Hair trimming is a long-standing debate in the natural hair world. Some argue 6-8 weeks is a good time frame, while others say 3-4 months. And then there are others who say never. No matter your stance, there are tell-tale signs that indicate a trim is necessary. And when they present themselves, you must act.
Read: How Often You Should Trim Your Ends and Why
Knots
Single-strand or fairy knots come with the territory of natural hair. Knots happen. There are many ways to reduce them. You can keep your hair stretched and use oils/butters on your ends. But when those pesky knots cannot be kept at bay, then a dusting may be necessary. At every point where a knot occurs, the hair strand is weakened. I don’t recommend clipping knots that are higher up on the hair shaft, but if they are near the ends then dust or include them in your scheduled trim.
Split-Ends
Split-ends can throw a major monkey wrench in your hair growth plans. Why? Because splitting can thin your ends and result in uncontrolled breakage. It’s for this reason, it’s recommended that you trim slightly above the end of the split. There are split-end repair products on the market that act as “glue” for your split ends. But it is important to note that they are only temporary solutions to use in between trims. Don’t trim your ends, and you may lose more than the 1/4 to 1/2 inch. Trust me. You’ll thank me later.
Tangling at the Ends
I always know it is time for a trim when there’s an excess of tangling (and tapering) at my ends. Ever untwist your twist and despite all your extra care the ends are still tangled? It may be time for a trim. Not only can it cause damage, but it can seriously ruin the look of a bomb twist out. And who wants that?
Read: 5 Steps To the Perfect Twist Out
Your Hair Isn’t “Growing”
Is your hair the same length as last year? Are you deep conditioning, protective styling, and treating your hair like the finest of lace? If you’ve reviewed your entire regimen and still not getting results, then maybe you’re not keeping up with your split ends. This holds true for some who don’t believe in trimming or trim on a rare basis. Although there are some who can go a long time without a trim, there are others with more delicate hair who need to stay ahead of damaged ends. You may also want to read: 7 Reasons It May Appear Your Hair Has ‘Stopped Growing’
Read: 10 Reason To Trim Your Ends
I dont know how to go about adressing different lengths with split ends. I have been encouraged by many “stylist” to just keep my hair cut the way it is. It’s short in the back and longer in the front. The top is double the length of the back. Its almost cut in mushroom or a upside down backwards inverted bob where the top/ middle is long. 2 x’s longer than the front. Its basically a graduation fro but the hair is not not evenly distributed. When straight, which is rare, it looks fine because the top of my hair covers the bottom/back. But when curly it looks ridiculous! Im tempted to just big chop. But I honestly don’t know how to start. Also what is the best way to cut / trim natural hair? Dry and straight or curly and wet? This all very is confusing and discouraging. I feel like if I could get this under control I may become a happy natural I’ve always dreamed of. I’ve been natural for 5 years.
Hi, can anyone tell me how you wld go about trimming and noticing split ends on a twa? Cuz I havent been natural long and my hair is short and I cant tell.
When your hair is in a twa you put little pony tails in it or metal clips in small sections and hold the hair out and dust the splits same with longer hair braI’d in sections and hold braid out and get them split ends hope this helps.Don’t forget vegetable glycerin and water and oil for moisture and shine not too much or it will be damp .
I agree with this article. Nice post! 🙂