I recently had my sister help me perform an at-home bob haircut. I flimed the process for my YouTube channel if you want to check it out.
Since she did this cut for me, I have really loved having my hair shorter again, but at other phases in my naturally wavy hair journey I have really loved having longer hair. I thought I’d share the pros and cons of short and long wavy hair, from my perspective.
Why short wavy hair is better
- Less likely to tangle as shorter hair is younger hair that tends to be healthier
- You have less hair so you’l use less conditioner, gel, mousse, etc which can save money over time.
- Can feel cooler in hot or humid weather
- Dries faster
- May get tighter curls
- Can look thicker/fuller
Why longer wavy hair is better
- Easier to get definition
- Space for more layers which can bring out volume and definition
- No risk of ‘triangle hair’
- May curl better due to having more space to complete a spiral
- May look sleeker which some see as more professional
Downsides of short wavy hair
- May lose your curl if you go too short for your curl pattern
- Less options for updos
Downsides of long wavy hair
- May take longer to dry
- May tangle more
- Will go through product faster
- May get thin/sparse if you grow it too long
Will cutting wavy hair shorter make it curlier?
It varies from person to person. For me, my hair curls tighter the shorter my hair is, at least up to my chin or so. I have never cut my hair shorter than that to see how it does when extra short. However, some people find that if their hair is even shoulder-length, it is straighter than if they leave it longer. Some wavy curl patterns require a lot of length in order to complete their wavy or spiral shape. For others, when you cut excess weight that will allow your hair to spring up tighter.
If you’ve never tried having long and short hair while styling it wavy, the only way to know for sure how your hair will react is to try cutting it!
Suggested wavy hair length by face shape
Oftentimes people suggest basing your hair length by your face shape. Here are common suggestions based on your face shape:
Heart shaped faces do well with long bobs or ‘lobs’ as their chin is narrower than the top of their face, so their hair ending around their shoulders helps create balance.
Oval faces do well with blunt bobs. A blunt bob creates a dramatic horizontal shape that can balance out the notable vertical shape of an oval face.
Square faces do well with lots of layers. Usually to get a lot of layers you need a little bit longer hair. The layers help add dimension to the square face shape.
Round faces also do well with lots of layers to help elongate and add dimension to their petite face shape.
Diamond face shapes do well with a side part or a side fringe. This is a rare face shape but a very angular one, so having a side part or side fringe can help round and soften the overall look.
Differences in Styling & Caring For Short or Long Wavy Hair
Anytime you change the length of your hair, you’ll likely need to adjust how much product you are putting in your hair.
Upside down styling and/or diffusing may be too challenging for really long hair
Styling choices that will emphasize definition over volume may be preferred with shorter hair. I usually love volume, but when my hair is really short, if I style it for maximum volume it gives me a “mushroom head” look.
Extra short haircuts may require more frequent trims to hold their style.
Short wavy hair may not pineapple as well as a form of sleep protection, and may get more stretched out/elongated from being pulled back.
I made a blog post a couple of years ago sharing how I style my short wavy shag haircut if you’re interested in checking that out.
Hi Emily. During the pandemic my hair got almost to my waist. I found I had more curl in very long hair. But I got tired of a long ponytail and had it slowly cut shorter to now a chin length bob. My white and some silver streaks hair is extremely fine and is low density now that I am 79. My bob is slightly stacked in the back where it is the most wavy. My right side curls under but no wave pattern. The left has a deep wave and I wear fine bangs. This is an easy style and is youthful on me. I’m very happy with it. It does require that I go to my stylist every 6-8 weeks to maintain the shape. I have a natural angled slightly side part and I don’t use heat at all just styling mousse and comb with my wide tooth comb and my fingers curving my hair under and towards my chin. Let it air dry, about 1/2 hour and comb again and done. Easy! Your hair is gorgeous and I love your cat!
Your hair sounds lovely! & thank you!
Hi Emily I have a problem, the back of my hair isn’t wavy like the front of my hair after being cut. When I put hair gel it doesn’t form a cast it dries 2a/1c and the front is 2b/2c, how do I fix this? Also my waves don’t stay when I sleep even with a bonnet.
I’d focus on trying to get a cast as if you can get one that’ll likely help your results significantly. I’d try either using more gel or trying a harder hold gel to get a cast. That should help the straighter section stay wavier, and should also help your waves last overnight better.