If you’ve ever wondered what hair length would suit you best, would you believe that maths might help?! In fact, some hairdressers swear by the ‘5.5cm rule’ – a mathematical formula which, they say, can help calculate the optimal chop for your face shape.
Of course, personal style comes into play – we’re not about to let a mathematical formula get in the way of our own taste, so if you’ve already found a cut you’re crushing on, you can skip this calculation. From the wolf cut to the eternally chic bob (and all its variations), if you’ve already figured out the perfect style for you, the 5.5cm rule isn’t for you.
But, if you’ve always wanted to try out a short haircut, but you’re afraid it might not suit you, or you’ve always kept things cropped, but you’re in the mood to branch out and try something new, this formula might help you decide which direction to go in next.
How does the 5.5cm rule work?
Those who aren’t too hot on angles and numbers can breathe a sigh of relief – you don’t need to be a maths genius for this one (phew!), and even better, you don’t even need to go to the hair salon either.
According to the hair experts at John Frieda, working out your optimal hair length will depend on the angle of your jawbone. To figure this out, the formula uses a ratio that examines the length between your chin and your earlobe to determine whether long or short hair would suit you better.
If the distance you measured is less than 5.5cm, a short haircut suits you. If it’s more than 5.5cm, longer hair will (theoretically) flatter you the most. It really is as simple as that, and the best part about the 5.5cm rule is that you can easily find out at home before setting foot in the salon. All you need for the formula is a ruler, a pencil and a mirror.
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How to measure the 5.5cm rule correctly
- First, stand in front of your mirror. Ideally, the mirror will be mounted at head height, so you can easily view the measurement.
- Now, take the pencil and place it horizontally below your chin.
- This is where the ruler comes into play: Place it at a right angle (90 degrees) to the pencil and push it to the level of either of your earlobes.
- Finally, measure the distance from the earlobe to your chin vertically downwards and make a note of the distance.
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Are there exceptions to the 5.5cm rule?
Of course, a mathematical formula is not the be-all and end-all when it comes to which hairstyle you should choose, but maybe it will help you decide if you’re stuck in a position of indecision. In addition, the shape of your face or hair structure can also play an important role in determining which haircut is possibly the best for you – for example, those with very fine hair may prefer a shorter cut to give a fuller look. Similarly, with a fringe or bangs, your face shape will also make a big difference in which styles suit you more or less. Ultimately, at the end of the day, though, it comes down to your personal preference and choosing your signature cut or style should also make you feel confident regardless of rules.
Finally, as some sage advice, we always recommend chatting with your hairdresser and having a play around to find what works for you if embarking on a hair journey, no matter what the ruler has shown you.
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A version of this article originally appeared on Glamour Germany.
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