Ask Hairloom: How often should I trim my hair?

When growing out long hair

Myth: Trimming your hair more often will make it grow faster.

In reality, hair growth has nothing to do with the frequency of having your hair cut. On average, the rate or speed of hair growth is about 1.25 centimeters or 0.5 inches per month, or about 15 centimeters or 6 inches per year. Growth inhibitors or stimulants are dependent on nutritional factors (the food you eat) and the chemical processes that go on within you.

So, if your hair goal is to get your hair to a longer length, trimming it more often does not help. How it does help, is that the longer hair grows, the older it is, and the more fragile is becomes – i.e more susceptible to breakage and will look thinner – so visiting your hair stylist helps as he or she will be able to get rid of the unhealthy ends, keeping it strong and healthy.  This is especially if your hair is frequently colored or is drier, with split ends.

We recommend trimming a centimeter or so every 8 – 12 weeks when you’re attempting to grow your hair out.

Calvin Gan, creative director, also notes that it’s completely normal for some hair loss when you’re growing out your hair.

“Many clients often experience hair loss because as the hair grows out, it creates tension that pulls on the hair shaft. Especially when you have had short hair for a while, the steady increase in the pressure of a growing strand of hair will cause it to fall out more easily.”

Medium-length hair

Generally 6-8 weeks would ideal to maintain a mid-length, shoulder-length hair. Medium length styles are also often left untied, so trimming the ends, keeping it looking healthy and strong is especially important for it to look great!

Short, short hair

Short hair styles are fun and easy to maintain – no more long shampoo/towelling/blow-dry sessions! – but definitely require more frequent trips to the salon. To upkeep a look, a trip to the salon is warranted every 4 – 6 weeks. (Side note: This short-haired author has only ever made it to 10 weeks between appointments before the style gets completely out of hand!)