Thinking About Going Short? 6 Things to Decide Before Your Salon Visit

Going short can feel exciting…

and a little intimidating. ✂️

Most clients come in knowing they want “something short” — but short haircuts are all about the details.

A short haircut isn’t just one decision.

It’s a collection of decisions:

• how the neckline should finish

• how much ear you want showing

• what the sideburns should look like

• whether you want the sides sleek or fuller

• where the bangs should hit

• and how much length you want on top

The more specific you can be, the better I can create a cut that actually fits you.

So if you’re thinking about going short, here are the biggest things to think about before you come in.

1. Neckline

The neckline changes the whole finish of a short haircut.

Common neckline options:

• Square – stronger, cleaner, a little bolder

• Round – softer and more classic

• Wispy – lighter, softer, more lived-in

This may seem like a small detail, but it affects how the haircut looks from the back and how polished or soft the overall style feels.

Ask yourself:

How do I want the back to finish?

2. Ear Coverage

This is a big one, especially for short cuts.

Some people love a haircut that:

• covers the ears

• shows just a little ear

• or goes clean over the ears and shows the whole ear

That one detail can make a short haircut feel softer, edgier, more feminine, or more structured.

Ask yourself:

How much ear do I want showing?

3. Sideburns

Yes — sideburns matter.

They can completely change the personality of a short haircut.

Common options:

• Wispy – soft and light

• Angled – a little sharper and more intentional

• Clean off – neat, crisp, and more tailored

Clients don’t always think about this before the appointment, but it’s one of those finishing details that really shapes the look.

Ask yourself:

Do I want my sideburns soft, angled, or very clean?

4. The Sides

Short hair isn’t only about length — it’s also about shape.

The sides can be:

• Tapered – sleek and closer to the head

• Full – softer with more fullness

• Wedge / build-up volume – more rounded with lift and shape

This is especially important because the sides help determine whether the haircut feels:

• soft

• modern

• dramatic

• polished

• or voluminous

Ask yourself:

Do I want the sides sleek, soft, or fuller with shape?

5. Bang Length

Short haircuts still need a plan for the front.

When people say “bangs,” they may mean very different things.

A good way to think about it is:

• Brow length

• Nose length

• Chin length

That helps us understand how much face-framing you want and where you want the eye to go.

Ask yourself:

Where do I want the front to sit on my face?

6. Top Length

The top of the haircut determines how much styling freedom you have.

Think about whether you want it:

• Short and spiky

• Just long enough to lay down

• Long enough to push, curl, or flat iron

This is one of the most important parts of your consultation, because it affects how the haircut behaves every day and how much time you’ll spend styling it.

Ask yourself:

Do I want wash-and-go ease, soft control, or styling versatility?

My Best Tip: Bring More Than One Picture

I love when clients bring inspiration photos.

But what helps even more is bringing:

• a photo of a front you like

• a side you like

• a back you like

They do not have to match perfectly.

In fact, they often don’t.

That’s okay.

I can take the parts you love and put them together into a haircut that works for your face shape, hair texture, lifestyle, and styling routine.

So don’t be afraid to say:

• “I like the neckline in this one.”

• “I like the ears in this one.”

• “I like the top in this one.”

• “I like the bangs in this one.”

That gives me so much more to work with than one photo alone.

Why This Matters

When a client says:

“I want to go short.”

That could mean ten completely different haircuts.

The better you can describe what you want, the better your result will be.

And the goal isn’t just a cute haircut in the salon.

The goal is a haircut that works for:

• your face

• your texture

• your styling habits

• and your everyday life

Sparkle’s Hair Therapy Tip 💚

If you’re thinking about going short, don’t only focus on length.

Think about:

• neckline

• ears

• sideburns

• sides

• bangs

• top length

Those details are what make a short haircut feel right for you.

The more specific you are, the better we can build the perfect short cut together.

Healthy Hair. Confidence. You.Sparkle Sessions Hair Therapy