How Often Should I Get a Haircut

One of the most common questions I get asked is “how often should I get a haircut”. I will preface this by saying, ultimately it’s what your own personal preferences allow for. I may make a recommendation but how you feel about your hair at a given time span is completely subjective. What I can offer is insight on what to expect when your haircut grows out. 

High and tight skin fades: Ideally every two weeks, every week if possible. Based on average hair growth rate (1/2 an inch a month), you can expect to lose the gradient on the scalp after one week. The clean transition between light and dark on the scalp is no longer there after that week. At the two week mark the edges of the hairline begin to show and become fuzzy. In a month you can expect your head to look round and fuzzy. This is more evident with coarse straight hair. 

Regular High, Mid and low skin fades: Ideally every two weeks to maintain the gradient on the scalp. Trim the top every other haircut. 

Regular haircuts: these are haircuts where the scalp isn’t showing on the sides but there is a strong shape. I recommend 3-4 weeks between haircuts. After that month you will start to notice some roundness in the silhouette of the hair and the corners of your head will be fuzzy.

Haircuts with flow or texture on the sides but clean necklines and sideburns:

Every 6 weeks. The biggest concern is keeping those outer lines clean and keep the sideburns from being overly fuzzy. These haircuts tend to have more pronounced shape. If layered well, they should last 6 weeks easily as there are no fades to keep up with.

“Lived in” haircuts: These are haircuts with no sharp lines, there’s lots of texture, wispiness to the sideburn. You can easily go 8-12 weeks between haircuts. The main concern is heaviness or density, if you find yourself struggling to get styling product to the roots, the hair isn’t cooperating when you style it, then it’s time to go to the barber.

Final thoughts:

The rule of thumb for haircut frequency is the longer the hairstyle, the longer you can go between haircuts. If you feel rough but don’t feel like committing to a full haircut we offer a “line up” service at Philo Barber Studio. 

The Benefits of Getting Frequent Haircuts

1. Regular trims help remove split ends and prevent further breakage, keeping hair looking healthier and shinier

2. Frequent haircuts keep the your hairstyle looking fresh, they help maintain the shape, especially if you have cowlicks/ stubborn hair growth patterns.

3. Prevent tangling and breakage. Shorter, healthier hair is less prone to breakage, knots, frizz making it easier to manage. 

4. It’s a confidence booster. There’s something to be said about the clean refreshing feeling after leaving the barbershop. It expresses to the world that you take care of yourself. 

Exit thoughts:

Getting regular trims doesn’t necessarily mean drastic haircut changes every time. It can be simple maintenance to maintain shape. A haircut is ultimately a form of self care, and how can we expect to take care of others without taking care of ourselves? 

How to Identify and Treat Dandruff

While both dandruff and dry skin can cause flakes on the scalp, dandruff is primarily caused by an excess of oil and a fungal overgrowth, resulting in larger, oily flakes, whereas dry skin is due to a lack of moisture, leading to smaller, dry flakes; essentially, dandruff is an oily scalp condition while dry skin is a lack of moisture on the scalp and potentially other areas of the body as well. 

Scalp appearance

Dandruff flakes are typically larger, visible, and can appear yellowish or oily, while dry skin flakes are smaller and more powdery white

Scalp feeling:

A dandruff-affected scalp might feel greasy, while a dry scalp feels tight and dry. 

Cause:

Dandruff is often linked to a yeast overgrowth called Malassezia, while dry scalp is caused by environmental factors like cold weather, harsh shampoos, or low humidity. 

Treatment:

To treat dandruff, the most effective method is to use a medicated anti-dandruff shampoo containing active ingredients like zinc pyrithione, selenium sulfide, ketoconazole, or salicylic acid, which can be purchased over-the-counter at most pharmacies. You may need to wash the scalp multiple times per week to control the dandruff. Always remember to follow the directions on the bottle. Many of these shampoos require you to leave the shampoo on the scalp for a few minutes. 

How to deal with dry scalp

We’re talking dry scalp not dandruff (stay tuned, there’s a difference ;)

The main difference between dry scalp and dandruff is the appearance and texture. Dry scalp contains small flakes, in a light, off white color, and the hair itself is dry because no oils are being produced at the scalp. Whereas, dandruff consists of oily scalp, oily hair, and larger yellow flakes that are waxy in consistency.

How to Treat Dry Scalp: Effective Solutions for a Healthy Scalp

If you're dealing with a dry scalp, you're not alone. It’s a common issue, especially during colder months when the air is drier, or after using harsh hair products. While it might seem like a minor nuisance, a dry scalp can lead to flakiness, itchiness, and discomfort. The good news? There are plenty of simple yet effective ways to treat dry scalp and restore moisture to your skin. Here’s your guide to managing and treating dry scalp.

What Causes Dry Scalp?

Understanding what’s causing your dry scalp is key to choosing the right treatment. The most common causes of a dry scalp include:

• Cold, Dry Weather: Winter’s dry air can sap moisture from your scalp, leading to flakiness and tightness.

• Harsh Hair Products: Shampoos or styling products with sulfates, alcohol, or fragrances can strip your scalp of its natural oils.

• Hot Showers: Scalding hot water can dry out your scalp and hair, disrupting the balance of moisture.

• Lack of Moisture: Sometimes, simply not moisturizing the scalp enough can lead to dryness.

• Excessive Shampooing: Washing your hair too often can wash away natural oils that help keep your scalp hydrated.

How to Treat Dry Scalp: Top Tips and Remedies

Luckily, there are plenty of ways to keep your scalp nourished and moisturized. Here are some effective treatments for dry scalp:

1. Switch to a Moisturizing Shampoo

Start by choosing a gentle, hydrating shampoo that’s free from sulfates and harsh chemicals. Sulfates can strip away natural oils, so look for products with nourishing ingredients like shea butter, coconut oil, or aloe vera. These ingredients help replenish moisture without irritating the scalp.

2. Don’t Wash Your Hair Too Often

Frequent washing can dry out your scalp and hair, especially if you’re using shampoo with drying ingredients. Try washing your hair 2–3 times a week rather than daily, allowing your scalp to maintain its natural oils and moisture.

3. Use Scalp Oils and Treatments

Scalp oils can be a game-changer for dry, irritated skin. Natural oils like coconut oil, argan oil, and olive oil can provide deep hydration and nourishment. You can warm up the oil slightly and massage it into your scalp for about 10–15 minutes before washing it out. Doing this 1–2 times a week will leave your scalp feeling soft and hydrated.

For an added boost, try a scalp treatment with ingredients like tea tree oil or jojoba oil, which have soothing properties that help restore moisture and prevent dryness.

4. Opt for a Deep Conditioning Treatment

A deep conditioning treatment once a week can work wonders for restoring moisture to both your scalp and hair. Choose a product designed for dry scalp or hair, and leave it on for 20–30 minutes for maximum hydration. You can even try natural DIY hair masks using ingredients like honey, avocado, or yogurt for an extra dose of moisture.

5. Use a Humidifier

If you’re living in a dry climate or using heating indoors, a humidifier can help maintain moisture in the air, which in turn helps prevent your scalp from drying out. Keeping the air in your home at a balanced humidity level is an easy way to protect your scalp from environmental dryness.

6. Avoid Hot Water

Hot showers may feel great, but they can strip moisture from your scalp. Try to wash your hair with lukewarm or cool water instead, as it helps retain natural oils. After you’re done washing, rinse your hair with cool water to seal the cuticle and lock in moisture.

7. Stay Hydrated

Hydration doesn’t just affect your skin and hair from the outside – it’s just as important to nourish your body from the inside. Drinking plenty of water every day helps maintain your scalp’s moisture levels and promotes healthy hair growth.

8. Don’t Scratch

If your dry scalp is itchy, it might be tempting to scratch, but this can make things worse by irritating your skin and causing flakes to appear. Instead, use a gentle scalp massage with your fingertips to increase blood circulation and ease discomfort without further damaging the scalp.

When to Seek Professional Help

While most dry scalp issues can be managed at home with the right products and practices, sometimes the problem may be more persistent. If your dry scalp continues despite following a moisturizing routine, or if you notice symptoms like severe itching, redness, or inflammation, it may be a sign of an underlying condition like eczema, psoriasis, or seborrheic dermatitis. In these cases, it’s best to consult with a dermatologist for a tailored treatment plan.

Final Thoughts

Treating dry scalp doesn’t have to be difficult, and with the right approach, you can restore your scalp’s natural moisture balance. By choosing gentle, hydrating products, using scalp oils, and adopting a nourishing routine, you’ll be well on your way to a healthy, flake-free scalp. Just remember, consistency is key — take care of your scalp, and it will take care of you!

Why I’m Creating a Blog

To put it simply: I’m trying to connect more!

Over the years, I’ve been fortunate enough to connect with so many wonderful people who are passionate about maintaining healthy hair, discovering new beauty tips, and/or just have an innate curiosity. As I continue to engage with my community, one thing has become incredibly clear: many of you have questions, and not just the occasional one-off. I frequently receive messages about hair and scalp health, beauty regimens, styling advice, and even what the business owner life consists of. And it hit me — I can do more to help! This realization is what ultimately inspired me to create this blog for my website.