There’s nothing like the confidence boost of a fresh haircut. Whether it’s the sleek edge of a pixie, the bounce of healthy curls, or the polished finish of long layers, the right cut does more than style your hair — it supports its health. But how often should you actually cut your hair? The answer depends on your length, texture, and goals.
How Often Should I Cut My Hair?
Most stylists recommend a trim every 6 to 8 weeks, but that’s just a starting point. Short, precision cuts need more frequent attention, while longer or curlier styles can stretch their timelines. Instead of a one-size-fits-all rule, think of haircut frequency as a personalized routine to keep your ends strong and your shape intentional.
How Often Should You Cut Short Hair?
Short styles — pixies, geometric bobs, blunt cuts, or men’s close crops — show growth quickly. Because hair grows an average of half an inch per month, even a few weeks of growth can alter a short cut’s shape.
- Pixies and detailed crops: every 4–5 weeks
- Structured bobs or blunt edges: every 6 weeks
- Short hair with less precise shaping: every 6–8 weeks
Keeping a consistent schedule ensures short cuts stay sharp and intentional, not overgrown.
How Often Should You Cut Long Hair?
Long hair may feel more forgiving, but it’s also more delicate. Ends that have been growing for years are prone to breakage and split ends if not trimmed regularly.
- Long layers or hair below the shoulders: every 10–12 weeks
- Bangs or face-framing pieces: add a quick trim at the 5–6 week mark
- Damaged or color-treated long hair: lean closer to 8–10 weeks
- Trimming doesn’t mean losing length — it preserves it by keeping ends healthy.
How Often Should You Cut Curly or Wavy Hair?
Texture makes a difference. Curly and wavy hair often grows “out” before it grows “down,” which means the shape changes more than the length reveals.
- Short curls or cropped naturals: every 6–8 weeks
- Loose curls and waves: every 10–12 weeks
- Tight curls or natural afros: up to 12–14 weeks, if ends remain healthy
The key: watch your ends. Breakage and dryness can shorten the window between cuts.
When Is the Best Time to Cut Hair for Growth?
There’s no magic moon phase that makes hair grow faster, but timing trims wisely helps growth look healthier. Regular trims prevent split ends from traveling up the shaft, which maintains length. For anyone growing out hair, plan a trim at least every 8–12 weeks to keep progress steady without sacrificing health.
Does Cutting Your Hair Make It Grow Faster?
This is one of the biggest hair myths. Cutting your hair doesn’t speed up growth at the root — follicles determine how quickly hair grows. What trims do is prevent split ends, which means less breakage and more noticeable length over time. In other words, regular cuts keep hair looking fuller and healthier, which can feel like faster growth.
FAQ: Haircut Timing & Healthy Hair
How often should I get my hair cut if I have bangs?
Bangs need trimming every 3–4 weeks to stay neat and intentional.
How often should you cut short vs. long hair?
Short hair: every 4–6 weeks. Long hair: every 10–12 weeks.
Does trimming split ends really help hair growth?
Yes — trimming prevents ends from breaking upward, helping you keep the length you’ve grown.
What happens if I don’t cut my hair regularly?
Skipping trims can lead to breakage, thinning ends, and a less defined style.
Is there a best season to cut your hair?
Any time is fine, but many people schedule cuts before summer (to refresh after sun and chlorine damage) or fall (to revive hair after humidity).
Final Takeaway
How often you should cut your hair depends on style, length, and texture. Short hair thrives on monthly upkeep, while longer or curly styles can stretch trims a bit further. The universal rule: don’t wait until your hair feels damaged — keep a schedule that maintains health, shape, and that “just-cut” confidence.
