When it comes to knowing how often you should get your hair cut, it isn’t a one-size-fits-all scenario. There are many different factors, like your hair type, your hair goals (are you trying to grow your hair?) and also damage levels.
It also depends on whether your hair is color treated, damaged or unhealthy. I’m going to share some tips on knowing how often you should get a haircut, so you don’t ignore split end risks, without overcutting and stalling potential growth.
How Fast Does Hair Grow?
There are factors that affect how fast hair grows, but generally, hair grows about half and inch a month, working out at around six inches per year.
The factors that influence hair growth include age, genetics and overall health.
I know for myself, my hair grows insanely fast, and grows an inch a month at least, but I don’t often use hot tools on my hair these days, but the rate of growth definitely does differ person-to-person.
Seasonal changes can also affect hair growth, with hair often growing faster during the summer, due to better circulation within the scalp, and nutrient availability.
We can enhance our growth by looking after our hair, having regular trims, and being careful with hot tools, to reduce breakage and split ends.
Why Is It Important To Get Regular Haircuts?
We need regular trims to maintain the hair’s health and appearance. Haircuts help to get rid of split ends, and if we don’t get rid of them when they start, the split can cause more extensive damage, by traveling up the hair shaft.
When you have regular haircuts, it also helps to promote healthy hair growth, which ensures your hair looks fuller and healthier.
If you have thinner hair, regular haircuts can help to enhance the appearance of your hair, giving you a more voluminous look.
You will also improve your hair’s manageability by reducing tangles, knots and frizz which usually come with dry, dead ends, to make hair styling much easier.
How Often Should You Get A Haircut?
Professional hair experts recommend people get their haircut every 6 to 8 weeks, due to the above reasons.
By having regular cuts and trims, you’ll prevent split ends and breakage, but those with fine hair, can see the best results having minor trims every 4 to 6 weeks.
Shorter hairstyles require more frequent trims, to help keep the shape of your chosen style, with trims every 3 to 7 weeks to keep your style fresh.
For medium-length hair, aim for 3 to 4 haircuts a year, but long hair can often go 8 to 12 weeks between cuts (if split ends aren’t an issue).
If you have curly (or textured hair), it’s recommend to have a trim every 6 to 12 weeks, depending on your curl type, to maintain the shape of your curls.
Signs You Need To Have A Haircut
If you spot any split ends when styling your hair, or your hair is feeling rough/dry, it’s the best time to get a hair trim.
If you leave the split ends, the split will travel up the hair shaft, causing more damage, and frizz and flyaways.
This will make your hair more difficult to style, and it’ll get more tangly in places like behind your ears and the nape of your neck.
If you have a defined hairstyle, with layers or it’s a short cut, losing shape or definition is a sign you need a trim.
Do Different Hair Types Need Different Frequencies Of Haircuts?
Yes, different hair types (and lengths) need different frequencies of trims.
Fine hair should aim for trims every 4 to 6 weeks to reduce split ends and breakages.
Straight hair should book a trim appointment every 4 to 8 weeks to maintain a smooth, neat appearance.
If you have curly hair, depending on its texture, you can wait for a trim every 6 to 12 weeks, to manage your frizz and keep your curl pattern defined.
Those with layered hair, like myself, it’s recommended to get a trim every 6 to 8 weeks, and those with chemically treated hair, like dyed hair or hair that’s used a chemical to straighten, a trim every 8 weeks is essential to manage damage, and maintain overall health.
