Haircuts are an integral part of hair health. Just like our nails, our hair is made of a fibrous structural protein called keratin that keeps each strand full, bouncy, and growing. The hair shaft weakens with time and external stressors, which is why it’s important to get regular trims to help keep the hair healthy. After a long stretch of the winter blahs, spring is a good time to reassess your hair needs. Chances are you’re overdue for a cut if your hair tangles easily, breaks often, splits at the ends, and/or stops growing past a certain length. If your style doesn’t hold its shape, that’s another reason to consider a maintenance trim.

Here are some guidelines for upkeep based on texture and length:

• Short hair, from the nape of the neck and above, needs the most maintenance. Consider getting a trim every three to six weeks to keep the shape of the style.

• Mid-length hair, which falls between the nape of the neck and the collar bone, needs to be cut every five to ten weeks to maintain the length and keep split ends and dryness at bay.

• Long hair, from the collar bone down, may seem less of a hassle. It’s easy enough to loop it into a ponytail or pin it back into a bun if it gets unruly. A trim every eleven to sixteen weeks is the rule of thumb. But keep in mind that long hair is at least two years old. It’s endured sun exposure, blow dries, and perhaps other styling tools and color treatments. As a result, you may need a dusting or trim more often than you think, so keep an eye out for tell-tale signs of problems.

• Curly or wavy hair should be shaped every six to sixteen weeks. This texture can be forgiving since the ends blend into the shape. The cut frequency should be based on the desired style and the health of the scalp and hair.

• Bangs, the signature feature of a hairstyle, require upkeep every two to three weeks. They need frequent shaping to keep their “wow” factor intact.

We always recommend scheduling your next reservation before leaving the salon, with the timing based on your stylist’s recommendation. This can prevent delays in important self-care and ensure that your hair stays in optimal condition. And don’t forget products that have UV protection to protect the shine and health of your hair as we move into the sun-soaked days of spring and summer.