What is the perfect hair length according to the ‘golden’ 5.5cm rule?

EVER wondered what hair length might suit you best? Believe it or not, maths could actually have a say in it.

Some hairdressers swear by something called the 5.5cm rule – it’s a little formula they use to figure out the most flattering cut for your face shape. Here’s how to follow the rule.

What is the 5.5cm haircut rule?

If numbers and angles aren’t really your thing, the good news is there’s no need to brush up on your maths skills for this one.

You won’t even need to set foot in a salon to try it out.

According to the experts over at John Frieda, your ideal hair length actually comes down to the angle of your jawline.

The formula uses a simple ratio that measures the distance between your earlobe and your chin to figure out whether shorter or longer styles might suit you best.

If the distance is less than 5.5cm, then short hair is likely to be super flattering.

If it’s more than 5.5cm, longer locks are (theoretically) your best bet.

You can easily try it yourself at home as all you need is a mirror, a pencil, and a ruler.

Of course, style is totally personal.

We’re not about to let a bit of maths override your own taste.

So, if you’ve already got a haircut you love, feel free to give this one a miss.

Brian Leo McCallum, owner of Roar Hair and Beauty Salon Group, told the Hairdressers Journal: “Face shapes are so important when choosing the right style for you and at ROAR that’s one of the fundamental parts of us designing your haircut.

“The 5.5 rule is one way to see if you would suit short hair but remember rules are made to be broken!

“There are so many other factors to take into consideration like how you maintain your hair at home, defining features, hair growth patterns and personal style.

“I think anyone can have short bob, medium or long hair styles as long as the shape is just right for the face!”;

How to measure the 5.5cm rule correctly

If you’ve been toying with the idea of going shorter but aren’t sure it’ll suit you, or if you’ve always kept it cropped and fancy a bit of a change, this trick might just give you that extra nudge.

• Start by standing in front of a mirror.
• Take a pencil and hold it horizontally just under your chin.
• Next, grab a ruler and hold it vertically – at a right angle to the pencil – and line it up with the bottom of your earlobe.
• Now, measure the distance from your earlobe straight down to the pencil. That’s your magic number.

If it’s under 5.5cm, short styles are likely to suit you best. If it’s over, longer styles might be more flattering – at least according to the rule.

Are there exceptions to the 5.5cm rule?

Absolutely. A mathematical formula can be a helpful guide, but it’s hardly the final word on your hairstyle.

Face shape, hair texture, and even your own styling habits can make just as much of a difference.

For instance, if you’ve got fine hair, a shorter cut can add the illusion of volume.

But ultimately, the best haircut is the one that makes you feel confident and like you.

Color Wow’s Global Director Giles Robinson said among those who suit a bob is Katie Holmes.

Lily Collins

Others who suit this hairstyle are Lily Collins and Audrey Hepburn.

With a clean centre part and one side casually tucked behind her ear, the cut sat a couple of inches above her shoulders.

It had softly razored ends and a perfectly tousled finish.

Hairstylist Gregory Russell was the mastermind behind the look, creating a sleek, polished parting that subtly transitioned into more texture and movement towards the ends.

Emma Stone

Robinson told the MailOnline in 2015: “Although she looks gorgeous in an ‘old world Hollywood' style with long hair, Emma Stone is another celebrity whose features are enhanced by this cut; she really looks amazing with a bob.”

Jessica Alba

He added: “A few celebrities who I think the bob or crop isn't suited for include Jessica Alba.

“Although she is always stunningly beautiful, whatever her style, the bob cut doesn’t complement her features; for her longer jawline, long hair is really more flattering.”

“The same is true for Kim Kardashian, she recently went for the lob but she suits longer flowing locks that balance and frame her longer heart shaped jawline.

“The rule is ultimately more about who short hair suits, but the stylist will take into account the desired result the client wants.”;