Do you want your hair to grow long? It might seem a bit strange, but getting your hair trimmed regularly is an integral part of helping it grow as much as possible. In this blog, we will talk about how often to trim hair for maximum growth. Even though it sounds odd, experts say cutting your hair regularly can make it healthier and help it grow faster.
If you are trying to make your hair longer and have avoided going to the hair salon, you should rethink your plan. Missing those salon appointments could make your hair worse instead of better. Keep reading to learn how often you should trim your hair for growth, according to the advice of a hairstylist. We will also discuss some natural products that can make your hair appear healthier and thicker when used alongside regular trims.
Before we dive into the nitty-gritty of how often to trim your hair for optimal growth, let us take a moment to understand the basics of hair growth.
Understanding the Hair Growth Process
Hair grows from tiny pockets in your scalp called hair follicles. These follicles get nutrients from blood vessels, which help the hair grow. Hair follows a cycle: it grows, rests, and finally falls out. Knowing this cycle is essential for keeping your hair healthy and understanding how it grows.
The hair growth cycle comprises three main phases:
Anagen Phase: This is also called the active growth phase when hair cells divide rapidly, and hair grows approximately half an inch per month. The duration of the anagen phase varies among individuals and is influenced by factors such as genetics, age, and hormones.
Catagen Phase: During this transitional phase, hair growth slows, and the hair follicle shrinks. This phase lasts for a few weeks.
Telogen Phase: In the final phase, the hair is at rest and is eventually shed. The growth of new hair starts, and the cycle repeats.
Understanding this cycle is crucial because it influences when and how often you should trim your hair for maximum growth.
Cutting Cues: How Often Should You Trim Your Hair For Growth?
Now that we have a basic understanding of hair growth, let us explore the key factors determining how often you should trim for hair growth.
1. Know When to Go
According to the experts, hair doesn't grow from the ends; it grows from the roots. However, knowing when to cut your hair for growth is crucial. When you start noticing signs like split ends, breakage, and dryness at the ends of your hair, it clearly indicates that it is time for a trim.
Trimming your hair at this point helps remove the damaged ends, making your hair look healthier and preventing further damage.
2. Break Free From Breakage
Split ends are your hair's worst enemy. They make your hair look frizzy and unkempt and contribute to further damage. By cutting off these dead, split ends, your hair will appear much healthier. Remember that everyone's hair is different, and factors like diet, lifestyle, and genetics play a role in determining how often to cut hair for growth. Some people can go longer between trims, while others may need more frequent cuts.
3. Factor in How Fast Your Hair Grows
When cutting hair for growth, remember that everyone's hair grows at its own speed. Your diet, genetics, and how you live can affect how fast your hair grows. So, if you want to grow your hair longer, you must be patient and let it grow naturally. Just understand that some things, like your genes, can determine how quickly your hair will reach your desired length.
4. Rethink Your Product Routine
Alongside trimming hair for growth, choosing the right hair products is important. Things like argan oil, vitamins, and special serums can do wonders for your hair. They provide essential nutrients, making your hair healthier and encouraging growth. Including products that make your hair look fuller and thicker in your routine is also a good idea. Combining trims and quality products is a powerful way to promote vibrant, growing hair.
You can opt for Heaven Scent, the best hair growth oil for women from TLP. This fragrant oil is specially crafted for curly hair and works wonders in promoting natural hair growth. It penetrates deeply to heal and stimulate regrowth as well, giving you the beautiful locks you have always wanted.
You can also choose Nice/Thing, a natural hair detox. It gently nourishes and detoxifies the scalp without disturbing its pH balance. As a result, it promotes the growth of healthier hair strands.
5. Add Supplements to Your Hair Care Routine
Maintaining a balanced diet is vital for both hair health and growth. Incorporating foods rich in proteins and healthy fats is a vital part of the equation. However, sometimes, adding supplements to your hair care routine can give you an extra boost. The supplements contain essential nutrients like biotin, folic acid, vitamins A, B-5, B-6, B-12, C, E, zinc, and other important minerals. These supplements benefit your scalp and nourish your hair, supporting your journey to cut hair for growth and achieve your desired length.
TLP offers Love Potion #9, a natural hair supplement made up of 15+ flowers and herbs, including ginger root, hibiscus, butterfly pea flower, and green tea, that promotes rapid hair growth by increasing the blood flow to the scalp. Incorporating this in your hair growth journey can be highly beneficial for the overall health of your hair as well as your body.
6. Length Matters
Whether your hair is short, medium-length, or long, regular trims can help all hair lengths.
However, the concern that "how often should I get my hair cut" depends on your specific hairstyle. If you have bangs, layers, or a shorter style, you might need more frequent trims to keep it looking neat. On the other hand, if you have one-length or long hair, you can wait longer between trims. A good thumb rule is to trim half an inch every 10-12 weeks for medium to thick hair that's generally healthy. This routine helps maintain your hair's health and appearance.
7. Space Out Trims Based on Texture and Type
The best time to cut hair for growth can depend on your hair's unique texture and type.
Regardless if your hair is curly, straight, fine, or coarse, split ends and dryness can affect anyone, making hair look lifeless. The hair shaft can become rough for people with chemically treated hair or those who frequently use heat-styling tools, resulting in more split ends. It is wise to consult a stylist to develop a customized plan in such situations. Trimming your hair, even just a little bit, can help to remove damaged and broken ends. It can improve your hair's overall health and help it grow better.
8. Create a Curated Plan With Your Stylist
Consulting a professional stylist is a wise move for those encountering increased damage. If your hair shows more split ends and concerns than usual, it's time to create a personalized plan. A skilled stylist can evaluate your hair's condition, offering expert guidance and advice. Together, you can develop a tailored maintenance and care routine to achieve your desired hair length and appearance. By collaborating with your stylist, you're addressing immediate issues and ensuring that your efforts to trim hair for growth align with your unique needs and objectives.
Here are the very few common questions that I am getting from my clients about trimming for hair growth
1. When is the best time to cut your hair?
The best time to cut your hair will depend on your hair type and goals. However, some general guidelines include:
If you have dry or damaged hair, it is best to wait until it is in good condition before cutting it. This will help to avoid split ends and further damage.
If you are trying to grow your hair out, it is best to trim it every 6-8 weeks to eliminate split ends and keep your hair healthy.
If you have oily hair, you should cut it more often to remove excess oil and keep it looking its best.
2. Which are the best days to cut hair to encourage hair growth?
There is no scientific evidence to suggest that cutting your hair on certain days of the week will encourage growth. However, some people believe that cutting your hair on a new moon or during a waxing moon will help your hair grow faster.
3. Why does trimming hair help it grow?
Trimming your hair removes split ends, which can avoid further damage and help your hair grow longer. Your hair can look dry and unhealthy due to split ends, so trimming them off will give it a healthier appearance.
4. How much should I trim my hair?
How much hair you should trim depends on your hair type and goals. If you are trying to grow your hair, you may only need to cut a 1/4-inch to remove split ends. If you have damaged hair, you may need to trim more to remove the damaged ends.
5. How often do you cut split ends?
Trimming your hair every 6-8 weeks is advised to remove split ends. However, you may need to cut your hair more often if you have dry or damaged hair.
6. Does trimming hair make it healthier?
Trimming your hair can make it healthier by removing split ends and preventing further damage. Split ends make your hair appear unhealthy, so trimming them off will give it a healthier appearance.
7. How often do bangs need to be trimmed?
Bangs typically need to be trimmed every 2-4 weeks, depending on how quickly they grow. If you have bangs that are cut short, you may need to trim them more often to keep them looking neat.
Conclusion
Knowing how often to trim hair for maximum growth is crucial in the journey for longer and healthier hair. In contrast to what you might think, regular trims are an essential part of this process. When you start to see issues like split ends, breakage, or dryness, it is a sign that it's time for a trim. Trimming your hair at this point removes the damaged ends and helps your hair grow better.
The frequency of trims depends on your hair type, length, and lifestyle. Shorter or layered styles may need more frequent trims, while longer styles can go longer between cuts.
In addition to trims, having a good diet, using quality hair products, and taking supplements can boost your hair growth. Patience and a customized care routine will help you achieve your longer and healthier hair goal. Remember, your desired hair length is well within reach with the right approach.
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About The Author: Paula Bland
The founder of TLP, Paula Bland, is a medically qualified Nurse Practitioner, Hair aesthetician, and psychiatric Nurse Practitioner known for her highly effective hair consultation. Paula has a non-traditional approach to hair care and advocates a chemical-free, natural, and holistic approach. The Love of People is her brainchild, and its products reflect her approach to hair health and have helped women with naturally curly hair manage their curls in a chemical-free and organic way.