Do you have to cut your hair to fix damaged hair?

Author: Tina Hoeger  |  Last update: Wednesday, July 23, 2025

Everything depends on where exactly your hair is damaged. “If you have split ends, you're better off getting them trimmed immediately as the hair fibers have become separated and will never return to their normal self.

Does damaged hair need to be cut?

No, you can't. As hair is dead, the damage will linger until it's cut off, no matter how much healthy hair grows in behind it. And, if you don't cut off split ends, they continue to split further and further up the hair shaft. Some people recommend overkill trimming but, once you notice damage, you need to get a trim.

Can you fix damaged hair without cutting it?

Because hair is not a living tissue with regenerative ability, it cannot heal and repair. You can use oils, conditioners, hydrolyzed proteins or other ingredients to disguise the issues temporarily but it's akin to using makeup on the face.

Can damaged hair go back to normal?

As we've noted, damaged hair repair isn't possible because the protein bonds and cuticles have been permanently altered. Instead, the focus should be on maintaining hair to prevent further damage. If your hair is severely damaged, the most extreme solution is to cut it off and start fresh.

Does cutting damaged hair help it grow?

No, cutting your damaged hair will not make it grow back healthier. Damaged hair is a result of overprocessing or physical damage, so cutting it won't make it healthier. You should focus on repairing the damage with deep conditioning treatments or protein treatments.

Why you will never get ‘That Hair’. (I tried for 10 years, brutally honest)

How do I fix my damaged hair?

11 Tips to Help Manage and Protect Damaged Hair
  1. Use shampoo and conditioner for damaged hair. ...
  2. Wash your hair with lukewarm water. ...
  3. Use a deep conditioning treatment. ...
  4. Apply leave-in conditioner. ...
  5. Dry your hair with a T-shirt. ...
  6. Avoid over-brushing your hair. ...
  7. Switch your hairbrush for a wide-tooth comb. ...
  8. Always use a heat protectant.

What happens if you don't cut your hair?

According to the Cleveland Clinic, split ends run up the hair fiber like a rip in your stockings—which means if you don't trim away normal wear and tear from your strands, the breakage can travel up the strand, making your hair appear frizzy and unmanageable.

Will damaged hair repair itself?

HAIR CARE SOS. Hair, as a strand of keratinized protein, is technically not a living tissue and does not possess the ability to heal or repair itself.

Will my hair grow back healthy if I cut it short?

Studies, like one published in the International Journal of Trichology, confirm that cutting hair doesn't affect its growth rate. The appearance of faster growth after a trim is often due to the removal of damaged ends, giving hair a healthier look.

Can I revive my hair without cutting it?

But once the hair's internal structure is permanently altered or broken (often the case with bleaching, chemical treatments like perms and relaxers, and years of excessive heat styling)? Sorry, but there's no real way to reverse that—or even really repair it.

What does fried hair look like?

Damaged hair becomes brittle and breaks easily. Your hair might look dull and dry, and the appearance of split ends is more noticeable. It can also be challenging to get your hair to lie flat.

What happens if you don't trim damaged hair?

So, if left untreated, split ends can lead to further breakage and damage, which can cause your hair to appear shorter and thinner over time.

Should I cut my hair if I'm losing it?

The short answer is no, you cannot affect the hair growth cycle by shaving or cutting hair prior to or after hair loss. This question is one that causes a lot of concern and miss- understanding. At Cancer Hair Care we often have people contact us who are really worried about causing a problem to future hair growth.

How do I know if my hair needs cutting?

Signs you need a cut, according to De León, include the hair looking limp, hair not holding any style, hair tangling easily, or hair having severe damage. If you're just looking for a change in style or want to add movement and body to your hair, she says that a cut is necessary to achieve either of those things.

Does hair grow even if it's damaged?

Do hair follicles heal after an injury and will my hair grow back? If you damage your hair follicles after an injury, they can repair themselves and your hair will grow back. It could take up to four years before you see new hair growth out of damaged hair follicles, depending on the severity of your injury.

How do you fix damaged hair?

Other hair care routines for damaged hair
  1. Cut the ends regularly to get rid of the most damaged parts.
  2. Use heating tools as rarely as possible.
  3. Be careful with styling products that contain dehydrating substances.
  4. Do not brush your hair when it is wet.
  5. Shower your hair in lukewarm or cold water.

Is hot water bad for your hair?

Hot water makes the pores of your hair follicles open up naturally. The high temperature damages your strands by destroying the keratin and lipid bonds on your hair cuticles. This ruptures the cuticle layers, causing frizz. Cold water shrinks the pores and keeps them shut, hence reduces hair fall.

Should I go bald to fix my hair?

If you keep your head shaven, your hair follicles may keep shrinking without your knowledge, perhaps making it even more difficult to treat the condition. If you are suffering from hair loss, don't automatically reach for the clippers as it isn't always the answer.

Does cutting hair help damaged hair?

All experts agree on this: when hair is damaged, it must be cut off. “If the damage is so bad (you're bleaching too much or using too much heat), that's when it becomes a cut instead of a trim,” says Polko.

How do I get my hair healthy again?

Keep reading to discover the 10 best tips and tricks for giving your dull and brittle hair a breath of fresh air.
  1. Get a New Hair Brush. ...
  2. Make a Deep Hair Cleanse. ...
  3. Get a Trim. ...
  4. Get a Deep Conditioning Treatment. ...
  5. Eat The Right Foods. ...
  6. Hydrate. ...
  7. Stay Away From Hot Tools. ...
  8. Don't Dye Your Hair (For a While)

How long does damaged hair take to fix?

On average, depending on the level of damage your hair has gone through, a few days/washes can be enough – whilst in some more dramatic cases you may need to wait for months, or even wait for healthy new growth whilst you trim away the irreparably damaged bits.

What happens if I never cut my hair again?

Your genetics have a lot to do with the length your hair can actually grow. Most people deal with split ends once the hair isn't cut regularly, which essentially wears on the ends of the hair and keeps it from getting longer. The hair splits, and the splits run up the shaft.

What does hair breakage look like?

Signs of hair breakage include: Frizzy, dull hairs in your hairbrush or comb after brushing. Split ends. White spots on individual hairs (they're easier to spot on brunette hair)

Do I really need to cut my hair?

Some hair is high maintenance while others can get away with trimming their hair every now and then. But as a general rule of thumb, you should aim to cut your hair at least once every six months.

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