Should I Cut My Hair Short If It’s Thinning? (A Guided Process)
Thinning hair isn’t great and it’s something we wish to minimize.
Often times We can ask ourselves, should I cut my hair short if it’s thinning?
Well, in this article, I will help you to decide whether you should (and give some tips on how to minimize the effect of thinning hair).
So with that said, take a look at the table of contents and let’s begin
Should I Cut My Hair Short if It’s Thinning
When it comes to cutting and thinning hair, you need to be careful.
Your hair can become thin for multiple reasons. This means thinning hair can be temporary or permanent.
It’s not just strictly one or the other so before you decide whether you should cut your hair or not, you need to know why you are here in the first place and the correct steps to take.
Don’t just cut your hair at any convenience.
TEMPORARY / PERMANENT HAIR THINNING
Temporary hair loss can be due to these reasons:
- Physical/ emotional stress
- Pregnancy and postpartum
- Some medication you currently on
- Imbalanced nutrition
- Unorthodox hair care routines
Temporary hair loss can have various causes, it is important to consult with a healthcare professional to identify the underlying cause.
Treatment options will depend on the cause and may include medication, lifestyle changes, stress management, or adjustments to hair care techniques.
In some cases, the hair loss may rectify itself over time, for example, if it’s stress related.
For this, you can cut your hair slightly and get a layered style to help your head look like it has more volume.
If it’s due to harsh hair techniques, stop them, change how your work on your hair, give it some time and see how it looks afterward.
Below are some possible hair practices that cause, thinning hair:
- Overtreating your hair
- Using harsh hair products
- Having tight hairstyles
Avoid these and they can help reduce your thinning hair without cutting it off completely.
Permanent hair thinning
If you receive your medical and find your hair thinning leans more to be permanent, then you must realize it likely will not reverse itself and can progressively get worse.
Permanent hair thinning, also known as androgenetic alopecia, is caused by a combination of genetic and hormonal factors.
In some cases, a hairstyle change or a haircut can also make the hair look fuller.
Look for a professional hair stylist that can work with your hair and give you the best look with the hair you have.
Do clippers thin your hair?
Using clippers to cut hair does not necessarily cause thinning of the hair.
However, if the clippers are not properly maintained and cleaned, or if they are not sharp enough, they can damage the hair through hair pulling.
Damaged hair can appear thin or brittle and can break easily. While it may not be ‘hair loss’ you certainly be losing hair.
Additionally, using clippers that are not suitable for your hair type, or using them too frequently, can also lead to hair damage and thinning.
This falls under my temporary hair loss column of bad hair practices which lead to temporary hair loss.
If my hair is thinning should I cut it short
The length of your hair does not directly affect hair thinning.
However, if you have thinning hair, having a shorter hairstyle may be more flattering as it can make the hair appear thicker.
Adding to this, shorter hair is easier to style and maintain and less prone to breakage.
Whereas on the other hand, long whispy hair can sometimes make thinning hair more noticeable.
keeping it short would be your best bet.
What should you not do if your hair is thinning
If your hair is thinning, there are a few things you should avoid doing to prevent further hair loss:
Avoid harsh hair care products
Avoid using hair care products that contain harsh chemicals, these can be products that contain:
- sulfates
- alcohol
These ingredients strip the hair of its natural oils and make it more open to breakage.
Avoid heat styling:
Heat styling tools, such as flat irons, curling irons, and blow dryers, can cause damage to the hair and lead to further, more rapid hair loss.
If you must use heat styling tools, use them on the lowest heat setting possible to minimize the damage and use a heat protectant spray afterward.
Avoid tight hairstyles:
Tight hairstyles, such as tight ponytails, braids, and buns, can put a lot of stress on what is already light/brittle hair.
It’s best to avoid these hairstyles or wear them very loosely.
Avoid over-brushing
Overbrushing your hair can cause damage to the hair and lead to hair loss.
Brush your hair gently, starting at the ends and working your way up.
Take your time and don’t rush, pulling your hair will just end up taking more hair from the roots.
Avoid hair dyes and chemical treatments
Dyeing or chemically treating your hair can damage the scalp and roots of your hair making the hair loss process worse
If you must color your hair, choose a gentler hair dye or seek help from a professional stylist that knows what they are doing.
How often should you cut thinning hair?
This helps to keep the hair looking healthy and prevent it from becoming damaged.
Regular haircuts can help to remove split ends, which makes hair appear less thin. It also helps to keep the hair shape and style updated, which can volume to your hair.
However, it’s important to keep in mind that if your hair is thinning, you should avoid cutting it too short.
Shorter hair can make the hair appear even thinner.
If you are not sure what length would be best for you, it’s best to consult with a hairstylist who is experienced with working with thinning hair.
They can recommend a style and length that will work best for your hair type and help you achieve the look you are satisfied with.
Next, I go through the Best hairstyles to reduce the look of thinning hair.
What is the best haircut for thin hair?
For men:
- A textured cut
- A short cut
- Mop Top
- Slick Back
- Pampadour
For men with thin hair, a few haircuts can create an illusion of thicker hair. Some of the best haircuts for men with thin hair include:
The Textured Cut:
This style involves a shortcut on the sides and back, with a bit more length on top.
The hair is cut in such a way that it creates a textured look, adding volume and movement to the hair.
The Short Cut:
A shortcut, such as a buzz cut or crew cut, can make thin hair appear thicker and fuller.
These cuts remove weight from the hair and create a clean, low-maintenance look.
If you’re looking to cut your hair on your own or even take it off completely, check out our article on the best hair clippers for bald heads.
Best Hairstyles for women
For women with thin hair, the best haircut is the one that can create the illusion of thickness and volume. Some of the best haircuts for thin hair include:
Layered cuts
Adding layers to your hair can create volume and some movement, making your hair appear thicker.
Getting long layers that fall around the face can also help to frame it and draw attention away from thinner hair.
Bobs
Bob hairstyles can make thin hair appear thicker by removing weight from the hair and creating volume at the crown.
A chin-length bob can be a great option as it can create the illusion of fullness without making the hair appear too short.
Shag
Shag hairstyles can be great for thin hair as they add texture and movement to the hair, creating the illusion of thickness.
It’s a layered cut with choppy ends and a messy look that can add volume to the hair.
Getting the front done too can add some volume to the crown of your head too.
Conclusion
In this article we covered the personal question: Should I cut my hair short if it’s thinning?
In conclusion, cutting thinning hair can be a beneficial option for those looking to create the illusion of thicker hair.
regular haircuts can remove split ends and damaged hair, making the hair appear healthier and thicker.
It can also help to update the hairstyle and shape, which can make the hair look fuller.
However, it’s important to keep in mind that cutting your hair will not address the underlying cause of hair thinning, and it’s always recommended to consult a healthcare professional to identify the underlying cause and seek proper treatment.
It’s also important to avoid harsh hair care products, heat styling, and tight hairstyles that can cause damage to the hair and exacerbate hair thinning.
Ultimately, the best hairstyle for thinning hair depends on personal preference and what makes you feel comfortable and confident.
If you’ve found this article helpful, please check out other articles on this topic below.
FAQ
It’s a personal decision, but keeping your hair short can help to minimize the appearance of thinning. Also, short hair is often easier to style and maintain, this can be beneficial if you are experiencing hair loss. Look to consult with a hair stylist or a hair loss specialist for personalized advice.
Hair loss can happen for multiple reasons. It can be permanent or temporary so you shouldn’t just cut your hair for the sake of it. Keeping while keeping your hair short does help to maintain the effect of thinning, you shouldn’t just jump from having long hair to short hair. Speak to you
When cutting thinning hair, you want it to look full with volume so a short and layered style would be the best look to go for. Adding a fringe and bangs also helps to add volume to the crown of your head. Opt-in for volumized mousses and texturizing sprays, all can help to create a full head of hair look.
