The Truth About Hair Cutting and Growth: Insights from Dermatology Experts

Many believe that cutting hair can accelerate its growth or enhance density, but dermatologists clarify that this is a misconception. The growth rate of hair is influenced by factors occurring in the follicles beneath the scalp, rather than by trimming the ends.

Understanding Hair Growth

Desmond Tobin, a professor of dermatological sciences at University College Dublin, explains that hair originates from follicles situated 2 to 4 millimeters below the skin's surface, where hair fibers develop before emerging above the scalp. Once hair is visible and can be cut, it is essentially dead tissue, meaning that cutting it does not impact the biological processes that govern its growth.
The typical hair growth rate is approximately one centimeter per month during the active growth phase, which can persist for several years before hair falls out and regrows. Tobin emphasizes that this growth rate is genetically predetermined and cannot be hastened by haircuts or regular trimming.

The Benefits of Regular Trimming

While cutting hair does not accelerate growth, it can enhance its appearance. Factors such as heat styling, hair dyes, and chemical treatments can weaken the hair shaft, leading to increased breakage. When hair breaks off faster than it grows, it may appear as though it is not growing at all.
This is where regular trims become beneficial: by removing split ends, breakage is reduced, resulting in a healthier and fuller appearance. Tobin compares this process to "trimming a hedge": it does not alter what happens below the surface but provides a sense of fullness and neatness.

Maintaining Hair Length and Health

Experts recommend that individuals aiming to grow their hair focus on minimizing damage by limiting heat and chemical exposure and allowing the hair to remain as natural as possible. Proper hair care can help maintain length and promote a healthier, denser appearance over time, without relying on cutting to enhance growth.