How do I know if my hair needs cutting?

Author: Dr. Emmitt Bayer  |  Last update: Thursday, August 21, 2025

If you notice your hair looking more dry or starting to lose its shape, you'll also want a trim to revive it all. Signs you need a cut, according to De León, include hair looking limp, hair not holding any style, hair tangling easily, or hair having severe damage.

How do you know when your hair needs to be cut?

  • Length: If your hair has grown significantly longer than your desired length or style, it's time for a trim.
  • Split Ends: If you notice split ends or your hair looks frayed, it's a good indication that a haircut is needed.

How do you tell if you need a haircut?

Here are five signs that you should make an appointment.
  1. Your Ends Are Split and Dry. ...
  2. You Have Limp Hair That Lacks Volume. ...
  3. You Have More Bad Hair Days Than Good Ones. ...
  4. Your Hair Doesn't Look Healthy. ...
  5. You Haven't Changed Your Hairstyle in Over a Decade.

How do you know when your hair needs trimming?

Anytime you run your fingers through your hair or brush or comb it if the ends are dry and crunchy and the comb or brush snags it's time for a trim. That time frame is different for everyone. Some people will need monthly trims the entire time they're growing and others can go a long time.

How do you know it's time to cut hair?

  • Your hair has split ends: Think of split ends as your hair sending signals that it's time for a trim. ...
  • Your hair is limp and lacking volume: ...
  • There's no shape: ...
  • Your hair tapes in a plait: ...
  • Your hair tangles all the time: ...
  • Your hair is unable to hold a style:

8 Signs Your Hair Needs A Trim ✂✂✂ | When To Trim Natural Hair

When should you not cut your hair?

One of the most common superstitions is to avoid cutting your hair on Tuesdays. While this might seem like an odd rule to follow, there's some fascinating reasoning behind it. , a planet linked to aggression, strength, and war.

How do you know when to start cutting?

Always cut if you are close to or above 18% or 28% body fat for men or women, respectively. If between 8-18% (men) or 17-28% (women), you can choose either, depending on how lean you want to be in 2-3 months' time. A good cut-off is 13% for men and 23% for women. Cut if higher than this, bulk if lower.

How often should I cut my hair?

If your hair is healthy and strong, you can get away with a trim every 10 to 12 weeks.

How to tell if your ends are healthy?

Whether straight, wavy or curly, a healthy strand of hair is normally smooth-textured, shiny and has clean cut ends or tapered tips [2].

Is it better to cut hair wet or dry?

If you have curly, wavy, or highly textured hair, a dry cut may be the better option, as it allows the stylist to work with your hair's natural texture and movement. For straight, fine, or moderately textured hair, a wet cut can be a good choice, as it allows for greater precision and control.

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.

What is considered long hair?

What length of hair is considered long? If your strands reach past your armpits, it's considered long. You can opt for a mid-back length cut or grow it out to your tailbone for extra-long flair.

How do you know you need a hair cut?

"When your hair lacks bounce, volume, or looks flat, it may be time for a trim," says Gould. "Split ends and damaged hair can weigh down your hair, making it appear lifeless and lacking in volume." Trimming off the damaged ends can revitalize your hair and restore its natural vitality.

What do dead ends feel like?

Split ends in hair are sometimes dry and brittle, but they can also feel soft, so it's not always easy to identify them. If you really want to know if your strands are splitting, take a look at an individual piece of hair. There will be small breaks toward the end of the strand.

How often should I wash my hair?

Well, that depends. If you work out frequently, have an occupation that causes you to sweat profusely, possess an excessively oily scalp, or struggle with breakouts within your hair follicles, you may need to wash daily. Generally, it's best to leave at least a day between washes.

What do unhealthy hair ends look like?

A damaged hair strand refers to a hair fiber that has lost its natural structure and strength due to various factors such as heat styling, chemical treatments, and environmental stressors. Damaged hair strands may appear dry, brittle, and dull, and can also have split ends and frizz.

How do I know if I need to cut my ends?

4 Signs You Need a Hair Trim
  1. Your hair gets tangled easily. When your hair needs a trim you may notice that it becomes tangled easily or is harder to detangle than usual. ...
  2. Your ends look frizzy. ...
  3. You have trouble forming a curl. ...
  4. Your ends feel dry.

Does healthy hair stretch or snap?

Healthy hair should have some elasticity, meaning it should allow for some stretch before it breaks. When hair moisture and protein levels are depleted, it loses this ability which can make hair prone to breakage, a telltale sign of damage.

Does trimming hair make it grow thicker?

While trimming can improve the appearance of thickness by removing damaged, thinner ends, it does not change the actual thickness or density of new hair growth. Myth: More frequent trims lead to faster growth: Some people think that the more often they trim their hair, the faster it will grow.

Is long hair good or short hair?

Short hair can look healthier than long hair, as it requires less maintenance and is easier to keep clean and free of split ends. However, it's important to remember that both long and short hair can look healthy and stylish with the right products and styling tools.

How do you know if a cut needs?

Signs You May Need Stitches

The cut is the result of an animal or human bite. The cut is deep and over a joint or in an area that flexes often. You cannot gently close the wound, and it gapes open. The cut is more prolonged or deeper than half an inch.

When should I know when to cut my hair?

Split or uneven ends and breakage are all signs that it's time to get a haircut. Your hair styling routine takes longer. If you find yourself spending more time doing your hair to get it to look “just right”, that's a sign you have some extra length that's throwing off your routine.

Previous article
Which training is best for beginners?
Next article
What's stopping your hair from growing?