It’s a common question that doesn’t always have a straight answer. The truth is that most men just wait until they obviously need a haircut, or when they can no longer style their hair. Truthfully, you are past needing a haircut at that point and should have already seen your barber.
The real answer depends on your hairstyle. On average your hair grows ½ an inch each month. That might not sound like a lot, but if you like to keep a tight buzz, that extra ½ an inch will really stick out!
SHAVE HEADS
If you like to go right down to the skin, you should be shaving every 2-3 days. Depending on how you get this done, you will want to pay special attention to your skin. This can be difficult for your skin, especially if you have sensitive skin. Explore different options eg. Electric razor, traditional blades, etc. Remember to moisturize your scalp and always use sunscreen, especially in the winter.
VERY SHORT HAIR
1 – 3 weeks
Really short hair, like a bald fade, requires more frequent visits to the barber. Any hair growth on these types of styles really show quickly because they are already so short. You should be seeing your barber every 1 – 3 weeks. Keep in mind, the longer you keep in between visits, the less of the original style you will have. By the 3rd week, you will no longer have a bald fade.
TIP: In order to maintain these styles, it will always be easier to prebook your next visit to the barber- especially if your barber is busy. This will ensure that you already have your appointment blocked off, and you will likely get your ideal time of day. Many times, you will also get appointment reminder emails, which will help keep you on track!
SHORT TO MEDIUM HAIR
4- 8 weeks
Remember, generally, the shorter the hair, the more frequent the visit to your barber. If you like to keep a fade, you’ll want to plan those visits every 4-6 weeks, by this time, waiting any longer will ensure your hair looks messy.
If you don’t have a fade, and typically ask your barber the use scissors only, you can wait a little longer. This can go anywhere from 6 weeks up to 8 weeks, depending on the style you like to keep. Longer hair on top will continue to look nice as it grows, so running in to see your barber is not necessary.
If you are trying to grow your hair, or want to change your hairstyle, its best to wait a little longer too, this will give your barber more length to be able to deliver the new style.
LONG HAIR
4-6 months
If you like to keep really long hair, seeing your barber on a weekly basis is not necessary. You should be looking to go to your barber when your hair has lost its shape, or to get rid of the split ends. Keeping the hair healthy is important, so one haircut every 4- 6 months should keep everything looking good.
Its All in the Details
Pay attention to the details of your haircut! No matter what hair style you have, there are a few areas that will always show if you need a hair cut.
1. Around the Ears
If your hair is starting to grow over your ears, or is not nicely shaped around your ears, you’re due for a cut. This is one of those things that, if it’s not done, will make you look unkept.
2. Back of the Neck
Look at the back of your neck, and if you can’t see it- ask someone to help. If you no longer have a nice taper, or the lines are no longer clear and clean – you need to see your barber. This is a dead giveaway. Many barbers have a special service just for this, priced appropriately. This means, if you like to keep your hair long, or want to grow out your hair, you can ask them to just clean up the back of your neck to keep you looking fresh.
Even when you are trying to grow out your hair, keeping these two areas in check will keep you looking clean during the unruly process. Keeping these areas in check is always in style, regardless of what style you choose!
