When you're on the shorter side, choosing the right hairstyle can make all the difference. Certain cuts and styles have the power to elongate your appearance, drawing attention upwards and giving you a taller, more confident look. Whether you're looking for something chic, playful, or edgy, there are plenty of options to suit every personality and hair type.
Here’s a guide to the best hairstyles that flatter shorter people.
1. High Ponytail or Top Knot
One of the easiest ways to add the illusion of height is by pulling your hair into a high ponytail or top knot. This classic style lifts the hair at the crown, creating the effect of a longer neck and giving you an overall taller appearance. It’s the perfect go-to for both casual and formal occasions.
The key to making this style work is to ensure the ponytail or knot is placed high enough on the head. This draws attention upward and highlights your facial features.
2. Layered Bob
If you love shorter cuts but want to add a bit of volume, the layered bob is a perfect choice. This versatile style can be customised to suit any face shape, and its layers add volume around the chin and neck, creating a longer, leaner silhouette.
The layered bob is ideal for drawing the eyes upward and providing a balanced, proportionate look, making it a flattering choice for shorter individuals.
3. Voluminous Curls
There’s something effortlessly stylish about big, bouncy curls. Not only do they add texture and volume, but they also help to balance out the proportions of a shorter frame.
The extra volume at the crown of your head makes your face appear longer, which can give the illusion of added height. Whether you have naturally curly hair or need a curling iron to achieve the look, voluminous curls can instantly make you stand taller.
4. Long, Layered Waves
For those who prefer keeping their hair long, long, layered waves are the way to go. This style adds a lot of movement and dimension to the hair, preventing it from looking flat and heavy.
The layers create volume at the top and add a sense of fullness, which can make you appear taller. Pair the waves with a middle or side part, and you’ve got a flattering style that accentuates your features while giving the illusion of extra height.
5. Pixie Cut with Volume
A pixie cut is a bold, confident choice, but it can also be adapted to enhance height. Adding volume at the crown of a pixie cut creates a sleek yet youthful look that elongates the neck and face.
This cut works particularly well for those with a smaller frame, as the height at the top gives the illusion of a taller stature while still maintaining the playful, chic vibe of a pixie.
6. Slicked-Back Style
If you prefer a more sophisticated, polished look, slicked-back styles are a fantastic option. Whether it’s a sleek low bun or a tight ponytail, this hairstyle pulls the hair back from your face and places emphasis on your natural features.
By keeping the hair tight and neat, you create a longer, streamlined look, enhancing the sense of height and elegance. This look is ideal for formal events or when you want to achieve a sleek, high-fashion style.
7. Side Part with Volume
A deep side part can be a simple yet effective way to add volume to your hair. By lifting the roots and adding texture at the crown, you create a flattering shape that draws the eye upwards.
This style works with a variety of hair types, from straight to wavy, and gives the illusion of height without sacrificing style. Whether you go for soft waves or straight locks, a side part with added volume can work wonders for a shorter person.
8. Space Buns
For a more playful, quirky style, space buns are a great choice. Placing two buns high on the sides of your head not only adds a fun element to your look but also creates a lifted, youthful appearance.
The vertical positioning of the buns helps to elongate your face and neck, making you look taller while adding a unique touch to your overall style. It’s a fun and easy way to stand out and add a few extra inches to your look.
9. Straight Bob with Fringe
A straight bob with fringe (or bangs) can frame the face beautifully while still enhancing your height. The sleek bob draws attention to the face, while the fringe softens the look and adds a youthful edge. When cut just below the chin and paired with subtle volume, this style provides a balanced look that works well for shorter individuals, creating an elongating effect around the face and neck.
Choosing the right hairstyle for a shorter frame is all about creating balance and drawing attention upwards. Styles that add volume to the crown of your head, create texture, or pull the hair away from your face can all help to enhance your height and overall proportions. Whether you opt for a high ponytail, voluminous curls, or an edgy pixie cut, the right hairstyle can make you feel more confident and stylish. Most importantly, choose a style that makes you feel like the best version of yourself.