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How Long Are 6, 10, 12, 22 Inches of Hair

How long are six inches of hair? What will your hair look like when it reaches 10 or 12 inches? Without a ruler, it’s hard to visually measure how long your hair is by touching it or peering into the mirror.

You never know if you have the best grasp on visualizing measurements. If you’re trying to get a better idea of what 6, 10, 12, or 22 inches of hair actually looks like, here are some examples of different lengths that you can use to judge the length of your own hair at home.

The Truth About Your Hair Length

Judging the length of your hair on your own is hard. You won’t always have someone to help you measure it or estimate the length for you.

To truly take care of your hair, it’s essential to learn about it from the inside out. That means discovering healthy conditioners, nourishing them with the foods you eat, and avoiding dead ends, but you also need to know your hair.

It helps to figure out how to measure your hair at a glance. Seeing a visualization should improve your perception.

Six Inches of Hair

How long are six inches of hair? Here you go. Depending on the style and texture of your hair, six inches may fall a bit longer or shorter. Curly or wavy hair will always appear shorter because the shaft of the hair is coiled and spiraled.

Blonde Pixie Cut

6 inch bob

The pixie cut is a proof that you can achieve stylish hair looks at different lengths. This is the edgiest and most fashion-forward hairstyle you can have if your hair is six inches long. 

Pro Tip: If you have a round face shape but wish to sport a pixie cut, go for one with a face-framing and slimming side swept curtain fringe. 

Medium Wavy Lob 

6 inch curly hair

Whoever said that women with short hairstyles can’t enjoy waves, this medium-length wavy bob will prove you wrong. For your information, you can create a gorgeous, modern, and chic wavy lob out of 6-inches of hair like this one. 

Straight Bob with Full Bangs

6 inch haircut with bangs

When you have 6 inches of hair, the best thing you can do is to experiment with different types of bob haircuts and bangs.

If wavy bobs are not your cup of tea, stick with the classic bob but make it more stylish by adding full bangs which are perfect for people who wish to conceal their forehead. 

Long Pixie with Sideswept Bangs

6 inch pixie hair

Do you want a pixie cut but find it to be a bit intimidating? Go for the next best thing– long pixie! This short hairstyle still looks edgy and gives you more hair length to play with so it’s a lot more versatile. 

Asymmetrical Bob

6 inch straight hair

Yes, the classic bob haircut looks gorgeous, but you can take it to the next level by going for an asymmetrical A-line shape which is shorter at the back and longer in the front.

The slight difference in the shape can make your hair look thicker and more voluminous which is always a welcome thing for people with thin hair. 

Short Choppy Hairstyles to Wear With Panache

10 Inches Hair

For transitional cuts that fall somewhere between short and medium-length, 10 inches hit the spot. Your hair reaches the nape of your neck at 10 inches. It’s long enough to go up in a ponytail, but you can let it flow loosely without much styling.

Curly Long Bob

10 inch curly hair

One of the most stylish hair looks at different lengths would be curly hair! Regardless of how long your hair is, curly hair will always look phenomenal.

The best part about curly hair is it already looks gorgeous on its own so you don’t need any layers and bangs to make it stand out. 

Straight A-line Lob with Color

10 inch straight hair

And of course, you can always go for the long A-line bob which is a breath of fresh air from the classic bob. For an eye-catching look, try some hair color that can certainly add oomph to your usual look.

Medium Wavy Hair 

10 inch wavy hair

If you feel like your long bob is getting kind of boring, then put your curling iron to good use. You can create large waves all around your hair. For the front, you can make face-framing medium waves.

Side-parted Corkscrew Curls 

If you have corkscrew curls, 10-inch is the perfect length to show off your amazing curls without requiring too much maintenance. And while you’re at it, go for a side part for a more carefree and sexy look. 

10-inch Braided Hair

10 inch braided hair

Do you want to make your 10-inch hair look stylish? Go for braids! Braiding your hair will make it look more chic and feminine and maintain that fun and carefree vibe at the same time. 

12 Inches Hair

At 12 inches, your hair is a bit longer than shoulder length. Expect it to touch your shoulders or brush the tops of your shoulder blades. As far as length goes, 12 inches of hair is right in the middle. It’s just the perfect choice for anyone who wants a genuine medium-length haircut.

Curly Blonde Balayage 

12 inch curly hair

A curly hair already looks gorgeous on its own but if you wish to make the most out of your amazing hair, add some colors to it! A blonde balayage will amp up your curly hair’s sexy vibe and can give you that youthful glow you’ve always wanted. 

Loose Ponytail 

12 inch wavy hair

Now, here’s a hairstyle that’s exclusive to people with 12 inches of hair or longer. A loose ponytail is sleek enough to keep your hair in place yet loose enough to give off that fun and carefree vibe. 

Dreadlocks

Are you looking for a protective yet stylish hairstyle? This dreadlock hairstyle might be the one for you. This is considered to be the most protective hairstyle as it can last for up to 8 weeks. The best part? It looks fantastic too!

Creative Cornrows

12 inch braided hairstyle

While a dreadlock hairstyle is a practical protective option, cornrows are highly recommended if you want a more stylish protective hairstyle. That’s because you can easily experiment with different cornrow styles and types. Just take a look at how beautiful the one in the picture looks!

Below-Shoulder Length Straight Hair with Curtain Bangs

medium hairstyle for girl

If you wish to keep things sweet and simple, go for a blunt straight hairstyle. Despite its simplicity, the blunt cut can still give it an edgy look. Plus, the soft and sweepy curtain bangs can give your hair the stylish boost it needs. 

16 Inches of Hair

Now it’s time to discuss how long 16 inches of hair is. It’s a mid-back length. Factoring in your height and hair texture, a 16-inch style should hit the center of your shoulder blades or perhaps a bit lower.

Pastel Colored Long Curls

16 inch curly hair

With long hair, the opportunities are endless. You can play with different hairstyles and you get to maximize the beauty of various hair colors as well. To make the most out of it, go for eye-catching multicolored hair like this. The unique color combination can surely make you stand out. 

Three Strand Braid

16 inch straight hair

Everything braided style looks very beautiful, especially this unique braid! This three-strand braid looks equally sophisticated and sexy and can definitely take your hairstyle to the next level!

Messy Bun with Front Puff

16 inch hairstyle

The messy bun is the best for women who want to look like they have it all together but in an effortless manner. On the other hand, the front puff gives your thin hair instant volume. 

Waterfall Braids

16 inch hair braid

Waterfall braids are probably the most elegant types of braid you can ever see. This braid looks classy and is perfect for a first date or formal gatherings and special events. 

Middle-Part Curly Hair

Having long curls means you get to enjoy your hair at their finest! If you have a round, oval, or heart-shaped face, a middle part can complement all your facial features.

Go Super Long – 22 Inches of Hair

Once your hair reaches 22 inches, you’re in #longhairdontcare territory. Here’s a fun fact: 22 inches of curly hair falls at the same place as 16-18 inches of straight hair. As you know, curly ladies, your hair will always be longer if you straighten it.

Waves and Braids

22 inch braided hair

Why settle with only braids or only waves when you have long hair? If you have 22 inches of hair, the sky is the limit so go ahead and go crazy with both waves and braids!

Wavy Ponytail 

22 inch curly hair

The easiest hairdo for long hair would be a ponytail but instead of going for a simple one, try curling your hair and teasing it a bit before pulling it into a ponytail. Leave some hair strands on the side for the perfect effortless look. 

High Bun 

22 inch hair bun

22 inches is the perfect length for a high bun– the ultimate sleek and elegant updo that you can work from day to night. Once you’ve pulled your gorgeous long hair into a bun, don’t forget your side curly strands that will frame your face beautifully. 

Half Black Half White Curly Hair 

Now, here’s a hair color that can surely make you the darling of the crowd. Split dyed hair allows you to enjoy a neutral color on one side and a bold color on the other so you get to enjoy the best of both worlds!

Sleek and Straight

long hairstyle for girl

Your long hair is a statement in itself so just keep it sweet and simple and go for a luscious sleek and straight hair. 

Conclusion

Once you understand how long your hair is at six inches, afoot, and so on, it’s easier to judge its growth. Have you ever measured your hair? Share the longest it’s ever been!

FAQs

Here are some commonly asked questions regarding different hair lengths.

Can I donate 6 inches of hair?

Unfortunately, you can not donate 6 inches of hair. Most organizations require your ponytail (not your total hair length) to be longer than 8-12 inches for donation.

Which hair length is most attractive?

Experts believe that most people find longer hair more attractive than shorter hair. They believe this is an evolutionary concept because long hair is (or at least used to be) a characteristic of femininity.

However, hair length is not linked to gender, and you should choose the hair length that looks most attractive on you and your face shape. 

Is 12-inch hair considered long?

12-inch hair is not officially categorized as long hair. Generally speaking, 12 inches of hair is about shoulder length, or slightly longer. Shoulder-length hair is considered medium-length hair. 

Can hair grow more than 6 inches a year?

Yes. Many factors determine hair growth. For the average person, hair will grow about 0.5 inches per month, which equates to about 6 inches per year.

What is the best hair length for donation?

Most organizations require that your ponytail be at least 8-12 inches long, which means your total hair length will need to be about 16 inches.

Before you sit down in the chair to donate, double-check the rules for the organization you are donating to, then make sure you meet the requirements. 

Why does hair stop growing at a certain length?


Maximum hair length is a measurement determined by your genetic code. Products can not improve your natural hair limit. 

Hair appears to stop growing at a certain length because each hair strand has a growth phase (anagen phase) followed by resting (telogen) and shedding (catagen) phases.

Once the growth phase ends, the hair will no longer get longer, and it eventually falls out, replaced by a new hair.

The length achieved during the anagen phase varies per individual and is influenced by genetics, health, and other factors.

What’s the difference between 18 and 20-inch hair?

18-inch hair usually rests at the middle of your back, whereas hair that is 20 inches long hits at your natural waistline. Most people choose to have 20-inch hair because this is when the hair qualifies as long.

If you are looking for extensions and are deciding between 18 and 20 inches, try them on to see how they fit your body proportionally and then decide.

What’s the difference between 20 and 22-inch hair?

Both lengths are categorized as long hair. The two-inch difference means that 20-inch hair hits at your natural waistline, and 22-inch hair hits at your lower back.