trying to grow out hair (should I trim?)

I really would love to grow my hair out long, and I've been trying to for over a year. The problem is I used to bleach until a year ago when I stopped, so I've had to cut it more than usual to get rid of the damaged ends. Right now it's a couple inches below my shoulders, and for the first time starting to feel long and I'm loving it. The problem is, some of the ends are splitting, and I'm wondering if I need to get a trim. Will my hair become long sooner if I cut more often so I have no split ends, or is it okay if I leave them (they don't look that bad) and get my hair cut less frequently? Thanks!

Hello. You should definitely have the ends trimmed , but not too much! There is no truth to the myth that cutting hair will make it grow faster. I currently have waist-length hair & trimmed it while I was growing it out, about once every six weeks. (but you have to be sure that you are not cutting off all of the new growth ...)

Dear Jenna

I agree that trimming hair will not make it grow faster.
However, I would suggest you remove the splits that are occuring - not at a salon but by snipping off only the split hairs yourself, or with the help of a friend. That way, you will maintain as much length as possible while removing the damage.

I also suggest that you carefully examine the reason why your hair is splitting.
Check your shampoo/conditioning/styling/drying routine and learn how best to care for your hair through the advice on this board.
For example, are your splits occuring due to a lack of moisture?
Are they a result of frequent blow-drying?
Is your shampoo too harsh for your hair type?
Are you conditioning/oiling appropriately?

If you can remove the existing splits and take measures to prevent future splits, I think you will be on your way to achieving healthy long hair.

With regard to dietary protein intake, the most reported standard measure of daily protein requirement in the UK is:
1 gram of protein for every kg of body weight (I weigh 55 kg so I eat a minimum of 55g of protein a day).
I have found that exceeding this amount of protein by 10-20 grams, resulted in improved hair growth/ quality and reduced my hair fall rate.
I guess the response of the body to increased protein is an individual thing, so this may not work for everyone. However, it is worth a try.

Hope that helps. Best of luck in your goals.

A kilo is about equal to 2 pounds.
I think that being more healthy all round helps your hair, and also if you do more exercise, because it increases blood flow to your scalp, your hair grows quicker and in better condition. Hope this helps!

A kilogram is 2.2 lbs. I learned that the hard way. I got 3 kilos of carrots for 3 Euros in Holland at a market. I had over 6 lbs of carrots to carry around. We ate like 3 out of the bunch..go figure.

Thank you, Dave , I am new here. I 've only posted a few times using Endlessnite and Endlessnight.(why those 2 different spellings, whos knows??!)

Hi Diane,
thanks for the explanation. I had a theory like that and was afraid it could be true, so I'm glad I got the ends trimmed. Even though I'm very much missing the extra inch (it makes a difference when your hair isn't long ) it does look healthier. Also the stylist used biosilk therapy on my hair, which made my hair much silkier and softer than it ever was before. Does anyone else here use biosilk? It is supposed to protect your hair from everything all day.