Should I cut damaged hair or grow it out?

Author: Grace Olson DDS  |  Last update: Saturday, December 27, 2025

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. “You're going to have to commit and then let your hair grow back out.”

Does cutting off 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.

Is it better to cut damaged hair?

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.

Should I let my hair grow out or cut it when heat damaged?

If you have permanent heat damage the best thing is to try and grow it out to avoid cutting the hair. Once it grows out to a certain stage then you can cut the remaining heat damaged ends. At the end of the day a cut will need to happen with severely heat damaged hair.

Does cutting hair get rid of damage?

Yes, getting a haircut is generally considered the best way to get rid of split ends. When hair splits, the damage can travel up the hair shaft, leading to more extensive damage if not addressed. A haircut removes the damaged ends, promoting healthier hair overall.

Should you cut Damaged hair Or Grow it Out 🤔

Should I cut my hair if it's unhealthy?

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.

What haircut is best for damaged hair?

10 Hairstyles for Damaged Hair
  • Textured Bob. ...
  • Angled Lob. ...
  • Top Knot. Top it off with a fun, chunky high bun. ...
  • Make Waves. Play up the wave! ...
  • Shag. Very rock n' roll. ...
  • Choppy Layers. Choppy layers make your hair look thicker. ...
  • Messy Bun. Nerd chic. ...
  • Micro fringe and Bob. When in doubt, keep it short.

Should I cut my hair again or let it grow?

We recommend getting a cut every 8-12 weeks for growth. Hair grows at an average of a 1/2 inch per month. With this logic, if you cut off 1/2 an inch every 3 months, you'll still be netting and average of 1 inch of healthy growth.

How to fix damaged hair without cutting it?

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.

Will my hair grow back healthy if I cut it heat damaged?

Managing heat damaged hair

If your hair is severely damaged, the most extreme solution is to cut it off and start fresh. Depending on how high up the strands the damage goes, this could be less than an inch to several inches. Cutting your hair is the only way to completely remove the damage.

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.

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.

Is it best to cut off heat damaged hair?

Get Broken Ends Trimmed Off

Split ends Opens in a new tab are common when hair has been stressed out by heat styling, so is it best to cut off heat damaged ends? The simple answer is 'yes'. Your first (and most effective) course of action should be to give your client's hair a trim.

How to reset hair growth?

  1. Reduce Stress. Some risk factors for hair loss, such as genes, are beyond control. ...
  2. Make Dietary Changes. A lack of certain nutrients in your diet may cause hair loss. ...
  3. Consider Supplements. ...
  4. Use a Topical Treatment. ...
  5. Try Essential Oils. ...
  6. Be Gentle With Your Hair. ...
  7. Limit Bleaching or Coloring Your Hair. ...
  8. Avoid Excessive Heat Styling.

How long does it take for damaged hair to grow out?

Marina Hodgins, owner at Fringe Benefits Gloucester, agrees that clients will be looking at six to twelve months for their damaged hair to grow out, "It is advisable to use a professional hair care routine to nourish the hair and scalp which will speed up the growing out process.

Can you repair extremely damaged hair?

“You can improve the quality of hair after slight chemical damage using bond-building products that will rebuild the amino acid bonds that make up the keratin in hair, however, you cannot restore split ends or breakage in severely damaged hair,” details Caspara.

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.

Can you just cut off damaged hair?

It's important to remember that fixing hair breakage is a process – you can't mend individually-broken strands. The best thing you can do to stop your hair breaking is go for a trim to get rid of as much damaged hair as you're comfortable with, then follow our advice below.

How do I know if I should grow my hair out?

If your hair is on the thicker side, and you're not balding, then you're a good candidate for growing your hair out long. If you have thinning hair, definitely consider getting a closer cropped haircut or even a buzz cut.

Will my hair grow back healthier if I cut it all off?

Will cutting your hair off make it grow back healthier? The answer to this one is tricky. Cutting your hair doesn't alter the way your hair grows out of your head. The hair that grew out of your head before the big chop is the same hair that will continue to grow out of your head.

How to decide whether or not to cut your hair?

We've all thought about it, but here are the ultimate need-to-knows if you're considering the chop
  1. Consider your face shape. ...
  2. Your hair texture matters. ...
  3. You'll need regular trims. ...
  4. You may need to switch-up your products. ...
  5. Styling can take time to get used to. ...
  6. It'll grow back!

Is it better to tie hair up or leave it down when sleeping?

The Case for an Updo Before Bed

It's more about protecting your hair to reduce friction so you don't risk breakage or waking up with a tangled mess. If you have long hair, you can pull your hair back or put it up. If you choose to sleep with hair up, avoid metal or rubber hair ties, which can lead to breakage.

What haircut hides a bad hairline?

Shaving down the sides of your hair with a stylish undercut can disguise your receding hairline, while a thick, tousled crop on top is the ideal distraction. You'll need good coverage across the crown and mid-scalp to pull off this look.

What is the most damaging hairstyle for your hair?

Which hairstyles can lead to traction alopecia?
  • Cornrows.
  • Locs.
  • Tightly braided hair.
  • Buns, ponytails, and up-dos that are tightly pulled.
  • Hair extensions or weaves, especially on relaxed hair.
  • Styles that require rollers worn to bed most of the time.

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