The Biggest Things to Consider Before Chopping Your Hair Like Ariana Grande

Ariana Grande recently traded in her signature ponytail for short hair. The singer debuted a bob on social media. If you’re taking the cut as inspiration for your salon visit, there are a few important things to consider. Here are questions to ask your stylist before making the big chop.

The singer recently debuted a new look

In a carousel of photos posted to Instagram, Grande revealed her new, short haircut. Her stylist, Brandon Pietsch, also posted the images to his Instagram account.

“The ponytail is taking a hiatus,” he said. 

Grande’s signature look is a long, sleek ponytail, so the new haircut is a big departure for her.

Here’s what you should ask before cutting your hair similar to Ariana Grande

Searches for “Ariana Grande hair” reached 27,000 in the past month. Anyone looking to get a similar look this fall should ask a handful of questions to their stylist. 

“Before agreeing on the length, show your hairdresser how you normally wear your hair when it is up,” said Danielle Louise, a hair and beauty expert on Fresha. “A low ponytail for work and a high ponytail for exercise need different things from a haircut.” 

She noted that people should determine which strands of hair will reach the hair tie. If being able to pull the hair back as normal is essential, you should make that clear to your stylist. 

You should also ask your stylist to point to where the shortest point of your hair will be before cutting.

“‘Just a few inches off’ can mean something different to each person,” she said. “Ask your stylist to show you where the finished cut will sit when your hair is dry, and agree the shortest length you are comfortable with. Discuss the front and any layers too. You might be happy with the overall length but want to keep the pieces around your face long enough to tuck behind your ears or tie back.”

In addition, it’s important to consider how your hair will dry when you’re not at the salon.

“Tell your stylist if it dries with a wave, curls up or sits differently around the front,” Louise said. “If you usually arrive with your hair straightened, bring a photograph of how it looks without styling. Ask where the proposed cut is likely to sit when worn naturally, as well as when it has been blow-dried smooth.”

If you’re feeling nervous about cutting your hair, you can always start with a longer version of the cut.

“If you love the idea of a bob but are nervous about losing your length, ask whether a longer version would work as a first step,” Louise said. “Be specific about what you like in the reference photograph. It might be the clean outline, the parting, or the smooth finish, rather than the exact length.”

Therefore, you can use Grande’s haircut for inspiration while adapting to what works best for you.