Short hair: The new long?

Since the dawn of hairdressing, we've seen some fierce hairstyle rivalries, many of which are still duking it out today — Blonde vs. brunette, texture and volume vs. sleek and shiny, and the ultimate hair rivalry: short vs. long. From Beyoncé’s fierce A-line bob to Jennifer Lawrence’s chic new pixie, and even Miley’s now infamous platinum blonde cut, short hair hasn’t looked so hot and exciting since Audrey Hepburn in the '50s. So, it’s time to wonder, is short hair the new long hair?

Making the cut from long to short hair can be an emotional, sometimes nerve-wracking experience. However, in 2014, we’re bringing new emotions to that experience; expect to feel liberated, excited, beautiful and elated when leaving your stylist’s chair. Not to mention, your hair will thank you, too. Going for a shorter style will get rid of all those dead, split ends you’re always toying with and give your hair a chance to revitalize after all of the damage the summer sun has caused.

You always want to keep your face shape in mind when picking out a new shorter 'do. If you have an oval face, you’re in luck; just about any cut you choose will look fabulous on you. For those of us with more challenges, here are a few tips to picking out the perfect cut for you.

1. If you have a long face, select a hairstyle that will shorten it. To do this, you want to create the illusion of width. A chin-length bob would look stunning. Or, if that’s too short, try a cut that ends somewhere between the chin and shoulders.
2. If you have a wide or round face, select a hairstyle that will add length to your face. This will balance out your features by creating the illusion that your face is longer and slimmer. Go for a longer bob, like Beyoncé’s, with a cut that ends one to two inches below the chin. This will elongate your face and draw the eye downward, giving the illusion of length.
3. If you have an angular face (square or oblong), try opting for a softer haircut. This will soften the edges of your face. Angular faces tend to look fantastic with really short hairstyles. Go for that perfect pixie cut, like Anne Hathaway or Jennifer Lawrence.

Although this hair rivalry is long from over, 2014 is shaping up to be a year for short hair.