat at home playing video games...
Then she got home, ran into the bathroom, locked the door, and cried for hours. "I look like a boy!!!" she cried. She absolutely hated the way it looked. And because she knew that I preferred long hair, she felt like she looked ugly AND she made herself unattractive to me.
Oddly enough, I thought it looked okay. I think the change was just so drastic that it surprised her. She has kept a short pixie-ish style for most of the past 13 years, so I think it grew on her (pun intended!).
So just beware: it might not look like you anticipated at first. Give it time.
(And us guys who like long hair don't mind short hair too. I guess that's a secondary lesson.)
posted by tacodave at 2:53 PM on May 30, 2012
Then she got home, ran into the bathroom, locked the door, and cried for hours. "I look like a boy!!!" she cried. She absolutely hated the way it looked. And because she knew that I preferred long hair, she felt like she looked ugly AND she made herself unattractive to me.
Oddly enough, I thought it looked okay. I think the change was just so drastic that it surprised her. She has kept a short pixie-ish style for most of the past 13 years, so I think it grew on her (pun intended!).
So just beware: it might not look like you anticipated at first. Give it time.
(And us guys who like long hair don't mind short hair too. I guess that's a secondary lesson.)
posted by tacodave at 2:53 PM on May 30, 2012
OK so I have no idea what face shape you are, but I think you could definitely pull of a pixie. I honestly think most women would look good in a cut like the second one you posted. And pixie cuts really showcase a pretty face. Go for it!
posted by vanitas at 4:45 PM on May 30, 2012
posted by vanitas at 4:45 PM on May 30, 2012
Why not try on the haircut and see for yourself? There are several "virtual makeover" sites out there that allow you to upload a picture of yourself and then try on haircuts, colors, or makeup. Try this one http://www.instyle.com/instyle/makeover/0,,,00.html
posted by Jandoe at 5:31 PM on May 30, 2012
posted by Jandoe at 5:31 PM on May 30, 2012
I think it'll look great (more so the first mulligan style). Give it a shot.
posted by backwards guitar at 7:57 PM on May 30, 2012
posted by backwards guitar at 7:57 PM on May 30, 2012
This thread is closed to new comments.
(My non-expert opinion says oval, let me know if I'm right!)
posted by ferociouskitty at 3:44 AM on May 30, 2012