What length do most women mean when they say they want to cut their hair short?

Women who say that they want their hair short usually mean that they want their hair between ear and chin length. Popular ear- and chin-length styles are pixie cuts and bobs.

A woman who says she wants her hair very short is referring to ear length. This category of cuts includes the shortest haircut varieties. The longest hairs of any style in this category reach the ear lobe or above.

Chin-length styles refer to any style in which the longest hairs reach to between the ear and the chin. Some women may mean neck- or shoulder-length when they say that they want a short hair cut, but these styles are technically referred to as medium-length.