new thread
I've been told by several people (including a professional hair stylist) that trimming the very ends of the hair will make it grow faster. This proposition does not make sense to me--how does the follicle "know" that the end of the hair has been cut off, and even if it did "know", why would that stimulate hair growth? So in people's experience is it true or is it hogwash?
I think it's hogwash.
This is a notion that is one of my reasons for growing my hair long. Since 1992 I have not even trimmed my hair. I will keep growing it until it stops. Then I will start trimming it and see if the length exceeds the previous length. I know this scheme is fraught with problems, but I'm doing it anyway. If I pull the very longest hairs down and keep my head level they brush the tops of my thighs now.
I think Victor is right on this one, although many professional hair stylists/beauticians have told me the same thing. Since hair is not a living tissue, there is no biochemical mechanism for the hair to "inform" the follicle that it has been trimmed. Therefore, the growth rate should remain unchanged regardless of the frequency of hair cuts or trimming. I think trimming does allow some people to grow longer hair by removing split ends before they travel up the hair shaft. However, if you trim more than 1/2" per month, you'll end up with progressively shorter hair! Like Victor, I haven't even trimmed my hair since 1992 (except for an occasional split end). My mane is now "maxed out" at 32-1/2" though :(. I suspect that if I start getting an occasional trim, I'll just end up with shorter hair.
FACT - no trimming means loooonger hair :)!
Yes, professional hair stylists recommend regular hair-cuts - and the American Pork Council advises a minimum of 1 lb of bacon for breakfast.
trimming doesnt make it grow faster, however, it prevents breakage. if you have split ends you will be tempted to cut it short again. so trimming does help.
The follicle doesn't "know" anything. Trimming hair promotes hair growth simply by stopping split ends -- providing you with healtier hair. Now, don't go lob off a whole inch, but trimming about a 4th of an inch every 2 weeks or so can do you a lot of good -- more than you would imagine!