7 Clear Signs You Need a Haircut

by ABBEY WILSON / DEC 29, 2022

Reading Time: 4 Minutes

Index

Has your hair been misbehaving lately? Are you struggling to manage it or feeling like it’s lost its usual volume? If you're saying to yourself, "I need a haircut," it might be time to pay attention to what your hair is trying to tell you. Regular trims are essential, even when you're aiming to grow out your locks. They prevent breakage and promote healthy growth. In this post, we'll explore the key signs you need a haircut and answer some of the most frequently asked questions about haircuts. Ready to transform your look with a fresh cut?

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Your Hair Does Not Hold Styles As It Used To

You might be finding that your familiar bouncy blow dry isn’t quite doing the job, or your freshly straightened hair seems to flick or frizz on the bottoms. It's more than likely this is down to split and frazzled ends, once the hair has broken and become damaged it's extremely hard to smooth, no matter how much product you use! Trimming the dead ends will get rid of the broken pieces and make the hair much easier to style.

Your Ends Feel Dry, Frizzy And Fuzzy

If the rest of your hair feels smooth and silky but your ends have a fuzzy, dry texture that refuses to behave, it is definitely time for a trim. At this point the very ends of your hair have split and died so they will not be able to repair with a miracle treatment, the only thing for it is to cut them off to allow the healthy hair above to thrive. By having regular trims every 8-12 weeks you can prevent the hair from getting to this stage, this is especially important if you bleach and heat style your hair as it will break faster. Find out more in our "your ultimate guide to frizz free life" blog.

Your Hair Has Lost Its Natural Curl

If you have naturally curly hair but your curls seem to have lost their bounce and shape it's likely the ends have split and need removing. This is a big tell-tale sign for curly-haired beauties to let them know it's time to visit the salon! After a healthy trim, the curls spring back into place feeling soft and silky once again.

Your Hair Is Very Knotty And Gets Matted Easily

You may be finding your once easy-to-comb locks are getting tangled and matted, especially on the ends. This can be uncomfortable and painful, and cause more damage to the hair as the tension caused by removing the knots can break the hair further. Usually, about 12-15 weeks after a haircut or straight after a harsh chemical service the hair will show signs of increased knottiness. Trimming the ends will remove the brittle, split portions and you should find the hair a lot easier to manage. This is also a common hint for parents that children are ready for their next haircut when it starts to become difficult to brush.

We have some advice to help you to prevent tangles and knots in the first place in our "how to take care of tangled hair" blog.

Colour Does Not Take To Your Hair

When the hair is extremely dry and broken it can actually repel colour and not allow it to penetrate into the hair shaft. You might find the top of the hair and mid-lengths take well but the ends have a faded, almost patchy appearance even though the same dye has been used throughout. Most stylists will recognise this before the colour goes ahead and either advise a trim before applying the dye or adjust the colour to suit the hair quality.

Your Hair Feels Flat And Lifeless

It is not only the ends that are affected when you need a cut, the layers around the crown and mid-lengths can become dead and dry meaning they will not retain the volume you're used to. Trimming off the dead ends will ensure smooth styling and return body to your hair. If you don’t have any layers in your hair and you want some more lift on the top, ask your stylists to add some to your next haircut. This will also help with curled and wavy styles to give your hair some more movement.

Your Hair Feels Like It Never Gets Longer

You haven’t cut your hair in 9 months so why hasn’t it grown? That is because the hair on the ends is dead and either needs to be cut off or has already snapped off leaving the ends feeling thin, brittle, and wispy. Having tiny trims every 10-12 weeks will remove the dying hair without taking away the growth to encourage a healthy growth cycle. It will also leave your hair feeling thicker and not so wispy at the bottom.

Conclusion:

Regular trims are essential for maintaining hair health and preventing breakage, even if you're trying to grow your hair longer. Look out for the signs that your hair needs a trim and make regular appointments to keep your hair healthy and manageable. By listening to your hair's needs and getting regular trims, you can ensure it stays healthy, voluminous, and beautiful!

FAQs

How do you know when you need to cut your hair?

You might know it’s time for a haircut when you notice a few key signs. If your hair is becoming difficult to manage or looks unkempt despite regular grooming, it could be a signal that a trim is needed. Split ends, knottiness, excessive dryness, or noticeable damage are also strong indicators that a haircut can help restore health and appearance. Additionally, if your current hairstyle feels outdated or no longer fits your personal style or face shape, it might be time for a change. Regularly assessing how well your hairstyle suits you and feels comfortable can help you decide when to schedule a haircut. If your new haircut isn’t right for you, the biggest signs that it isn’t right for you is if it feels knottier than usual or doesn’t hold style as well as it used to.

How do you decide if you should get a haircut?

Deciding to get a haircut often depends on several factors. You might consider it if you feel your hair is getting unruly or difficult to manage, or if you want a change in style. Observing if your current haircut has grown out and no longer suits your face shape or personal style can also be a sign that it's time for a trim. Additionally, if you notice split ends or damage, a haircut can help refresh your look and improve hair health.

When should you usually get a haircut?

The frequency of haircuts can vary based on hair type and style. Generally, if you have short hair, you might need a trim every 4 to 6 weeks to maintain the shape. For medium to long hair, getting a haircut every 6 to 8 weeks can help keep split ends at bay and maintain overall health. However, personal preference and hair growth rates also play a role in determining how often you should get a haircut.

How do I know if a haircut will suit me?

To determine if a haircut will suit you, consider your face shape, hair texture, and personal style. A good haircut should complement your facial features and enhance your natural hair texture. Consulting with a professional stylist can provide personalized advice based on these factors. It’s also helpful to discuss your preferences and show examples of hairstyles you like to ensure that the chosen cut aligns with your vision. Don’t forget – if you do regret your new hairdo, hair extensions can give you back the length and volume you lost.