How Often Should You Get a Haircut Based on Hair Type?
Whether you're going for a signature look or embracing low-maintenance vibes, one of the most common questions we hear at The Collective ATX is: How often should you get a haircut? It's a deceptively simple question, but the answer depends on more than just personal preference. Your hair type, texture, lifestyle, and even your haircut style all play a part. So, let's break it down hair by hair, style by style.
Why Hair Type Matters
Before we jump into the timelines, let's get one thing straight: not all hair types behave the same. Fine strands may split faster, curls can lose shape quicker, and thick locks might feel like they go from chic to shapeless overnight. Understanding your hair's natural tendencies helps you stay ahead of the game and keeps your hair looking salon-fresh longer.
Straight Hair
Fine & Straight Hair: If you have fine, straight hair, chances are you notice split ends popping up pretty frequently. These strands are more prone to damage, which means regular trims are your best friend.
Recommended Trim Timeframe: Every 4-6 weeks
This helps maintain shape, remove split ends, and prevent your style from looking limp. A regular trim also creates the illusion of volume, especially if you wear your hair in a sleek bob or layered look.
Thick & Straight Hair: Lucky you—thicker straight hair tends to hold its shape a bit longer than its finer counterpart. You can go a little longer between trims, but that doesn't mean you should totally ghost your stylist.
Recommended Trim Timeframe: Every 8-10 weeks
This allows your style to stay polished without looking overgrown. Add a dusting of ends every visit, and your hair stays healthy and luxe.
Wavy Hair
Wavy hair tends to be the wildcard of the hair world. It walks the line between straight and curly, and depending on how you style it, it can lean either way. But waves have their quirks—they can lose bounce, get frizzy, or become heavy at the ends.
Recommended Trim Timeframe: Every 8-12 weeks
Wavy hair doesn't need to be trimmed quite as often as straight hair unless you heat style frequently. If you're growing it out, aim closer to 12 weeks. If you want a crisp shape or layers that pop, stick to 8 weeks.
Curly Hair
Curly hair needs a little more TLC. Those beautiful coils don't show split ends as obviously, but that doesn't mean they aren't there. Because curls shrink and coil up, damage can go unnoticed until it's affecting your shape and health.
Recommended Trim Timeframe: Every 10-12 weeks
If you're wearing your curls natural, trimming every 2-3 months helps maintain bounce, shape, and overall definition. Curly hair also thrives when cut dry, which is something we specialize in at The Collective ATX.
Bonus Tip: Use trims as a moment to rehydrate and revive your curls with deep conditioning treatments or a custom curl refresh session.
Coily & Kinky Hair
Coily textures need the most moisture and protection. These delicate strands can be prone to dryness and breakage, making regular trims essential to promote healthy growth and definition.
Recommended Trim Timeframe: Every 8-12 weeks
If you're protective styling often or stretching your curls, stick to the 8-week mark. If you're rocking a wash-and-go or twist-outs, you might go closer to 12 weeks. Either way, regular trims help prevent single-strand knots and breakage.
Pro Tip: Book a trim alongside a hydrating or protein-rich treatment to keep your coils strong and resilient.
Textured & Relaxed Hair
Whether you chemically relax your hair or use texturizers, your strands need a different rhythm. Chemical treatments can weaken the hair shaft, making it more prone to damage, especially at the ends.
Recommended Trim Timeframe: Every 6-8 weeks
Keeping up with trims is crucial for removing damage and keeping the shape looking fresh. This is especially true if you're transitioning or blending two textures.
Our stylists at The Collective ATX can help guide you through the transition phase while protecting your length and style integrity.
Long Hair
Long hair can lull you into a false sense of security. "It's growing! It must be healthy!" But here's the deal: the longer the hair, the older and more fragile the ends.
Recommended Trim Timeframe: Every 8-12 weeks
Long hair needs dusting and trimming to avoid that stringy, uneven look. Regular maintenance also helps reduce tangling and breakage.
Looking for a length-preserving trim? Just say the word. We're pros at "just a little off the ends."
Short Hair & Precision Cuts
If you're rocking a pixie, a fade, or any precision cut that relies on structure and shape, you'll want to keep your appointments closer together. These styles can quickly lose their edge.
Recommended Trim Timeframe: Every 3-5 weeks
Frequent trims help you maintain your cut's crisp, defined look. Plus, they're a great excuse to enjoy some salon time and feel fresh between bigger changes.
Colored & Chemically Treated Hair
Color-treated hair requires extra love. Bleaching, highlighting, and coloring all impact the integrity of your hair. Add split ends or dullness to the mix, and your vibrant new color can start looking less luxe.
Recommended Trim Timeframe: Every 6-8 weeks
This is especially true if you're lightening your hair or opting for bold hues. Regular trims help remove damage and keep your hair vibrant and shiny. We also recommend pairing trims with gloss treatments to refresh tone and shine.
Growing Out Your Hair?
If you're in the grow-out phase, you might be tempted to skip the scissors. But trust us—strategic trimming is essential for healthy length.
Recommended Trim Timeframe: Every 10-12 weeks
Ask for a "dusting" instead of a full trim. It gets rid of split ends without sacrificing your progress. Healthy ends = less breakage = faster visible growth.
And don't forget: regular treatments like hydrating masks or bond repair can keep your strands strong and ready to grow.
Lifestyle Factors That Change the Rules
Beyond hair type, consider how your daily habits impact your ideal haircut schedule:
Heat Styling: The more you flat-iron or curl, the more often you'll need a trim.
Swimming: Chlorine and salt water can dry and weaken ends.
Workouts: Sweat can affect the scalp and roots, especially for short or styled cuts.
Protective Styles: These extend the time between trims, but regular hair health checks are still essential.
Scalp Health: A healthy scalp promotes better hair growth, so regular trims and treatments are part of the self-care picture.
Your lifestyle tells us as much as your hair type when crafting the perfect trim timeline.
Trust the Pros at The Collective ATX
At the end of the day, knowing how often you should get a haircut isn't just about counting weeks on the calendar. It's about understanding your hair, listening to what it needs, and teaming up with experts who get your vibe.
At The Collective ATX, we treat every head of hair like its own art form. Whether you're embracing your natural texture, maintaining a sharp cut, growing it out, or experimenting with color, our stylists craft a custom haircut schedule tailored to you.
And let's be real—getting a haircut isn't just about the hair. It's about the experience. The feel-good vibes. The confidence boost. That sigh of relief when you walk out feeling like your best self.
So, whether it's time for your next dusting, chop, or shape-up, we've got you.
Book Your Next Haircut Today
Your hair deserves more than a one-size-fits-all schedule. Let our team at The Collective ATX help you create a plan that fits your hair, your lifestyle, and your goals.
We offer expert cuts, color, extensions, hydrafacials, and more—all in the heart of Austin, TX. Laidback luxury is our signature style, and we bring it to every appointment.
Book your appointment today and give your hair the treatment it deserves. Let's create something beautiful together.