How Often Should You Cut Your Hair? A Guide for Every Hair Type

One of the most common questions clients ask is, "How often should you cut your hair?" The answer isn’t one-size-fits-all—it depends on hair type, condition and styling habits. Whether your client has curly, long, short, oily, dry, bleached or damaged hair, this guide will break down the best trimming schedules to maintain healthy, beautiful locks. Plus, we’ll share expert tips for keeping ends fresh and hair looking its best between cuts.

Why Regular Trims Matter

Many clients believe they can skip trims to grow their hair longer, but in reality, regular haircuts prevent split ends, reduce breakage and keep hair looking fresh. The right trim schedule helps maintain shape, volume and overall hair health.

How Often Should You Cut Your Hair Based on Hair Type?

Different hair types require different maintenance schedules. Here’s a breakdown to guide your clients:

1. Curly Hair

• How often should you cut your curly hair? Every 8-12 weeks

• Curls are prone to dryness and shrinkage, so trimming every few months helps maintain shape and prevent frizz

• Tip: Recommend a dry curl cut for precise shaping

2. Long Hair

• Every 8-12 weeks to maintain length while preventing split ends

• If the client uses heat styling or chemical treatments, they may need more frequent trims (every 6-8 weeks)

• Tip: Suggest regular deep conditioning to keep long hair healthy

3. Short Hair

• Every 4-6 weeks to maintain the style and prevent overgrowth

• Short cuts lose shape quickly, so frequent trims keep them looking sharp

• Tip: Offer clients a styling refresher between trims

4. Oily Hair

• Every 6-8 weeks to keep it looking fresh and manageable

• Oily hair isn’t prone to breakage but can become weighed down, so light trims help

• Tip: Recommend clarifying shampoos to manage oil buildup

5. Dry or Damaged Hair

• Every 4-6 weeks for damage control and to remove split ends

• Dry, brittle hair needs frequent attention to prevent breakage

• Tip: Encourage protein treatments to restore strength

6. Bleached or Colour-Treated Hair

• Every 6-8 weeks to prevent excessive damage from chemical treatments

• Bleaching weakens the hair shaft, making trims essential for maintaining strength

• Tip: Use bond building treatments to keep colour-treated hair resilient

How Often Should You Cut the Ends Off Your Hair?

Regardless of hair type, trimming the ends regularly is key to preventing split ends from traveling up the hair shaft. Here’s a general guide:

• Minimal damage: Trim every 8-12 weeks

• Moderate damage: Trim every 6-8 weeks

• Severe split ends or breakage: Trim every 4-6 weeks

Expert Tips for Maintaining Healthy Ends Between Cuts

1. Use heat protectant before styling to minimise damage

2. Hydrate regularly with leave-in conditioner or hair masks

3. Advise clients to sleep on a silk pillowcase to reduce friction and breakage

4. Avoid overwashing—too much shampooing strips natural oils

5. Limit heat styling and use lower temperature settings when necessary

Trims aren’t just about keeping a hairstyle in check—they’re essential for maintaining strong, healthy hair. Whether your client asks, "How often should you cut your curly hair?" or "How often should you cut the ends off your hair?", now you have the perfect guide to help them keep their locks looking their best!

Encourage clients to book regular trims and invest in professional products to maintain their hair’s health between salon visits.