'Do you think short hair will suit me?

It's a question hairstylists and reliable friends are often asked, but without knowing the scientific way to tell, it can be hard to give an honest opinion.

Well the question of flattery has a short answer: The 2.25" (5.5cm) rule.

The magic measurement was discovered by hairstyle trendsetter and product innovator, John Frieda and 'it's all about the angles' says Senior Stylist at John Frieda Salons UK and International Training Director of Color Wow, Giles Robinson.

'John studied faces and saw that the angle of the jaw bone determined whether or not someone would look best with short hair or long hair'. They say the result is a trusted, easy but exact, measurement that indicates whether a face (any face) is suited to short or long hair.

Text, Line, Diagram, Design, Parallel, Font, Neck, Line art, Jaw, pinterest

To try it, position a pencil or pen under your chin horizontally and then place a ruler under your ear, vertically. Take your measurement from the intersection of the pencil and ruler. Less than 2.25" and you'd look amazing with short hair, and if it's anything more long locks will be the most flattering choice for you.

It works well with Michelle Williams and Kim Kardashian (pictured), and when you think of other celebrities who've taken the plunge and cropped their hair, it becomes crystal clear. Those faux bob hair-tuck selfies are a think of the past…

Face, Hair, Eyebrow, Nose, Lip, Hairstyle, Blond, Chin, Cheek, Forehead, pinterest

But you know, there's also a strong case for sacking all this off and just getting the hairstyle you want anyway...

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From: Cosmopolitan UK