How Do I Know When to Trim My Hair?

Wondering whether it's time to break out the cutting shears? It's not always obvious. But knowing when to trim your hair can be the difference between damaged, problematic hair and a head of luscious, healthy strands. Read on as we cover how to know when it's time to trim your hair; we will also answer any related questions you may have.

What is a Trim?

Before we jump into how often you should be trimming your hair, it's essential to differentiate between a trim and a cut. A trim is a cut where less than an inch of hair is removed. By contrast, a cut is when more than an inch is cut.

If you have over an inch of damaged hair or want to make a substantial change in the length department, you need a cut rather than a trim. Otherwise, continue reading for information on when to trim your hair.

How Often to Trim Hair

The tricky thing about hair trimming frequency is that it varies based on the individual, their hair type, their styling habits, and much more. But, on average, you should strive to trim your hair every 4 to 12 weeks.

Typically, the more you put your hair through, the more often you'll need to trim. For instance, if you regularly heat style, color treat, or otherwise manipulate your hair, you should be prepared to trim it monthly versus trimonthly.

Signs Indicating Your Hair Needs a Trim

Hair talks, and if we listen, we can easily tell when a trim is necessary. Read the signs below indicating your mane is calling out for a trim.

1. You’ve got visible split ends. Split ends are a telltale sign of damage, and although hair product manufacturers claim that their products can eliminate split ends, that's just not the case. There's no way to repair split ends. The only option is to cut them off before the situation worsens.  So, if you see split ends, that's a clear sign that you need to get a trim.
2. Your hair tangles right after detangling.  It's abnormal for your hair to retangle immediately after you’ve removed all the knots and tangles. If that happens, it could be that your ends are damaged to the point of needing to be trimmed off.
3. Loads of frizz or flyaways. Excessive frizz and flyaways are normal for certain hair textures, but sometimes they’re a sign of mechanical damage to the hair shaft. In the latter case, you’ll have to grab the scissors and get rid of the damage.
4. Your hair is stiff and flat. Whenever your hair has lost its volume, movement, or bounce, you may need to take a trip to the salon for a trim (or do it at home). Damage in the form of split ends can make your hair heavier, so much so that it lies visibly flatter. If this is your issue, a trim would restore your hair’s vitality right away.

The Right Hair Products Can Boost Your Length Retention

If you haven't taken a look at your products, we recommend doing so ASAP. The products you use can make or break your hair's health. There’s a lot to know here, but the main thing to remember is to get your hands on a good leave-in conditioner and deep conditioner. The ones you'll find at Daily Dose are protective, hydrating, and perfect for those looking to grow their hair out. With repeated use, you'll see fewer split ends and less damage, meaning you'll need less frequent trims and can reach your hair goals faster.

So, there you have it - everything you need to know about how often to trim your hair. We hope you found all the information you were looking for, and we wish you the best with your hair now and in the future. 

Author: Andrea Reyes

Andrea is a mother, wife, writer, and natural hair enthusiast of 15+ years. Currently on her natural hair journey, she’s been trying countless products and techniques to understand and embrace her natural hair. She is the creator CurlAdvice.com, a new website featuring informative articles that share tips, tricks, and techniques aimed to help others learn to love their hair through proper hair care. She writes with the hope of making hair care easier to understand and implement.