Hair Length Chart: Every Cut Length You Need To Know

In need of a hair length chart to guide your next haircut? We've got you covered with this visual guide to hair lengths.

By Hair.com & Powered By L’Oreal Professional Products Division
Update Date: 22 Sep 2024

We’ve all walked into a salon, sat in our stylist’s chairs, and had absolutely no idea how to explain the cut we saw on TikTok. If you need to describe how long you’d like your hair to be (without worrying about your stylist cutting off one too many inches), it’s important to start with a reference point.

Our hair length charts for all textures and cuts are the perfect images to save to your camera roll and point to when confusion sets in. As a bonus, you’ll know that you're on the same page with your stylist about what “mid-back” means if you're both looking at the same picture. Whether you want to grow your hair out or opt for a layered bob, let this hair length chart guide you in your future transformation.

What To Consider Before Choosing a Hair Length

Hair type

Your hair type plays a major role in how long or short your hair appears. For example, if you have naturally straight hair, your strands will typically look their actual length after a haircut. If you have waves, curls, or coils, on the other hand, your hair may appear a bit shorter after being cut and dried. That’s because the twists and bends of your strands cause them to spring up and create volume as moisture evaporates—and the tighter the curl pattern, the more extreme this shrinkage can be. If you have a textured hair type, work with a stylist who is well-versed in curly cuts and ask for a style slightly longer than your goal length.

Face shape

Some haircuts tend to be more flattering on certain face shapes, so it’s essential to identify the right one before committing to a new length. As always, we recommend consulting a pro to help you determine a length and style that will complement your unique facial features.

Hair goals

This one might be obvious, but when it comes to cutting your hair, always keep your long-term hair goals in mind. You won’t want to cut six inches from your mane if you’re aiming to achieve waist-length hair. If you feel the sudden urge to chop off your hair, experiment with a fake short haircut and see how you like it. Check out our article, 11 Ways to Make Long Hair Look Short Without Getting a Haircut, for some inspo.

How Do You Describe Your Hair Length?

We know nothing feels quite as stressful as sitting in the stylist’s chair and being asked how much length you’d like to take off. When struggling to explain your desired length to your stylist, look at the hair length chart above and use it to describe what you want to achieve. We also recommend bringing a few inspiration photos to the salon to show your stylist. Keep scrolling for a more detailed chart breakdown for every single hair length.

Hair Length Chart: Short Hair

Buzz cut

Those who don’t want to be slowed down by lengthy styling routines should consider a buzz cut, which involves trimming the hair to a uniform length using clippers. The exact length of a buzz cut can vary depending on the clipper guard used, but it usually ranges from ⅛ to ½-inch long.

Ear length (pixie)

If you have a spectacular bone structure that you’re dying to show off, a pixie cut or ear-length cut is a great idea. A pixie cut is typically a short hairstyle cut close to the head with longer layers on top and shorter layers on the sides and back.

Chin length (bob)

Forever the chicest of short cuts, chin-length hair (aka. the classic bob) should fall just at or below your jawline. Try an asymmetrical bob for added drama, or stick to a French-inspired style that makes you look extra sophisticated.

Hair Length Chart: Medium Hair

Shoulder length

In general, shoulder-length cuts are generally universally flattering (think the lob or a modern shag). These medium-length haircuts toe the line between a classic bob and long hair.

Armpit length

You’ve hit armpit length if you’re growing out your hair and just passed the awkward stage. This medium-length haircut is a favorite for those with textured hair since curls absolutely thrive with a few extra inches.

Hair Length Chart: Long Hair

What length of hair is considered long?

If your strands reach past your armpits, it’s considered long. You can opt for a mid-back length cut or grow it out to your tailbone for extra-long flair.

Mid-back length

A mid-back cut can range in length from an inch or so below your shoulder blades to your waistline or the tops of your hips. This coveted length is a stunning way to show off your natural hair texture.

Tailbone-length

News flash: Scoring ankle-skimming hair is probably unlikely, but long hair that reaches the tailbone is totally doable on certain hair types.