I Haven't Cut My Hair in Years—Is That Really So Bad? (2023)

When I was younger, I had long, luscious hair that was seemingly indestructible. It grew quickly, and the ends rarely broke. That is, until I did all the things teenage girls do to ruin their hair—flatirons, bleach, straightening treatments… the works.

These days, I still love my hair, but it’s much thinner and far more damaged than it used to be. And then there’s the outcome I despise most—it absolutely won’t grow. It’s been its current length for years, despite my incessant trims, different supplements, and lack of heat tools in recent months.

In order to keep the ends healthy (and because this is the advice all hairstylists give), I went in like clockwork for a dusting every few months. But all that would happen is I’d watch my hard-earned inches float to the floor. So you know what I did? I stopped getting haircuts. Yes, I admit it, I’m a beauty editor whodoesn’t get haircuts. Well, I do (about once a year, to my stylist’s dismay), and it seems to have made a little bit of difference in the length of my hair, but not by much.

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Am I doing something wrong? I asked celebrity stylist Harry Josh for advice.

Josh explains: “Can regular trims keep your ends clean? Yes. If you feel your hair looks damaged or broken at the ends, I’d recommend a cut every six weeks. But some girls can go for more than six months no problem.”

If you have a high-maintenance hairstyle like bangs or a super-short cut that needs to be shaped—trim every three to four weeks.

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And then he got to the good stuff (i.e. the answers I wanted to hear). Josh explains, “No, trims are not going to make your hair grow faster. It keeps the ends clean, but it doesn't accelerate growth at the root. The misconception grows from the idea that trims remove damage and breakage at the end, but, honestly, if you’re suffering from a lot of breakage, you’re probably coloring, heat-styling, or just living a lifestyle that is prone to that kind of damage. You’re going to need to ease up on those if you want to break the cycle.”

Check. I’ve been wearing my hair naturally curly for about a year now, but give up my precious highlights? That’s a decision I’m just not ready to make. So, in that case, Josh recommends vitamins and clean living. “Drink water, eat healthy, and lay off the heat tools.”

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But, he adds, what may happen from going a long time without a cut is that your ends will become uneven and your damage will be far more noticeable. “Think about how often you color and style your hair,” Josh explains, “the ends have been exposed to that hundreds more times than your roots have.”

In the end, of course you should cut your hair to maintain healthy strands, butyou can go a few more months if you’re trying to grow it out. During that time, Josh suggests “deep conditioners will help provide the conditioning that dry hair needs. John Frieda’s Frizz Ease Miraculous Recovery Deep Conditioner ($7) is a great option. When you can, try to refrain from heat styling and color processing (lightening, specifically).”

I Haven't Cut My Hair in Years—Is That Really So Bad? (1)

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Looking for more advice from your favorite celeb stylists? Learn the easy trick Jen Atkin taught me for cool-girl hair.

FAQs

What happens if you don't cut your hair for years? ›

Basically, if you don't have a trim, your split ends will run riot and likely split further up the shaft eventually snapping and making your hair short, which stops it from growing long. This way, your hair can continue to grow healthily from your roots, but the ends won't fray and snap shorter.

How long can you go without a haircut? ›

If you want to keep your hair at the same length, get it cut every 6 to 8 weeks. But if you want to grow it a little longer, cut it every 8 to 12 weeks.

Is it healthy to never cut your hair? ›

Your Hair "Stops Growing."

"By not cutting your hair, you are actually risking the length rather than letting it grow," says Bivona. It seems counterintuitive, but by frequently trimming your hair, you'll prevent breakage by removing the dead, fragile ends.

Does hair fall out more if you don't cut it? ›

"If you don't cut your hair, it may appear to stop growing," said Vitale. This is because as the ends get older and split, those splits begin to travel up the hair and cause breakage.

How long is too long for hair? ›

If your strands reach past your shoulders, it's considered long. You can opt for a mid-back length cut or grow it out to your tailbone for extralong hair.

Can you damage your hair forever? ›

For the most part, hair damage is permanent because hair is actually a collection of dead cells, making them beyond repair. The only real cure is time, a pair of shears, and taking steps to prevent new damage.

Is it okay to go a year without a haircut? ›

Yes. If you feel your hair looks damaged or broken at the ends, I'd recommend a cut every six weeks. But some girls can go for more than six months no problem.” If you have a high-maintenance hairstyle like bangs or a super-short cut that needs to be shaped—trim every three to four weeks.

When should I stop getting a haircut? ›

Avoid Hair or Nail cutting on certain days is one of the rituals is till practicing by Indians. Elders are suggesting not getting hair or nail cut on Tuesday, Thursday & Saturday. Humans are belief Tuesday, Thursday & Saturday are days of God & Goddess & those practices have positive benefits for humans.

What are the cons of having short hair? ›

Although short hair is easier to wrangle, it also comes with some drawbacks to consider before doing a major cut.
  • The need to shampoo your hair more often.
  • Regular salon appointments around 4 to 6 weeks to keep cut in place.
  • Little variety in hairstyles.

Does cutting damaged hair help it grow? ›

Hair myth: regularly trimming the ends does not stimulate hair growth. And the answer is: no! Regularly cutting the ends of your hair does not make it grow faster. However, it does make your hair seem thicker, as well as healthier and shinier.

What does cutting your hair symbolize? ›

The cutting of hair symbolizes separation from a mothering object, castration, and reparation.

Is it important to cut your hair why? ›

Trimming your hair actually encourages hair growth. It may sound counter-intuitive, but the appearance of broken and split-ends not only damages the look and feel of your hair, but it also contributes to the appearance of shorter hair and thinner ends. Freshly cut ends also help to de-tangle your hair!

Which haircut is best for hair growth? ›

Here are the many styles to choose from based on your hair goals and needs:
  1. Cornrows. Cornrows are a popular and versatile protective hairstyle that can be worn on all hair types and lengths. ...
  2. Top Knot. ...
  3. Bantu Knots. ...
  4. Box Braids. ...
  5. Crochet Braids. ...
  6. Senegalese Twists. ...
  7. Pineapple. ...
  8. Wig.

Which vitamin is for hair fall? ›

Only riboflavin, biotin, folate, and vitamin B12 deficiencies have been associated with hair loss.

How often should thin hair be washed? ›

Fine or thin hair: "Fine hair will need to be shampooed as often as every other day to provide it with the moisture it needs to flourish and grow," Courtney says. Cleansing also helps remove buildup and oils that can weigh fine or thin hair down.

Is it healthy to keep long hair? ›

It is recommended to trim hair once every four months to maintain perfect hair health. Your long hair may be causing you to become sick more often than your short-haired friends. This is because each individual hair strand contains a much greater surface area than a hair-size patch of skin.

Is it hard to keep long hair healthy? ›

It takes extra TLC to manage long hair, and its quantity means extra time at every step from washing to drying to styling to keep it in good health.

Is it good to keep long hair? ›

If you have long hair, you need to make sure you're taking care of it in the right way. It requires different care than short hair styles. However, many people don't know that long hair needs different care, which means they take care of it the same way as short hair. That can cause serious lasting damage to your hair.

What does the most damage to your hair? ›

Harsh shampoo, hair treatments, styling products, and excessive brushing contribute the most to poor hair health. However, other culprits include: overconsumption of alcohol. low-calorie and crash diets.

Can you have virgin hair again? ›

Once you have processed or color-treated hair, it can never go back to being virgin. That's right, once you've dyed your hair, even just once, you lose your virgin strands forever. Virgin hair is a hair colorist's dream because it's also much easier to color hair that doesn't already have dye on it.

How long does hair grow in a year without cutting? ›

We'll cut straight to it: On average, hair grows at a rate of about half an inch per month, or six inches per year. Each hair on your head grows from an individual follicle. At the base of the follicle is the bulb from which new hair grows.

Do haircuts make you look older or younger? ›

The majority opinion is that short hairstyles make you look more youthful! And specific haircuts work magic on round, oval, and long faces. With that said, another key is applying the right makeup and hair color. Often, aging hair is dull, so adding some color can boost its appeal.

Will I look younger if I cut my hair? ›

A new haircut can open up your face and accentuate the things that make you look younger, like high cheekbones, bold brows, and full lips. Have an open conversation with your stylist about your goals with the new cut, and they'll likely have suggestions for choosing a hairdo that works best for you and your face shape.

Why you should keep short hair? ›

There are many benefits to cutting your hair short. Not only will it be easier to manage and style, but it will also require less maintenance and save you time in the morning. In addition, shorter hair is cooler in the summer and can be more versatile when it comes to styling.

Which is more attractive long or short hair? ›

Experts believe that the reason long hair is more attractive is the evolutionary one. In short, it is believed that the length of a woman's hair represents her body's ability to have children. In turn, this makes female fertility one of the markers of human beauty.

Which is healthier short or long hair? ›

Short hair is healthier than long hair.

Short hair shows off the hair closest to your roots, which is new and healthy, whereas longer strands of hair have been exposed to the elements, hair straighteners, blow-dryers and everyday wear and tear. The shorter your hair, the healthier it is.

Does cutting hair make it look thicker? ›

Cutting your hair creates more volume

"Some women think by not cutting their hair it'll make it look thicker, but the reality is you have to cut it because if you don't it'll look stringy," Mele explained. Heavy layers tent to thin the bottom out even more, so that adds to a thinner, more scraggly appearance overall.

Does hair grow slower the longer it gets? ›

Does your hair grow slower as it gets longer? If it seems like your hair growth is slowing down as it gets longer, this is likely due to the cycle your hair is in. Keep in mind that, while the exact timeline varies, the total cycle for each hair on your scalp is between 2 and 6 years.

Does damaged hair grow back healthy? ›

Does damaged hair grow back healthy? The only way to get healthy hair is to allow your hair to grow without further damage. If you'd damaged your hair by over-styling, too much heat or over coloring with harsh chemicals, the good news is - your hair will grow back healthy.

What Bible says about haircut? ›

In the Bible, God does not forbid a woman from cutting her hair to a feminine length. A woman cutting her hair to a feminine, long length is covering herself in a way that glorifies her and her Creator.

What can I do instead of cutting my hair? ›

Even if you're not sure why you're cutting, it's worth giving these ideas a try:
  1. play with a pet.
  2. take a shower (make sure you don't have razors in the shower)
  3. take a bath (make sure you don't have razors near the tub)
  4. listen to soothing music that will shift your mood.
  5. try a breathing exercise.

What does short hair say about a woman? ›

A cropped cut can be a way to show the world how strong you are. "A woman with short hair is perceived as confident — not having to hide anything,” says Jo-Ellan Dimitrius, author of “Reading People: How to Understand People and Predict Their Behavior – Anytime, Anyplace.”

Does long hair affect brain? ›

It's believed that when our hairs gets longer, our head gets Vitamin D, phosphorus and calcium naturally. They in due course, enter into our body via two of the tubes which're at the brain's top part. This alteration alters our memory more strong and efficient.

Does cutting your hair make you happier? ›

“Making a change like cutting your hair can feel good because you're taking action. When you take action, there's a feeling of accomplishment. If you change your hair and it feels good, there's a payoff — a freeing feeling that's like having agency in the world.”

What is the healthiest hair style? ›

Contents: Hairstyles for healthy hair:

Pulled-out dutch braid. Half up, half down. Messy bun. Low ponytail.

What haircut makes hair look healthier? ›

A pixie cut is a great option for women with thin or damaged hair, since cropped hair is healthier and stronger than longer locks. This cut chops off any damaged ends giving you a fresh start for healthy hair. Short, choppy layers also give the illusion of thicker hair. Plus, this look is super easy to style!

What haircut makes hair look thicker? ›

Blunt cut. If you have a finer hair texture but like to keep your length long, Seamus McKernan, hairstylist and Nioxin Top Artist, recommends asking your stylist for a blunt haircut. "Blunt cuts have a solid, clean line at the perimeter of the hair that gives the appearance of fuller hair.

What is the most important vitamin for hair? ›

Biotin. Biotin is a B vitamin that plays a major role in promoting the growth of healthy hair. In fact, biotin is so closely related to the growth of hair that studies have found that 38 percent of women with hair loss issues have biotin deficiencies.

What vitamin does hair need the most? ›

“Vitamins are essential for healthy hair growth and may help in preventing hair shedding and thinning,” says Michele Green, M.D., a cosmetic dermatologist in New York. “The best vitamins for hair growth include B vitamins, vitamin D, vitamin E, zinc, biotin and iron.

What happens if you don't wash your hair for a year? ›

Going a long time without washing your hair can cause a buildup of a yeast-like fungus called Malassezia on your scalp. Over time, this leads to a layer of dead skin cells that shed from your head in the form of oily, yellow-ish dandruff flakes. Dandruff can also make your scalp red, scaly, and itchy.

Does unwashed hair look thin? ›

When your hair is greasy, your hair follicles tend to look wet, which makes it look thin ...” This is especially true for people with fine or thinning hair, which tends to get greasy faster — especially if you're using the wrong type of products.

How can I thicken my fine hair? ›

7 Ways to Get Thicker Hair, According to Hair Care Experts
  1. Pick a thickening shampoo and conditioner. ...
  2. Keep your hair and scalp healthy. ...
  3. Eat to benefit your hair. ...
  4. Add hair thickening products to your regimen. ...
  5. Use color to create the illusion of fullness.
  6. Get a strategic cut. ...
  7. Consider a dermatologist visit.
Mar 16, 2021

How long will your hair grow if you don't cut it for a year? ›

On average, hair grows about half an inch per month, meaning that over a year, you'll gain around 6 inches of hair on your head. But this can vary as some people's hair will grow faster than others, depending on your hair health, length and type.

What happens if you don't cut your hair for 2 years? ›

Your Hair "Stops Growing." "By not cutting your hair, you are actually risking the length rather than letting it grow," says Bivona. It seems counterintuitive, but by frequently trimming your hair, you'll prevent breakage by removing the dead, fragile ends.

Is it OK to cut your hair once a year? ›

The pros say that getting a trim about three or four times a year should suffice. "If you generally have healthy hair that isn't damaged and you're keeping it mid-length to long, you need to cut it less," Collins says. "I recommend only three to four times a year just to dust the ends and touch up layers.”

Why is trimming hair important? ›

Trimming your hair actually encourages hair growth. It may sound counter-intuitive, but the appearance of broken and split-ends not only damages the look and feel of your hair, but it also contributes to the appearance of shorter hair and thinner ends. Freshly cut ends also help to de-tangle your hair!

What the longest your hair can grow? ›

Your hair's maximum length depends on the length of this growth cycle and that can be anywhere between 12-42 inches.
...
There are three stages of hair growth:
  • Anagen - the growth phase (2-7 years)
  • Catagen - the transition phase (4-6 weeks)
  • Telogen - the resting phase (2-3 months)
Feb 1, 2023

How often do you need to cut your hair for it to grow? ›

To maintain your length, aim for a trim every eight to ten weeks. If you are trying to grow your hair longer, you can get away with trimming your hair every 12 to 16 weeks. This however, is completely dependent on how healthy your hair is.

How long does it take to grow 5 inches of hair? ›

According to the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, scalp hair grows an average of 1cm per month. This means the average person can expect to grow between 4-5 inches of hair per year.

How often should you wash your hair? ›

When to wash. Rossi generally tells his patients they should wash their hair once or twice per week. But if you've had chemical treatments that can make your hair drier — such as bleach, perms or relaxers — you might want to wash it less than once weekly to avoid breaking or brittle hair or split ends, he said.

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