ask: How Often Do You Trim Your Hair?

Hi Shannon,
I think it depends on so many factors, as you mentioned: type of hair, type of hair cut, if hair is damaged or healthy, etc.

My hair is very thick, and I usually go for a trim/hair cut when my hair style starts looking poor...I probably go every 4-6 months, but ideally would go every 3-4 months.

I asked my hairstylist how often I should get my hair cut, and she said every 3-4 months would be good.

Not sure if that helps or not?

Hi Shannon - While it may seem odd, trimming your hair often will help it grow. You can find a lot of tips on growing out healthy, strong hair here:
http://www.empowher.com/news/herarticle/2009/09/09/how-grow-long-beautif...
Good luck! Pat

Shannon,

I'm in your corner. I've also been growing my hair out forever. My hair does NOT grow as fast as other people's hair. The "normal" rate of growth is said to be about a half inch a month, but I don't think mine grows that fast at all. (My sister's, on the other hand, grows about an inch a month, at least. And she doesn't get hers cut any more often than I do.)

I think one thing that makes a difference is what you do to your hair. I started noticing a difference in my length (after a long time) when I stopped drying it so often and using the curling/straightening iron less often. I figured if I have fewer damaged ends, I'll have less reason to trim it.

I probably only get my hair trimmed about twice a year, but when I go I REALLY need it. Ideally I would probably go every 3-4 months, like Alison's stylist suggests.

This is a really interesting topic!

According to many in the industry, frequent trimming of your hair has no effect on helping your hair grow since hair grows from the scalp and trimmed hair comes from the bottom of your hair. And trimmed hair is dead. Many stylists have said getting a trim every couple of months will make your hair longer. How does this even make sense if you take a mere inch off for a trim, yet your hair has only grown an inch in two months. This means your hair will always remain the same length. This is what's needed to maintain length, not increase it.

If you want to grow out your hair, you have to stop cutting it! If you take care of hair, good, natural products are important as well as not over-processing your hair with flat irons, dryers, hair dyes or too much time in the sun (as well as a healthy diet)- then two/three conservative trims should suffice every year at no more that one half an inch each time.

Even if we have split ends - they won't reach high towards the scalp if we trim a half inch every four months.

And hair does have a "terminal length". My hair grows three inches below my bra strap (where it is now) and will not grow any longer. Some women have longer or shorter terminal lengths.

I started juicing and my hair has started to grow in thicker. I think a lot of the health of the hair and skin has to do with getting enough enzymes. My hairdresser commented recently that I am growing a huge amount of new hairs! My hair is growing very fast and is getting thicker.
Try eating very healthily and invest in a juicer. it really is a amazing.

My hair is so full, my friends tell me I'm sporting an 80s big hair look but it's natural and not blow dried! I can't help it!
Juicing is great but primarily for vegetables (concentrating the nutrients and enzymes), whereas fruits should be eaten whole and raw.
Additionally, at least half our daily intake of veggies should be raw and whole, because juicing removes a lot of fiber.

Little o' this, little o' that!

This is certainly an interesting discussion. My experience has been that regular trimming grows more hair, and I agree with what Rosa Cabrera posted in her article.
Step 1. Cut ALL the damaged hair. This may be the hardest step for some of you, because it is difficult to let go of your hair...
Step 2. Trim your hair! Yes, even though you are trying to grow your hair, you should still trim it. By trim, I mean cut about half an inch once a month. The reason this is so important is because trimming it is essential in growing healthy hair. Any damages that may occur to your hair within the month need to go-- otherwise, the damage will continue to get worse over time.

In any case, I appreciate ALL of this the info, including the juicing tips, as I'm currently losing my hair due to chemo. It's not clumps or I'd just shave it off. It's hundreds of strands and thinning. I'm actively seeking solutions to just KEEP my hair. Fellow patients have successfully used hair vitamins and specific products. I'm trying these things and most likely will post information about them after giving them some time to work...or not work. :-)