10 Signs You Are Due For A Haircut
Although there are plenty of trendy haircuts to pique your interest, sometimes day-to-day life has a tendency of getting in the way of your regular trips to the salon. Whether you're too busy to squeeze in a salon appointment or can't find the right stylist for you and your hair, there's a lot that can stand between you and your next haircut.
If it's been a while since your last haircut, you might be left wondering how much longer you can stretch it out. (That is, is it really noticeable that your hair is in need of a trim?) While different types of hair can go different lengths of time between cuts, including factors such as whether or not you're growing your hair out, there are some key signs that point to your hair's health that indicate that you might want to book your next haircut sooner rather than later.
You have split ends
The biggest red flag that you need a haircut is if you have split ends, as discussed by a wide variety of online sources. As noted by Healthline, split ends are caused by different types of damage to your hair, and it's important to address these split ends to maintain your hair's overall health.
Some experts have had an even stronger take on the subject. "If you're waiting for split ends, it's a sure sign that you've waited a little too long in between haircuts," hairstylist Tina Dizon explained to Byrdie. Similarly, hairstylist Gregg Giannillo told Sunday Edit, "The sooner you cut them off, the sooner you will begin to have healthy hair."
Looking for a haircare product that can repair your hair and fix the issue for you? You're better off making that salon appointment since Healthline writes that cutting off split ends is the only way to remove them for good.
Your hair is getting tangled
If you're finding that your hair is becoming a tangled mess, that's another sure sign that it might be time for you to get a haircut. Most of the time, tangled hair can mean damaged hair, which also helps to clear up why this is another sign that you should set up an appointment for a haircut.
Dermatologist Iris Rubin also commented to Byrdie on the subject, saying, "Tangling is more common in dry and damaged hair because the cuticles don't lie flat, which allows strands to snag against each other and become intertwined."
With seriously tangled or knotted hair, to the point that it has become matted, you might need a haircut to revitalize your hair and undo the damage that has been done to it, but there are many products and tips that can keep hair from getting to the point of needing a drastic new cut. Taking care of your hair by minimizing heat damage, using oils such as macadamia oil on your locks, and stimulating hair growth with a nutritious diet are all helpful tips to consider.
You're wearing your hair up more than usual
Another visual cue that it is time for you to get a haircut is if you find that you have been wearing your hair in an updo more than you usually would. While this tip might not apply to all hairstyles or lifestyles, this might be one hint that you need to make a salon appointment instead of passing off messy hair as your go-to look. Not only can wearing your hair up every day affect your hair's health, putting unnecessary pulling and stress on the scalp and strands, but it can also indicate that your hair needs some TLC.
Hairstylist Brian Magallones mentioned this point to Oprah, where it's suggested that wearing your hair up constantly could mean that you're trying to hide something about your hairstyle as it currently is. Whether it's because you're dissatisfied with your current stylist or looking to make a bigger change to your hair overall, taking notice of your constant updos might just be the push you need in order to take that big plunge with your hair.
Your hair texture has changed
If you have noticed a change in your hair texture or curl, that could be another sign that it's time for a haircut. For curly-haired folks, It's important to consider your natural curl pattern here. Has it changed drastically? Additionally, thinning hair can also be another sign of damage.
There are various other causes for changes in a person's hair texture, including those related to medical conditions and age, according to Women's Health, but these might not be applicable in all situations. If you notice that your hair tends to curl more right after you get a fresh haircut, for example, it's likely that you have waited too long to get a haircut.
If you have recently gotten a haircut and have found that your hair texture has changed for good, the best thing to do is find a way to embrace it. As hairstylist Nunzio Saviano told Elle, "You have to work with the changes in your new texture, rather than fight them."
Your style isn't what you want it to be
One of the biggest signs that you need to get a haircut might not be related to damage; instead, it might be because the hairstyle you've worked to maintain is no longer the hairstyle you have. Shorter or more extreme hairstyles are more likely to be affected in this regard — or if you're someone who maintains a signature look.
As discussed by hairstylist Clayton Hawkins to Glamour, for example, "If you have a sharp bob that hits above shoulders, ideally you're going in every six weeks." Haircuts featuring bangs are also likely to require greater maintenance to keep at a specific length based on the rate at which hair grows.
Haircuts such as fades definitely require a higher level of upkeep than some other styles, and the same is true of popular tapered haircuts. If you find that you don't have the time to devote to maintaining your hairstyle, it might be time for a haircut and a style change.
Your hair has a triangular shape (aka 'pyramid hair')
This may not be a problem for everyone, but if you have curly, wavy, or even thicker, textured hair, you know you're due for a trip to the salon when your hair shape starts to resemble that of a Christmas tree. Often referred to as "pyramid hair" or "triangle hair," this usually happens when the top of your hair is flat, and the ends are blunt with no layers or shape.
Christo, NYC-based global artistic director of Fifth Avenue salon, explained to Naturally Curly that the reason for this is because "the hair is one length with no angles around the face, so the curls stack on top of each other, creating a pyramid." If having triangular-shaped hair isn't the look you're going for, a trip to see your stylist can make a world of difference. Christo suggests adding "long, diagonal layers that frame the face so the curls sit into each other."
Shari Harbinger of the Devachan salon adds that you should go for a dry cut. "Cutting the hair dry — with minimal or no tension — and a layering and sculpting of the curls will give you the volume you want on the surface of the hair and more length on the bottom, resulting in a more north-south effect instead of east-west," Harbinger explained to Naturally Curly. So if your beautiful, curly locks are becoming a bit bottom-heavy and are shaped like a triangle, you may want to schedule your next hair appointment.
Your hair becomes harder to style
There is no greater feeling than nailing your styling routine. Whether it's perfecting your blowout, mastering the straightening iron, or getting those perfect beachy curls with your curling wand, knowing how to style your hair to make it look exactly as you want is a true accomplishment. But when your tried-and-true techniques stop working as effectively as they once did, it could be a sign your hair is due for a cut.
If you notice your curls are no longer holding, your hair isn't as sleek and straight as it once was, or those beachy waves fall out in less time than it took to create them, a haircut may be just what you need to fix the problem. It's no secret that heat damage is one of the most common types of hair damage, wreaking havoc on your locks, which is why regular trims are important.
This damage not only impacts the look of your hair but it makes it harder for your hair to hold a style. Fortunately, a fresh cut can solve this problem, and you should be able to resume your regular styling routine once again.
Dullness replaces your shine
If you've noticed your once-lustrous locks have turned dull and lifeless, you know it's time to make an appointment for a haircut. There are a few reasons your hair may be losing its shine, including product buildup and heat damage, but fortunately, a trip to see your favorite stylist can help remedy that situation.
Product buildup can weigh your hair down and prevent the scalp's essential oils from working their moisturizing magic, which can lead to dry, dull ends. The same can happen when you suffer from any damage or breakage at the ends of the hair. If you've noticed that your hair is losing that healthy shine and getting duller, especially towards the ends, that may be a sign that your hair is damaged and in need of some maintenance.
A fresh cut can get rid of that damage and help your hair return to its healthy state. No matter the length, style, or color, we all want shiny, healthy hair that looks as great as it feels, and getting regular trims can help with that. Seeing your stylist regularly can also help you prevent any of the damage that may cause that dullness, as well as educate you on how to avoid product buildup and protect your hair while you style it.
You can't remember the last time you went to the salon
Life is busy, and for many people, a trip to the salon isn't always on the top of the priority list, especially if you have the sort of hairstyle that doesn't require a lot of maintenance. But even if you're not visiting the salon every six weeks for a root touch-up or your cut doesn't rely on regular trims to maintain its shape, if you can't remember your last trip to your hair salon, it's time to make an appointment.
It can be easy to let self-care slide when you have other things to worry about, but getting your hair cut once every three months or so is important for simply keeping your hair healthy and looking its best.
In an interview with Healthline, hairstylist Lisa Huff recommended regular trimming of, at the very minimum, 1/4 of an inch of hair every 12 weeks to keep your hair in optimal condition. "Find a stylist you trust and allow them to cut off what is needed," she said. She did note that if you have longer hair that isn't exposed to heat or chemicals during the styling process, you can go upwards of six months between cuts.
You're ready for a change
Sometimes the best reason to get a haircut is because you're looking for a change. Whether you've landed a new job, there's a change in your relationship status, or you've just been rocking the same look for a few years, and you're ready to try something new, a haircut can help you feel like a totally new person.
Stylist Andreas Wild told Cosmopolitan that "getting a great haircut is often the best way to refresh your whole style and put a spring in your step," and we couldn't agree more. Choosing a new look — whether you opt for something subtle or drastic — is a way to prioritize yourself and take some fun fashion chances at the same time. Plus, thanks to so many different options when it comes to hair extensions, a haircut doesn't have to be scary anymore, either.
The option of extensions can help take a lot of the anxiety out of getting a haircut, especially if you decide after the fact that your drastic cut isn't for you or if you simply want to have some options when it comes to your hairstyles. Don't be afraid of change. If you've been feeling like you need a change, schedule a consultation with your stylist, and together you can find the style of your dreams.