How Often Should You Really Get a Haircut? Expert Advice from Etobicoke’s Hair By GV

We’ve all heard the saying that you should cut your hair every six to eight weeks—but is that really true for everyone? The truth is, how often you should get a haircut depends on a variety of factors: your hair type, your styling habits, your goals, and even the season. At Hair By GV in Etobicoke, we get this question almost daily from clients wondering whether they’re cutting their hair too often—or not enough. In this blog, we’re breaking down the ideal haircut frequency for different hair types and styles so you can make the best choice for your hair’s health, appearance, and long-term growth.

Let’s start with the basics. Hair grows on average about half an inch per month. While trims don’t speed up growth, they do help prevent breakage and split ends that make your hair look thinner and less healthy. Regular trims remove damaged ends and allow your hair to grow longer and stronger over time. But the key is finding a schedule that supports your goals. If you want to maintain a short style or sharp shape, you’ll need to visit the salon more often. If you’re growing your hair out, you can wait longer—but you still need to trim regularly to avoid setbacks.

For short styles like pixie cuts, fades, or precision bobs, we recommend a trim every 4 to 6 weeks. These styles lose their shape quickly as they grow out, and regular maintenance is essential to keep them looking sharp. At Hair By GV, our Etobicoke clients with short cuts often pre-book their appointments so they never go too long between visits.

For medium-length styles like long bobs, layered cuts, or shags, the sweet spot is usually every 6 to 8 weeks. These styles have more flexibility and can grow out a bit before they lose their shape. If you heat style often or colour your hair, you may want to stick to the shorter end of that range to minimize damage and keep ends looking fresh.

For long hair, especially if you’re trying to grow it out, trims every 8 to 12 weeks are ideal. Skipping trims for too long can lead to split ends that travel up the hair shaft and cause breakage. Many clients in Etobicoke believe avoiding trims helps their hair grow—but in reality, damaged ends break off and prevent length retention. A light dusting every few months keeps your ends healthy and allows your hair to grow longer over time.

Curly and textured hair types often require a slightly different approach. Because curls shrink as they dry, damage or uneven growth may not be as immediately noticeable—but it’s still happening. We typically recommend curly clients trim every 10 to 12 weeks, or as needed based on dryness, split ends, or shape loss. At Hair By GV, we specialize in dry cuts and curl-friendly shaping techniques that maintain your curl pattern while reducing bulk and improving bounce.

Colour-treated hair needs more frequent attention. Whether you’re going blonde, covering greys, or adding highlights, colouring your hair makes it more vulnerable to dryness and breakage. To maintain both colour vibrancy and hair health, we recommend trimming every 6 to 8 weeks, especially if you lighten your hair or use heat regularly. Trims are also a great opportunity to refresh your colour, tone out brassiness, or add dimension with lowlights or glossing.

Let’s also talk about seasonal changes. In the winter, indoor heating and cold air can dry out your hair, leading to more breakage. In the summer, UV rays, chlorine, and humidity can damage the hair cuticle and fade colour. We recommend booking a seasonal trim at the start of each new season—every three months or so—to reset your ends and prep your hair for the months ahead. At Hair By GV, we often build these seasonal trims into your care plan to keep your hair healthy year-round.

Another common question we get from Etobicoke clients: how do I know when it’s time for a cut? Here are a few signs: your ends feel dry, rough, or thin compared to the rest of your hair; you’re noticing more tangles, breakage, or frizz than usual; your hair doesn’t hold its shape or style the way it used to; you’re seeing more split ends or flyaways around your crown or hairline. If you notice any of these, it’s probably time for a trim—even if it’s been less than your usual schedule.

Trimming regularly doesn’t mean taking off inches. At Hair By GV, we offer what’s known as a “dusting”—a very minimal trim that removes split ends without affecting the overall length. This is perfect for clients growing their hair out but still want to keep it healthy. We also help clients plan their trims around special events like weddings, vacations, or professional milestones so they always look and feel their best.

Men’s haircuts often need more frequent upkeep. For fades, taper cuts, or shorter styles, we recommend every 3 to 4 weeks. These styles grow out quickly and can start to look messy if not maintained. At Hair By GV, our Etobicoke male clients often book standing appointments to keep their cut fresh, and we also provide grooming advice for beards, sideburns, and scalp care.

For children and teens, haircut frequency depends on hair type and lifestyle. Active kids may need trims more often to avoid tangles and keep hair manageable, especially if they swim or play sports. Teens experimenting with style or colour should follow adult haircut timelines, particularly if they’re heat styling or chemically treating their hair.

No matter your age or hair type, the best haircut schedule is the one that fits your goals and supports your hair health. At Hair By GV, we don’t believe in a one-size-fits-all approach. We take the time to understand your hair’s texture, history, and goals—then create a plan that keeps your hair strong, stylish, and healthy in the long run.

So if you’ve been wondering whether you’re trimming too much or not enough, we invite you to book a consultation with us at hairbygv.com or call 647-390-1254. We’ll assess your hair and help you create a personalized haircut schedule that fits your style, your routine, and your hair’s unique needs. Because great hair doesn’t happen by accident—it happens by appointment.