This Trick Will Help You Decide Once and for All if You Should Cut Your Hair

The medium chop has been the go-to style for celebs and real girls alike for some time now. Everyone from Selena Gomez to Kate Hudson have ditched their long locks for a shoulder length ‘do – and it’s no surprise why. The look is low maintenance, fresh and still super versatile. But if you’re currently rocking a lengthy style, it can be hard to decide whether or not to take the short hair plunge. For those of you on the fence, we have discovered an easy way to test whether or not short hair is right for your face shape. Introducing the 2.25-inch rule.

The 2.25-inch rule, which was created by John Frieda himself, measures the angle of your jaw line to determine whether long or short hair will suit you best. No longer do you have to photoshop your face onto celebrities’ luscious manes. Ready to test it out? Grab a ruler and a pencil. Place the pencil under your chin horizontally and then place the ruler under your ear vertically. The intersection of the pencil and ruler indicates a measurement. If the pencil’s tip points to a measurement less than 2.25 inches, short hair could be a great option for you. If that measurement is greater than 2.25, long hair may be the way to go.

To put this theory to the test, I gave it a whirl. My measurement came in right at 2.25 inches. I’m going to take this as a sign that I’m something of a magical hair chameleon who can sport either long or short locks. This comes as welcome news, considering I’ve been rocking a shoulder-length cut for about three years now.

Did you try the theory? What did your measurements come out to? Share with us in the comments below.

(Photo via Daily Mail)

The hardest thing about having thin hair, is when you're trying to style your short, thin hair. It can be incredibly hard to style, especially you're always looking for new ways to add volume, only for it to fall flat... literally. Well, as a former short hair girly myself, with seriously thin hair, I've got the hacks and hairstyles for all the volume you could ever need.

Plus, I consulted the experts, Julius Michael(celebrity hair stylist) and Wes Sharpton (hairdresser at Hairstory) to get their professional opinions on which hairstyles are best for short and thin hair, as well as any pro tips they have for ways to add volume. So keep reading for all the best — and easiest — hairstyles to add volume to your short, thin hair!

Textured Side Part

Instagram/@juliusmichael1

Celebrity hairstylist Julius Michael gave us tips on how to achieve this cute, side part hairstyle that adds a lot of texture! He first, starts by adding texture to the roots with his Voloom hair iron, and then he finishes the style with a 3/4 inch curling iron to create soft waves. His number 1 tip for short, thin hair? Don't be afraid to experiment! He also embraces flyaways because they keep the hair naturally beautiful and not so frozen and stiff!

Layered Bun

Shai

A messy bun with with face framing pieces and layers, is the easiest way to fake volume. If your hair is flat like mine, and it just doesn't hold volume, then just throw your layers into a messy bun and pull out face-framing pieces. This will not only flatter your face shape, but it also gives the illusion of volume. Sometimes I like to put my hair up in a bun, and slowly start yanking out a few layers throughout the hair to give it a lived-in look. We're not looking for sleek, because that will make the hair look flat. The messier, the better!

Loose Waves

Claire Craig

Loose waves look incredible with short hair! And the key to gaining volume? Texture, texture, texture! To get this texture, you're going to want to buy a texture spray, and spray it all throughout your hair. Then scrunch it, flip it upside down, and really tossle it. This will give it volume, and ensure it doesn't look thin.

Textured Pixie

Wes Sharpton

Wes Sharpton, hairdresser at Hairstory, gave us an expert tip if you happen to have short hair that is also fine and curly. He says that you can mix wax and oil and form the coil with a diffuser hair dry to help give the hair some body and texture. This style looks especially good with short hair, styled like above in a super cute textured pixie cut!

Voluminous Curls

Dominique Goncalves

These voluminous curls are achieved by tightly curling the whole head of hair. But the real trick is to tease the roots with a brush. When I had short hair, this was my secret weapon. I would style it with heat, then tease my whole head at the root to ensure it looked full, and didn't fall flat in 30 minutes. Top it off with some hairspray to really hold it all together!

Fun Bow/Scrunchie

Cora Pursley

A good hairstyle that makes your hair look full, even when it's messy, is to use a scrunchy. Tease up the roots once more, and throw it into a low bun with a fun scrunchy. I love the one above, because the large bows make the hair look large and full. This is a lazy-girl approved hairstyle that still makes your hair look put together!

Blunt, Textured Bob

Ajaila Walker

A blunt bob has to be one of my favorite hairstyles ever, but it can be seriously hard to style if you have thin hair. A tip for this is to sleep in little braids or buns. I would take my short hair and twist it up with a clip just a bit before I went to bed, then when I woke up, I had the cutest waves that made my hair look so much more full and voluminous. The messy look, like above, is a 10/10, I'm obsessed with this style.

Claw Clip

Pexels/İlknur Çelik

The easiest style for short-haired girlies with thin hair? Claw clips. These will save your life, especially when your hair gets in that odd, inbetween phase where it's not too long and not too short. You just get a cute claw clip and clip it up into a half-up half-down hairstyle. I like to purposefully push the claw clip up, so it gives a bit of volume in the back of my hair. And voila! All you need for an easy hairstyle to give volume to your otherwise thin, flat hair!

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Header image via Claire Craig

Tourism can be a blessing for the economy of many cities around the world, but it often comes at a price. Destinations like Venice and Bali are iconic for a reason — they’re unique, breathtaking places that lure travelers from around the globe. But when a travel destination becomes too popular, it risks losing its charm and overcrowding can strain infrastructure, inflate costs for locals, and disrupt the peace and quiet of small, serene towns.

Here are 12 destinations that have struggled with overtourism. The good news? Many are implementing smart strategies to balance tourism with sustainability. Planning to visit? Consider booking during the off-season for a more authentic and enjoyable experience or try these hidden gems.

Pixabay

Venice, Italy

Cruise ships and swarms of tourists have overwhelmed this picturesque city, leading to overcrowded canals, damaged infrastructure, and skyrocketing prices. The local population is dwindling as Venetians leave due to the city’s unsustainable tourism boom. Last spring, in an effort to manage the influx, the city put into effect an entry fee for day-trippers and has limited cruise ships docking its shores.

Oleksandr P

Bali, Indonesia

Once an idyllic paradise, Bali now suffers from traffic congestion, environmental degradation, and overcrowded beaches. The island’s resources are strained under the weight of mass tourism, but there are efforts underway to promote sustainability like putting a moratorium on new hotels.

Willian Justen de Vasconcellos

Machu Picchu, Peru

Overtourism has led to erosion and damage to this ancient Incan citadel. A quota system and mandatory guides are helping preserve this popular South American destination.

Darren Lawrence

Tulum, Mexico

Once a tranquil paradise known for its pristine beaches, ancient Mayan ruins, and eco-chic vibe, Tulum has become a cautionary tale of overtourism. The surge in popularity, fueled by Instagram-worthy scenery, has brought overcrowding, environmental strain, and rising costs. The Guardianreported that locals are being pushed out by developers and despite the thinking that tourism helps local communities, poverty nearly doubled between 2015 and 2020. Local ecosystems, including fragile mangroves and coral reefs, are threatened by unchecked construction and pollution too. The local ruins have implemented stricter rules like no food or drink to limit trash and environmental impact from tourists.

Jimmy Teoh

Santorini, Greece

Instagram fame has turned this once-serene island into a tourist hotspot. Narrow streets are perpetually clogged, and locals are struggling with soaring costs of living due to tourism demand. The government has since capped the number of daily cruise ship visitors to keep overtourism at bay.

Chait Goli

Cinque Terre, Italy

Known for its colorful cliffside villages and breathtaking coastal views, these once-quiet fishing towns now see millions of visitors annually, way more than they can handle. To combat issues like congestion and cruise ships, local authorities have introduced visitor caps and encourage sustainable travel to protect Cinque Terre’s charm.

Rudy Kirchner

Reykjavík, Iceland

Is there anyone not going to Iceland these days? A small country with breathtaking landscapes, Iceland has been overwhelmed by tourists flocking to Instagram-famous sites like the Blue Lagoon and Diamond Beach. It's best to travel during the off season (November to April) and travel to lesser known spots like the Sturlungalaug hot spring.

youseflns

Maya Bay, Thailand (Phi Phi Islands)

This iconic beach, popularized by the DiCaprio film The Beach, suffered ecological devastation from hordes of visitors and anchored boats. Coral reefs were destroyed, and the beach was closed for years to allow recovery. It has since reopened after a huge revitalization project, but they have introduced visitor caps.

Pixabay

Kyoto, Japan

Traditionally quiet streets of this ancient capital city now teem with tourists during peak season. An increase in litter from tourists has required the city to install more trash bins to handle the crowds, and peaceful geishas are often chased down for photos. To mitigate the problem, Kyoto is considering running special buses to popular sites to reduce overcrowding, and temples and shrines are encouraging visitors to come early in the morning.

Prabin Sunar

Mount Everest, Nepal

The ultimate challenge for adventurers, Mount Everest has experienced overcrowding on the slopes and at base camps, leading to dangerous conditions, with litter and human waste piling up on the mountain. Permits are now harder to get, and stricter regulations for climbers are being enforced.

Mateusz Popek

Dubrovnik, Croatia

The Game of Thrones effect brought an influx of fans to this medieval city. Overcrowded streets and cruise ship arrivals have made it difficult to appreciate its beauty. The local government is taking steps to limit daily visitors and impose stricter cruise ship regulations.

Helena I

Lisbon, Portugal

Short-term rentals dominate the housing market now, thanks to affordable flights and the digital nomad craze. This has led to skyrocketing rents and displaced locals. Historic neighborhoods are inundated with tourists, making them less charming too. Everything from public transport to waste management struggles to keep pace with the influx. I went in December and it still felt a bit like Disneyland. Douro Valley and Madeira might be more favorable destinations any time of year.

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The temperature is rising and so are our ponytails. As much as we love styling long locks, hair + humidity = a hot, sweaty mess. This year, we’re seriously contemplating joining ranks of Olivia Palermo, Kourtney Kardashian, Hailey Bieber by getting that hair off our necks (semi) permanently with a fresh chop. While it may seem like less hair means fewer style options, check out these 10 ways you can keep your short style looking fresh.

Buzzed

Photo by Anastasia Shuraeva / PEXELS

If you really want to chop it all off, go big or go home. Or go short, in this case.

Curly Bob

Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images

As long as you’ve got a little bit of length, you can still work a curling iron to add texture to your bob. Zendaya rocked this look PERFECTLY, but who's really surprised?

Naturally Curly

Photo by SUNDAY II SUNDAY / Unsplash

Going short does not mean abandoning your natural hair! Let your curls shine with a tapered cut customized to your hair type, and follow along with this tutorial for a wash-and-go routine.

Modern Bob

Header Image Courtesy of Suhyeon Choi / Unsplash

You’ve got a business to run, and a sharp bob will help keep your morning routine to a minimum. Add some bangs for a little extra flair.

Pink Dream

Photo by Theo Wargo/Getty Images for Karl Lagerfeld

Give your hair a Barbie makeover that even Margot Robbie would be jealous of. Marion Cotilliard debuted this dreamy pink look at the Met Gala this year, and we're obsessed!

Short n' Sleek

images.pexels.com

Slick down your pixie cut for an ultra-chic vibe.

Blunt Cut

Photo by Momodu Mansaray/Getty Images

Similar to a bob, this low-maintenance hairstyle is perfect for people who just don't feel like styling their hair everyday. A little longer than a bob, a blunt cut can be adjusted to your comfort length — just look at Haley Lu Richardson's laid back, yet chic style!

Honey Brown Bob

Photo by Jon Kopaloff/Getty Images for Vanity Fair

This rich honey brown adds plenty of depth and dimension to your short haircut! Be sure to ask for babylights to get these tiny little golden locks just right.

Not-A-Karen Pixie Cut

images.pexels.com

Chop it all off with this modern pixie cut. Oh, and this one definitely won't make you look like a Karen.

Blonde Bob Bombshell

Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images

Make a bold statement with this bleach blonde look. It's beachy, sophisticated, and so in style right now!

How do you style your short hair? Tell us your favorite looks in the comments!

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This post has been updated.

Header Image Courtesy of Suhyeon Choi / Unsplash

Christmas cookie decorating is holiday tradition for us here at B+C, so we were so stoked to find this recipe for paleo cookies that adds a healthy twist to this classic holiday dessert. These sweet treats will shine among the rest of your Christmastime tablescape, and they are super easy to make. Plus, they'll pair well with just about any Christmas dessert. Just combine your paleo-friendly ingredients to prep the dough, let it sit overnight, then bake for ten minutes! The best part about this recipe is of course, all of the fun holiday-time shapes you can cut. Consider this recipe your go-to for healthy cookies, though, since you can make them year-round in any shape you like. Let's get to decorating!

Ingredients for Paleo Christmas Cookies

Brit + Co

For the cookies:

  • 1/2 cup grass-fed salted butter, softened
  • 6 tablespoons raw honey
  • 2 eggs, room temperature
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
  • 3 cups almond flour
  • 1/2 cup coconut flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda

For the frosting:

  • 6 tablespoons coconut butter or coconut manna
  • 1/4 cup cacao butter
  • 1-2 tablespoons honey
  • Plant-based food coloring
  • Vegetable-dyed sprinkles, for topping*
* Look for vegetable and fruit-dyed food coloring and sprinkles in natural grocery stores or online, and avoid artificial colors to keep these cookies Paleo friendly!

How to Make Paleo Christmas Cookies

Brit + Co

  1. Add the softened butter and honey to a large mixing bowl. Cream the mixture together using a handheld mixer until it is smooth. Add in the eggs, vanilla extract, and almond extract and whisk until they are well combined. Pour in the almond flour, coconut flour, and baking soda, and continue mixing until the batter has come together smoothly.
  2. Separate the dough into two, and place each one on top of a piece of plastic wrap. Roll each dough into a ball, then flatten to a thick disk, cover completely with the plastic wrap, and place in the refrigerator to firm up for at least 2 hours or overnight.
  3. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Remove one of the dough discs from the refrigerator, unwrap the plastic and place the dough on top of a piece of parchment paper, then top it with another piece of parchment paper. Use a roller to flatten out the dough to about 1/4 to 1/2 of an inch thick. Work quickly with your favorite Christmas cookie cutters, and use a thin spatula to lift the cut cookies onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  4. Bake the cookies in the oven for 10 minutes. Let them cool for a few minutes, then place on a wire rack for further cooling. Gather the leftover scraps back into a ball in the plastic wrap or parchment paper and place it back in the refrigerator, while working with the other piece of dough. Do this in batches to keep the dough from getting too warm and so you don’t overcrowd the baking sheet.
  5. While the batches of cookies are baking, use a small saucepan to lightly melt the coconut butter and cacao butter together over low heat on the stovetop. Remove the pan from the heat when the ingredients have just melted together. Stir in the desired amount of honey, then set aside to cool and thicken up slightly. If you are using food coloring, add in the desired amount into the frosting mixture (1-2 teaspoons of green or red should do the trick). If you plan on only using white frosting, only use a small amount of honey, as it can make the frosting an off-white or light brown color.
  6. After the cookies have completely cooled, decorate them with the frosting and sprinkles as desired. If you don’t have any professional piping tools, an easy fix is to place the frosting in a plastic sandwich bag and remove all the air when sealing the top. Cut a tiny tip off one corner of the plastic bag, then gently squeeze and pipe over the cookies. Use one plastic bag or piping bag for each color of frosting. Top with corresponding sprinkles and enjoy!

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Recipe development and photography by Sarah Anderson.

Heaping plates of Christmas cookies are synonymous with the holidays. It seems that nearly every country around the globe has their own variation on the holiday classic. In fact, some of these regions have been making their version of Christmas cookies for literal hundreds of years.

If you’re looking for a way to reconnect with your heritage, or maybe just want a little baking inspiration, check out our picks for the yummiest Christmas cookies from around the world.

The Noshery

Mantecaditos con Guayaba

These may look like ordinary thumbprint cookies, but these almond shortbreads from Puerto Rico are filled with a special guava marmalade. (via The Noshery)

Broma Bakery

Meringues

French meringues are a classic crumbly egg white cookie with a chewy interior. These get an extra European twist with the addition of Nutella. (via Broma Bakery)

Pretty. Simple. Sweet.

Alfajores

Deeply flavored dulce de leche, a caramel made from whole milk commonly found in Spain and many Latin American countries, is the key ingredient in these super pretty sandwiched Christmas cookies. (via Pretty. Simple. Sweet.)

Fancy Peasant

Melomakarona

These Christmas cookies that hail from Greece get their sweetness from a generous soaking of fresh honey! (via Fancy Peasant)

Very Eatalian

Baci di Dama

The name of this Italian treat translates to “lady’s kisses” — how adorable is that? These bite-sized cuties are made with ground hazelnuts and filled with a dollop of dark chocolate. (via Very Eatalian)

Cooking Classy

Linzer Cookies

These Austrian Christmas cookies are typically made with raspberry jam, but feel free to get crazy with a filling of your choice. Plus, the gorgeous windowpane look will make them a prize takeaway at your next cookie exchange. (via Cooking Classy)

Olivia’s Cuisine

Basler Brunsli

If you’re hanging out in Switzerland around Christmas time, you’ll definitely see these chocolate treats around. They’re often described as Swiss brownies due to their deliciously chewy texture. Perfect with a cup of eggnog or coffee! (via Olivia’s Cuisine)

Cilantro Parsley

Buñuelos

These tender miniature fritters from Mexico are a mix between a donut and cookie. Whatever you want to call them, they’re delicious. (via Cilantro Parsley)

Chef Lindsey Farr

Apricot Kolachys

The Hungarians definitely know what’s up when tart apricot jam gets wrapped in a blanket of flaky pastry. They’re a bright spot on a cold Christmas day. (via Chef Lindsey Farr)

Life, Love and Sugar

Cutout Sugar Cookies

In the United States, a plate of these festively decorated sugar cookies is just what Santa ordered. (via Life, Love and Sugar)

Saveur

Polvorones

You’ll find these simple pecan shortbread cookies all over Mexico around this time of year. The coating of powdered sugar and canela, a type of Mexican cinnamon, really bring the flavor to the next level. (via Saveur)

A Healthy Life for Me

Pignoli

These Italian Christmas cookies are made of a chewy almond base and topped with pine nuts. (via A Healthy Life for Me)

Fancy Peasant

Kourabiedes

These Greek Christmas cookies feature a buttery biscuit topped with mass amounts of powdered sugar. (via Fancy Peasant)

Does your family have a traditional cookie recipe for the holidays? Tag us @BritandBo in your Instagram photos and let us know!

This post has been updated with additional reporting by Meredith Holser.

Lead image via Pretty. Simple. Sweet.