A simple at-home test could determine which hair length suits you best. Forget the uncertainty that often clouds your reflection: the 5.5 cm rule may just revolutionize your next trip to the salon.
How a Few Centimeters Can Make All the Difference
Sometimes, just a few centimeters can alter everything. Within the realm of hairstyling, a straightforward mathematical principle aims to address a universal query: long hair or short hair, which is more flattering for you? A basic tip, endorsed by beauty professionals, has been making waves for years—and it’s making a comeback.
This clever method, known as the 5.5 cm rule, claims to pinpoint the hair length that will enhance your features based on your face shape. It’s an express test you can conduct at home, requiring nothing more than a ruler, a pencil, and a mirror.
Short or Long Hair? The 5.5 cm Rule Explained
At first glance, this might seem like child’s play. To use the well-known rule, all you need to do is measure the distance from the bottom of your earlobe to the bottom of your chin. If this measurement is less than 5.5 cm, short styles will highlight your face beautifully. Conversely, if the measurement exceeds 5.5 cm, it’s best to lean towards longer locks.
This visual test is founded on a simplified interpretation of the golden ratio, a timeless aesthetic concept that dates back to ancient times. This “magic formula” gained immense popularity thanks to celebrity stylist John Frieda, who championed it as an accessible tool for quick morphological analysis. It’s a way to make a decision that’s often swayed by trends or fleeting whims more rational.
How to Conduct the Test at Home Like a Pro
You don’t need to be a mathematician to get started. Just grab a pencil and a ruler:
- Position the pencil horizontally right under your chin.
- Place the ruler vertically under your ear, perpendicular to the pencil.
- The point where the two meet indicates your crucial measurement.
If your distance measures less than 5.5 cm, congratulations: pixie cuts, short bobs, or boyish styles will likely showcase your features beautifully. If your measurement is greater, lengthy hair will almost certainly enhance your overall look.
Keep in Mind: Not a Universal Truth
However, don’t treat this as a definitive answer. This method serves as a guideline but shouldn’t overshadow other critical factors.
The Ideal Hairstyle: Morphology Isn’t Everything
The shape of your face, the texture of your hair, your natural hair growth patterns, and even your lifestyle and fashion choices can significantly affect your final look. An oval face can pull off various styles, while a more square or triangular face may need specific volumes to balance proportions.
Ultimately, the perfect haircut is not solely one that objectively flatters you; it’s one that instills confidence and allows you to feel like your true self. A meticulously symmetrical bob can be stylish, but if you dream of cascading waves reaching down your back, then that might just be your hair truth.
Photo credit: Netflix / AI
