There tend to be two basic types of people when it comes to getting a haircut: those who go to the salon regularly and those who rarely ever go. People in either camp will give you several good reasons for their decisions, but there’s no one correct answer.
In this article, our Hydrate Salon & Day Spa team explains when to schedule regular trims to avoid damaged hair.
Your Haircut Golden Rule
The general rule of thumb is to go for a haircut every six weeks or so. However, this may change if you wish to manage a particular style or improve your hair’s condition.
The golden rule is to let your hair dictate when it’s time for a haircut based on the following factors:
- Style
- Volume
- Hair texture
- Natural wave
- Condition
The best way to determine what is best for your hair is by speaking with a professional.
How Often to Cut According to Style
When trying a new style, ask the stylist what kind of upkeep you need. How often will you need a haircut to keep it neat? You can expect the answer to be similar to the following:
- If you have bangs, you may need a cut every two to four weeks
- With a short pixie cut, you may need to go in every three to four weeks, though some can manage six weeks at a stretch
- Medium-length hair is more versatile, and you can get away with a cut once in six or eight weeks
- With long hair, you can wait between three and six months between cuts depending on your style and condition
- If you have layers, you need to redefine them every six to eight weeks
How Often to Cut According to Volume
If you have thick hair, you can allow for a few months between each visit as the hair tends to grow more slowly. However, it’s worth noting that the strands can look unruly if you don’t take proper care of them.
Thin hair is more complicated, and you should cut it at least every two months. Fine hair usually looks better after a cut because the ends become thin and straggly after spending time away from the salon. A haircut blunts the ends, adding extra volume.
How Often to Cut Based on Texture
Growing out a cut with coarse hair is easier because it looks good for a few months. Coarse hair is often thick as well, making it easier to disguise unruliness.
Fine hair requires more attention because it’s more prone to breakage. You should typically plan on cutting your hair every six weeks if it is extremely fine.
How Often to Cut Based on Natural Wave
If you have curly hair, you’re in luck because style changes take a while to show. Your do won’t look outgrown for a good few months. Some lucky people can cut their hair two to four times a year.
With straight or wavy hair, an outgrown style is more noticeable, but you can probably stretch to between ten and 12 weeks. The exception is if you have fine hair. For those people, it’s six to eight weeks.
If your hair is tightly-coiled, you should be able to go for 12 weeks before having a haircut. That is, unless your hair is damaged, dry, or fragile. The key with this hair type is to take off smaller amounts because the coil will make it shorter when you dry it.
When Do These Timelines Not Apply?
These timelines give you a basic starting point but will only work for some. You should work according to your unique hair type.
Some people have curly, tightly coiled hair that has a coarse texture. Others have long, wavy, coarse, and thick hair. Some have fine hair and lots of it.
The point is that everyone is unique, and it may take some experimentation to determine a suitable schedule.
To make things easier, you should remember that your hair grows at about a quarter of an inch a month. Therefore, any changes you make will grow out eventually, so you can play a little. Try to take proactive steps to cut away damaged hair, and you’ll reap the rewards.
Schedule Your Haircut with Hydrate Salon & Day Spa
Do you need advice about your hair? Is it time for your new haircut?
Call Hydrate Salon & Day Spa at (480) 656-5911 today and schedule your consultation in Scottsdale, AZ. We’ll have you turning heads with your amazing new do and advise you on maintaining the look.
