How to Make a Haircut Last for Six Months

Specifying the Type of Haircut

Ask your stylist about the right cut for your hair. Be open with your stylist: you want a cut that will last a good while. When you make that request, ask what would be most appropriate for your hair type. If your stylist cuts to your hair type, it's more likely to last than if they don't. For instance, finer hair may work best with less layering.

Go long. When trying to make a haircut last, a long cut will wear better over time than a short cut. That is, a short cut can start to look shaggy fairly quickly, while with a longer cut, you likely won't notice as much of a difference when leaving it for longer periods. Consider choosing a cut that's at least touching your collarbone.

Choose layers. If you get a cut that is very angular, you'll need more cuts to keep it in shape. Layers, on the other hand, are closer to the natural way your hair grows, so they don't need as much upkeep over time. Choosing layers will keep your cut looking nice as you try to stretch out the time between cuts.

Get a blunt cut. A blunt cut can be shorter, as in shoulder-length, or long. Either length will grow out well, and they don't require much upkeep. You can change up your blunt cut by curling the ends under or adding curls all over.

Taking Care of Your Hair

Shampoo less often. Shampooing can dry out your hair, leading to damaged hair. If you want your haircut to last, you need to reduce damage as much as possible, so shampoo only when necessary. In addition, shampooing less will keep you from doing other damaging steps as often (such as heat styling). Some people will prefer to shampoo a couple of times a week, while others can shampoo once a week or even once every two weeks. You can use dry shampoo to refresh your hair between regular shampooings.

Skip dyeing your hair. Dyeing can be very damaging to your hair, particularly if you do it frequently. Therefore, you need to skip dyeing if at all possible to keep your haircut looking nice for longer periods of time. If you do decide to dye your hair, keep in mind that permanent dyes are generally more damaging than semi-permanent, but you need to apply semi-permanent more often. Natural hair dyes tend to have fewer chemicals, so they may be less damaging.

Avoid heat styling. You may find this step a bit more difficult than skipping dyeing. However, heat styling your hair, including using curling irons, flat irons, and blow dryers, can cause extensive damage to your hair over time. To extend the life of your haircut, try to avoid these styling techniques as much as possible. When you have to use them, apply a heat protection product and avoid maximal temperatures.

Deep condition your hair. Deep conditioning rejuvenates your hair and keeps it looking nice between cuts. You can try a store-bought product for deep conditioning. You'll usually leave it in your hair for half an hour or so before washing it out. However, you can also just use coconut oil or olive oil by rubbing it in, focusing on the ends. Leave it in for about 15 to 30 minutes before rinsing it out in the shower. Some people even just dab on a bit of coconut oil near the ends right before hopping in the shower. The oil helps protect the ends.

Trim off split ends. If you're going a long time between cuts, generally your biggest concern is split ends. You can take care of those at home, as long as you do it very carefully. The easiest method is to take a curl of hair and twist it. Use your other hand to sweep along it, dislodging split ends. You can snip off hairs that are looking split with sharp scissors. Use shears, which are specifically made for cutting hair, to cut your ends. Don't use regular scissors.

Hiding the Damage

Use an updo. If your hair is starting to show split ends, you can hide them by tucking them into an updo. For instance, twist your hair up into a high bun, and smooth out any flyaways with a bit of mousse or hairspray. That way, your split ends won't show. This solution is only temporary. The longer you go without getting a trim, the worse your split ends will get.

Go with long, wide curls. With a large curling iron, try curling your hair. Don't just curl it at the bottom; go all the way up to the roots. This method will help hide the split ends. It will also add volume to the top of your head, creating a sophisticated look. To avoid the damage caused by a curling iron, try overnight curlers.

Cover it up. If you're nearing the end of your six months, your hair may be looking a bit frazzled. Try hiding it away by covering it up with a hat or scarf. Tying a scarf around your head, for instance, can look very fashionable. You could also throw on a nice hat or a baseball cap to cover it up.