How Often Should You Get a Haircut? The Truth About When to Trim Your Locks

1 in 8 Americans would rather experience a root canal than a bad hair day. It’s a potent form of embarrassment and keeps you from expressing yourself.

Keeping your desired style and length is difficult because hair is the 2nd fastest-growing tissue in the human body next to bone marrow. You’ll gain an average of 6 inches or 15 centimeters per year. 

Length isn’t the only consideration, either; you also have to consider width and style. Read on to find out how these factors help answer that all-important question; how often should you cut your hair?

How Often Should You Cut Your Hair?

The general rule of thumb is every 6-8 weeks, with a maximum of 6 months. The key is to get regular haircuts at the same time throughout the year.

Look for signs that it’s time for a trim, such as:

• Split, frayed, broken, or gummy end
• Layers or curls that lose their shape
• Frequent tangles
• Snags at the bottom

It’s also important to consider length, texture, and style and whether you have it dyed or color-treated when deciding how often to trim your hair.

How Does Length, Width, and Style Factor In?

If you have short hair, get it cut every 3-7 weeks to maintain the style and shape you’re looking for.

If you have medium-length hair, get it cut 3-4 times a year to prevent split ends and touch up your layers and edges.

If you have long hair, you can choose your preferred haircut frequency. The professional recommendation is every 8 weeks-6 months because your locks will become fragile by then.

Fine hair needs to be cut frequently. Thick hair needs a trim every 6 months. You can go a few months without a cut if you have thin hair. 

Don’t go more than 6-12 weeks before cuts if you have wavy or curly hair. If your curls are tight or kinky, you may be able to increase this time to 2 months.

If you have natural hair, get it trimmed every 3-4 months. If you want to keep it long, you can go every 4-6 months. 

Get straight hair cut every 4-8 weeks and at least every 1-2 months if it’s both fine and straight.

If your hair is layered or styled, get it cut every 8-12 weeks to maintain its shape.

What If Your Hair Is Colored or Damaged?

Only 7% of women colored their hair in 1950, but that statistic has since jumped up to over 75%.

If your hair is dyed or chemically treated, it becomes more fragile and susceptible to damage. Get it cut every 4-6 weeks or every 8 weeks if you want to grow it out.

If your hair becomes damaged or develops frayed ends, trim it every 8 weeks. You can also use keratin to improve its health even more.

Where Should You Get Your Hair Cut?

Answering a question like “how often should you cut your hair” requires looking at several factors. A few of the most important are the length, width, and style you want.

The general recommendation is to get a cut every 6 weeks. The best way to maintain your hair’s health and style is to stick to a regular appointment schedule at a trustworthy salon.

Alux Spalon offers the rare privilege of working with stylists you can trust with your locks as well as a range of spa services. Contact us today for an appointment.