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Does Cutting Hair Make It Grow Faster? Myths and Facts
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There are many misconceptions about how to make your hair grow faster, from applying unique products to excessive brushing. It’s time to separate the facts from the myths about haircuts and hair growth as we answer the most popular questions.
Hair grows at different rates. Genetics, age, sex, and diet can all influence your growth speed. The cosmetics industry pushes various products and methods to stimulate hair growth, but with so many factors at large, it’s difficult to know which trends are legitimate.
One of the most common references is that trimming hair will make it grow faster. But does cutting your hair speed up hair growth, or is it a recurrent misconception? Just keep reading to discover the truth.
Does Cutting Hair Make It Grow Faster? No, and Here’s Why
Unbeknown to many, regularly cutting hair does not make it grow faster. While removing the dead ends helps hair appear thicker and healthier, it does not actually stimulate hair growth. That’s because your hair grows from the roots, not the ends. It is one of many misunderstandings about hair growth that has circulated for decades.
Just because it won’t help you grow longer hair, regular trimming is still vital for hair health. It stops your split ends from traveling further up the hair shaft, which can lead to snapping. If your hair keeps breaking off at the ends, it can naturally slow the hair growth process.
So, regular trims are a must for healthy hair.
How Quickly Does Hair Grow After a Haircut?
The average healthy person can expect a half inch of hair growth within a month after getting a haircut. This aligns with the expectation that healthy hair growth occurs at an approximate rate of 0.5in per month and 6in per year. However, this is only an estimate.
Hair can regrow at different speeds depending on internal and external factors, such as genetics and environmental damage. You might notice faster or slower hair growth than the rates above. So, remember that it could take several years to regrow your long hair after cutting it short.
Does Cutting Split Ends Help Hair Grow Faster?
Trimming your split ends will not directly make your hair grow faster. However, it will ensure it grows healthier by decreasing the breakage and snapping caused by split ends. Ultimately, growing your hair longer is easier if it is not constantly breaking off at the ends.
You will struggle to grow long hair if it is continuously snapping. Additionally, removing the breakage can help damaged hair to recover. Regular trims keep your hair healthy, which can promote a better environment whereby your hair can grow healthier.
Moreover, removing those dry and brittle dead ends will make your hair look healthier.
When to Trim Hair for Growth?
You can benefit from trimming your hair every 3–4 months if you want to grow it long. This will remove the dead ends while giving your hair a chance to grow in between trips to the salon. It’s best to get a trim every 6–8 weeks if you want to maintain the current length.
However, these recommendations are only guidelines. You might require a trim more often if your hair is in poor health, for example, from color damage or overusing heat styling tools. Checking the condition of your hair will help you decide when to trim your hair for growth.
It’s important not to wait too long to trim your hair, even if you’re determined to have long locks. Left untreated, split ends can gradually split the hair shaft and cause significant damage.
How Often Should You Cut Your Hair?
Generally speaking, you should cut your hair every 6–8 weeks to keep it in good condition. However, your hair type and style can influence how often you need a trim. People with short hairstyles tend to need regular haircuts to maintain their style.
People with medium or long hair can generally go longer between trims, as it’s less likely to look overgrown.
You can tell when it’s time for a trim by assessing the condition of your hair. You might notice visible frayed ends, but before that, you might notice your hair feels extra dry, weak, and brittle. It might not style as well as usual and may appear tired, dull, and lifeless.
FAQs
Cutting your hair does not make it grow thicker but can make it appear thicker. When left untreated, splitting hair looks thin and raggy at the ends. Snipping these ends off adds more weight to the hair, making it look thick, full, and healthy.
Regularly trimming the dead ends from your hair keeps your hair healthy. It prevents damage by getting rid of split hairs that gradually split up the hair shaft. With adequate trimming, you can expect long-term hair health.
Split ends can stall the hair growth process because they cause the hair to snap off, making it almost impossible to grow long locks. It makes sense that healthier hair grows faster as it is less prone to breakage.
A Word From an MD
Hair grows from the hair follicles underneath the skin. Therefore, cutting the ends of your hair does not stimulate growth. However, haircuts are an essential part of hair care. Leaving it to grow without intervention can do more harm than good, causing excessive damage.
Healthy hair growth starts with healthy hair. You can maintain healthy hair by prioritizing good nutrition, as nutrients keep the scalp healthy. A varied and balanced diet fuels your body with vitamins, minerals, and specific amino acids that support strong and sustainable growth.
Your diet can also protect against thinning hair and hair loss. Eggs, avocados, leafy greens, sweet potatoes, and fatty fish like smoked salmon are all loaded with hair-boosting nutrients.
You can also use hair treatments to hydrate the hair, try hair growth supplements, and give yourself scalp massages to increase blood flow. You should also remain mindful of the ingredients in your chosen hair care products, avoiding those containing harsh chemicals.
Conclusion
The truth is that trimming hair will not speed up hair growth, but regularly trimming your hair is a necessary part of a good care regimen. It eliminates the frays that can cause damage and slow growth. Freshly chopped hair makes it appear thicker and fuller, too!
To stimulate actual growth in the hair follicles, you need to focus on scalp care that keeps your hair in good condition.
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