How to Cope with a Haircut That Is Too Short

Co-authored by Bianca Cox

Last Updated: January 12, 2023 Approved

We've all been there: you go to the salon to get a haircut, and walk out wondering what happened to your once-beautiful hair. Dealing with a haircut that's too short is never fun, but with the right attitude you can make the best of your situation and even have fun with your new shorter hair. In the meantime, practice good haircare habits so it'll grow out as fast as possible.

Part 1

Part 1 of 3:

Getting Used to Your New Look

1
Try not to panic. It can be shocking to see yourself with short hair if you've been used to wearing it long. Whether something went wrong at the salon or you just don't like the cut you requested, it's hard to acknowledge that the long hair you just had is now gone. However, there are things you can do to appreciate your new style and maybe even come to love it.^{[1]
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- Remember that your hair will grow back, slowly but surely, so if you really hate your new cut it's just a temporary problem.
- Try to enjoy your new hair care routine; you won't have to spend as much time on upkeep if your hair is shorter.
2
See if you need a second cut to make it look better. If the hairdresser botched your cut, you might want to see someone else to make it look a little more stylish. Short haircuts can be amazingly chic, and there's no reason to go around feeling like your hair is a mess.
- You might have to go a little shorter to achieve a cut that looks good, so bear this in mind. Tell the second stylist you want a prettier shape, but that you want to keep as much length as possible.
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3
Realize that short hair can be pretty, too. Long hair can be beautiful, but so can short hair. Try to take this opportunity to see how versatile your style can be. Short hair makes the eyes look bigger and frames the face in a way that causes heads to turn. You might even end up liking it better than your previous longer look.
4
Don't hide behind hats and scarves. It's fine to cover up for the first few days, while you're still getting used to being a short-haired person. However, if you aren't a hat person and suddenly you start wearing hats all the time, other people will think you have something to cover up. It's better to just get used to your hair and stop trying to hide it. You'll feel better and look more confident.
5
Decide you're going to rock it. Once you've gotten used to your new look, it's time to actually make it work for you. Make it part of your overall style and wear it with pride instead of embarrassment. Decide you're going to pretend that this is the cut you wanted all along.
- If someone compliments your new haircut, don't say "Ugh, it's way too short." Instead, tell them, "Thanks! I wanted to try something different."

Part 2

Part 2 of 3:

Trying Pretty Short Styles

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Look up celebrities with a similar length for ideas. Short hair is in, and there are plenty of examples of stylish celebrities sporting shorter lengths. Look online for pictures of celebrities with short hair to see how they style it. You'll see that short hair can look gorgeous slicked back, tousled, spiked, and in many other styles. Here are a few popular celebrities who rock short hair:^{[2]
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- Jennifer Lawrence
- Rihanna
- Beyoncé
- Emma Watson
- Jennifer Hudson
- Demi Lovato
2
Use gel and other products to tame it. Product looks very good in shorter hair. Gel, mousse, pomade and other products can help you achieve styles you'd never be able to get with longer hair. Using these products in longer hair would cause it to look weighed down. Because short hair weighs less, it can be spiked and tousled.
- Try combing gel into your hair while it's still damp after a shower for a sleek, slicked-back look.
- Rub some pomade between your palms and tease it into your hair for a cute tousled look.
3
Try a bun for shorter hair. If your hair is still long enough to pull back into a ponytail, you can make a bun that gives the appearance that your hair is still quite long. Gather your hair at the top of your head and secure it tightly in a hairband, the follow these steps:
- Divide the ponytail into two sections.
- Twist one section down and pin the ends right next to the ponytail holder with bobby pins.
- Twist the other section up and pin the ends right next to the ponytail holder with bobby pins.
- Use hairspray to keep the style in place.
4
Wear wigs. To quickly feel like a long-haired person again, there's nothing like putting on a wig. Choose a wig that's the length you desire and wear it until your hair grows out if you want to. Wigs are easier to wear when your hair is short, so take advantage and have some fun with it.

Part 3

Part 3 of 3:

Helping it Grow Out Faster

1
Don't use damaging heat tools every day. Using a hair dryer, straightening iron or curling iron every day will damage your hair, causing it to get brittle and break more easily. When this happens, it can take forever for your hair to grow back out. Keep your hair healthy by avoiding heating tools unless you want to achieve a certain style for a special occasion.^{[3]
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2
Avoid extensions and other styles that will pull on your short hair. If you're interested in getting extensions, be very careful what kind you choose. Extensions are hard on hair, and if put in improperly they can cause hair damage and hair loss. Some say that no extensions are good for hair, but if you definitely want to get them, make sure you have them put in by someone who knows what she's doing.
- Glue-in weaves are known for damaging hair, since the glue bonds the weave to your existing hair.
- Sew-in weaves can be less damaging, but can still wreak havoc if the weaves are heavy and pull out your hair.
3
Have a healthy hair routine. The way you take care of your hair every day can make a big difference when it comes to growing it out. You want to make sure your hair is as healthy as possible so it grows in long and strong. Here's what you can do:
- Don't wash it every single day, since this dries out your hair. Limit your shampooing to two or three times a week.
- Pat it dry gently with a towel instead of using a hair dryer.
- Comb it with a wide-toothed comb instead of using a brush.
- Don't dye or bleach your hair, since this causes damage.
4
Eat a healthy diet that promotes hair growth. Eating plenty of protein and omega-3 fats will help nourish your hair. While eating healthy might not necessarily make it grow faster, it will help your hair grow in strong and healthy. Here's what to eat:
- Salmon, tuna, and other fish that contain omega-3 fatty acids
- Avocados, nuts, olive oil and other foods that have healthy fats
- Chicken, beef, pork and other proteins
- Plenty of fresh leafy greens and other vegetables that nourish your body with nutrients it needs for healthy hair and skin

Community Q&A

Question

I have thick hair and I just got a new short haircut, but now my hair is super poofy. What should I do?

Community Answer

Use a smoothing serum on your hair while it's still damp from the shower.
Question

After my haircut, I found a bald spot where it had been shaved too short -- what can I do?

Community Answer

Talk to your stylist and point it out. It was most likely an accident, and he/she is probably mortified that they did that. If it was not an accident, (i.e they wanted to do something and did not ask you) switch stylists and/or salons immediately. You do not want something like that happening again.
Question

Do I have to wear a wig?

Community Answer

You could wear a wig if you'd like to, but it's absolutely not necessary. It's the best choice that's not damaging if you want to see yourself with long hair again. If you want to have long hair again, but don't want to wear a wig or wait for it to grow out, you can always try wearing some extensions. Keep in mind that extensions can be damaging to your hair and scalp, however.