Q&A for How to Trim Your Own Split Ends

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Question

How does a split end form?

Laura Martin
Licensed Cosmetologist
Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist based in Milledgeville, Georgia. She has been working as a hair stylist since 2007, and began a career as a cosmetology teacher in 2013. She worked as a teacher at Arrojo Cosmetology School, teaching cosmetology practices, hairstyling, and hair color application. She also brought her cosmetology expertise to her work as a staff writer for fashion blog Style Noted, writing pieces related to hair and fashion. She received an MFA in Creative Writing from Georgia College & State University, where she was also an English Teaching Fellow. Additionally, she received a BA in Creative Writing and Literature from New York University.

Laura Martin

Licensed Cosmetologist

Expert Answer

A split end happens when the tip of the hair is damaged. The end will unravel like a frayed thread and then separate, creating the split.

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Question

Why does cutting your hair make it grow faster?

Laura Martin
Licensed Cosmetologist
Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist based in Milledgeville, Georgia. She has been working as a hair stylist since 2007, and began a career as a cosmetology teacher in 2013. She worked as a teacher at Arrojo Cosmetology School, teaching cosmetology practices, hairstyling, and hair color application. She also brought her cosmetology expertise to her work as a staff writer for fashion blog Style Noted, writing pieces related to hair and fashion. She received an MFA in Creative Writing from Georgia College & State University, where she was also an English Teaching Fellow. Additionally, she received a BA in Creative Writing and Literature from New York University.

Laura Martin

Licensed Cosmetologist

Expert Answer

Cutting your hair doesn't increase the rate of growth. However, it does keep the ends of your hair healthy. If you don't get trims, your hair will split and break instead of growing.

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Question

How often should you cut your hair if you want it to grow?

Laura Martin
Licensed Cosmetologist
Laura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist based in Milledgeville, Georgia. She has been working as a hair stylist since 2007, and began a career as a cosmetology teacher in 2013. She worked as a teacher at Arrojo Cosmetology School, teaching cosmetology practices, hairstyling, and hair color application. She also brought her cosmetology expertise to her work as a staff writer for fashion blog Style Noted, writing pieces related to hair and fashion. She received an MFA in Creative Writing from Georgia College & State University, where she was also an English Teaching Fellow. Additionally, she received a BA in Creative Writing and Literature from New York University.

Laura Martin

Licensed Cosmetologist

Expert Answer

You should get a small trim every 6-8 weeks to keep split ends at a minimum. This will allow you to accumulate length while maintaining hair health.

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Question

I have a lot of split ends in my hair. I don't think that I can cut everything. Please suggest a solution.

Ashley Adams
Professional Hair Stylist
Ashley Adams is a Licensed Cosmetologist and Hair Stylist in Illinois. She completed her Cosmetology education at John Amico School of Hair Design in 2016.

Ashley Adams

Professional Hair Stylist

Expert Answer

If you're unable to trim your split ends, you could visit a salon and let a professional trim them for you. They'll be able to get rid of all of your split ends.

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Question

Hello, thanks for this, but I'm African, and the hair textures aren't the same. It isn't silky, so how do I go about this?

Ashley Adams
Professional Hair Stylist
Ashley Adams is a Licensed Cosmetologist and Hair Stylist in Illinois. She completed her Cosmetology education at John Amico School of Hair Design in 2016.

Ashley Adams

Professional Hair Stylist

Expert Answer

It would be best to straighten your hair before trying to trim your split ends. Once your hair is straight, you'll be able to more easily see your split ends.

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Question

Should I cut it wet or dry?

Community Answer

Dry, because if wet, the split ends will be harder to see.

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Question

Does using rubber bands cause split-ends or hair breakage?

Community Answer

It is best to use fabric coated hair ties that do not contain any metal clasps. Rubber bands and hair ties that have metal clasps are harsh on your hair, and can damage it over time. Where you put the hair tie does matter too. If you put it close to your scalp for a ponytail, it won't do much damage. If you put it at the end of your hair for a braid, it may cause split ends over time.

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Question

How long will it take hair to grow at least 3 inches?

Community Answer

It could take three to 12 months, depending on hair growth. Typically, hair grows 1/4 to 1/2 inch every month.

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Question

My split ends are really high up, and I do not want to cut that much off. What should I do?

Community Answer

Cut as much as you can and then use deep moisturizing treatments often to help restore your hair until you can cut the rest off.

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Question

How will I know if my hair is even after cutting split ends all around my head?

Community Answer

If you use a section of hair as a guide while cutting, all sections should match that guide section of hair. Make sure you pull them all the same direction when cutting. When done, you will pull the hair the opposite direction to check the sections to make sure they're even. There are videos on YouTube you can watch for help.

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Question

How can I cut my hair to encourage growth?

Community Answer

Cutting hair does not encourage growth, it only keeps damaged ends from breaking off. It's recommended to trim your hair when you are growing it out so you don't lose length from damaged hair.

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Question

How do I cure my split ends if I don't have conditioner?

Community Answer

You can use DIY treatments to lock in moisture or cut the split ends as shown above.

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Question

How long does this cutting take?

Community Answer

It will take as long as you want it to - 20 to 40 minutes. It depends on your hair length and how much you want to cut.

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Question

How do I keep my ends moist?

Community Answer

After shampooing, apply conditioner to the ends of your hair and tie your hair back into a bun. At the end of your shower, rinse your hair out with cold water. Apply hair oil afterwards if your hair is very dry.

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Question

Does cutting my hair more help me to grow it out?

Community Answer

Yes, cutting your hair does certainly help as it is getting rid of any unhealthy hair and gets replaced with healthy hair. You can try several methods. You will only need to cut off the dead or dry ends of your hair. The coconut oil method and massaging your hair can help.

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Question

How do I trim split ends if I have short hair?

Amy Harrison

Top Answerer

Cutting short hair may be more difficult for you because you won't be able to see the hair as easily, especially if you don't have a lot of experience. You could try trimming your hair in front of a mirror, get a family member or friend to help, or just book an appointment at the hair dressers.

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Question

How do I cut curly hair?

Community Answer

The same as straight hair, but keep in mind that the curls will make it look much shorter than it looks when you stretch it out to cut it.

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Question

Does cutting split ends help if I am trying to grow out my hair?

Amy Harrison

Top Answerer

Yes. Dead or split hair can discourage your hair from growing out, so trimming it will help it grow.

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Question

How to cut my own hair?

Community Answer

Just choose a length you want to cut off and follow the guidelines in the article. You can see How to Cut Your Own Hair for more methods. You can also find videos on YouTube.

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Question

How do I treat my split ends?

Community Answer

Make sure to keep your hair healthy and follow the steps in this article.

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Question

Can I trim my hair for every three months, and will it grow or not?

Community Answer

Hair grows about half an inch every month. In three months you will have grown an inch and a half, so if you want your hair to grow, then only trim half an inch.

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Question

Why are the tips of my hair white?

Community Answer

It is most probably due to either damage or dryness, most likely dryness. Put some baby oil on the ends of your hair, and within a week or so you should start seeing some results.

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Question

Will a heat protection spray help when I straighten my hair?

Community Answer

Yes, a heat protection spray is very effective against heat damage with hair straighteners and hair dryers. Heat protection sprays will not prevent split ends, but will protect against them getting very bad.

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Question

My mom says I have a lot of split ends at the back. How can I make this better?

Community Answer

Go get a trim!

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