Is trimming really necessary for growth?

HairHustla said:
FlowerHair, the lady in your avatar has just dreamy thick hair Is that you? If so, your hair is mad gorgeous. My hair is really thick but I can't tell if I have split ends cause all the hair looks wild. I will try to get my picture up so you ladies can see what I am talking about.
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Yes, the avatar pic is me :)
Thank you :Rose:
 
I trimmed 8 months ago an inch and a half. And I search and destoyed throughout the year. Now I think unless ends are raggedy, I'll just search and destroy (or I want to even it out because of the way it grows out). I do plan on a hair cut when I go past wsl this year (currently past mid back going toward waist length and beyond hopefully!) I plan on just cutting away to start getting out layers. But that's only AFTER I reach my goal. My ends are fine otherwise so there isn't a need.
 
luckiestdestiny said:
I trimmed 8 months ago an inch and a half. And I search and destoyed throughout the year. Now I think unless ends are raggedy, I'll just search and destroy (or I want to even it out because of the way it grows out). I do plan on a hair cut when I go past wsl this year (currently past mid back going toward waist length and beyond hopefully!) I plan on just cutting away to start getting out layers. But that's only AFTER I reach my goal. My ends are fine otherwise so there isn't a need.
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Man, luckiestdestiny

Can you help a sista out! You have mid back hair! I would give anything to get past my doggone shoulders. I know that I have to be patient and I have only been at this for one year but in that year one would think that I would have gotten past my shoulders by now. This is really what triggered me wanting not necessarily to cut but to do SOMETHING to jumpstart some growth. What did you do primarily and how long did it take you to grow your hair to mid back length???? PWWWEASE SHARE!
 
Trimming is very necessary for me to retain length....not for growth. Back when I refused to ever trim my hair in never grew and looked horrible. Now I'm a frequent duster/trimmer.
 
HairHustla said:
Man, luckiestdestiny

Can you help a sista out! You have mid back hair! I would give anything to get past my doggone shoulders. I know that I have to be patient and I have only been at this for one year but in that year one would think that I would have gotten past my shoulders by now. This is really what triggered me wanting not necessarily to cut but to do SOMETHING to jumpstart some growth. What did you do primarily and how long did it take you to grow your hair to mid back length???? PWWWEASE SHARE!
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I can say that you need to make sure that you don't have setbacks where your hair is breaking more than growing. That's probably the case if your hair hasn't improved much. I have some stuff below that may help, but bear with me as my descriptions tend to be long:

You know I can't share the exact time frame it took me because I had a setback a year and a couple months ago (I was midbakc then but decided to listen to this lady at Sally's who suggested I needed this protein treatment pack. Needless to say I had to chop mid back hair all the way back to my shoulders as my hair became super brittle even after a moisture treatement. My hair craves moisture, not hard protein. She also didn't have hair in the best shape so I shouldn't have listened anyways. I learned my lesson). So this is my second time down this road (with the exception of when I was a kid). I am past midback by a little over an inch as of Dec (probably longer now but as I'm natural, I haven't remeasured yet)

I think the most important stuff is to find out what your hair likes and be consistent about doing it. For me it's moisture as I already have thyroid disease, but the other things I mention can be of help to anyone.

That sounds general but it's true because what works for you doesn't work for everyone else.

On a non general note, if you can braid up your hair do it. The reason I mention this is that I always read about how hard it is to get from shoulder length or neck to apl. I was always confused because I NEVER had that problem.

Then I realized it was because during that time frame I always get frustrated with my hair and braid it up (I hadn't even read this forum yet. I just know that it happened without fail that I always kept my hair braided when it got to this length). It's that in between stage and I just wanted my hair out of the way. So I easily made the leap from neck to apl without problems. I'm not talking about braids where people add hair, but I guess you could do that too. Just anything to stop manipulating your hair. Some people bun. I never did that ever, just braids...and not micro, just regular braids and cornrows.

Also when your hair is out moisturize those ends. I always put a bit of conditioner on my ends, and a little up from them (like an inch to two inches). Pure moisturizing conditioner w/o protein. I also love coconut oil as a seal.

I also dc every week.

Right now I'm in braids again but just because I was tired of styling it and wanted to take a break. If I'm too lazy to do them myself and someone else does, I always stop them if they comb too hard. I always say I'm tenderheaded (yeah! Really I want the hair to stay on my head) and then I ask if I can comb and do they have a bigger comb. This is the reason the hair stays on my head. During those moments you can have a big setback because someone is just ripping away at your hair.

I cut out all of my relaxer so I'm all natural. I don't know if you are or not, but I find that it's necessary to have control over my hair. So if you are relaxed you need to find someone who has people with long hair, or do it yourself. There's no need in guessing. In my case I got rid of it because of thyroid disease,my hair was really dry until my weekly dcs, and because I could never control the outcome of my hair (did they over process? You know the whole "what did you do?" thing where they ask if you wrap it every night like it's YOUR fault. So I decided that I know I wasn't messing it up and the only way to prove it was to remove the chemicals. That's when my growth took off again just like when I was little and I'm 4a. When I was younger my mom did my hair super slow with a big comb and it payed off). If I ever relax again (don't think I will), it would have to be with someone who knows what they're doing (not just in theory) and can back it by the heads of hair in their salon. Even then I'd still correct if there was a problem (ask for a big comb or lighter combing, etc. And I would time the process and tell them to take it off then by either demanding it or saying it is burning. I would demand it but I know others don't like to get a stylist mad, so I also used the other option as a way out. That way they never overprocess). I you're natural, you'll have other problems like knots and stuff. Keeping your hair braided and moisturized, or sadly straight can help with that (flat iron w/ protection). I'm sure others have other ways but that's my way.

Just baby your hair and it WILL get there.

Extras: I use a nettle tea rinse. I get nettle from amazon.com and it's only $2.50 and it increased my hair growth. I started that in october. I just boil let cool and use as a final rinse. I also eat right and take chlorella now. I just think eating right and using natural products puts hair in it's top condition.

Oh and I know people love cowashing but I am lazy and just wash once a week, but I make sure to DC EVERYTIME I wash.
HTH!
 
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Pokahontas said:
Trimming is very necessary for me to retain length....not for growth. Back when I refused to ever trim my hair in never grew and looked horrible. Now I'm a frequent duster/trimmer.
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Hi Pokahontas:

Looking at your hair made me go lurk in your fokti and now you have me ready to go ahead an do the darn thang. I do have a duster at home collecting dust. I think I will begin just dusting periodically, not a full out cut because I don't think my ends are in too bad of shape but my hair could use a dusting. Thank you ladies for your suggestions, I am shaping a regimen and forging a future for my hair because of it! LOL but dead serious!
 
Forgot to add if you braid your hair up so it can get to the next level make sure to moisturize, especially the ends if they're out or can be reached. Take some condish and put on them, or just braid spray, and also moisturize the rest. I like to concentrate on ends because that's how you retain.
 
luckiestdestiny said:
Forgot to add if you braid your hair up so it can get to the next level make sure to moisturize, especially the ends if they're out or can be reached. Take some condish and put on them, or just braid spray, and also moisturize the rest. I like to concentrate on ends because that's how you retain.
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Thank you so much girl, I am armed with some new strategies to try and this is one of them!
 
HairHustla said:
Another fine affirmation for me to dust off that duster. I think I will do it tonight Ladies. Thank you so much my dear! Ya'll are my Hair Sisters.
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Now Iv'e got a burning question, is it best to do the dusting or trimming for that matter with wet or dry hair and is there a particular method that gives better results, especially with dusting? Iv'e only done it once about a year ago.
 
Trimming/dusting is indeed necessary if you're trying to have long hair ie for retention. Otherwise hair grows whether you do headstands, toss a penny in a pond, use potions from Professor Snape's :love: class, or just do nothing. As long as you don't have some ailment, it grows. But you will see length if you keep strands healthy and dusting helps with that. I shared pics of the difference this made in an old thread. I'll go look for it if you never saw them and are interested otherwise, trust me. I've tried both ways and will never not dust again.
 
Nonie said:
Trimming/dusting is indeed necessary if you're trying to have long hair ie for retention. Otherwise hair grows whether you do headstands, toss a penny in a pond, use potions from Professor Snape's :love: class, or just do nothing. As long as you don't have some ailment, it grows. But you will see length if you keep strands healthy and dusting helps with that. I shared pics of the difference this made in an old thread. I'll go look for it if you never saw them and are interested otherwise, trust me. I've tried both ways and will never not dust again.
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You are too funny, and convincing too! I would love to see your pictures if you still have them. I am kind of a newbie, I have been around for a few months but have been too shy to say much so now I am trying to get my feet and hair wet.
 
I am a firm believer in trimming hair for growth. However I dont believe in cutting hair all willy nilly now. Let me explain: I only cut my hair when the moon is waxing and when the moon is a water sign (such as pisces, cancer, or scorpio). This is a tried and true practice and I have even done my self (although I will admit even though I'm an astrology buff I was still a bit skeptical:look:) There are many website backing up my practice.

For information on the astrogical signs and when to use them:
http://www.longhairlovers.com/moon_maintenance.html

To figure what phase the moon is in and what sign is in it:
http://www.moonsigncalendar.net/moonphase.asp?Tagzahl=1&Monat=3&Jahr=2008&zeitzone=5

HTH ladies!!! Seriously try it!!!!!
 
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I don't think it's necessary for growth, but it is necessary to maintain the health of your hair. I had a trim in August last year..probably .5". Prior to that I hadn't had a trim in two years. When I got my hair pressed in December, I was told by the stylist that I had a lot of dead ends approx. 3-4" that needed to be trimmed. Of course, I told her I would think about it and went on my merry way. I knew my hair was badly split though because I could see it whenever I looked at my ends.

I finally decided to go to someone else that my sister recommended last month, and she said that same exact thing. I needed to get rid of those ends in order to get my hair back healthy. I let her cut 3".:sad: I thought I'd be all sad too because I was finally at BSL, but I know I needed to do it. When I take out my sew-in, I'm going back to get the rest trimmed off, which is probably another 2". It's okay with me though because I'm really more interested in having healthy hair all around. Even though my hair looked healthy and long in person, I knew it wasn't. I couldnt' get over that. I've already decided when I get rid of my splits to get regular .5" trims every couple of months.
 
Ediese said:
I don't think it's necessary for growth, but it is necessary to maintain the health of your hair. I had a trim in August last year..probably .5". Prior to that I hadn't had a trim in two years. When I got my hair pressed in December, I was told by the stylist that I had a lot of dead ends approx. 3-4" that needed to be trimmed. Of course, I told her I would think about it and went on my merry way. I knew my hair was badly split though because I could see it whenever I looked at my ends.

I finally decided to go to someone else that my sister recommended last month, and she said that same exact thing. I needed to get rid of those ends in order to get my hair back healthy. I let her cut 3".:sad: I thought I'd be all sad too because I was finally at BSL, but I know I needed to do it. When I take out my sew-in, I'm going back to get the rest trimmed off, which is probably another 2". It's okay with me though because I'm really more interested in having healthy hair all around. Even though my hair looked healthy and long in person, I knew it wasn't. I couldnt' get over that. I've already decided when I get rid of my splits to get regular .5" trims every couple of months.
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Now that is some progress! Your hair is progressing so well and is so very pretty. I long to get where you are but I know that it has been a long time coming for you. As for me, it has only been a year but looking at all these pictures makes a sista just sigh with a tear running down her face..just joking I am so happy for all of us. You all are encouraging to me, it is really hard for me to face up to whether or not I should trim but I am sure that I will dust, that is for sure. Thank you so much for your reply, it does help as I can see what is really working for our hair.
 
Ediese is right. Health leads to length. This is why: Anything old will wear and tear. And the ends of your hair are the oldest part of your hair. Now imagine a slight tear in an old frock. That tear will continue to grow till the frock is in tatters if nothing is done to stop the process. We all know a stitch in time saves nine. By the same token, if you don't dust off those old ends early, they rip up the length and break off, leaving the skinny ends I had. Sure your hair will be long, but for how long? In time, those ends will be so thin, they'll break off. Not to mention, scraggly ends on long hair are not cute. :nono: This is why I do my dusting more often than not. Because I don't want to wait till that one stitch has become five necessary ones.
 
Nonie said:
Trimming/dusting is indeed necessary if you're trying to have long hair ie for retention. Otherwise hair grows whether you do headstands, toss a penny in a pond, use potions from Professor Snape's :love: class, or just do nothing. As long as you don't have some ailment, it grows. But you will see length if you keep strands healthy and dusting helps with that. I shared pics of the difference this made in an old thread. I'll go look for it if you never saw them and are interested otherwise, trust me. I've tried both ways and will never not dust again.
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:sweet:So I guess it's kind of like while it is not a factor in whether or not your hair grows it does make a hugh difference in whether or not you actually see the growth over time. I kind of figured that it had absolutely nothing to do with making the hair grow. I'm going to add this to my list of hair myths momma and em told me.:blah:.
*off to add this blasphemy* Ah, let's see I'll put it here, behind "dirty (yeahhhhh DIRTY) hair grows best" :bookworm2:
 
Fleurzty said:
I trim only when it's needed which is about once a year or less frequently. I focus on protecting my ends and making sure they remain healthy. As long as I am not seeing split ends and my hair is not becoming difficult to manage, I keep growing. The better I care for my ends, the less often I end up having to trim.
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I agree with you.
 
SwoopSui said:
I am a firm believer in trimming hair for growth. However I dont believe in cutting hair all willy nilly now. Let me explain: I only cut my hair when the moon is waxing and when the moon is a water sign (such as pisces, cancer, or scorpio). This is a tried and true practice and I have even done my self (although I will admit even though I'm an astrology buff I was still a bit skeptical:look:) There are many website backing up my practice.

For information on the astrogical signs and when to use them:
http://www.longhairlovers.com/moon_maintenance.html

To figure what phase the moon is in and what sign is in it:
http://www.moonsigncalendar.net/moonphase.asp?Tagzahl=1&Monat=3&Jahr=2008&zeitzone=5

HTH ladies!!! Seriously try it!!!!!
Click to expand...

Ms Swoopsui, this is the wildest thing I have heard in a long time and....I LIKE IT! I read over both links and found out that we are in the Aries phase right now which is dry and barren and not suited for cutting. Now I am a very open minded person so I am looking at this without rose colored glasses and I say, "why not"? People plan their conception and childbirth around the moon and farmers harvest and plan according to the moon why wouldn't hair be a factor too? Thank you very very much for sharing this. I am going to try it, I have nothing else to lose and it just might work. Ladies you ought to really check out her links she provided, it is quite "shocking" and informative! :blush:
 
Nonie said:
Ediese is right. Health leads to length. This is why: Anything old will wear and tear. And the ends of your hair are the oldest part of your hair. Now imagine a slight tear in an old frock. That tear will continue to grow till the frock is in tatters if nothing is done to stop the process. We all know a stitch in time saves nine. By the same token, if you don't dust off those old ends early, they rip up the length and break off, leaving the skinny ends I had. Sure your hair will be long, but for how long? In time, those ends will be so thin, they'll break off. Not to mention, scraggly ends on long hair are not cute. :nono: This is why I do my dusting more often than not. Because I don't want to wait till that one stitch has become five necessary ones.
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Very good analogy Nonie! I feel ya girl. Now if someone could tell me whether to do dusting on wet or dry hair, I will have been duly educated by you fine and dear ladies.
 
Tyra said:
:sweet:So I guess it's kind of like while it is not a factor in whether or not your hair grows it does make a hugh difference in whether or not you actually see the growth over time. I kind of figured that it had absolutely nothing to do with making the hair grow. I'm going to add this to my list of hair myths momma and em told me.:blah:.
*off to add this blasphemy* Ah, let's see I'll put it here, behind "dirty (yeahhhhh DIRTY) hair grows best" :bookworm2:
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You are a mess! :lachen:Atleast your momma told you myths, my momma didn't tell me nothing, I draw a blank slate that is why I am up in here on you all's nerves...LOL!
 
I don't know what others prefer but the best trims I had were on dry hair. It was always much more apparent and precise then when done on wet hair. Seems like when it was done on wet hair there was always some "tweeking" that had to be done once it dried.HTH
 
:giggle:Yeah, that's true she tried. I just wished she had NOT disclosed her dirty hair theory though. TMI if you ask me... still she is my ma. Bless her precious heart.:cupidarrow:
 
Tyra said:
I don't know what others prefer but the best trims I had were on dry hair. It was always much more apparent and precise then when done on wet hair. Seems like when it was done on wet hair there was always some "tweeking" that had to be done once it dried.HTH
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Thank you so much, Dry hair is the winner cause you are the first person to answer that part of my mini hair interview.
 
I'm on the fence. When I was relaxed, my hair was at its best during the time that I trimmed every 10 weeks. It was not so much the trimming, but the fact that I visited the stylist more frequently. I told her do just trim a couple of millimeters and she did just that. My hair grew and the ends looked good. Then I moved away and my hair went down the tubes.

Now that I'm natural, IDK. I rarely wear my hair straight even with rollersets and my hair stays moisturized. I take good care of it. I do have a lot of shedding and maybe even some breakage but I don't see those little inch length hairs on my shoulders that I saw when I was relaxed. Those inch hairs are usually from the split end.

I'll probably end up doing a six month- maybe even one year dusting. I know of one person who has not trimmed since her BC and her hair looks great.
 
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