The 'every 6 weeks' rule is wrong for most people. Here's the real cadence by length, style, and what you're growing toward.
The 'trim your hair every 6 weeks' rule comes from a 1970s salon-marketing playbook, not from biology. Hair grows about half an inch per month. Whether you should cut depends on what shape you're holding — and what you're trying to grow into.
If you have a defined shape
Bobs, lobs, pixies, blunt cuts, layered shags, and any cut where the line matters — these need every 4–6 weeks. The shape relies on a clean perimeter; once you grow past that, the cut starts looking shapeless.
If you're growing your hair out
Counterintuitive but true: you should still trim every 8–10 weeks while growing. Split ends travel UP the hair shaft if not removed, which means longer ends keep getting shorter. A maintenance trim of 1/4 inch every 8 weeks lets you keep the length while preventing breakage.
If you have long layers
Every 8–12 weeks. Long layers tolerate growth better than blunt cuts because the layered shape softens as it grows. A re-shape every 10ish weeks resets the dimension without sacrificing length.
If you have a fade or undercut
Every 1–3 weeks depending on tightness. Skin fades want every 1–2 weeks; mid and low fades 2–3 weeks. The shorter the fade, the more visible the regrowth line gets.
If you color or balayage
Color-treated hair always benefits from slightly more frequent trims (every 6–8 weeks). The cuticle of color-lifted hair is more porous, so split ends form faster.
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Book Your Trim →FAQs
Will trimming my hair make it grow faster?+
No — hair grows from the scalp, not the ends. Trims do not speed growth. They prevent breakage that causes hair to LOOK like it's not growing, which is a different problem.
How much should I tell the stylist to take off when I'm growing my hair out?+
Ask for a 'dusting' — about 1/4 inch — to remove split ends only. Most stylists trim more than this by default; speak up.
Is it bad to skip haircuts entirely while growing my hair out?+
Yes. Skipped trims = traveling split ends = hair that breaks 2 inches up the shaft. You will end up with shorter, frayed ends. Trim every 8–10 weeks even while growing.