You have probably heard it before: “Trim your hair so it can grow longer!” But what does this phrase truly mean? Why do we feel like our hair grows faster after we trim it?
On average, hair grows only half an inch every month. Is there a method for speeding up the process? Read on to learn all the details on how trimming your hair aids in its growth.
Does Trimming Hair Really Make Hair Grow Faster?
Yes, trimming your hair can aid in hair growth by removing split ends and promoting healthy hair growth. Regular trims can also prevent breakage and improve the overall health of your hair.
However, regular trims alone will not make your hair grow faster or thicker. Your genetics and overall health play a big role in hair growth.
How Often Should You Trim Your Hair
You should always cut your hair before damage occurs. If the ends of your hair are becoming brittle or your hair tangles easier than usual, you should make a hair appointment. Once you find split ends, your hair is already damaged.
Ideally, everyone should trim their hair every six weeks. But most people struggle to set up regular appointments. Getting a trim every five to six months can be sufficient for those trying to grow out their hair, so as long as their hair remains healthy between appointments.
If you use heat or chemicals for styling, the damage will appear sooner. Visit a salon every six to eight weeks.
The exact timeframe will depend on the texture of your hair. People with fine hair require the most frequent trims, usually once every six weeks. Get trimmed every two months if your hair is thin. Thick or coarse hair may not need trimming for three to six months.
Straight hair should be trimmed once every ten to twelve weeks, while curly or kinky hair can stretch three to six months.
Benefits of Regular Trimming
Hairstylists promote regular trims because they keep your hair healthy. The benefit of regular trimming is the elimination of split ends, which can cause many problems. These occur when the outer layer of your hair becomes damaged, and the hair breaks lengthwise.
Split ends may begin at the ends of your hair, but they can continue to split further up each strand. Eventually, the broken hairs will separate from the healthy hair, and certain strands will be shorter than others.
The only way to completely fix split ends is to cut them off. Thus, cutting damaged hair before the strands become split ends allows your hair to grow without breaking. Healthy hair has the potential to grow longer because it is not interrupted by split ends.
Even if strands with split ends continue to grow, they will be much weaker. Weaker strands will grow more slowly than healthy strands.
Regular trims also make your hair appear longer. Without split ends, your hair looks full, and all strands are equal in length. This effect tricks you into believing that the hair is longer.
What Can You Do for Hair Growth?
At the beginning of this article, we discussed that hair growth stems from the scalp. Scalp massages increase blood flow in the scalp, allowing nutrients and oxygen to reach the hair follicles more easily.
Scalp Massages
Luckily, scalp massages are easy to do yourself. Rub the pads of your fingers over your scalp in the shower. You may also rub some oil into the pads of your fingers to massage your dry scalp.
Scalp Masks
Scalp masks are also beneficial and easy. Every week, use a mask from a beauty store or department store. These can rejuvenate your scalp to promote hair growth. Even using a deep conditioner once a week can repair your hair.
Hair Masks
For thicker and healthier hair, you can use an egg yolk mask. The lecithin and protein in eggs fortify and heal strands of hair to avoid breakage.
To try this mask, combine two eggs with two tablespoons of olive oil and half a cup of water. Place the hair mask in your dry, recently-brushed hair. You can remove it after thirty minutes or less and finish with shampoo and conditioner.
Don’t Shampoo Too Often
It may seem counterintuitive, but it is possible to wash your hair too much. Shampoo removes natural oils from your hair, drying it out. Wash your hair every other day, and be sure to use conditioner.
Diet
Additionally, involving the correct nutrients in your diet can promote hair growth. Healthy fats, such as omega-3 fatty acids, provide nutrients to your hair to make it strong. Try fish like tuna and salmon or walnuts and plant oils.
Although many of us have heard that trimming your hair makes it grow faster, it is not this simple. Treating your scalp and hair follicles is much more effective at increasing the growth rate.
Nonetheless, regular haircuts are important. Your hair must be healthy and strong to continue to grow. With the proper nutrients, scalp treatment, and trimming routine, your hair can be healthier and longer than ever.