As a curly gal, I know the importance of getting regular haircuts. Whether I’m looking to try a new style or I simply need a trim, a haircut is important for maintaining healthy strands, as it gets rid of split ends, which prevents future breakage. And if right about now, you’re wondering how often you should get a haircut, that depends on a few factors. I was always taught to get a trim every six to eight weeks, but that number can actually vary depending on your hair type, texture and length, among other things (i.e., how damaged your hair is, how fast it grows, your current look, etc.). To help clear up any confusion, I chatted with top hairstylists to find out how often you should get a haircut based on your hair type.
How Often Should You Get a Haircut Based on Your Hair Type and Length
According to the experts
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Published May 16, 2024
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Meet the Experts
- Joseph Maine is a celebrity hairstylist and global artistic director of Color Wow. He has a decade of experience developing products, educating aspiring stylists and working with a variety of clients. His work has been featured in Vogue, W Magazine, Glamour and Cosmopolitan, as well as on red carpets and press events. His clients have included Katie Holmes, Jennifer Aniston, Gemma Chan and Nicole Scherzinger.
- Wes Sharpton is a hairstylist at NYC Salon and lead brand educator for Hairstory. He has experience working for editorial and print publications such as Vogue, Elle and Allure. His specialty includes trendy and traditional cutting styles for all hair types.
- Jan Spagnuolo is a stylist director at the Rossano Ferretti Hair Spa at the Park Hyatt in NYC. He has 20 years of experience working at the prestigious salon, specializing in hair cutting techniques. His clients include Lady Gaga, Ariadne Gil and Ines De La Fressange.
How Often Should You Cut Your Hair?
According to Sharpton, there are a few factors to consider when deciding how often you should cut your hair. “Hair-cutting frequency can vary depending on individual factors, style preferences and your overall hair goals,” he says. Whether you have long, straight locks or a color-treated pixie, how often you snip your ends can differ from person to person. Lucky for you, I put together an average timeline, broken down by hair length, texture and condition, so you know exactly when to book your appointment.
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If You Have Mid-Length Hair...
Lobs (aka long bob haircuts), shag haircuts and wolf cuts are beloved for being low-maintenance. For these types of mid-length styles, you can get a trim every eight to 12 weeks, though you can stretch it out for longer if you desire. The time between appointments will depend on how much you care about maintaining a specific length.
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If You Have Long Hair...
Similar to mid-length hair, you can go for longer periods of time without a trim. Maine recommends going in for a trim every eight to 12 weeks (or even longer) to prevent any split ends and maintain the health of your hair. Note: This range might differ if you have layers that enhance your current style or texture, in which case, you might need to go in more frequently.
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If You Have Curly or Textured Hair...
If your curls are getting tangled more often and/or losing their shape, it’s time for a trim. This hair type is often drier than the rest, so sprucing up your ends regularly is important to keeping things healthy. Maine suggests a cut every eight to 12 weeks to keep your curls defined.
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If You Have Fine Hair...
Fine hair is often more prone to damage and breakage, so it’s crucial to stay on top of your appointments. Maine suggests more frequent cuts for this hair type—once every six to eight weeks—to keep the ends healthy and prevent hair from being weighed down.
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If You Have Thick Hair...
According to Sharpton, you’ll want to go in for a cut every six to 10 weeks to remove some of the bulk from your hair.
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If You Have Bangs...
This will boil down to the type of bangs you’re sporting these days. If you have a fuller fringe, it’s best to trim them every two to four weeks to keep them from getting in your eyes. However, if you have wispier bangs like curtain bangs or bottleneck bangs, you can usually get by with monthly appointments.
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If You Have Damaged and/or Color-Treated Hair...
If you’re constantly coloring your hair or regularly using heat tools, you may have to cut your hair more frequently. The constant manipulation makes you more prone to breakage, so it’s best to get a trim every six to eight weeks to remove damage from the ends, which promotes healthier strands. As Spagnuolo further explains, “a haircut may be the only way to remove severe damage and to prevent split ends from traveling further up the hair shaft.”
What Happens If You Don’t Cut Your Hair?
Yes, getting a haircut can be costly and time consuming, but the experts stress that all of us should be getting a haircut or trim at least once a year. “Neglecting cuts can lead to split ends that continue to travel up the hair shaft making it more prone to damage. Over time, this can make your hair frizzy and unruly,” says Maine. As a result, your stylist may have to snip off even more length than you may want, so don’t bail out on those visits, folks!
How Do I Know When It's Time for a Haircut?
According to stylists, there are a few signs to look out for when it comes to preparing for a haircut.
- The ends are visibly damaged or frayed.
- You notice more split ends (meaning the ends of your hair are not smooth or even).
- You’ve lost your shape or style.
- You have difficulty styling, brushing or managing your hair.
- There are more tangles and knots throughout your hair.
- Your hair looks very heavy or flat.
- You have a lack of volume or bounce.
- You don’t remember when you’ve had your last trim or haircut.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Frequent Trims Help Hair Growth?
Trimming the ends has nothing to do with encouraging hair growth, which happens at the roots. Hair will typically grow about six inches each year (or half an inch per month), but this can vary depending on your hair and scalp health. What trimming does is it removes damage from the ends, which prevents breakage, so your hair looks and feels healthier overall.
Should I Wash My Hair Before a Haircut?
This will depend on the salon and your hairstylist, so make sure to ask them before heading to your appointment. “It's not necessary to wash your hair before a cut if a hairstylist prefers to work with dry, natural hair. Some hairdressers prefer to cut wet hair and will wash it for you. If you have any questions feel free to ask your hairdresser what they prefer,” says Sharpton.
What’s the Difference Between a Haircut vs. a Trim?
These terms are often used interchangeably, but they hold different meanings at the salon. “When someone asks for a trim that usually means they want a minimal amount of hair removed. When someone asks for a haircut, it can indicate a larger change in the overall look,” explains Sharpton. Bottom line: A trim usually entails a subtle refresh (i.e., taking a few centimeters or an inch, at most, off the ends), while a haircut implies a more drastic change to the shape or length of your hair.
