TRIMMING 101

Let’s talk about your ends and how you feel when you even think of a pair of scissors coming close to your head of hair. For those of us struggling to grow our, hair expect some cringing to come along with the process.

We all have heard that trimming is essential for growth retention and great style results, but let’s actually break down why trimming is important. Your ends are the oldest part of your hair and the further it grows from the scalp, the thinner the hair cuticle will become. This makes it susceptible to damaged.  Most hair types will see the start of split ends at the 2 months mark.

Once you have split ends, they cannot be reversed. Splits ends will continue ripping into the hair strands worsening the damage.  Hair will get weaker and more tangled with more snags and single strand knots. This will in the long run cause breakage so whatever hair you grow will fall off which stunts hair growth.

3 ways to recognize where the ends are splitting

• Comb through the hair and remove all dead ends. Run your hands through the ends of your dry hair and the damaged shaft feels more frizzy and rough.
• Wrap curls around your fingers and try to create a coil. Every hair strand that does not form the coil and is frizzy and straighter is the damaged hair.
• Two strand twist your hair. The part where the plump twist drastically thins out shows the damaged ends.   

Trimming Techniques

Now that you know what to look for, take a close look at the ends in front of a mirror then using the preferred method above detect the damage and cut about ¼ of an inch above the split ends. Some people do choose the dusting method which is gentler trim that can be done every 2 weeks.  

On average, hair should be trimmed every 3 months.

See you all next time!

Ruth Adewoye