Here's a breakdown of why:
* Grip: The stylist needs enough hair to grip the strands and pull them through foils or a highlighting cap.
* Placement: Short hair makes it difficult to control the placement of highlights, which can result in a patchy or uneven look.
* Blending: Longer hair allows for better blending of the highlights with the base color, creating a more natural-looking result.
* Processing: Enough hair to evenly apply the chemicals to get a sufficient lift without overlapping on the scalp or previously highlighted areas.
Exceptions:
* Very subtle or face-framing highlights: In some cases, a skilled stylist might be able to add a few subtle highlights to shorter hair around the face, but even then, some length is still needed.
* Specific techniques: There are some advanced techniques (like babylights) that can work on shorter lengths, but they might not be suitable for everyone.
The best advice is to consult with a professional hairstylist. They can assess your hair length and texture, discuss your desired look, and determine if highlights are achievable with your current hair. They can also advise on the best highlighting technique for your hair type and length.