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Dealing with split ends is the most difficult part of anyhair-careroutine.
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It doesn’t matter if your tresses are straight as an arrow or curlier than a Slinky.
If you wanthealthy hair, regular trims are essential.
But what exactly does regular mean?
You’ve probably heard different numbers thrown around.
But we turned to the experts to get clear answers for every hair throw in.
First, its important to know that no one is exempt from experiencing split ends.
Even if you religiously follow all of the hair-care rules to a tee, your ends will eventually break.
“Exposure to elements can also have an effect.”
“If you have hair that is six inches long, the ends are a year old.
And if you have shoulder length hair, that means its two years old.
And that alone ages hair and dries it out,” Pullan says.
So, here’s how to know when it’s time to clip your ends.
Related:21 Healthy Hair Habits You Should Adopt In Your 20s
If you have fine hair…
If your hair falls on the fine side, a strict routine for trimming ends is crucial.
Split ends can make tresses look thin and frail.
And it’s extremely noticeable amongst finer textures.
Head to your hairdresser every five weeks.
That way you’ll continue to see growth while keeping ends looking full and healthy.
“I recommendponytailsthat arent too tight,” celebrity hairstylist and Carol’s Daughter Style Squad memberKahh Spencetells SELF.
Try:Sephora Collection Ribbon Hair Ties, $5,sephora.com
If you have wavy hair…
Does your hair have a few bends, but not enough to wake up with bouncy curls?
you’re free to go up to six weeks without a trim,ifyou minimize heat damage.
You might be tempted to sculpt your waves with aflatironevery day, but constant heat will dry out ends.
“One thing that I really believe in issleepingwith silk rollers,” says Kimble.
“It helps minimize the friction that dry materials can cause.”
Try:Donna Pillows Satin Rollers, $5;target.com
If you have curly hair… “When ends split they tend to knot into each other,” says Kimble.
Applying a great detangler before you style your hair can help you work through knots.
But constantly combing through split ends can cause even more damage.
Uncontrollablefrizzis another way your hair will let you know it’s time for a trim.
Some curly girls can wait up to eight weeks between trims.
Just listen to your hair.
It will tell you when it’s time.
And dry ends equal split ends.
That’s why retaining moisture is not optional.
Co-washing will help to keep your hair moisturized.
And you’ll be able to stretch trims up to 8 to 12 weeks.
“Think of your hair as fiber or as a cashmere sweater, says Pullan.
“And then you get a double whammy when you combinehighlightswith straightening procedures.”
The rule of thumb for processed hair is to get a trim with every treatment.
If you’re getting your roots touched up every four weeks, ensure you don’t skip your trim.
“You want to cut it before it splits.
Once it splits, it rides up the hair shaft,” says Pullan.
“And you end up with two fine wispy pieces that eventually break off.”
Try:Carol’s Daughter Monoi Repairing Hair Mask, $32;ulta.com
