Whether you are getting a haircut or looking to buy extensions, knowing a hair length from a hair length chart is necessary. Apart from these two hair helps in defining the face as well.
Normally we address hair length in three names – short, medium, or long. However, there’s more to this. I don’t think there’s not a woman who gets satisfied with her current hairstyle. Experiments are forever, but there are a few times when your hairstylist has actually done the job perfectly.
He cuts off the length more than desired, which results in shorter hair. Even sometimes when you ask him to give you a shorter cut, after the styling it seems like he has hardly touched your hair.
It’s not all his mistake, sometimes even if we don’t know what to ask for, this is why knowing a hair length chart is a must.
Here in this blog, you will read about the importance and use of a hair length chart. Also, why should you use them?
What Is the Hair Length Chart?
Just like knowing hair type is necessary, the same is with the length. As said above, it will help you select the perfect haircut. Rather than saying, “I would like to have short hair but not too short,” be specific about the length.
Apart from three standard (or most used) length terms, there are professional length names according to expert stylists, that will save you from unnecessary trouble in haircut length.
A hair length chart is a visual representation of length in inches and with the exact terms. Have a look at the image!
How to Measure Hair Length?
Before deciding what haircut or style you want to get, it is important to know about your hair length. Yes, you have to first measure your hair length; believe me, it is one of the fun things to do apart from getting and styling your hair.
So, why should you keep track of your hair growth? Why should you measure your hair length?
Measuring your hair length will give you all the insights about your hair, such as the texture of your hair, how good or bad your hair’s condition is, and at which rate your hair is growing. All these things will help you get the right haircut that suits you. And based on the results, you can change the hair care routine for the betterment of the hair.
There are many ways to measure your hair length. However, one of the most relatable ways is to use hair length charts or hair growth charts. You can take these charts as a reference while explaining what kind of haircut or hairstyle you want for your hairdresser.
So there are basically three types of categories in the hair length chart:
Short Hair: this type of hair stops just above the shoulders. If you measure, it will be up to 12 inches for straight tresses. For the waves and spiral hair type, the length is 14-16 inches.
Medium Hair: This hair length is usually considered from the shoulder to the armpit. This is about 12-18 inches for straight strands, and for curly hair, the length could be up to 24 inches.
Long Hair: This hair type has no length. The hairs longer than the armpits are considered long.
So now you know what is considered long hair, you can take a hair length chart with three lengths as a reference to measure your exact hair length to meet your hair goals.
Why Is It Important to Know the Hair Level and Its Chart?
Now, you know the meaning of the hair level chart, but why is it important?
I already said you need to recognize the hair level for getting proper styling done. Apart from this, it will also help you with extension purchases and hair charity.
Yes! You can donate hair as a charity. There are many such organizations that offer happiness to the one in need when you donate a few inches of your hair. Also, usually, they have a chart of hair length accepted as a charity and it would be better if you know about it.
The chart has measurements both in inches and names according to their appearance, i.e., chin-length, shoulder-length, or long. You might have no idea about this but the length of your locks will change with your hair type. How?
Read the next section.
How Does Your Hair Type Influence the Length?
First things first, everyone is born with a specific hair type, some have straight, curly, wavy, or even tight curls. This is something you can’t change (permanently). Normal hair length is considered when they are entirely straight. Why? Because that is when you can properly measure the hair.
When you have wavy or curly hair, the length is naturally shortened in look due to its texture. So when straight tresses of 12 inches reach the back of the shoulder, the one with the wavy or curly hair will have the appearance till the neck only.
I have wavy hair, I understand the struggle behind reaching shoulder-length hair. So don’t get upset about the length if you have any type other than straight, it will look short. So, before jumping to a conclusion you must measure it.
P.S: Considering a straight hair chart or wavy or curly type, you are only going to get things to worsen for yourself. Wishing that length will require you to grow hair twice as long as its length.
The next section will teach you how to use the hair length chart.
Does Hair Type Affect Length?
Most people don’t have the same hair type; even if you compare it within a family, hair will differ.
Whether you like it or not, it is what it is!
So, the straight hair length chart will differ from the curly hair length chart. This is the main reason why various hair lengths are associated with various lifestyles.
For example, people who are extremely busy with their work life and personal life usually go with short haircuts, and on the other side, people who like their hair long spend proper time and maintain a hair care routine.
Today, there are so many types of female haircuts for different face shapes, textures, and lengths.
How to Use a Hair Length Chart?
There’s no rocket science behind using the chart or measuring with the hair chart length. Here we have uploaded three different length charts for straight, wavy, and curly.
Straight Hair Type
Wavy Hair Type
Curls Hair Type
Tips for wavy and curly hair girls: While measuring hair length pull the hair strand perfectly and then measure.
Hair length Guide:
Up to here, you read everything about the hair length chart, its importance, and how to use it. It is time for me to take you further and let you know about the facts. Which one? Take heed!
What is considered as short hair?
When your locks run to the ear lobes or slightly above the chin level, you have short hair length.
Ear Length
This one is the shortest hair length in the chart, it starts from the scalp and ends at the top or below the ear lobes. Ask your hairstylist to chop off hair in the ear length.
Chin Length
The locks that end at the chin level are chin-length hair. This length has more popularity in the ‘30s. If you are craving the retro look, this is the one.
Hair Length Chart: 5 Hairstyles For Short Hair
1. Curtain Bangs
Another great haircut for short hair is the curtain bangs and a collar-length bob. These two styles go together well; another great thing is that this one requires low maintenance. This haircut is versatile and looks good on many face shapes. And on the plus side, you can either grow them or pin them to the back and create a fun hairstyle.
2. Blunt Bangs
Look at the above photo, which will break the myth that blunt bangs need to be stiff. In fact, this short hairstyle will flatter most girls with different face shapes. You can also ask your hairstylist to add these straight-across bangs. This will give you a retro look with fresh vibes.
3. Strong Bob
Also known as the blunt bob, the strong bob is another fantastic short hair length idea that you can think about. This looks so cool and cute at the same time! This haircut usually works for most hair textures but looks good on thin hair. So if you have dense hair ask your stylist to thin your hair a bit.
4. Curly Lob
Curly lob is cool, and cool is sexy!
If you want to emphasize your face shape, you should try this haircut. This classic curly lob will specifically bring out your hair texture.
5. French Bob
One of the best haircuts in this year, the French bob is still one of the popular haircuts for women with short hair. This haircut is a bit shorter than the regular chin-length bob. The most amazing thing about this haircut is that it has a chic and stylish factor to it.
However, one thing you need to keep in mind while getting this cut is where exactly you want your cuts, like the chin, jawline, or cheeks.
What is considered as medium hair?
The tresses’ length which is between the chin and top of the shoulder is called medium-length hair.
Neck Length
When your locks reach the level where it is between the chin and shoulder, it is called neck-length hair. This is the length that suits most women regardless of their hair type.
Shoulder Length
Locks falling just on top of the shoulder are known as shoulder-length hair. This is the most alluring length. The advantage of this length is that you can style your hair in a ponytail, or updo, or just leave it down, it will look great in any form.
Hair Length Chart: 5 Hairstyles For Medium Hair
1. Choppy Layers
Looking for a fun and flirty haircut for your medium-length hair? Here’s a great option for you: choppy layers cut!
This bold cut makes a statement from its strong looks and flowy movements. This is perfect for women who want an easy and effortless medium-length haircut.
2. Feathered Lob
If you don’t want something too aggravating, like a choppy cut, you can go with the feathered lob. This is a popular haircut for medium-length hair which complements almost all face shapes. Whether you’re 26 or 56, you can rock this hairstyle with any hair type.
3. Layered Medium Length Cut
Are you a girl with thin hair? No worries, you get so many different haircuts for your thin medium, length hair. This is a bit improvised version of the choppy cut. This one has a medium-length layered look which gives so much volume. Get this haircut for an effortless, delightful look.
4. Two-Layer Cut
Are you looking for a low-maintenance haircut for your medium-length hair? Look no more; here’s the perfect hairstyle for you! This is a two-layer cut for mid-back length hair that will give your hair a natural bouncy look. You can ask your stylist for this cut or just show them these pictures with mid-back length hair so that they will get an idea of what you’re exactly talking about.
5. Voluminous Wavy Shag with Bangs
Even if you have medium-length hair, don’t shy away from getting full bangs. Combining the voluminous wavy shag with bangs is a great idea to get a playful lift in your natural hair. To style them, you can curl them a bit to achieve a wavy look.
What is Considered Long Hair?
When your hair is at the level of the armpit or below it is considered as long hair in the hair chart. This is the desire of every woman, but it takes months and an ultra hair care routine to achieve the length. Only a few are blessed with naturally long-grown hair.
Collarbone Length
Having hair falling on the collarbone is really great, you have the freedom to style it in the way you want, even if you get a layered haircut. It is long-length hair.
Armpit Length
Armpit length is among the natural hair length chart along with ear, chin, shoulder, and mid-back length. This is the length where you can get it curled for a chic look with not-so-short hair. This one falls at the level of your armpit.
You can go for a body wave perm for medium-long hair, perm can make it look medium neck length, which you might not want.
Bra Strap Length Hair
Bra strap hair length is long enough to require extra care and nourishment. If your hair is slightly below the armpit level and reaches the hook strap of your bra, it is bra strap length hair.
Mid Back Length
When your hair reaches the mid-back length, trust me you will have heads turning over you. Braid them to see how beautiful they look! Just don’t let it flow in the wind, you will end up crying while detangling the hair.
Waist Length
This is what you say ‘Very Long Hair.’ The locks will end up hugging your waist. Also, the amount of praise you will get is directly proportional to taking care of this length.
Extra Long Length
When your hair grows below the waist level it is on the extra long length side. The owner will get an amused look when out with this length, it is very rare to see. Even its section has sub sections like hip & calf length, tailbone length, and the classic length.
Hair Length Chart: 5 Hairstyles For Long Hair
1. Subtle Layers
If you’re blessed with long hair, try this style! These are called subtle layers, which create an amazing effect and movement to your boring-looking hair. The stylist will chop the lower 5-6 inches of your hair in layers to get this cut.
Don’t worry about the styling because these hairs are super easy to style as you don’t have to do anything much to do it. Another great thing about this cut is that it will not leave your hair with a dramatic texture or a length crop.
2. Tapered Ends Haircut
For this haircut, ask your stylist to go thick on the top and keep narrowing while going down. This particular cut looks gorgeous on girls and women with an oval or oblong face. This cut creates a dense volume around your chin and jawline and creates a length effect! You can either keep your hair open or make a ponytail; in both ways, it will look beautiful.
3. U Cut For Long Hairs
Do you want a simple haircut for your long hair? Get a U cut!
Instead of getting layers to your entire mane, get a defined frame in the form of a U-shaped cut. This will create an angled structure on the strides of your face and will make your hair look long and swoopy.
You can either do a sleek updo for a party or style your hair in a low ponytail for a casual look.
4. Razor Cut
Razor cut was once extremely popular among girls. Back in the day, almost every girl tried this hairstyle at least once in her life. So if you’re confused about a haircut for your long hair, get this one!
You can say this is another version of the layered cut with a sharp look. You can also add bangs with it. However, for the girls with curly hair, this haircut won’t work, so they can skip this one.
5. Waterfall Cut
This cut consists of short layers in the front and goes longer slowly than going to the back. This haircut is for every hair type. So whether you have straight, curly, or wavy hair, you can get this cut. However, each hair type will give a different look!
Hair Length Chart For Extensions:
Normally the length is the same for both, but the difference is it is going to attach under your ear lobes and hence their size. While you are selecting the hair extension, if your hair’s length is 16 inches, consider getting an extension that can be 18 inches. Otherwise, it won’t give a natural and smooth effect.
Short length hair extension: comes in sizes 6, 8, 10, and 12 inches. (Adds thickness and volume)
Medium length hair extension: comes in sizes 14, 16, 18, 20, and 22 inches. (Gives satisfactory length)
Long length hair extension: comes in sizes 24, 26, 28, 30 and 32 inches. (Adds length quickly)
Growing hair below waist length is kind of difficult, you have to wait longer and take care of it like anything. Extensions can make your struggle easy and your hair game strong.
Factors To Consider Before Finalizing A Hair Length
Many people wonder if there are any important things to know before getting a haircut. Apart from checking the hair length chart for women, there are a few things that you need to consider before choosing a hair length in the hair chart.
Here are the top three things that you should always keep in mind before finalizing a hair length:
Hair Type
Hair type significantly affects how your hair will look after a haircut! For example, if you’ve straight hair, your strands will look exactly the actual length. However, if you have wavy or curly hairs, they will appear a bit shorter than the actual length.
Face Shape
This is a fact that some haircuts look more flattering on certain face shapes!
Here are face shapes and the cuts which look good on it:
- Oval: long layers, pixie, shoulder-length waves, a layered bob, or full fringe.
- Square: Wavy shags, soft side-swept bangs, or long layers with fringe.
- Round: Long voluminous waves, swoopy bangs, and shaggy bobs.
- Heart: Wavy layers, blunt bangs, and chin-length bob cut.
- Oblong/Rectangle: long layers, more volume, and angles with fringes.
- Diamond: Short-cropped hair or long hair with face-framing layers.
Maintenance
Another important factor you think about is the amount of maintenance you can give to hair. For example, if you have a busy lifestyle, you should go with short or medium hair lengths as long or armpit-length hair will demand more care. For a guide, you can take a look at the hair inches chart.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
What hair length is best suited for me?
Define your face shape and prioritize the statement look you want to go for, and then select the length. Have you heard about the 2.25 rule? If the difference between your earlobe and chin is less than 2.25 inches short hair is perfect for you. However, if it is more than that ditch the short hair option.
Is hair length genetic?
Yes, it is kind of! Not directly but indirectly. Everyone’s hair will stop growing at a certain length and that is because of family genetics. How? The time period in which a strand stays on your head in the growing phase is called the anagen phase, which depends on family genes.
Keep Reading:
