How Often Should You Really Get Your Hair Cut?
I could give you the standard hairdresser answer - every six to eight weeks - and move on. But honestly, it depends. And I think you deserve a more useful answer than that.
The right cutting schedule depends on your hair type, your style, and what you're trying to achieve. Some of my clients come in every five weeks. Others come every twelve and their hair still looks great. Neither is wrong - they just have different hair and different goals.
A Realistic Guide by Hair Type and Style
| Style / Goal | Recommended Frequency | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Short pixie or cropped style | Every 4 - 6 weeks | Short cuts lose their shape quickly as hair grows - even a centimetre makes a visible difference |
| Bob or shoulder-length | Every 6 - 8 weeks | Maintains the shape and keeps ends looking clean - bobs in particular go shapeless fast |
| Long hair (maintaining length) | Every 8 - 12 weeks | Regular trims keep ends healthy without losing length - skip them and you'll need more cut off eventually |
| Growing hair out | Every 10 - 14 weeks | You can stretch it out more, but don't skip entirely - damaged ends split upwards and cause breakage |
| Fringe / bangs | Every 3 - 4 weeks | Fringes grow into your eyes fast - I offer quick fringe trims between full appointments |
The "I'm Growing It Out" Trap
This is the most common mistake I see: people trying to grow their hair longer by avoiding haircuts altogether. I understand the logic - if you want length, why cut it? But it backfires.
Without regular trims, the ends dry out and split. Those splits travel up the hair shaft, weakening it and causing breakage. So you end up with hair that's technically longer but looks thin, scraggly, and damaged at the bottom. Then when you finally come in, I have to take off more than you would have lost from regular light trims.
If you're growing your hair, I'd suggest coming in every 10 to 14 weeks for a light dusting - literally just the very tips. You'll retain more length in the long run and your hair will look much healthier throughout the growing process.
How to Tell You're Overdue
Forget the calendar for a moment. Your hair will actually tell you when it needs cutting:
- Your style doesn't hold the way it used to. If your blow dry falls flat by lunchtime when it used to last all day, the shape has probably grown out.
- Your ends feel rough or look see-through. Hold your ends up to the light - if they look thin and wispy compared to the mid-lengths, they need tidying.
- You're getting tangles you didn't used to. Damaged, split ends catch on each other and create knots. If you're suddenly fighting with your brush, it's time.
- Your fringe is in your eyes. This one's fairly self-explanatory.
What About Between Cuts?
Looking after your hair between appointments makes a real difference to how long your cut lasts. A few things that help:
- Use a heat protectant before any heat styling - this is non-negotiable in my book
- Don't brush wet hair aggressively - use a wide-tooth comb or a wet brush and work from the ends up
- A small amount of hair oil on the ends keeps them hydrated and less prone to splitting
- Sleep on a silk or satin pillowcase if you can - it sounds fancy but it genuinely reduces friction and breakage
I go into more detail on this kind of aftercare in my post about making treatments and colour last longer - a lot of the same principles apply to maintaining a good cut.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does cutting hair make it grow faster?
No - this is one of the oldest hair myths going. Cutting doesn't change your growth rate, which is determined by genetics and health. But regular trims prevent breakage, which means you retain more of the length your hair does grow. So it can look like faster growth, even though the rate is the same.
How much should be taken off in a trim?
A true trim is about half a centimetre to a centimetre - just enough to remove split ends. If your hairdresser is taking off inches when you asked for a trim, speak up. At Locks of Love, I always confirm exactly how much we're taking off before I cut.
Is a dry cut better than a wet cut?
Both have their place. A dry cut is brilliant for seeing exactly how the hair falls naturally - I can see the shape, the movement, and where the weight sits. Wet cutting gives more precision for technical work. I choose based on your hair type and what we're doing.
Due a Trim?
Book a cut and blow dry at Locks of Love - from £25, with your full appointment dedicated to you.
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