Are you ready to embark on a hair growth journey? If so, you’re probably wondering how to cut your hair while growing it out. The good news is that it’s possible to maintain healthy, stylish hair even as you work towards your length goals.
First off, let’s address the most common misconception: Split ends will not hinder your hair growth. While they do make your hair look unhealthy, they do not travel up the hair shaft and affect hair growth at the root. The key is to focus on preventing split ends by using a leave-in conditioner and avoiding heat damage. That said, you should still get regular trims to remove the split ends that may develop.
When it comes to the frequency of trims, it depends on the rate at which your hair grows and the desired result. If you’re aiming for a dramatic change, you can opt for a more significant trim every 3-4 months. For those looking to maintain their current length, a subtle trim every 6-8 weeks should suffice. Remember, even a minimal trim can revitalize your hair by removing dead ends and preventing breakage. Embrace regular trims as an opportunity to support your hair growth journey and flaunt healthy, luscious locks.
Prepping for Growth
Getting to Know Your Hair
Embarking on a hair growth journey necessitates an intimate understanding of your tresses. Determining your hair type, whether straight, wavy, curly, or coily, is crucial. Each type possesses unique characteristics that influence its growth pattern and styling requirements. Additionally, identifying your hair’s porosity, which indicates its ability to absorb and retain moisture, is essential. Highly porous hair readily absorbs moisture but may struggle to retain it, while low-porosity hair has difficulty absorbing moisture but retains it effectively. Understanding these factors will guide you in selecting appropriate hair care products and styling techniques to optimize growth.
Healthy Hair Habits
Maintaining healthy hair habits forms the foundation for successful hair growth. Regular gentle washing, preferably with sulfate-free shampoos, helps remove dirt and product buildup without stripping away natural oils. Avoid excessive heat styling, as it can damage hair and hinder growth. Opt for heat protectant sprays when using heat tools and limit their use to special occasions. Regular trims are essential to eliminate split ends, which can travel up the hair shaft and cause breakage. A healthy diet rich in protein, vitamins, and minerals nourishes hair from within, promoting optimal growth.
Protective Styles
Protective hairstyles shield hair from environmental damage and reduce breakage, fostering growth. Braids, twists, buns, and other low-maintenance styles minimize friction and manipulation, which can lead to hair loss. Silk or satin pillowcases reduce friction during sleep, preventing tangles and breakage. Embracing protective styles allows you to grow your hair out while maintaining its health and integrity.
Supplements and Treatments
Certain supplements and treatments can support hair growth. Biotin, a water-soluble B vitamin, has been shown to strengthen hair and promote growth. Collagen peptides, when ingested, may improve hair elasticity and reduce breakage. Scalp treatments, such as hair masks and serums, can provide targeted nourishment and hydration to boost hair health.
Choosing the Right Tools
Selecting the appropriate tools is paramount when shaping your locks while allowing them to flourish. The right shears and combs can enhance precision and minimize damage, ensuring that your hair remains healthy and radiant.
Shears
Invest in a sharp pair of hairdressing shears tailored for cutting. Dull shears can crush or tear hair strands, causing breakage and hindering growth. Opt for shears with a sharp, convex edge that cleanly snips off hair without leaving ragged ends.
| Type | Features |
|---|---|
| Convex Shears |
– Sharper, longer-lasting edges – More precise cutting – Ideal for all hair types |
| Concave Shears |
– Create softer, more textured cuts – Suitable for advanced stylists – Not recommended for beginners |
| Blending Shears |
– Thinner, toothed blades – Blend and smooth transitions between layers – Ideal for creating natural-looking cuts |
Combs
Utilize high-quality combs to distribute hair evenly and guide the shears. A fine-toothed comb ensures precision when snipping small sections, while a wide-toothed comb helps detangle and create soft layers. Choose combs made from durable materials that won’t damage hair, such as carbon fiber or acetate.
Sectioning for Success
To achieve a seamless and gradual transition while growing out your hair, proper sectioning is crucial. Follow these steps for precise sectioning:
1. Dampen Hair: Start with slightly damp hair to make it manageable and prevent flyaways.
2. Divide Vertically: Use a comb or fingers to create a vertical part down the center. This will serve as a reference point for the other sections.
3. Horizontal Sectioning: Divide the hair into three horizontal layers:
| Layer | Description |
|---|---|
| Top Layer: | From the crown to the temples, leave this section aside for later. |
| Middle Layer: | From the crown to the ears, this section will be cut to the desired length. |
| Bottom Layer: | From the ears to the nape of the neck, use this layer as a guide for the middle layer. It will be cut slightly longer than the middle layer. |
4. Secure Sections: Use clips or hair ties to secure each section out of the way.
Graduated Layering Technique
This technique involves cutting layers of hair into graduated lengths. The layers at the top of the head are shorter than those at the bottom, creating a gradual slope. This helps to distribute weight evenly throughout the hair, preventing it from looking heavy or weighed down.
Step 1: Section Hair
Divide your hair into sections using clips to keep it organized.
Step 2: Determine Layer Lengths
Decide the length you want your longest layer to be. This will determine the length of all the other layers.
Step 3: Section and Cut Upper Layers
Take a small section of hair from the top of your head and cut it to your desired length. Repeat this process for all the upper layers, gradually increasing the length of each layer.
Step 4: Blend Layers
To create a seamless transition between layers, hold the scissors at a 45-degree angle and cut into the ends of the hair, connecting the layers. Start with the top layer and work your way down, cutting into each layer to blend it with the next.
| Tools | Usage |
|---|---|
| Thinning Shears | To remove weight and create texture |
| Regular Shears | For precise cutting |
| Razor | For a softer, more blended cut |
Trimming Split Ends
Once you’ve decided to grow out your hair, it’s important to keep it healthy by trimming split ends. Split ends occur when the hair fiber breaks or splits at the tips, making it look dry, thin, and prone to breakage. Regular trims will help to remove these split ends, preventing them from traveling up the hair shaft and causing further damage.
Trimming split ends also helps to encourage hair growth. When damaged hair is removed, it allows the healthy hair underneath to grow out stronger and thicker. It also improves the overall appearance of your hair by making it look fuller and more lustrous.
How Often to Trim
The frequency with which you need to trim your hair depends on a number of factors, including the condition of your hair, your hair type, and your desired length. As a general rule, it’s a good idea to trim your hair every 6-8 weeks to remove any split ends that have developed.
How to Trim Split Ends
There are a few different ways to trim split ends. You can use scissors, a razor, or a split end trimmer. Scissors are the most common method, but they can be difficult to use on long hair. Razors are more efficient, but they can also damage the hair if they are not used properly. Split end trimmers are a specialized tool that is designed to remove split ends without damaging the healthy hair.
Here are some tips for trimming split ends:
- Wash and dry your hair before trimming.
- Divide your hair into sections and comb through each section to remove any tangles.
- Hold the section of hair taut between your fingers.
- Use scissors, a razor, or a split end trimmer to trim the split ends. Avoid cutting too much hair, as this can damage the hair and make it more prone to breakage.
| Trimming Method | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Scissors | Precise, easy to control | Can be difficult to use on long hair |
| Razor | Efficient, can remove a lot of split ends at once | Can damage hair if used improperly |
| Split end trimmer | Designed to remove split ends without damaging healthy hair | Can be expensive |
Maintaining Length with Dusting
Dusting is a technique that involves trimming only the split ends of your hair. This is a crucial step in growing out healthy, strong hair. Split ends can travel up the hair shaft, leading to breakage and hindering growth. By removing these split ends, you can maintain the length of your hair while preventing further damage.
How to Dust Your Hair:
- Step 1: Dampen your hair. Damp hair is more pliable and easier to cut without causing damage.
- Step 2: Section your hair. Divide your hair into small sections to make the process easier.
- Step 3: Use sharp scissors. Sharp scissors will create a clean cut, preventing further split ends.
- Step 4: Hold the section taut. Holding the section taut will prevent the hair from moving and ensure a precise cut.
- Step 5: Trim the tips. Focus on trimming only the split ends, avoiding cutting into the healthy hair.
- Step 6: Check for missed ends. Once you’ve trimmed one section, run your fingers through it to feel for any remaining split ends. If you find any, trim them off.
- Step 7: Repeat for all sections. Repeat the process for all sections of your hair.
Frequency:
The frequency of dusting will depend on the health and condition of your hair. Generally, it’s recommended to dust every 6-8 weeks to prevent split ends from becoming noticeable. However, if your hair is particularly prone to split ends or you use heat styling tools frequently, you may need to dust more often.
| Frequency | Condition of Hair |
|---|---|
| Every 6-8 weeks | Healthy, minimally heat-styled hair |
| Every 4-6 weeks | Hair prone to split ends or frequent heat styling |
| Every 2-3 weeks | Severely damaged or extremely heat-damaged hair |
Making the Most of Layers
Layers are a great way to add volume and movement to your hair as it grows out. They can also help to disguise any unevenness in length. When getting layers, ask your stylist for long, gradual layers that start below the chin. This will help to create a natural, blended look. You can also ask for a few shorter layers around your face to frame your features.
To style layered hair, use a volumizing mousse or spray at the roots. Then, blow dry your hair using a round brush to create volume and shape. You can also use a curling iron or wand to add some extra curls or waves.
Here are some tips for growing out your hair with layers:
| Tip | Description |
|---|---|
| Get regular trims | Trims will help to remove any split ends and keep your hair healthy. |
| Use a wide-toothed comb | A wide-toothed comb will help to prevent breakage and detangle your hair without pulling. |
| Deep condition your hair regularly | Deep conditioning will help to strengthen your hair and prevent breakage. |
| Protect your hair from heat | Use a heat protectant spray before using any heat styling tools. |
| Avoid over-brushing | Over-brushing can damage your hair and cause breakage. |
| Be patient | Growing out your hair takes time. Be patient and don’t get discouraged if you don’t see results right away. |
Enhancing Texture and Volume
While growing out your hair, regular trims are essential for maintaining its health and vitality. However, you can also use trims to enhance the texture and volume of your hair, creating a more voluminous and dynamic style.
Layering
Layering your hair involves cutting it in different lengths to create movement and volume. This technique is particularly effective for fine or flat hair, as it adds weight to the roots and gives the illusion of fullness.
Shaping
Shaping your hair refers to cutting it into a specific shape to flatter your face and hair type. For example, a V-shaped haircut can add volume to the crown and create a more youthful appearance.
Texturizing
Texturizing techniques, such as razor cutting or point cutting, create uneven edges on the hair strands, adding texture and volume to your style. These techniques are ideal for creating a more lived-in, beachy look.
Thinning
Thinning your hair removes excess bulk, allowing the finer layers to show through. This technique can create the illusion of volume, especially in thick or heavy hair.
Blunt Cuts
Blunt cuts create a clean, defined line at the ends of your hair. This technique can make your hair look thicker and more voluminous, as there are no split or uneven ends to weigh it down.
Feathering
Feathering involves cutting the hair in short, layered sections that are blended into longer layers. This technique creates a soft, feathered effect that adds volume and movement to your style.
Graduated Layers
Graduated layers are similar to layering, but they are cut in increasing lengths from the top to the bottom of the hair. This technique creates the illusion of volume by increasing the weight of the hair at the roots.
Table: Trim Techniques for Enhancing Texture and Volume
| Technique | Description | Suitable Hair Types |
|---|---|---|
| Layering | Cutting hair in different lengths to create movement and volume | Fine, flat hair |
| Shaping | Cutting hair into a specific shape to flatter face and hair type | All hair types |
| Texturizing | Creating uneven edges on hair strands to add texture and volume | All hair types |
| Thinning | Removing excess bulk to allow finer layers to show through | Thick, heavy hair |
| Blunt Cuts | Creating a clean, defined line at the ends of hair | All hair types |
| Feathering | Cutting hair in short, layered sections blended into longer layers | Fine, limp hair |
| Graduated Layers | Cutting layers in increasing lengths from top to bottom of hair | All hair types |
Avoiding Damaging Cuts
Maintaining the health and integrity of your hair during the growth-out process is crucial. Regular trims are necessary to remove split ends and damage, but over-cutting can hinder growth. Here are some tips to avoid damaging cuts:
1. Trim only split ends
Snip only the frayed and split ends, usually located at the tips of your hair. Avoid cutting too much off, as you’re aiming to remove damage without losing length.
2. Use sharp scissors
Dull scissors crush and tear hair shafts, causing more damage. Keep your scissors sharp and clean to ensure a precise cut.
3. Avoid thinning or texturizing
Thinning or texturizing shears remove hair from the mid-lengths to ends, creating layers. While this can add volume, it also weakens the hair and makes it more prone to damage.
4. Dust off the ends
To remove only the finest split ends, a “dusting” technique can be used. Hold your hair taut and gently run the scissors over the ends, snipping away any visible damage.
5. Trim in sections
To prevent over-cutting, section your hair and trim one section at a time. This allows for a more controlled and precise cut.
6. Use a hair dryer
Before trimming, blow dry your hair to straighten it out. This makes it easier to see split ends and avoid cutting healthy hair.
7. Trim when hair is dry
Cutting wet hair can cause it to stretch and appear shorter than it actually is. Trim dry hair to ensure an accurate length.
8. Avoid cutting too often
Regular trims are important, but over-trimming can remove too much length and hinder growth. Aim to trim every 6-8 weeks, or as needed.
9. Consider your hair type
| Hair Type | Trim Frequency |
|---|---|
| Fine/Straight | Every 6-8 weeks |
| Wavy/Curly | Every 10-12 weeks |
| Coily/Kinky | Every 12-16 weeks |
Cutting for Future Styles
The goal of cutting for future styles is to maintain the length of your hair while gradually shaping it into your desired style. This requires regular trims and careful attention to the overall shape and layers of your hair. Here are some key considerations:
10. Pay Attention to the Back and Sides
When cutting your hair for future styles, it’s crucial to pay close attention to the back and sides. These areas tend to grow faster than the top, so you may need to trim them more frequently. Use a clipper guard with a slight lift to blend the hairs at the nape of your neck and avoid creating harsh lines.
| Recommendation: | Length: | Technique: |
|---|---|---|
| Tapered fade | Short to medium | Use a clipper guard with a shorter length at the nape, gradually increasing the length towards the crown. |
| Undercut | Long | Shave a section of hair beneath the crown, creating a contrast between the top and bottom layers. |
| Side part | Medium to long | Part your hair to one side and trim the opposite side shorter, gradually blending the two sections. |
How to Cut Hair While Growing It Out
Growing out your hair can be a daunting task, but with the right haircut, you can make the process much easier. Here are a few tips on how to cut your hair while growing it out:
- Start with a trim. When you’re first starting to grow out your hair, it’s important to get a trim to remove any split ends. This will help to prevent breakage and keep your hair healthy.
- Trim your ends regularly. As your hair grows, you’ll need to trim the ends regularly to prevent split ends. Aim to trim your hair about every 6-8 weeks.
- Avoid cutting your hair too short. When you’re growing out your hair, it’s important to avoid cutting it too short. If you cut your hair too short, it will be more difficult to style and you’ll be more likely to get split ends.
- Consider getting layers. Layers can help to add volume and movement to your hair, which can be helpful when you’re growing it out. Ask your stylist for layers that will help to frame your face and enhance your natural hair texture.
People Also Ask About How to Cut Hair While Growing It Out
What is the best way to trim split ends?
The best way to trim split ends is to use a sharp pair of scissors. Hold the scissors vertically and gently snip the ends of your hair, being careful not to cut too much. You can also use a split end trimmer, which is a tool that specifically designed to remove split ends.
How often should I trim my hair when I’m growing it out?
You should trim your hair about every 6-8 weeks when you’re growing it out. This will help to prevent split ends and keep your hair healthy.
What should I do if I accidentally cut my hair too short?
If you accidentally cut your hair too short, don’t panic. You can always get a wig or hair extensions to help you cover up the mistake. You can also try to style your hair in a way that makes it look longer.
