How to Convince Your Boyfriend to Cut His Hair

Co-authored by Nicole Moore and Nihal Shetty

Last Updated: June 27, 2022

If you’re with a great guy, but think you’d prefer if he had shorter hair, you might be wondering how to approach this conversation. In the end, everyone has the right to look the way they want to, but that doesn’t mean you can’t express your own preferences. This can feel like a delicate conversation, but we’re here to help with this guide on things you can say to convince your boyfriend to cut his hair.

1

“I really like this actor’s haircut.”

Hints about your preferences can get your point across. The next time you watch a movie or TV with your boyfriend, point out men who have haircuts you think would look good on your boyfriend. This is a subtle way to let your boyfriend know that he could try out another style.

2

“I love your hair in this photo!”

Complimenting photos of him with short hair might sway him. Ask your boyfriend if you can see old photos of him, or scroll back through his Instagram or other social media platforms. Then, say something like, “Wow, this haircut was such a cute look on you!”

3

“Have you ever thought about having shorter hair?”

Framing your request as a casual question can ease the tension. By asking your boyfriend this question, you can get a sense of how attached they are to their longer hair. If your boyfriend responds by saying something like “Never!” then you probably won’t be able to make much headway in your effort to convince him otherwise.

4

“Short hair would really suit you.”

It’s okay to be a bit more direct sometimes. Every good relationship relies on honest communication, so letting your boyfriend know that you think he’d look great with short hair is appropriate in a relationship. Just remember that he also has the right to keep his hair the way it is.

5

“You must get hot with your hair so long.”

Point out the downsides of long hair to get him to rethink his style. If you have long hair yourself, you could also say something like, “I’d cut mine off if I thought I could pull it off. You definitely could though.” Complaining about the maintenance that long hair requires is another good way of getting your boyfriend to think about the benefits of short hair.^{[1]
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6

“I think I’d prefer you with shorter hair, but you look great.”

Be careful when using ‘but’ statements. When people hear something nice, followed by a ‘but,’ they instinctively prepare themselves for bad news. This can make your boyfriend feel hurt and defensive. Instead, tell him that you would like him to cut his hair, then use the ‘but’ to let him know he still looks good to you.^{[2]
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7

“I’m going to the hair salon. Do you want to get a trim?”

Turn your request into an activity you can do as a couple. Inviting your boyfriend along with you to the hair salon can be a fun use of your afternoon, and give you both a chance to bond. Saying something like this is a low-pressure way of letting him know that you think he might look better with shorter hair.

8

“Can I book you an appointment with a barber?”

Your boyfriend might need a little push to get his hair cut. By offering to do the work of booking him an appointment, your boyfriend can’t use laziness as an excuse to keep growing out his locks. If he says yes, ask him what barbershops around town he likes, or do your own research for him.

9

“Hippies are cool and all, but we’re a little past that decade.”

A joke might be a good approach if your boyfriend has thick skin. If you and your boyfriend frequently poke fun at each other, bring up your preference for short hair with a joke or light-hearted remark. For example, say something like:
- “I get the whole Kurt Cobain vibe, but do you think it’s time for a change?”
- “I hadn’t realized I was dating Rapunzel!”

10

“I’ve always wanted to cut hair. Can I try it out on you?”

Cutting hair isn’t always easy, but can be fun. If your boyfriend is the adventurous type, he might be up for letting you use him as a test subject. Cutting your boyfriend’s hair can be a great way to bond as a couple. But if he responds with something like, “No way,” you can always play this off as a joke.^{[3]
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- If you do cut your boyfriend’s hair, and you don’t have much experience, try to go for a simple cut with clippers. Advanced styles might be a bit beyond your skill level.

11

Respect his right to look the way he wants.

Your boyfriend shouldn’t have to change his appearance to appeal to you. After all, wouldn’t it feel weird if your boyfriend dictated how you looked all the time? Hair can feel very personal to people—it’s a way of showing our individuality and style to the world. If you’ve used a couple of the comments in this article and your boyfriend shows no sign of wanting to cut his hair, respect his decision.^{[4]
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