Generally, you can get away with dusting every 6 to 8 weeks unless you're going heavy on the heat styling. In that case, keep an eye on those ends and dust every few weeks. However, if most of your ends look fried, it's time for a trim to maintain the health and shape of your hair.
What Are the Benefits of Hair Dusting? Hair dusting removes dead ends and allows you to focus on the parts of your hair that are split, overly dry or otherwise damaged. This technique allows you to keep your length and means you don't need to lose inches every time you get a routine haircut.
Surprisingly, if you left your hair to grow without going for a trim, the ends will suffer from damage and breakage. However, if you do not have damaged hair or split ends, then cutting it too often will prevent your hair growing longer, as you'll simply be trimming healthy sections of hair.
“A dusting gives your stylist the chance to snip off split ends before they start traveling up the hair shaft, a practice that can save your hair's health and, in the long run, its length,” says Faith Huffnagle, Prose's director of education and veteran stylist.
Basically, if you don't have a trim, your split ends will run riot and likely split further up the shaft eventually snapping and making your hair short, which stops it from growing long. This way, your hair can continue to grow healthily from your roots, but the ends won't fray and snap shorter.
"Hair dusting is a technique in which you don't get rid of any hair length, but only the damaged hair tips. This can be done by snipping the very bottom of each hair strand. Think of it in terms of removing fuzz from clothes," Los Angeles-based stylist, Sal Salcedo, explained to Refinery29.
Signs You Need a Trim
"Split ends or dry ends are physical signs a trim is needed," says Amy Abramite. "The cuticle will look damaged and feel rough to the touch, be difficult to comb through, and tangle easily." Another physical trait to look out for are ends appearing lighter in color than the rest of the hair.
Instead, cut, dust, or trim your hair when it's dry so you can see exactly how much length you're removing. You probably only need a full trim every 3 or 4 months, if you have curly hair. In the meantime, dust your hair whenever you notice split ends, about every 6 to 8 weeks.
Unfortunately, you can't treat or repair split ends. So once the ends of your hair become damaged or frayed, the only way to get rid of them is to cut them off.
Here's the truth: There's no way to fully repair hair once it's been broken. "Products like split end menders, leave-ins, conditioners and treatment masks can seal the outer layer of strands so they temporarily appear smoother and less frayed and feel softer,” says GH Beauty Lab Director Birnur Aral, Ph. D.
Your Hair "Stops Growing."
"By not cutting your hair, you are actually risking the length rather than letting it grow," says Bivona. It seems counterintuitive, but by frequently trimming your hair, you'll prevent breakage by removing the dead, fragile ends.
If you want to keep your hair at the same length, get it cut every 6 to 8 weeks. But if you want to grow it a little longer, cut it every 8 to 12 weeks.
There is no universal number for how often you should cut your hair (sorry!). But the rule of thumb is every six to 12 weeks.
Dusting is important as it reduces your risk of sickness and allergies. While most types of dust don't cause severe illnesses, they can induce mild allergies and sicknesses.
Dust and fuel particles in the air can make your hair follicles weak and lead to hair fall. This is what a new study has revealed. According to scientists, common air pollutants actually reduces the levels of proteins associated with hair growth and retention.
Every minute bit of ash, dust, smoke and gaseous pollutants have the potential to damage hair and scalp, causing irritation and damage. Air pollution can be harmful to skin, but equally to one's scalp and hair.
To prevent frizz, it's crucial to keep the ends of your mane smooth and well-trimmed. We suggest trimming your hair every 6-8 weeks to prevent frizz caused by split ends.
Tip #3: Only Cut Your Hair When It's Dry
Cutting wet hair may seem like the normal approach, but trimming it while it's damp or wet can lead to frayed ends. The best way to visualize this point is by imagining two pieces of paper. One is damp and the other is dry.
Trimming your hair actually encourages hair growth. It may sound counter-intuitive, but the appearance of broken and split-ends not only damages the look and feel of your hair, but it also contributes to the appearance of shorter hair and thinner ends. Freshly cut ends also help to de-tangle your hair!
A trim is cutting about ¼ to 2 inches off the ends of your hair. There will be no change in style or shape. It's just a removal of split and frayed ends. Simply put, this is a service that's meant to maintain your hair and make it healthier.
For the most part, a trim is just maintaining a style and shape you already have by chopping off an inch or two from the ends of your hair. If you want to freshen up your previous haircut without drastically changing the existing style and length, a trim is perfect for that.