How frustrating is it when you go in for a haircut that you had envisioned would come out imperfectly just for the hairdresser to cut the hair too short? Unfortunately, this happens too often, leaving customers disappointed and with hair that is difficult to style.
Why Do Hair Stylists Cut Hair Too Short?
There are several reasons stylists cut hair too short. They include failure to listen to the customer, inadequate training and experience, lack of equipment, or cutting the hair hurriedly.
Aside from cutting the hair hurriedly, if the stylist is absent-minded, they could trim the hair too short. It is also possible that the stylist intentionally cut your hair short, hoping the style will look good.
If a stylist does not listen to their customer carefully and does not understand what the customer needs, they may cut the hair too short. On the other hand, if the hair stylist is not adequately trained or experienced, they may not be able to gauge the appropriate length to cut the hair correctly.
Common Reasons Hair Stylists Cut Hair Too Short
Below is a more detailed look at the various reasons why a hairstylist may cut your hair too short.
Miscommunication
It’s possible that the stylist misunderstood your desired length or style and accidentally cut your hair too short. Therefore, it is important to communicate clearly to your hairstylist what you want to achieve with a haircut.
Misjudging the Amount of Hair to Cut
Depending on the style you’re trying to achieve, the stylist may need to cut more or less hair than they initially thought. If they misjudge, it could result in the hair being cut too short.
Using the Wrong Cutting Technique or Tools
Different cutting techniques and tools influence the amount of hair cut and the length achieved. If the stylist uses the wrong technique or tools for the desired hairstyle, it may result in more hair being cut than intended.
In addition, simple things like using blunt scissors can lead to your hair being cut short. Or, If the stylist is trying to rush through the haircut, they may not take the time to measure and cut the hair to the desired length carefully.
Personal/Profession Preference
Some stylists may have personal preferences for the length of hair they like to cut. If their preference differs from yours, it could result in your hair being cut too short. Similarly, your hair stylist may intentionally cut your hair shorter than intended, as it is professionally the right thing to do.
For example, they may advise that if your hair is cut to the length you want, the style may not be flattering to your facial features. If the hair is excessively damaged and has split ends, they would have to cut the entire length of the split ends to prevent eventual hair loss. As a result, your hair may end up being shorter than intended.
Lack of Experience
If the stylist is new or inexperienced, they may not have the skills or knowledge to accurately judge the amount of hair to cut for a particular style. This could result in your hair being cut too short.
How to Prevent Your Hair Being Cut Too Short by a Hairstylist
Prevention is better than fixing. Here are some tips to ensure your stylist doesn’t cut hair too short.
Explain Clearly What You Want
Provide all the specific details about your preferred style. If possible, tell the stylist about the exact height you want your haircut to be. Bring along some photos to show them a picture of the style you want. Also, let them know what to avoid. Discuss if the hair will be cut in layers, and if so, which sections.
Consult With the Hairstylist
Even if you think you know what you want, it is a good idea to consult with your hairstylist about what they think would be the best way to achieve the haircut. Remember that the hairstylist is a trained professional, and they know better.
They may advise that if your hair is cut to the length you want, the style may not be flattering to your facial features. For example, you may want a pixie cut, but the hairstylist may advise that an ordinary cut is best suited for you and vice versa.
Similarly, if the hair is excessively damaged and has split ends, they would have to cut the entire length of the split end to prevent eventual hair loss. As a result, your hair may end up being shorter than intended.
Ascertain the Hairstylist Is Using the Right Equipment
You do not have to have advanced knowledge in hair styling to anticipate the type of tools your hairstylist will use. They will likely use scissors.
The scissors should be well-sharpened to make smooth cuts. They will also most likely use a shaving machine. Its blades should be well-sharpened, regularly oiled, and sterilized.
Certain hairstyles require specialized equipment to cut the hair. Therefore, the alternative may not deliver the desired results if the stylist does not have the right equipment.
What to Do If Your Hair Stylists Cut Hair Too Short?
Even though having your haircut too short is disappointing, a few fixes can help you look better and feel confident in the hairstyle. For instance, allow yourself some time to adjust to the new style.
When you look at yourself in the mirror only to see that your hair was cut too short, your initial reaction may be that the haircut looks bad. However, just because it came out differently does not necessarily mean it is bad.
Give yourself a few days for your disappointment to dissipate and to get used to your new hairstyle. Once You change your outlook, you may like the haircut.
Besides, most short haircuts are versatile and easy to wash and go. Or, look up online tutorials on how to style your short hair, e.g., with accessories to achieve a look you like.
If you completely do not like how your hair looks, consider wearing a wig or a hair extension to cover the short hair and allow it to grow back. In the meantime, incorporate strategies to help your hair grow faster.
Conclusion
Your hair stylist may cut your hair too short due to a lack of clear understanding of the style you want. Or, they may be simply distracted, among other reasons. Either way, inform them if you do not like the outcome and find ways to make the hairstyle bearable for you.