Long or short braided in extensions?
Every day, we get emails.
Every day, we help women with consults who ask us the same question:
“Should I go SHORTIES™ or longs?”
Sometimes it’s asked casually. Sometimes there’s a pause before it, like the answer might change something bigger than hair. And honestly, we get it. Because choosing between short and long dreadlocks isn’t really about what looks good. It’s about how you want to feel once they’re in.
It’s about comfort. Presence. Confidence. Daily life.
Why This Question Comes Up So Often
Most women asking this aren’t stuck between two photos. They’re stuck between two versions of themselves.
One wants ease…. The other wants impact.
One wants something light and effortless.
The other wants something bold and full.
And the truth is, both versions are valid.
Hair is something you live in, not just something you see in the mirror. Length changes how it feels on your body, how aware you are of it throughout the day, and how you move through your routine. That’s why this choice matters more than people expect.
When SHORTIES™ Make Sense
SHORTIES™ are often chosen by women who want their hair to feel supportive rather than demanding.
They’re for women who want a medium length without a full, dramatic look. Women who like their hair to move easily with them. Women who don’t want to constantly adjust, re-style, or think about their hair once it’s in.
SHORTIES™ tend to feel lighter on the head and easier to live in day to day. You can go through your morning, your workday, and your evenings without feeling like your hair is asking for attention.
For many women, that lightness is the confidence. When nothing feels distracting, you show up more fully. You feel present in your body instead of aware of your hair.
This is also why our SHORTIES™ are a popular choice for first-timers. Not because they’re a compromise, but because they let you experience this hairstyle in a way that feels balanced and comfortable from the start.
When Long Braided In Extensions Are the Right Choice
Then there are women who already know they want length.
They’re not asking because they’re unsure. They’re asking because they want permission to choose what they already feel drawn to.
Longs create presence. They’re full, noticeable, and expressive. You feel them when you move. You see them when you turn your head. And for many women, that awareness is part of the confidence.
Longs tend to carry more weight and require more intention in daily wear. They offer more styling options, more volume, and a stronger visual impact. They don’t blend into the background. They lead the look.
Women who choose long braided-in extensions often enjoy that statement. They like taking up space. They like feeling seen. And they’re comfortable with the commitment that comes with it.
The Part No One Talks About Enough
Short doesn’t mean simple.
Long doesn’t mean better.
Choosing one over the other isn’t about strength, tolerance, or doing it the “right” way. It’s about alignment.
SHORTIES™ support ease, lightness, and everyday comfort.
Long dreadlocks support expression, fullness, and bold presence.
Neither option says anything about your confidence level or your personality. They simply support different lifestyles and ways of moving through the world.
How to Decide Without Overthinking It
If you’re still unsure, the best place to start isn’t a mirror. It’s your life!
Think about how you want your hair to feel when you’re walking, working, traveling, or relaxing at home. Think about whether you want your hair to quietly support you or make a statement alongside you.
And remember… Some women start shorter and move longer later. Others go long immediately and never look back. There’s no timeline and no pressure to get it “right” the first time!