Growing up, you’ve probably been told by hairdressers that you should get haircuts every few months or so to keep your hair healthy. But it’s never really clear what “healthy” means–does it have something to do with your hair’s growth rate, its volume, shine, or bounciness? And how frequent is frequent enough to get your tresses cut?
So, we did some digging and we’ll let you in on some of the things we found out.
Why should you get a haircut often?
The overall health and look of your hair can benefit from regular trims in a number of ways:
1. To prevent split ends. Contrary to popular belief, it’s best to get a trim even before split ends show up. This is because split ends can move up the hair shaft if ignored, resulting in further breakage and damage. You can avoid this with regular trims to keep your hair strong and avoid the need for later, more major cuts.
2. To promote the general health of your hair. By trimming off damaged and dry ends, you can improve the strength and texture of your hair, resulting in less dryness, breakage, and possibly, oiliness. As you get rid of the oldest parts of your hair, you’re making room for healthier new growth.
3. To manage hair growth. Cutting your hair while you're attempting to grow it out may seem counterproductive, but getting rid of split ends and avoiding breakage can actually encourage healthy development. Regular hair trimming will ensure that it grows uniformly and will lessen the visibility of any length differences.
Keep in mind that these suggestions may change based on your hair type, style, and personal preferences. Always seek the assistance and expertise of a qualified hair stylist who can offer tailor-fit guidance based on the unique requirements of your hair.
So, how often should you cut your hair?
Your particular hair kind, preferred style, and personal objectives all influence how frequently you should get a haircut.
In a Healthline article, hair stylist Michael Fuzaloiv shared that the average time frame is “every three to four months” for regular trims. But if you’re growing it out, hair stylist Lisa Huff recommends “ trimming between a quarter to half an inch off the hair every 12 weeks.”
It’s also worth noting that if you have a sleek haircut that requires more maintenance such as pixie cuts or fades, trims should be done frequently, typically every two to four weeks or as recommended by your stylist.
Some people prefer more grown-out looks and resort to hair treatments to combat dryness and breakage; others diligently heed the advice of stylists and come to the salon every few weeks or so. Ultimately, though, it all boils down to personal preference and the look you’re trying to achieve.
Does frequent trimming help hair grow faster?
The sweet spot is between yes and no. Trimming the ends doesn’t change the way your hair grows from the root; rather, it helps stop the breakage and appearance of split ends that give the appearance of slow growth. This way, there’s less of the length that needs to be actually cut when you come in for a trim.
Our Glow Getter Tip
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