My last trim was just over 1 year ago and I have been repeatedly told that triming hair every now and then helps it grow faster. Also I have been told that if hair is not trimmed every so often I will get split ends. I have combed out many knots in my hair over this past year and so subsequently recieved many hairs that have snapped and now appear as small hairs that stick out at the top of my head. I am telling you this because it has been preying on my mind due to my older sister that keeps on harrasing me.
I have heard that old wives tale too. LOL
My last trim was seven months again as this was to clean up the ends that were looking bad. I also felt that my hair was too long. Yet, it's just as long if not longer since I had the trim, but looks awesome. So I have not had it trimmed again. As long as your gentle with your hair, I think you will be fine. If you are worried, have about two inches taken off to clean up the ends.
This is fairy tale grade B.S.
Ok first of all, trimming your hair DOES NOT make it grow faster. This myth has originated from observations of growth patterns of facial hair.
Secondly, if you have a lot of split ends, it might be a good idea to trim your hair to avoid them going up any further. But trimming your hair does not help prevent split ends.
THe small hairs that stick out the top of your head, as you say, are reinforcement hairs. They are the hairs that will one day grow long and replace your current long hair when it naturally sheds. So don't touch them :)
I reckon the only time you should trim is when you're either changing style (less layers), or if you already have a lot of split ends.
Hope this helps.
thanks for the advice
My last trim was Jan 6, 1977. (Mmm, I missed it's 30th anniversary.) Split ends never a problem. Hair stopped getting longer around 1979. Hair eventually reaches a steady state in which the daily growth is just balanced by the few long hairs that shed during combing and whatnot.
I told my little brother that you can tell the age of a dog by counting his ribs, just like counting the age of a tree by the rings. Big sisters aren't your best source of advice sometimes.
Celebrate those short hairs because they are new growth from shed hairs, trim if you like the look of blunt ends, and enjoy the changes that come from growing your hair longer.
Elizabeth
I've found that since my hair reached almost my waist, I can pull it around and give the ends a super-focused look. About every 3 months I seem to have some split ends...and personally, I have them trimmed off.
I find that I need to shampoo and condition about every 7 to 10 days. The hair closest to my scalp seems to be in the best shape; the hair farthest away is the driest, or most damaged, etc. (depending on the season).
Go and Grow!
D from Texas
I have been growing my hair for 20 months without a pair of scissors coming anywhere near me, and i have no intention of doing so. However I guess if I had split ends then i would have to get them cut out.