When it comes to fashion and beauty, having a small body frame can present its own set of challenges. Even something as seemingly straightforward as hairstyle choices can be overwhelming. For petite women, finding styles that create the illusion of length while still complementing their face shape and overall aesthetic can be a struggle.
However, with a little creativity and know-how, it’s possible to use your hair to draw attention to the right proportions and create a look that makes you appear taller and more confident. This article will explore some tips and tricks for styling your hair to perfection, even as a petite woman.
What Hairstyles Suits Petite Women
Choose the Right Hairstyle
When it comes to finding the perfect hairstyle, understanding your body type and personal comfort level with different lengths are crucial. For those who find their hair easy to style, cutting bangs can create an illusion of greater height. Asymmetric cuts can also elongate the neck, making one appear taller overall. However, for women of shorter stature, extreme hairstyles – either too short or too long – can be risky.
To avoid this, it’s advisable for those with longer hair to opt for a layered cut, which adds volume and texture. Conversely, the recent trend towards Bob Cuts can be flattering on those who prefer shorter styles. Ultimately, the key is finding what makes you feel confident and comfortable in your own skin.
↓ 30. Keep it Short
The shorter hair trend has been going strong for over a year now, offering numerous benefits. Not only does it elongate the neck, making individuals appear taller than their actual height, but it’s also incredibly easy to manage and style. Whether you opt for beachy waves or sleek strands, this look is perfect for women with shorter hair, as it can be achieved without the need for professional help. To take your look to the next level, simply add some simple accessories and you’re good to go!
This cut back-to-school look is suitable for any occasion, making it a versatile and practical choice.
↓ 29. Up-do
Contrary to popular opinion, petite women can effortlessly rock up-dos that are not only elegant for formal events but also practical. The convenience of keeping one’s hair securely in place without worrying about it getting blown away by the wind is a significant advantage. Moreover, styling options abound when your hair is tied up, allowing for endless creative possibilities.
By pulling your locks back, you naturally draw attention to your face and neck, creating an elongated illusion that complements your features. Furthermore, this style is accessible regardless of whether you have longer or medium-length hair.
↓ 28. Subtle Volume
Achieving a bouncy and voluminous hairstyle can have a profound impact on one’s facial features and overall appearance. This type of hairstyle creates the illusion of added height to the head, making the wearer appear taller than they might otherwise be. While a subtle approach can still produce impressive results, for those who prefer a more dramatic look, there is also the option to opt for a edgier, more rugged aesthetic.
↓ 27. Medium Length
This hairstyle strikes the ideal balance between short and long, offering versatility and adaptability. With its effortless up-do potential, it’s also an excellent choice for those who want to experiment with different looks. The length is particularly flattering on petite women, accentuating their features and creating a proportional silhouette. For added whimsy, subtle waves and textures can be introduced to give the style a playful twist.
↓ 26. Long Bob
Petite women often find their ideal match in the long bob, a versatile haircut that offers numerous styling options. What sets this style apart from others is its ability to elongate one’s features without overwhelming their frame. The longer version of the bob is particularly striking, as it can be easily styled in various ways to accentuate the wearer’s best assets.
↓ 25. Beach Waves
Beachy waves are a versatile style that can be worn throughout the year. By using a straightener, you can achieve this textured look and style it for both casual and formal events. To add an extra touch of elegance, consider incorporating twisted or braided bangs into your hairstyle. While short hair may suit some, we believe beachy waves are the ultimate hairstyle that can be tailored to fit any occasion.
↓ 24. Layers
To boost the hair’s volume, opt for the layered look. This styling approach not only adds volume but also lends an effortless bounce, effectively elevating the overall height of the hair.
↓ 23. Highlights
By incorporating highlights and textures into your hairstyle, you can instantly add depth and visual interest to your overall look, creating the illusion of length. Moreover, highlights offer a versatile solution for updating your daily style, suitable for both shorter and longer locks alike.
↓ 22. Say No To Curls and Perms
When it comes to styling short-haired individuals, particularly those with petite features, curls and perms can quickly become overwhelming. Loose, effortless curls may be a flattering option, but overly voluminous styles can have the opposite effect, making the face and body appear even smaller than they are. For women of shorter stature, it’s generally best to avoid permed hair altogether, as it can only add to the illusion of diminutive proportions.
↓ 21. Bangs with Short Hair
When it comes to staying on-trend while flattering one’s frame, this hairstyle is an excellent choice. Its versatility allows it to pair seamlessly with both short and long bob styles. While the addition of bangs does require some daily styling effort, the payoff in terms of visual appeal makes it well worth the investment.
↓ 20. Symmetric Shapes
Achieving a symmetrical look has never been easier than with evenly cut bangs on the front, complemented by longer fringes on both sides. This Anime-inspired style has stood the test of time, remaining a popular choice for many. To elevate this look further, try pairing it with a bow-shaped bun on top – an added bonus being the extra height it provides.
While this style does have its drawbacks, including the need to constantly push bangs away from the eyes and forehead, the end result is well worth the effort.
↓ 19. Twisted/ Braided Bangs
By adjusting the bangs or incorporating braids, it’s possible to shift hair away from the face, creating an optical illusion that lengthens the forehead. This style is particularly flattering for petite women, as it adds a touch of sophistication and glamour to their overall look. The best part? It’s perfect for formal events like weddings and parties, where a polished appearance is key.
Not only are these hairstyles visually appealing, but they’re also surprisingly easy to master – simply follow some online tutorials and you’ll be a pro in no time. Plus, by doing them at home, you can save money on salon visits.
↓ 18. Top Knot
A top knot can be an effective way to add height to your hairstyle, drawing attention away from the face and creating a more balanced silhouette. This versatile style can instantly make your features appear larger than they are, while also elongating the overall length of your face. Its popularity is well-documented, with many celebrities opting for this look in both everyday and formal settings.
To create a truly stunning effect, leave a few stray strands or bangs framing your face, adding a touch of elegance to your overall appearance. Alternatively, sleekly push back your hair and secure it into a neat top knot for a sophisticated, polished look.
↓ 17. Accessorized Look
Adding a touch of flair to your hairstyle with accessories is an excellent way to elevate your overall look. Hair bands, floral bands, head wraps, and beanies are all great options for adding some extra visual interest to your hair and head. But what’s really clever is how you can use these accessories to create the illusion of height. For example, pairing a turban-like wrap with a high ponytail can be a game-changer for those looking to appear taller.
By incorporating one or more of these styling tricks into your daily routine, you can create a look that’s both stylish and visually appealing.
↓ 16. Half Hair-do
For individuals who possess a petite frame, the simplicity of this hairstyle transformation is truly remarkable. Those with shorter locks can opt to maintain their straight hair or introduce subtle waves and loose curls, creating a charmingly effortless look. Meanwhile, women with longer hair can also incorporate half-updos featuring intricate twists and knots, suitable for both everyday wear and more formal occasions.
The versatility of this style lies in its ability to be effortlessly styled with beads and clips, allowing the wearer to easily transition from casual to formal attire.
↓ 15. Good-Bye Waist Length Hair
When it comes to styling hair on petite frames, shorter is often sweeter. Long locks can overpower a smaller height, drawing attention away from the overall structure. Many famous females with compact physiques, such as Kristen Bell, Reese Witherspoon, and Sarah Hyland, have been seen rocking short hairstyles that perfectly complement their diminutive stature. Kourtney Kardashian, mom of three and style icon, also favors shorter lengths to enhance her petite frame.
Interestingly, these celebrities often turn to hair extensions when they want to add volume or length.
↓ 14. Shoulder Length
Jennifer Aniston’s signature style has been synonymous with her shoulder-length locks for years. Her iconic look from Friends, which featured blonde tresses falling just below the shoulders, exudes a classic and effortless charm. This length is particularly well-suited for creating a laid-back, beachy vibe that adds a touch of subtlety without overwhelming petite frames. Moreover, it’s an ideal hairstyle for short-statured women looking to add a cute, back-to-school touch.
↓ 13. Center Partition
One of the simplest yet most effective ways to add sophistication to short hair is the classic center partition. This timeless style has gained immense popularity among celebrities like Kendall Jenner, Kim Kardashian, Gigi Hadid, and Indian actress Deepika Padukone, who have all rocked this look with ease.
↓ 12. Let it Flow
As a last resort, embracing your natural texture and letting your locks flow freely can be a game-changer. This approach can add instant volume and enhance the overall aesthetic appeal, particularly effective for shorter or medium-length hairstyles. Conversely, it may not be as straightforward to achieve with longer hair, requiring more finesse and styling know-how.
↓ 11. Hair Dyes
When it comes to achieving a taller appearance, many people overlook the impact that their hair can have on their overall silhouette. In reality, using the right hair dye can make a significant difference. Most professional hair dyes now feature cutting-edge formulas designed to add depth and dimension to your locks, allowing you to appear longer and more statuesque than ever before.
↓ 10. Crown Cut
The Avril Lavigne-inspired haircut boasts volume-enhancing capabilities, particularly on the crown area, giving off a sleek and elongated appearance. To replicate this look, book an appointment with your hairstylist and explore their take on this iconic style. As you’re at it, be sure to check out our list of 10 short-height female celebrities who are killing the fashion game, including [insert relevant links].
↓ 9. Asymmetric Bob
The iconic asymmetrical bob, a hairstyle staple that’s gained popularity over the past few years, offers a fresh twist on the classic bob. By cutting one side shorter than the other, the angled look creates an illusion of lengthening the face and is particularly flattering for petite women who want to add some visual height to their overall appearance.
↓ 8. Collarbone Length Hair
Emma Watson’s signature collarbone-length haircut is a great source of inspiration, particularly when styled in a messy, voluminous way. One of its best qualities is how it creates a flattering silhouette that draws attention away from the hair and towards the face and body. This is especially beneficial for women with shorter stature, as it creates an optical illusion that makes them appear taller than they are.
By styling her locks in this manner, Watson’s overall appearance is enhanced, making her seem even more radiant.
↓ 7. Adding Height to Your Hair
To take your hair to new heights, consider incorporating tools like bumpits or back-combing techniques. Bumpits, in particular, are a favorite among professional hairstylists, allowing you to create a voluminous, puffed-up look that not only adds height but also creates the illusion of being taller. This makes it an excellent option for petite women who want to appear more statuesque.
↓ 6. Pixie Cut
While certain hairstyling norms may dictate that shorter women avoid extreme short haircuts, we’ve noticed a few exceptions to this rule. The Pixie Cut, for instance, has gained popularity among celebrities who aren’t afraid to express themselves through their hairstyles. Scarlett Johansson, Ruby Rose, Cara Delevingne, and Zendaya are just a few examples of stars who have rocked the Pixie Cut with confidence.
Interestingly, an edgy, spiky look can actually create the illusion of increased height, making it a great option for those looking to add some extra inches to their frame.
↓ 5. High Ponytail
Sarah Hyland, known for her iconic role in Modern Family, measures 5 feet and 2 inches tall. Despite her petite stature, she achieves balance with her stunning locks. Her signature high ponytail is particularly effective in elongating her frame, creating a harmonious proportion between her hair and body.
For those looking to emulate Sarah’s height-enhancing hairstyle, we suggest exploring our previous post on How to Wear Palazzo Pants if You Have a Short Height, featuring 20 practical ideas for maximizing one’s vertical presence.
↓ 4. Spiked Up
For young women who embody a more adventurous spirit, sporting a bold hairstyle can be an excellent way to express themselves. A pixie cut with spiky details can be particularly stunning on tom-boyish girls who are unafraid to push boundaries and try new things. This style not only showcases their confidence but also adds an edgy touch that sets them apart from the crowd.
↓ 3. Straight Bangs
The trend of straight bangs has gained popularity among A-listers, with style icons like Zendaya, Ariana Grande, and Zoey Deschanel all sporting the look. This versatile hairstyle is not only perfect for updos like ponytails and hair buns but also looks stunning when left loose and effortless.
↓ 2. Side Bun
Anna Kendrick, a renowned Hollywood actress, has showcased her versatility in films like Pitch Perfect, Up in the Air, and The Last Five Years. Standing out for her petite frame and striking features, she often complements her physical attributes with her hairstyles. Notably, Kendrick tends to keep her locks short, which suits her compact stature perfectly.
Her signature side-swept bun and side-parted look make a compelling case for formal events, effortlessly conveying elegance and sophistication. This understated yet effective hairstyle is easily replicable, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a polished appearance.
↓ 1. Braided Look
For those looking for an effortlessly elegant hairstyle, a half-braided look offers a beautiful solution. Building on the trend of various braid styles that have gained popularity over the past few years, this classic design combines a diagonal braid with soft, wavy locks to create a stunning formal look that suits petite bridesmaids and short-haired individuals alike. The simplicity of this style makes it an ideal choice for those seeking a low-maintenance yet high-impact hairstyle.
Additionally, this look can be easily adapted for everyday wear, making it perfect for a casual day out with friends.
