When you’re attempting to grow out your hair, you’re likely to do almost anything to speed up the process. Scalp massages, candies, homemade hair treatments, and even even headstands—who hasn’t gone out on a limb in the pursuit of longer locks?
An old-fashioned haircut has been mentioned several times, but can clipping your hair truly make it grow faster?
To discover out and learn the truth about gaining longer strands, we turned to professionals Dr. Dendy Engelman, board-certified cosmetic dermatologist and Mohs surgeon at the Shafer Clinic in New York City, and Lacy Redway, Unilever Global Stylist and celebrity hair stylist.
GET TO KNOW THE EXPERT
- Dendy Engelman, MD, FACMS, FAAD, is a board-certified cosmetic dermatologist and Mohs surgeon at New York City’s Shafer Clinic.
- Lacy Redway is a celebrity hair artist and Unilever Global Stylist.
Does Hair Trimming Promote Growth?
I’m sure you’ve thought this a million times: Does cutting hair help it grow faster? Unfortunately, the answer is no. (Didn’t you think that was too simple?) However, regular trims are still required to get longer, stronger strands.
“Because hair develops from our scalp, removing the dead, damaged ends of your hair has no direct effect on hair development,” Engelman adds. “However, cutting your hair improves its general health by preventing dead ends from breaking further up the hair shaft.” Splitting your hair can cause it to thin and break, inhibiting hair development. The most crucial aspect in good hair development is the condition of the scalp and hair follicles.”
The Advantages of Regular Hair Trimming
As previously said, frequent trims are essential for achieving longer hair. “Regular trimming will allow for stronger strands,” adds Redway. “Your hair will sustain its length and eventually start to grow if it breaks less.”
Split ends and damage are major impediments to growing long hair. When you wait too long between trims, your hair develops more split ends, requiring more length to be taken off at your next visit, making your long hair objectives more difficult to achieve. “It also makes your hair seem healthier and fuller by removing damaged or dead ends.”
How Frequently Should I Trim My Hair?
A healthy trim cycle is advised every six weeks, according to Redway. However, going to the salon on a regular basis isn’t always feasible. “If you want to preserve the length of your hair, strive for a trim every three or four months,” Dr. Engelman advises. “Wait five or six months between cuts if you want to grow your hair out.” However, if you see damage before the five-month mark, consult your stylist right away.
How to Promote Hair Growth?
It is essential to select the appropriate shampoo and conditioner for your hair type and needs. “I think that good hair begins in the shower with the items you use as the foundation of hairstyling and haircare, such as a fantastic shampoo and conditioner,” explains Redway.
“TRESemmé Beauty-Full Strength Shampoo and Conditioner is formulated to help strengthen strands from the inside out.” The ingredients will grip onto your strands and build a barrier to aid hair stay strong when the hair shaft opens during the wash and conditioning stage.”
Taking care of your scalp is essential for increasing hair growth. Dr. Engelman explains that “head massages and scalp massaging brushes enhance blood flow to the hair follicles, which helps encourage hair growth.”
“It’s critical to use the correct hair care products; make sure you’re using products meant to strengthen and promote healthy hair, and avoid any detrimental chemicals like parabens, sulfates, silicones, and so on, which may damage hair over time and inhibit its development.”
Dr. Engelman suggests clearing the scalp every few washes to eliminate dead skin cells, oil, and any buildup from hair care products, which can restrict hair development. NatureLab Tokyo’s Clarifying Scalp Scrub, which exfoliates to eliminate impurities and support healthy hair development, is her go-to.
“I appreciate that it has healthful components like probiotic-rich sake water and that it’s soft on the scalp skin,” she adds. “I recommend the Nutrafol oral supplement for quicker and better hair development.”
The Bottom Line
Now that you know the answer to the question, “Does cutting hair make it grow faster?” that doesn’t imply you should cut back on your appointments to the hairdresser. “Trimming your ends is an excellent technique to maintain your hair healthy and encourage hair development,” explains Redway. “Various hairstyles, especially ponytails, can result in breakage and split ends.”
Split ends can then move up the shaft of your hair, causing it to split in many parts. Maintaining a healthy trimming cycle will keep your hair intact and give you the results you want.” Your Rapunzel-worthy locks are ready for you.
