Top tips for cutting long hair to short

There’s no denying that shorter styles are becoming more popular, from shoulder grazing bobs to cute little pixie cuts – or a combination of the two? So, are you ready for the demand from clients? Akin Konizi, HOB Academy International Creative Director, shares his top tips for cutting long hair to short hair.

“I may be optimistic, but it seems the popularity of short hair has been bubbling away for the past year, especially on the catwalks and we are now beginning to see an emergence of clients asking for something,” says Akin. “Long hair has dominated the high street for the past few years, but now a growing number of clients are wanting something that is shorter, versatile, and more personal. For the past two years during lockdowns and working from home, it’s been easy to pull long hair into a top knot. But now the world is back open, it’s time for hair to take on a new chapter of luxurious, beautifully executed haircuts – and clients are getting ready for it, they just need a push!”

Short doesn’t have to mean cropped; replacing long layers with something more structured round the shoulder is the perfect introduction to something new and exciting. “Adding some face-framing colour and a shoulder length bob can lift the face, is modern and easy to wear, and the perfect introduction to shorter hair,” Akin adds.

Akin’s Top Tips for Cutting Short Hair

Don’t panic

If you’ve only been cutting an inch off hair for the past two years, shorter hair means extending that to two inches, or even three inches. Hair is a canvas, and you are in control of what you create.

Do your research

See what is on the catwalk and the red carpet – there are some beautiful jaw length styles around at the moment.

Have confidence

Shorter hair doesn’t have to mean scary. You have all the skills; you just haven’t used them for a while. Practise makes perfect so enrol on a cutting course, practise on friends and family, and build up your confidence.

Cut in stages

When you have someone with long hair, take them to a bob. At the next appointment, layer that bob, then their next appointment cut in a fringe. At that point, you have completely changed them from long hair and on your way to any hairstyle that you want to go from there.

Shorter hair doesn’t always mean precision cuts

A blunt bob can look dramatic, but so can graduated layers and a point-cut pixie.

Keep an eye on emerging trends

What celebrities have today, your clients will want tomorrow. The bob is already making a comeback, so be ready to offer your clients what they want. If you don’t, someone else will.

Don’t go from long to short in one go

It’s too dangerous for you and dramatic for your client. Get to know the hair before you take the risk of cutting it all off.

Be responsible

Do it responsibility as ultimately, you will be to blame if they don’t like it.

Aim for your client to love it, not just like it

There’s nothing more rewarding for you to reinvent the client’s character into someone who feels beautiful and re-energised and new.