How often do you "have to" cut hair?

[wishfulthinking]

I haven't had mine cut since the end of January. I haven't found a hair stylist yet who doesn't cut more than I ask for (I say a dusting- this means 2 inches to the hair stylist). I know that there are some great stylists out there but I haven't found one yet. I used to blow dry daily (for about 5 minutes on medium heat) but I decided to stop and just air dry. I wash about every 3 days (but am trying to cut that down). I am sure with the blow drying that my hair has some damage. Do I need to cut off all the damage, trim a little every few weeks, or can I just let it go and not trim for a while? Sorry this is so long. Thanks for any help.

[Alaia]

Answer: It is completely up to you. You have to ask yourself the question.

I'd say, if there are loads of splits, try a session with hairdressing scissors (they need to be decently sharp and actually meant for hair) cutting off all the split ends you can find. If after this, it doesn't look any better or you think you'd be happier with a full trim, then there's always Feye's trimming method which you do yourself, no stylists needed.

I personally haven't trimmed my hair for the last two years, but I've managed to keep my splits under relative control by cutting them out.

You have to decide what works for you here

[goodenough]

I have a trim every 12 weeks or so. I know it's time when my ends start tangling so much they start breaking. I'm growing out a few highlights and they're almost gone. I chose to not get them cut completely out, although I did think about it. I think if it weren't for that and the fact I've been blowdrying more lately, I could go to twice a year w/no problem. Once my damaged parts are gone, I'm going to not cut for at least six months so my ends are less blunt. I like a little taper, as I think updos are easier with them.

[magicatt]

I haven't trimmed my hair since March 2005. I have done periodic S&D for split ends but haven't even found many of those. The answer to how often you have to cut is you don't. You can keep hair healthy and growing without trimming. The only reasons to trim are for things you can't get by leaving it alone (making it shorter, evening out a hemline, removing damage, etc.)

[jojo]

i went 2 years without a cut and then in Feb cut an inch maybe inch and half off the hem to make it straight, i now plan on just cutting once a year where again i shall take about the same amount off.

I do cut splits off though when i see them.

[squiggyflop]

my hair splits easily... i trim every 6 months or so... i use feyes self trimming method..

[anna1850]

I haven't been to the hairdressers since January 2007. In October I noticed a couple of splits but I've been doing search and destroy since and I'd say 98% of the ends probably still haven't split (I have to do a lot of searching and very little destroying). Most of the splits that I do find are on shorter hairs anyway so a trim would do very little.

So it's totally up to you. If you can't stand having any splits at all then trim regularly, if you're not that bothered then you can let it grow until you feel you need it.

[socks]

I've gone about 7 or 8 years without any trims, and it's quite possible that you could go as long, if you don't mind your hair fairytaling. You just need to do an occasional bit of S&D to get rid of most of your split ends.

[lulabelle]

I don't think you ever "have to" cut your hair. Some people here never trim! I think there is a no trimming thread somewhere, I don't know if it's been reincarnated since the new boards went up. I only trim my own hair, right now I'm trimming it every month to maintain it but when I want to grow it longer I trim every 6 months or so. I always have split ends but I don't feel the need to trim them all the time, because then I would never have long hair! I really only think I NEED to trim when the ends become completely tangly and unmanageable, and clarifying/ dusting doesn't work.

[Devoted]

There is no "have" to cut. Society makes us believe we do. That is how stylists stay in business by cutting hair every 4-6 weeks as many recommend.
I think it is an individual choice, depending on your hair. Personally I just S&D as necessary, if I feel I need a trim I would have DH do it.