InStyle

Hair

Here's How Often You Really Need to Get a Haircut, According to Hair Stylists

 

Stylists share their insight.

Perhaps you’re someone who saves money by only getting a haircut twice per year—and going with the simplest style when you do (*slowly raises hand*). Or, maybe you went rogue with your stylist and ended up with a totally new, bold look that you’re unsure how to maintain for the long haul. Whatever your situation, you’re probably wondering, "How often should I get a haircut?"

But first, some background. The factors that influence how frequently you should get your hair cut include your hair’s unique growth rate, texture, amount of damage, and the style you have—or want. “When your ends start to feel dry or frizzy, you notice a lack of volume, your hairstyle isn’t holding up, or your hair overall feels dull, it’s time for a trim,” says stylist Raven Hurtado. But, of course, there’s room for flexibility. “A good general rule of thumb is three to four months for [medium length to long hair],” says stylist Rogerio Calavante. For those with very short hair, a haircut every month is recommended. Short haircuts can go about one and a half months between cuts, he adds. To find out more, InStyle tapped Hurtado, Calavante, and hairstylist Sabrina Porsche for their best advice.

Meet the expert

• Rogerio Calavante is a hairstylist and the owner of The Second Floor Salon in New York City.
• Sabrina Porsche is a Kristin Ess hairstylist. She is based in Los Angeles.
• Raven Hurtado is a hairstylist at Maxine Salon in Chicago.

Whether you want to stay long, go short, or fall somewhere in between, keep scrolling for an expert-approved guide to getting a haircut.

How Often to Get a Haircut

Short Hair

If your hair is above shoulder length, your hair pretty much automatically warrants more frequent cuts. These lengths and styles tend to lose shape more quickly. “It’s a fact that the shorter you go, the sooner you'll need to visit your stylist unless you want to grow it out,” says Calavante.

According to Calavante, bobs need a trimming every six to eight weeks to maintain their shape. For a blunt cut style, he recommends a retouch at least every three months to maintain that sharp line. “A pixie cut does require more salon visits to maintain the length and choppy layers,” adds Hurtado, who recommends trims every four to six weeks. If you decide to grow out a short cut like a pixie, getting monthly touch-ups at the salon will prevent any awkward phases and ensure you feel confident at every stage.

Those with super short hair will want a standing salon appointment every four to six weeks at least, according to the stylists. “Classic hairstyles like the pompadour, which are versatile enough to work with casual style or a formal look, usually require a trim every one and a half months,” says Hurtado. Meanwhile, a crew cut, fade, or a simple buzz cut requires monthly upkeep. Preference and lifestyle will also influence how often you cut your hair, she adds.

Medium Length Hair 

Medium-length cuts generally fall around shoulder length and a few inches below. They're a nice middle-of-the-road length for easy maintenance. Two popular medium-length styles are the lob and wolf cut. “The wolf cut consists of many layers for movement and volume and gives an edgy vibe,” says Hurtado. “This cut looks great air-dried for low maintenance because of the short layers that’ll give it a natural shape and movement.” According to Calavante, medium-length styles can be trimmed every four months since you don’t need to worry about the ends flipping out.” Of course, if you want your hair to stay within a certain length range or you have damage, you might opt to see your stylist sooner.

Long Hair

If you have long hair, you can typically go a while before heading to the salon. “Long haircuts can require less maintenance,” says Hurtado. “For long hair with layers and long curtain bangs, you can go up to three months in between haircuts.” Calavante stretches that even more, noting that styles with or without layers can go up to five months between trims but need regular at-home maintenance to prevent split ends. If you’re noticing more damage and it seems like your hair has stopped growing altogether, that’s a sign to make an appointment.

Curly and Textured Hair

Curly and coily hair tends to grow slower than straight or wavy strands, so there’s no need to rush to your stylist. “Super curly or textured hair can wait longer between haircuts due to shrinkage, which makes it take longer for growth to show,” says Calavante. However, curly girls are prone to damage, so inspect your hair for split ends, fairy knots, and breakage six to eight weeks after your cut to see if it’s time to go back. 

Fine and Damaged Hair

If you have fragile or damaged strands, you’ll likely notice a dull, limp appearance, visible split ends, and/or lots of breakage, which leads to frizz. Hurtado recommends a trim every eight weeks for anyone who regularly uses heat to style their hair or has finer hair that’s more prone to damage. “Split ends especially can be detrimental to hair growth, so removing those is the biggest reason for a trim,” says Porsche. Once you get your damage under control, finding nourishing, protective products is key to prolonging the life of your haircut.

How to Maintain a Haircut 

Apart from trimming your hair as needed, you'll also want to invest in a good haircare routine. “To maintain a haircut at home, use a shampoo and conditioner that is meant for your hair type and texture,” says Hurtado. “For instance, if your hair is dry, use a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner to hydrate the hair, or if your hair feels dull and limp, use shampoo and conditioner that adds body and bounce.” Healthy hair starts from the root and maintaining a great cut means taking care of your scalp too. “Making sure your scalp is clean and healthy is also another way to establish growth through the entire process, which might require a visit to a dermatologist for any concerns,” says Porsche.

Prevent hair damage, especially from hot tools. “Before using heat, apply a heat protectant spray or serum to protect your hair from heat damage,” says Hurtado. “Also, look for hot tools that minimize damage.” If you’re getting a new style, don’t hesitate to ask your stylist about their styling recommendations. They might even give you a quick tutorial or product recommendations. “You can curl or blow out your hair to show off any layers, use rollers for volume, and apply volumizing or texturizing products,” says Hurtado.