Does Trimming Your Hair Actually Make it Longer

Every girl desires to have hair as long as the Princess' in the Disney movies, but unfortunately, it is a very unrealistic for the majority of us. For the girls who can grow their hair to incredible lengths, they're usually struck with a ratted look that is taken over my split ends and frizzes. So, they finally have long hair but it looks gross. What's a girl to do?

The Theory

It is no secret that regular trims (approximately every 6 weeks) are mandatory to keeping your hair styled, but also healthy, full and lush. However, it is also believed that trimming your hair frequently encourages your hair to grow longer. It sounds like an oxymoron, doesn't it? Let's find out the truth.

The Idea

The concept of trimming your hair to make it grow longer comes from the idea of healthy hair growing faster than damaged hair. Thus, trimming off the damaged ends is said to free up your hair and basically allow it to grow faster and ultimately, longer.

The Truth

Unfortunately, ladies, this theory has been debunked. Cutting off the ends of your hair frequently and more importantly, once damaged, is extremely vital to a flawless, luscious hair style. However, doing so doesn't affect the hair particles in your scalp so nothing really happens to 'encourage' your locks to grow longer. Cutting off damaged bits is said to make your hair appear longer because you no longer have the dry, frizzy split ends that can make your hair shrivel up and appear really coarse and rather messy.

The Alternative

The great thing is that there are some shampoos and conditioners that have shown results of making hair grow longer, such as Fast Shampoo and Conditioner. These are said to affect those scalp particles which determine how long or fast your hair will grow. You can also get on the trend of extensions and enjoy whatever length of hair you want, and if you get clip ins, you can change your hair from long to short and everything in between as you please which is great since your hair is a representation of how you feel about yourself.

Now, this doesn't mean that you can skip out on your next hair trimming appointment because it is crucial for your hair's health, but at least now you know that it isn't really going to do a magic spell on your hair and suddenly turn you into Rapunzel or the princess from Tangled.  So, if you have short hair - rock it with confidence or grab some extensions. If you have longer hair with a ton of damaged ends, it's time to get to your hair dresses because prolonging your appointment isn't making your hair any longer; it's only making it more damaged.

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