Nataly is an experienced freelance writer well-versed in lifestyle, beauty, and fashion. She enjoys testing new hair products to tame her long locks. Believing in the power of self-care, Nataly collects styling tips like gems. Currently, she delivers exclusive content on the latest hairstyle trends and transformations.
Read full bio Editorial guidelinesHair experts share their thoughts on trimming split ends at home. Spoiler alert: you really shouldn’t do that (seriously)!
When it comes to DIY haircuts, anything can go wrong. But it still doesn’t stop most hair devotees from giving themselves a trim at home. The same goes for ‘hair dusting’ – a viral hair cutting technique that involves twisting or braiding your locks and trimming the hairs that keep sticking out to get rid of split ends.
Many content creators are now promoting this method on social media. The hairdressers, however, warn against going rogue with your hair and urge people to trust a professional instead. So, is a DIY trim worth the hype, or you’ll just end up cutting more than planned? We asked the hair experts to weigh in and get this straight once and for all.
Hair blogger and real-life Rapunzel @amberpot shares her go-to ways to get rid of split ends. One method is to braid your hair and cut those tiny hairs sticking out of the plait. Another method is to try a surface dusting technique by taking a piece of hair and sliding it through the hand to detect and cut split ends. It’s important to use professional tools only because regular scissors will cause more damage.
The effectiveness of these trims greatly depends on the hair type. Hair artist Arijana Mehic believes that it’s always better to do split ends at the salon to be on the safe side. But for some cuts, a DIY trim may actually work out. “If it’s someone that has a layered haircut, it can be done at home without coming to the salon. Mainly because the cut will not be more than one inch and the layers will still be visible,” the hair expert explains.
On the other side of the hairdresser’s chair, opinions differ. Professional stylist and hair studio owner Shardé Hunter demonstrates a step-by-step guide on surface dusting in her hair education video. While the hair pro insists that this hair cutting technique is useful for getting rid of split ends that are further up the shaft than the length, she also warns against trying it at home. The trick is for licensed stylists to perform only.
Hairstylist and educator Roberto Torres agrees and adds that he would never recommend someone to cut their hair at home. “Cutting your hair, trimming your ends at home is never a good idea. At least as a rule of thumb. Because you are not a professional,” he states.
Sorry to break it to you, dear readers, but you’d better put your scissors down this time and book a salon appointment instead. Leave the haircuts (even micro-trims) to the professional. After all, a good hairstylist knows exactly how to make split ends disappear with only a few cutting motions.
For more expert opinion and hair advice, explore The Ultimate Expert Guide to Rosemary Hair Care Products and 6 Trichologist-Approved Hair Care Products to Try in 2024.
Featured image via @pinterest.
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