Pros and Cons of Long Hair vs Short Hair

Is long or short hair better?

Is long hair or short hair more attractive?

Like wondering if blonde hair or brown hair is better, I’ve often asked myself, “long hair vs. short hair – which is better?”

I know that men usually prefer blondes. And I also know that studies suggest that men usually prefer long hair too.

But is long hair better?

In my opinion...yes! Long hair (below the shoulders) is better. But let's be honest here...this is my opinion and it's not backed by any scientific research. It's based off my own experience end from talking to friends (men and women) to get their opinion.

So, if you are wondering whether to chop it all off or grow your hair out long, you've come to the right place.

Long Hair vs Short Hair: Which is Sexier? Pros and Cons of Long Hair vs. Short Hair

This guide on the pros and cons of long hair vs. short hair includes:

• The benefits of short hair
• The benefits of long hair
• Short hair vs. long hair: Which is sexier
• Long hair vs short hair: Pros and cons
• Pictures of celebrities with short, medium, and long hair
• Stereotypes of women with long hair vs short hair
• Why do women in their 40s have short hair? My hypothesis
• The best length of hair for women in their 20s
• The best hair length for women in their 30s
• The best hairstyles for women ages 50 and up
• What length of hair do men prefer?

The Benefits of Short Hair vs Long Hair

Short hair can be fun and flirty. Plus, most women have longer hair – so you’ll stand out if you have short hair.

Here are some of the benefits of having short hair vs. long hair.

The Pros of Short Hair vs Long Hair

1. Short hair is faster to wash

Less hair = quicker to wash in the shower.

2. Quicker to dry

Hate spending 10-20 minute blow drying your hair? You’ll save time if you cut your hair short.

3. Short hair makes your features stand out

Have great eyes? Have nice cheekbones?

Short hair can make your features really stand out.

4. Easy to accessorize with hair clips

If you want to change up your look, you can easily add hair clips to your hair.

5. Polished look

There’s just something about short hair that gives women a polished, sophisticated look.

An Added Benefit of Short Hair: It’s an EASY Way to Change Your Look

If you want a brand new and completely different look, cutting your hair short is a quick and easy way to competent change up your look.

The problem? There's no going back!!

Hair grows about 2 inches a year. So, if you have long hair and cut off it off, you'll have to wait years until you have long Disney princess hair again.

The Benefits of Long Hair vs Short Hair

Long hair is sexy and gives you many options for hair styles. Here are some of the benefits of having long hair.

The Pros of Long Hair vs Short Hair

1. So many style options!

Whether you want to curl your hair, get flirty beachy wavy hair, a sophisticated french braid, fun space buns, or pull your hair back in a ponytail, the options are endless if you have long hair vs. short hair.

2. Associated with youth

Long hair tends to be associated with youthfulness. It’s also usually associated with sexiness. Think about Victoria’s Secret models or the women in James Bond…most of them have long hair.

3. Don’t need to cut long hair as frequently

If you have short hair, you’ll need to get it cut every 1-2 months to keep it looking good.

With long hair, you could go months without a haircut or seeing a hair stylist.

4. So many color options

Whether you want to do blonde streaks in your hair, have a fun balayage color, or go with highlights – longer hair gives you more hair to play with for color.

5. No need to style long hair daily

If you have short hair, you probably need to style it daily to make sure it looks just right.

With long hair, you can just pull it back into a ponytail if you are feeling lazy.

Long Hair vs Short Hair – Common Stereotypes

Before I go too far, please note that these are generalizations. I know!

Here's what I've heard from friends when asked what they think about women with short hair.

Stereotypes of Women with Short Pixie Length Hair

1. Bold

2. Confident

3. Artsy

4. Hipster

5. Serious

And for some reason, a lot of women with Pixie length hair tend to bleach their hair blonde, especially platinum blonde.

Stereotypes of Women with Short, Chin Length Hair

1. A mom (seriously!)

2. Approachable

3. Fun

4. Girl next door, but not particularly sexy

Stereotypes of Women with Long Hair

1. Young and youthful (it seems like all 20 year olds have long hair!)

2. Sexy, sexy, sexy

3. Feminine

4. Traditional

YouTube Video: Long Hair vs Short Hair

Do moms tend to have short hair?

Check out this funny SNL skit on YouTube to learn why so many women get short hair in their 40s.

It’s funny, and kind of true. 😊

Short Hair vs. Long Hair: Which is Sexier?

In general, people tend to associate long hair with being sexier.

But…everyone is attracted to different things! 😊

Short hair can be flirty and unique.

And the right outfit and makeup can make you look sexy in short hair too.

Pictures of Celebrities with Short, Medium, and Long Hair

A picture is worth a thousand words.

If you are debating between long hair vs. short hair, check out these pictures of celebrities with short hair and long hair to help you decide which length you like more.

Long Hair vs Short Hair – The Best Length of Hair by Age

Is long hair better if you are young, and medium or short hair better if you are older?

To generalize, YES.

Continue reading to find out whether short hair vs long hair is better for you, depending on your age.

The best length of hair for women in their 20s

Personally, I’m a fan of having long hair if you are in your 20s.

You may want to cut it shorter (shoulder length or shorter) in your 30s and 40s, so now is the time to have long hair. Additionally, if you have the time to get highlights done on a regular basis or your hair dyed, now is the time to do it and have longer hair.

Note: If you are just out of college and want a polished, professional look, consider either 1) wearing your hair in a French bun every day with long hair or 2) cutting your hair to be shoulder length or slightly shorter. It just looks a little bit more sophisticated and grown up.

The best hair length for women in their 30s

I don't know what it is, but most of my friends have long hair in their early 30s, and then go slightly shorter in their late 30s.

My personal recommendation is to have long hair (slightly below the shoulders) if you are in your 30s.

There's no reason to get the short mom hair cut yet!

The best hair length and hairstyles for women ages 50 and up

I feel like women in their 50s look GREAT with hair that is shoulder length or slightly above the shoulders.

Below are a few pictures to give you an idea.

FAQs about Long Hair vs Short Hair

Have a question that’s not addressed below? Leave a comment and we’ll get back to you!

Is long hair or short hair more attractive?

Both long hair and short hair is attractive. Long hair tends to be associated with youth.

Short hair is fun and flirty.

What’s the biggest drawback of short hair?

In my experience, short hair requires more time to get ready in the morning.

When I had short hair, I had to blow dry my hair every morning to prevent it from looking flat, boring, and boy-ish.

In contrast, I can just wear my hair down or pull it into a ponytail when I have long hair and am in a rush.

What length of hair do men prefer?

Do men prefer long hair? Studies show that men do prefer long hair. Hands down.

Ask any guy to give you an honest option and they all tend to prefer long hair. Many men will tell you that they don't care, but when given the option...long hair wins.

Is long hair or short hair more attractive on guys?

Most women prefer men to have short hair. Some women really like men with long hair (think surfer-guy), but it’s safer to have short hair if you are a guy.

Should I have long hair or short hair?

Both hair lengths are good!

If you have long hair and are thinking about getting short hair, you may want to do it in stages (go with shoulder length hair first) in case you hate the shorter haircut.

Does short hair make you look younger?

In general, younger women tend to have long hair and older women tend to have short hair.

However, short hair can make you look younger if you get a good hair stylist. Just remember to pair your shorter haircut with bright lipstick and makeup to avoid looking too boy-ish.

What Are Your Thoughts on Long Hair vs Short Hair?

What length of hair do you like the most?

Have you had long hair and then cut it short, and loved it?

Or did you hate it?

I’d love to hear from you! Leave a comment below with your thoughts.

More Hair & Beauty Guides to Look Your Best

Check out these hair guides to keep your hair looking shiny and healthy.

Hair Product Reviews & Guides

Review of The Best Purple Shampoo for Brassiness

The Best Drugstore Deep Conditioner for Women

The Best Hair Products for Frizzy Hair in Humidity

Makeup Reviews & Beauty Guides

The Best Tinted Moisturizers with SPF

The Best Eyebrow Pencils for Blondes and Women with Fair Skin

How to Remove Makeup Naturally