Does Hair Grow Faster When You Cut It? Stylists Set the Record Straight

“When a client tells me they want to grow their hair so they just won’t get it cut for six to eight months, that is actually counterproductive,” Aguirre says. “To grow hair out, I recommend haircuts every three months. This allows that hair to grow without sacrificing the shape and keeps those split ends under control.”

Certain hair types—especially curls, which are naturally drier than straight hair—are more prone to split ends, and can benefit from more frequent trims. If that sounds like you, consult your stylist on your haircut spacing and remember to use heat protectant, treatment masks, and hair oils to keep your ends sealed between salon visits.

How often should you cut your hair to maintain a specific style?

“For maintaining a specific style, it’s generally recommended to schedule a haircut with your stylist every six to eight weeks to keep the shape and length intact,” says Kim. This is especially helpful if you have very layered hair or a bob haircut that needs to fall somewhere specific.

That said, it’s also up to your personal preference. “I do have clients that like their hair cut every four weeks to keep it looking sharp, so ultimately it depends on what your hair goals are,” says Aguirre.

How often should you cut bangs?

Bangs typically need more frequent trims than the rest of hair, says Kim, who recommends trimming them every three to four weeks. “This prevents them from getting too long and making it difficult to maintain the integrity of the style,” she says. Bangs also tend to demand more heat styling, so regular trims are especially important to minimize damage.

How often should you cut your hair if it’s damaged or has split ends?

“If your hair is damaged or chemically treated, such as with coloring, blonding, or straightening treatments, it’s beneficial to trim more frequently,” Kim says, advising every six to eight weeks for a touch-up. Aguirre agrees, noting that a regular trim can help improve the overall health of your hair and keep damage, breakage, and split ends at bay.

How to maintain hair health between haircuts

Between hair cuts, Kim suggests following good haircare routine, such as regular shampooing and conditioning with products suitable for your hair type. “Use styling tools sparingly, protect hair from environmental damage, such as sun exposure and chlorine, and nourish hair with regular deep-conditioning treatments or masks,” she says, pointing to L’Oréal Professionnel Absolut Repair Molecular Collection as her choice for combatting hair damage between appointments.

If you use hot tools, be sure to use heat protection. “There are a variety of heat protectors that specifically target each situation, and heat protection actually starts in the shower,” says Aguirre. “Also look for hot tools that reduce damage, such as Trademark Beauty Sunny Styler, which has air vents to cool the style and reduce damage along with ceramic tourmaline plates for gentleness and even heat distribution.”