Why Are Regular Trims Actually Great for Your Hair?
I don’t know about you, but when I was growing up, the simple mention of trimming or cutting my hair was the equivalent of an insult. In short, length was EVERYTHING no matter how thin, dry and unhealthy my hair looked.
This to say that, as a 4C haired girl I unfortunately can recognise the reason behind the “length over health” mentality as I’ve found myself many times tip-toeing around it. Growing kinky/coily hair types is no joke and it seems to methat society tends to have more appreciation for the longer hair styles.
But with time, I’ve come to learn that hair shears aren’t our enemies and that the hairdressers who suggest a trim aren’t actually all evil. Hair trims are a must, especially if you’re looking to grow a healthy and vibrant hair. While it might be tempting to skip trimming in an effort to retain length, neglecting this essential step can lead to damage and hinder your hair growth goals. Here’s why trimming is so important for textured hair care and how to do it effectively.
Understanding Hair Growth
On average, hair grows about half an inch (1.27 cm) per month, which adds up to approximately 6 inches (15.24 cm) per year. However, for textured hair (kinky, coily and curly hair types), retaining this growth can be challenging due to its fragile structure. Regular trims help ensure that the hair remains healthy and less prone to breakage, allowing you to see and retain length over time.
Why Skipping Trims Can Be Harmful
Textured hair is naturally more dry due to its coiled structure, making it more susceptible to split ends. Neglecting trims can result in:
Split ends traveling up the hair shaft: damaged ends can travel upward, causing more breakage.
More tangles and knots: frayed ends often tangle more easily, leading to frustration and breakage during the detangling process.
Loss of curl definition: split ends disrupt the natural curl pattern, causing frizz and uneven curls.
Slower hair growth impression: damaged ends can make it seem like your hair isn’t growing because it continually breaks.
The Benefits of Regular Trims
Regular trims offer numerous benefits for textured hair, helping to maintain its health, beauty, and manageability:
Prevents hair damage: by cutting your split ends, you prevent further damage from traveling up the hair shaft.
Enhances curl definition: by trimming your hair, you remove the weight from the ends of the hair, allowing your hair to bounce back up. Healthy ends promote well-defined, bouncy curls.
Promotes length retention: if you’re looking to grow your hair, trimming prevents hair breakage, effectively helping you retain the length that you’ve grown.
Easier styling: smooth, even ends reduce tangles and make styling more manageable.
Tips on How to Trim Textured Hair
Trim on stretched hair: for precision, stretch your hair using braiding, blow-drying or twisting before trimming.
Use sharp shears: invest in quality shears designed for hair trimming to avoid creating jagged ends.
Work in small sections: section your hair to ensure an even trim and better control.
Apply the "Dusting" Method: if you’re focused on length retention, trim only about ¼ inch (0.63 cm) at a time.
Visit a professional: if you’re unsure about DIY trimming, seek a stylist experienced in textured hair care.
How Often Should You Trim?
The ideal trimming schedule depends on your hair’s condition and styling habits. A general guideline for textured hair is to trim every 8 to 12 weeks. However, if you frequently use heat tools or protective styles, you may need trims more often. “Listen” to your hair - if you notice increased tangles, frizz, or split ends, then it’s probably time for a trim.
The Bottom Line
Trimming is a vital step in caring for textured hair. By removing split ends and maintaining healthy strands, you set the stage for thriving hair growth, improved curl definition, and easier styling. You should embrace trims as a tool for length retention and overall hair health - you’ll see that in the long-run, your hair will thank you for it!
