Why You Should Trim Afro Textured Hair Regularly 

If you’re doing everything to make your natural hair grow longer, trimming can help. It’s the quickest way to prevent split ends and remove damaged strands, giving your hair more room for new, healthy strands. It also makes your hair look fuller and neater, plus it’s more manageable without unnecessary breakage or hair loss. To get these benefits, though, you have to trim afro textured hair the right way, so keep the tips below in mind. 

1.      Trim your natural hair every 2 to 3 months 

On average, human hair grows 6 inches (15 cm) per year, which is 0.5 inches (1.2 cm) every month. If you trim a quarter to half an inch every 3 months, your hair will certainly grow back and maintain its length. As your natural hair recovers from split ends, you can trim less off—even 1/8 or 1/16 of an inch of it–and watch it grow. Do note that these figures are only estimates, and your age, genetics, hormones, and diet can affect hair growth.

2.      When to consider trimming afro textured hair 

African American hair will tell you when it needs a trim, e.g., if it’s harder to detangle, when twist-outs or braid-outs don’t hold at the ends, or if you’re shedding more strands than usual. These tell-tale signs indicate that your hair needs a trim, so you don’t necessarily have to wait 2-3 months for it. 

3.      Professional versus DIY hair trimming 

It’s always better to get your natural hair trimmed by a professional who knows how to style black natural hair. If you have a regular stylist, they’ll probably tell you when it’s time for a trim anyway. In other cases, you may want to trim your natural hair at home. Many of us had to learn how to DIY our haircare because of Covid-19 pandemic. The key to a good trim lies in your shears, so get a sharp pair of hair scissors for a clean cut.

4.      Use the right trimming technique  

There are three main ways to trim afro textured hair: 

• Twist and trim: Wash your hair, apply your leave-in conditioner generously, and section your hair. Make smaller twists in each section and look at the ends. Trim off the thinnest part of the twist. 
• Stretch and snip: Wash, condition, and blow dry your hair, stretching it out gently. You’ll clearly see where your split ends meet healthy hair, and that’s where you trim. 
• Off-hand trimming: Do a visual check at least once a month, looking for hair sections that look thinner or more damaged than the rest of your crown. Trim off about 1/8 of the ends to prevent further splitting. 

5.      Moisturize, seal, and protect your natural hair 

After trimming, get into a healthy natural hair routine to hydrate and nourish your hair. Otherwise, you’ll go back to weak strands and split ends in a few months. Choose natural hair styling products containing natural oils like shea and jojoba, and wear protective hairstyles to reduce tension on your strands. And of course, detangle gently. 

6.      Match your trim with your lifestyle choices 

Trimming afro textured hair is only the external part of natural hair care. The more challenging part is maintaining good physical and mental health to improve your entire body, hair included. Eat a balanced diet with a bias for proteins and vitamins; learn how to manage stress better, and include self-care into your everyday habits. This helps you restore and strengthen your natural hair from within. 

Don’t Be Afraid to Trim Your Crown 

Trimming afro textured hair gives you beautiful, healthy strands. It’s not a big chop; just a tiny fraction of the ends will do. Remember to combine your trim with proper haircare and diet, and keep the stress down to boost your hair quality.