Why should you cut your hair? What are the benefits of cutting or trimming your hair that often?
Apart from the normal reasons of getting a haircut such as a bad breakup (we’ve all been there!), wanting the new cut of the season, or simply having a craving for change; there are a few good reasons (aside from the obvious fabulous ones) to get a trim every now and then.
Don’t get me wrong – I’m not talking about constantly chopping your hair off until you’re left with Mia Farrow’s iconic pixie cut! Rather, I’m talking about getting a trim every once in a while to maintain your look or to take your hair game up a notch.
Making a ritual of occasional maintenance cuts can..
1) Enliven your hair
If you have a certain cut that needs maintenance, trims will keep your hair looking as if you’ve been rocking a fresh cut straight out of the salon all the time.
2) Keep damage at bay
If you’re the type to style your hair using a dryer or flat iron, getting a trim every 6 to 8 weeks will get rid of your split ends stopping it from causing more damage. With less split ends, your hair will look smoother and less like you’ve received an electric shock.
3) Stimulate healthy hair growth
Hair does not actually grow longer when you trim it often. This is a myth that has spread like wildfire. The real reason behind it is simple: Less damage means that your hair gets to grow to its best potential. When split ends are left alone, they can go all the way up to your hair shaft causing stunted hair growth - so why choose to keep them?
4) Make your hair shinier and thicker
As your hair grows, the ends tend to thin out naturally. Consequently, those ends can end up looking dry and wiry. Cutting those dead ends will make your hair look less dry, give it a shinier appearance, and even look fuller.
5) Cut down detangling time
If you’re prone to getting knots in your hair, regular trims will help. With less knots, you’ll spend less time trying to brush out tangles. Because you have fewer tangles, you’ll find it easier to style your hair as well!
Can a haircut damage your hair though?
Haircuts are supposed to get rid of your damaged hair so no – not if your hairstylist is trained to use their tools correctly. Thinning shears and razors can be damaging to your hair if used incorrectly. If you find that your stylist uses a razor on dry hair, it’s time to find yourself a new stylist. Razors are safest when used on wet hair assuming that the blade is kept sharp. Thinning shears when used on dry hair are not necessarily damaging like the razor however, it does create more problems for styling, as your hair strands will be at different lengths.
How often should you get a haircut if...
You have a fringe
A monthly trip to the salon will guarantee your fringe is runway ready. Blunt fringes are so chic but can look messy if left to grow too long.
You are afraid of drastic change
Book an appointment every 6 to 8 weeks. Want to keep your hair long but rid your hair of damage? Dusting might be the best trick for a natural look. It’s a technique that only gets rid of damaged tips without sacrificing any length. The process is time - consuming so call your stylist ahead of time.
You have a layered cut you want to look fresh
Layered hair usually grows out nicely but if you want to keep its original shape, go every 6 to 8 weeks.
You have a layered cut you want to grow out
With those gorgeous layers, getting away with grow - out is easy. If your main purpose is to simply rejuvenate your cut to get rid of damage, you can get a cut every 8 to 12 weeks.
You have short hair
2018’s short hair trend was and is definitely hot – but to keep it looking hot takes maintenance. Sporting a pixie cut? You should get a trim every 4 to 5 weeks while those with long bobs should get it done every 6 weeks.
You have dyed hair
Human hair grows at about 1.25 centimetres per month on average so it makes sense how it feels like roots start to show heaps fast. Avoid that oily looking shadow once your roots start to grow out by heading to the salon. Get your roots done and ask for a quick snip every 6 to 8 weeks.
At the end of the day, how often you should get your haircut is up to you, but keep the benefits in mind the next time you might want to delay your next appointment.